[sweetparadice]

Hey everyone,

So I am starting my shaved ice business this year. One of the facets of the business is going to be private events, everything from kids parties to weddings to corporate events. I am trying to figure out a pricing module for these type of events. I was wondering what has worked for you guys? What are some good and bad things when doing private events?

-David

[capitalist]

Actually in my opinion there is nothing wrong with private events. They tend to be a good stable source of income. Usually I charge a fixed rate for the event rather than per hour. So lets say they have 300 people at the party which lasts maybe 4 hours. I will then just charge them for 4 hours worth of time regardless of how many shave ice they can eat. I usually charge in the ball park of $100.00 per hour and that includes using my own equipment and supply.

[sweetparadice]

That's interesting, how did you come up with that module? What size of shaved ice do you serve? At an event of 300 that lasts about 4 hours how many shaved ice do you typically go through? And is one person able to handle that size of an event or do you need two?

Thanks for your help

[IceMan326]

I think it all comes down to factoring your cost? And how reputatable you are in your area too? $100.00/hr is very reasonable in my opinion since you drove there, set up, bring everything to the site. All that is quite a lot of work, especially for a one man show. IMO. You'll need 2 for sure.. 300 in 4 hours is ..near impossible for one person alone, that is like making 1 Shave Ice in like 50 seconds continuously.... Quite Challenging! hahaha.

[Kianakai]

I have done some research from different Shave Ice biz....I came up with an average cost:

$225 for up to 50 people for 2 hours. Includes set-up, spoons, napkins, cups, ice, personal service.....everything.....if it goes over 50 then it is $2/cup. I let them know that I regularly sell my shave Ice for $3/cup (x50= $150 + $75 service = $225).

I love private parties cuz you know you will get paid a contracted amount.....bonus if it goes over....which usually does.... Cons is that you will be busy from start to finish since the guests know it is free (and they come back for seconds). You will need at least 2 preferably 3 (1 shaving, 1 pouring, 1 taking orders---if avail)...I bring my kids (I have 2 teens). I give the host the option of passing out pre-counted flower cups or I have it by my shaver (that's if they trust me).

I have not done parties over 100 or 200....if I do....I guess I will have to charge accordingly....

[IceMan326]

AM-A-Z-I-N-G post. deserves a BUMP.

[Waikiki Wills]

I did a free event at my church (as a donation) and I managed to make 125 shave ices with 2 people (1 on the shaver and one taking orders/serving.) Oh, and I have a manual machine!

[IceMan326]

woah! tons of props to you haha, the most I did using my manual was 10 cups after I decided to bring the big boys in *electric 709ses fujis* hahahah