Beginer with quesitons?

[meredith]

I am thinking of starting an Ice Cream buisiness and have a couple of quetions? Which is better, a franchise or starting my own business from scratch. If a franchise is better, which is the best franchise? Also, I live in a ski town in Colorado, there currently is not an ice cream shop, but will I need baked goods too to be more successful since I'm in such a cold climate?

[ICP]

If you have a good business sense and are confident that you can make a solid brand for yourself, you might want to open your own shop vs franchising.

Franchising can help as you will have an established brand behind you but you will need a larger investment up front and will continue to pay royalties. Also the franchise will control your pricing structure and the products you offer.

You just need to decide which structure will work best for you.

Being in a colder climate you will definitely have to offer complementary products to stay afloat in the winter. You should offer cakes for special events - that will keep people coming in as well as baked goods.

Also offer some take home pints of ice cream so people can bring the ice cream back to their warm homes to enjoy.

There is lots of helpful getting started information here:
http://www.icecreamprofits.com/articles/getting-started.php

And tips for marketing your shop here:
http://www.icecreamprofits.com/articles/advertising-marketing.php

Here is an article on ice cream seasonality:
http://www.icecreamprofits.com/articles/ice-cream-seasonality.php

[ICP]

You might also try selling chocolates as well as baked goods. You can put together some gift ideas for the holidays people can pop in and order for friends and family.