Slush Machines: A Perfect Summer Business Opportunity
Summer is that part of the year when your business can be booming, especially if you’re working in the food industry.
Last year, the value sales of ice cream through retail increased by 2.0%. Thus, if you’re an entrepreneur in the UK, here’s an exciting opportunity for you to generate extra income.
Venturing into slush machine hire could be an excellent way to diversify your business offerings. Read on to explore how introducing slush machines can help boost your income and captivate your customers.
Benefits of Implementing a Slush Machine
The global slush machine market is projected to reach a staggering 327 million pounds by 2028, according to Value Market Research. By incorporating this delightful and refreshing beverage option into your offer, you can attract a wider customer base and offer them a unique and enjoyable experience.
Whether it’s a hot day or simply a customer craving a delicious icy treat, a slush machine can be a lucrative addition to your business, providing numerous benefits. Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Sales Opportunities
During the summer months, there is always a thirst for refreshing beverages. Your business can capitalise on this fantastic opportunity to boost sales.
By investing in a sophisticated slush machine, you can offer unique seasonal flavours and enhance their experience while simultaneously maximising your business revenue.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Offering fun and memorable experiences to your customers can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Not only does it create a positive environment, but it also gives customers a reason to return.
A slush machine offers a unique opportunity to create a fun and exciting environment for your customers. By offering a wide variety of delicious and refreshing drinks, you can not only meet but exceed their expectations.
How to Choose the Right Slush Machine for Your Business
Buy, rent, or lease a slush machine?
If you want to maximise your profit margins and you’re planning to use the slush machine in the long term, purchasing is usually the best option.
Depending on your usage, the additional costs involved with outright buying may make renting a slush machine more affordable for your business in the long run.
Renting can be a great option if you’re unsure about committing to ownership or a long-term lease and only need equipment for a short or undetermined amount of time. For instance, if you only need it for a specific event or season, investing in a machine may not make financial sense.
Leasing a slush machine may be the best option if you’re ready to make a long-term commitment but can’t afford the large up-front cost or a large down payment on a loan. While you’re usually responsible for some maintenance, leasing new equipment means it’ll require less maintenance later in its life cycle, resulting in savings on long-term maintenance costs.
Capacity
The capacity of the slush machine is an important consideration.
You’ll want to choose a machine that can hold enough slush to meet your needs without constantly refilling it. Consider how many servings you expect to sell in a day, and choose a machine that can accommodate that volume.
Size
Slush machines come in various sizes, so choosing one that fits your space is important. Measure the area where you plan to place the machine and choose a model that will fit comfortably.
Type
There are two main types of slush machines: gravity-fed and pump-fed.
Gravity-fed machines are generally less expensive and easier to operate, but they may not produce the same quality of slush as pump-fed machines.
Pump-fed machines are more expensive and require more maintenance, but can produce a higher-quality slush.
What slush machines use to make slushies?
Most slush machines use concentrated, premade mixes. The ratio of water to mix varies between brands, but it is usually 1:4 or 1:5.
Read the instructions on the syrup to know the correct ratio. The sugar content affects how a slushie freezes. Too much sugar prevents freezing, and too little sugar causes the slushie to freeze into a solid mass and damage the machine.
Premade slush mixes should be formulated to have the correct sugar content. Adding syrup or alcohol could throw this off. A refractometer, responsible for measuring the amount of sugar in a liquid solution, can help make sure the mix has a good sugar content and has the right consistency for freezing. It measures sugar on the Brix scale, in which one degree of Brix is the same as 1 gram of sugar in 100 grams of liquid.
The Brix reading in a slush solution should generally be between 13 and 15 degrees. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended Brix level.
Some slushie machines work with a range of Brix levels, from as low as 11 to as high as 20. Once familiar with the Brix level, get creative and put unique drinks out there to boost business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a slush machine for your business during the summer is an excellent way to take advantage of seasonal opportunities. With a slush machine, you can increase foot traffic and sales, offer unique and seasonal flavours, and provide a fun experience for your customers. So why not invest in a slush machine for your business this summer and reap the benefits?