Most lemons can be sliced into 6-8 wedges. For each cup of lemonade (8 oz), you’ll need approximately 5-6 lemons juiced.
Planning and Permits
The number of lemons you’ll need depends largely on your lemonade sales plan.
- If selling 5-10 cups per day, you’ll need about 10-15 lemons.
- For 25-50 cups per day, plan for 50-75 lemons.
- 100+ cups daily will require 200+ lemons.
A typical recipe is 10 lemons, six cups of sugar, and six ice cubes. Homemade lemonade can last for five to seven days if it’s tightly sealed in a container and refrigerated.
Yes, you do need a vendor’s permit to sell lemonade in most communities. The exact regulations for a lemonade stand permit vary by location.
To start your lemonade stand:
- Get permission from your parents or guardians.
- Obtain a permit from the town or city.
- Find a spot with a lot of foot traffic.
- Set a price for your lemonade, suggest $0.25-$1.00.
- Make an inviting, colorful sign to advertise.
Profitability and Pricing
How much should a kid charge for lemonade?
- Fresh lemons, ice, and large glasses: $1.00 to $1.25 per cup.
- Powdered mix and small glasses: $0.25 to $0.50.
Lemonade stands are viewed as a way for children to learn about business. However, they usually benefit from free labor and rent.
A 32-ounce lemonade costs less than 85 cents to make, and selling it for $5.00 can net a profit of over $4.00.
Vendors and food permits are required for selling homemade goods, and a business permit is also necessary.
The cost of a lemonade stand permit in Florida includes a $70 application fee and a $25 endorsement fee, on top of the permit fees.
Parks and locations with heavy foot traffic are ideal for setting up a lemonade stand.
Starting Up
Startup costs for a lemonade stand can range from under $10 to almost $400 for a pre-fab stand and a juice extractor.
Children under 18 cannot open a business bank account or have a credit card.
Advertise with signs around the neighborhood.
Revenue Potential
Kids might make between $0.50 and $1.50 per sale, with total daily sales ranging from $10 to $75.
Legal Considerations
While lemonade stands are common, they are technically illegal in several U.S. states without a permit. Various laws and regulations apply including business licenses, health codes, and sometimes child labor laws. In 36 states, it’s illegal to run a lemonade stand without permits.
Taxes must also be considered for the income earned from lemonade stands.
By being aware of costs, weather conditions, and location limitations, kids can learn valuable lessons about profit and loss.