Do you think a DIY, or do-it-yourself smoothie place would work?

Question

I work at a smoothie place, and I was thinking so much money could be saved on labor if you let the customers make and blend the smoothies themselves.

We have so many people making the smoothies that the labor ends up costing a lot. In my opinion, I think it doesn't take much skill to make and blend a smoothie, why not just let the customers make them?

DIY Smoothies could reduce the price of a smoothie, provide a fun experience for the customer and increase the profitability of a typical smoothie joint.

Would it work?

Answer 1

It is a good way to have customer involvement. How about having a little of both....There's would be a section where customers can have someone make it for them and then at one end there are blenders provided to let them do it themselves (with someone standing by to ensure that they are doing blending correctly and safely).
I'm not sure how much profit will increase ... if anything what about waste? What if a customer makes a smoothie that "does't turn out right?" Or if they use too much fruit versus liquid and vice versa. the concept is good start....good luck w/ your research.

Answer 2

Smoothies are fast food, even though some are healthy. People buy fast food because it is ready fast. I don't see an entertainment value in preparing a smoothie; it's not fun or glamorous. The DIY idea is a good one, but not for smoothies. An example of a successful DIY business is teddy bears (great family activity). I would study their business model. Sorry, I do not remember the name of the company but I have seen it in a few malls.

Answer 3

No. Most people buy smoothies because they want a quick meal or treat. Unless you reduced the DIY priced-smoothie well below the average of $3-6, you're not going to be successful. Sorry.

Answer 4

Here is my thoughts, seems like a DIY smoothie place would run into sanitation problems. You would have to make everyone cleanse in front of you, and then not touch or cross contaminate ingredients, basically you would have to take every customer through the food handlers class, before they could make a smoothie. Or run the risk of being sued into oblivion.

Answer 5

Most costumers to places like that are on the go. A reason why people eat outside their homes, or buy a milkshake at a fastfood place, its because they dont wanna do the work themselves. I agree that it would save the business money, but after a while you will lose some customers who prefer to have things done for them.

Answer 6

It sounds like a good idea. When I was younger we used to go to a make your own sundae place. Of course they made them as well and sold other items like ice cream cakes and shakes etc... Similar to a salad bar, or buffet dining which is all over the place now. I would definately go to a Make Your Own Smoothie place.

Answer 7

it could be interesting, but there are safety and cleanliness issues. i used to work at a smoothie place and it was hard enough keeping it clean with just a couple of people behind the counter!

Answer 8

Great idea but it wouldn't work. You would have health-inspector issues out the wazzooo. Best to keep you labor costs down by getting more productivity out of your people.

Answer 9

There would have to be people to supervise the people who are making the smothies. I personally think that it wont work, people could make a lot of mess and could damage the equipment.

Answer 10

In all honesty, if I wanted to make a smoothie myself, I'd make it at home.