Finance Tips for Sub Zero Ice Cream Shops - CFO Corner 5/2023

Finance Tips for Sub Zero Ice Cream Shops - CFO Corner 5/2023

Running a small business, such as our Sub Zero Ice Cream Stores, requires careful financial management to ensure its success and profitability. Without proper financial planning, even the most promising business can struggle to stay afloat. 


To help your Sub Zero shop navigate the complex world of finance, here are some tips to help you manage your finances effectively. From creating a budget to monitoring cash flow, controlling inventory, offering specials, and seeking professional advice, these tips will help you make informed decisions about your business and stay financially stable. 


By implementing these financial strategies, you can ensure your ice cream shop thrives and remains a favorite destination for ice cream lovers.


Here are eight finance tips for small business ice cream shops:


  1. Create a budget: It is important to have a clear understanding of your business expenses and revenues. Create a budget that lists all your expenses, including rent, utilities, supplies, ingredients, equipment maintenance, marketing, and employee wages.  Next month I will attach a Budget Model.

  2. Monitor your cash flow: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business, including ice cream shops. Keep track of your cash flow to ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses and pay your bills on time.  In-flows minus out-flows = cash-flow.

  3. Negotiate with suppliers: Negotiate with your suppliers to get the best possible prices for your ingredients and supplies. You may be able to get discounts by ordering in bulk or by establishing a long-term relationship with a supplier.  Everything is negotiable. 

  4. Control your inventory: Keep track of your inventory levels to avoid over-ordering and wasting ingredients. Consider using a point-of-sale system that tracks inventory levels in real-time.  Take each skew and see how you can buy it for less.

  5. Offer specials: Offering specials or promotions can help attract new customers and increase sales. Consider offering discounts on slow days or during off-peak hours.  Get familiar and use our rewards system called ‘Patch.’

  6. Review your pricing strategy: Review your pricing strategy regularly to ensure that your prices are competitive with other ice cream shops in your area. Consider adjusting your prices based on the cost of ingredients or changes in the market.

  7. Monitor your credit score: Your credit score can impact your ability to get loans and credit cards for your business. Keep an eye on your credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary.  Ask for help, if needed.

  8. Seek professional advice: Be on a first name basis with your accountant.  Tap into his/her knowledge.  Pepper your accountant with questions to help you manage your finances and make informed decisions about your business. Your accountant can help you create a financial plan and offer advice on tax planning and other financial issues.


In conclusion:  Finance is a crucial aspect of running a successful small business, and our Sub Zero Ice Cream stores are no exception. 


By implementing the tips discussed above, Franchisee owners can effectively manage their finances, make informed decisions, increase profitability, and sustain their businesses for the long term. 


With careful budgeting, inventory control, cash flow management, pricing strategies, and seeking professional advice, owners can make informed decisions and create a solid financial foundation. 


By keeping these tips in mind, you can achieve financial profitability and continue to delight your customers with incredible Sub Zero ice cream.