Turnkeyparlor.com was founded by Neil and Michael Williams, two brothers and industry veterans who realized that outside of costly franchises, no real programs existed to help people succeed in the ice cream business. With a combined 35 years experience in the ice cream industry, they are highly qualified to help those who might be planning to:
a) operate an ice cream parlor
b) manufacture and distribute their own brand to hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores
c) operate a fleet of ice cream carts for special events and high traffic areas
The fact is, most independently owned and operated ice cream parlors struggle in their first 2 years. Why? Lack of clear direction and failure to implement "business systemization" principles. Franchised ice cream shops succeed at a higher rate because they have proven systems in place. That said, there are big negatives to taking the franchise route:
1) Franchisee fees and on-going royalty payments. These can seriously cut down your net profit as an owner.
2) Limitations on what you can sell - not a whole lot of room to be creative and fill demand gaps that are obvious once you begin to better understand your customer base.
3) The franchise controls the equipment you buy, and sometimes where you buy it (a major conflict of interest if you ask us).
4) The franchise controls pricing and where you purchase many of the products that you sell (another conflict of interest).
5) If you don't have X net worth, the franchises may not even return a phone call.
Once you make the decision to "go it" without a franchise to back you, the first step for most is to contact a major ice cream manufacturer. These suppliers generally have reps who are knowledgeable when it comes to the actual product, but they simply don't know the best places to buy freezer equipment, what freezer equipment is actually needed, how to train employees, etc. They also don't necessarily have the time to help you. They basically want you to get your parlor open, then call them when you need ice cream.
The lack of information in this field leaves most fledgling ice cream parlor owners to learn by trial and error, seriously hurting their chances for success. In an effort to help prospective parlor owners avoid common pitfalls, Neil & Michael created TurnKeyParlor.com. After gathering information and neatly packing it into a convenient website, prospective parlor owners can see what they need, buy what they need and get the consulting necessary to help get their ice cream business running efficiently and with the right systems firmly in place.
So, if you are interested in learning more, please take a look at our consulting offers to help you get started on the right foot.
We look forward to helping you reach your goals!Best Regards,
Neil Williams - President and Lead Consultant Michael Williams - VP Equipment Sales
http://youricecreamman.blogspot.com/