How to Create a Profitable Lemonade Stand

A bored look sells no lemonade!

Selling lemonade has provided children with their first taste of running a business for generations. It should be fun, but it should also give kids a notion of how to make money. Several factors enter into the creation of a profitable lemonade stand. Advertising, location, appearance and quality must all work in your favor.

Things You'll Need

• Lemonade
• Punch
• Table
• Chair
• Placards
• Thick marker

Instructions

1. Advertise! Place as many large signs on the corners of nearby side streets and main streets as possible. Write in large lettering with magic marker on a white background. And don't just write "Lemonade" next to an arrow. Try something clever like "Need Money for College--Cold Lemonade Ahead" or "The Best Lemonade in the World--Turn Right." Place the placards in areas where they can best be seen by drivers.

2. Make sure your child is involved every step of the way. Have him help create the signs and prepare the lemonade. And don't help him sell it.

3. Prepare the best lemonade you can. It should be a bit tart and always ice cold. Folks appreciate lemonade made with real lemons. Realize, also, that lemonade stands don't have to offer just lemonade. Provide fruit punch as well to give people an alternative.

4. 

   Place the lemonade in a big pitcher prominently on the table so people driving or walking by can see it. Create an image they just can't overlook on a hot summer day.

5. Avoid discouragement. Kids running a lemonade stand might be tempted to give up if they don't sell any for 15 minutes or a half-hour. Encourage them to keep trying.

6. 

   Remember that the days of 5-cent lemonade are gone. People can afford at least 25 cents or even 50 cents for a bigger glass. Kids feel great not just running a stand, but making some money. A goal of $25 or more for the day's work is not unrealistic.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach your child to be friendly. Make sure he is smiling at folks as they walk or drive by. Adults would be annoyed by other adults waving them down, but a friendly smile and wave from a child is always welcome.

• Taste the lemonade before it goes out. Lemonade that is watery, too sweet or too tart can turn off the buying public in a hurry. And if word gets around the neighborhood that the lemonade is bad, the business suffers.