Looking to start a shave ice business in the Southern California area. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky

* Small Business Start-up Kit for California by Peri Pakroo, Barbara Kate Repa
* How to Start a Business in California by Entrepreneur Press

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

The answer about research is absolutely right on! It will slow down your progress a bit, perhaps, but it could save you a lot of money. I once almost bought into a medical billing franchise that was a ton of work for very little return.

If this is some kind of a franchise, ask them (the franchisor) a bunch of questions:

* How long as the franchisor been in business, and how many locations do they own and operate?

* How many franchisees do they have, and where are they located?

* What is the average length of time that their existing franchisees have been in business?

* How many franchisees fail (number and percent of the total) and why do they fail.

* What kind of support do they provide franchisees? What kind of control do they have? (like, do you have to purchase all your flavorings from them and if the standard wholesale price is much less, are you still required to purchase your flavorings from them?)

* What are the names and contact information of people who own a franchise in your area or in an area similar to the location you are considering.

* What is the TOTAL cost of the franchise - and what are the cash flow requirements of the first 3 years, by month! What regular expenses can you expect?

* Will you have an exclusive territory or can they put someone else on the next street corner?

* What is the difference between a successful franchisee and an unsuccessful one?

* Get a copy of the contract, and show it to a attorney (preferably one who has seen franchise agreements in the past) BEFORE you sign it. If they don't want to wait, run away from the deal. If there isn't a contract, run away from the deal.

Then do more research:

* Look in the Yellow Pages for the names of MORE franchisees. Check the Yahoo Yellow Pages for more franchisees. Talk as many as you can (at least 5), and ask them if they'd go into that business again, or if they'd try something else. Ask them how hard they work and how many hours they work a week.

* Ask Yahoo Answers if anyone has invested in one of these franchises and how did it go.

* Google the franchise (or business) name to see what people say. As usual, take both the high praise and the nasty comments with a grain of salt, but look for more questions to ask the franchisor based on what you read.

Good luck but be careful!

Answer 3

Yes, go to Hawaii.. The shave ice there is the best, however the water the ice is made from is also much better than the quality of water here in So Cal. Also, make sure you get a good machine and keep the blades sharp..

Answer 4

California / Perris, CA Southern California Richard Gagne - Breeder of firstclass, AKC registered Siberian Huskies - Champion bloodlines & Sired, bred from tutor lines - figure canines are OFA qualified - wonderful hues, awesome temperaments - placed in Southern California good success proper canines.

Answer 5

Keep it cold? No honestly I don't know, but good luck if you do!