How to Start a Shaved Ice or Snow Cone Business
How to start a shaved ice or snow cone business
In this article
To start a shaved ice or snow cone business, choose a setup (event stand, kiosk, trailer or truck), buy a commercial shaved ice machine, syrups and cups, get health and vendor permits, pick high-traffic summer locations and events, and price for strong margins. A small stand can start for $2,000 to $10,000; a trailer or truck for $15,000 to $80,000+.
Shaved ice vs snow cones
| Shaved ice | Snow cone | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Fine, fluffy | Crunchy, crushed |
| Machine | Block shaver | Ice crusher |
| Syrup | Soaks in | Sits on top |
Many businesses offer both or specialise in Hawaiian-style shave ice.
Step 1: Choose your setup
| Setup | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| Pop-up tent and stand | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Kiosk / stand-alone building | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Trailer | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Truck | $30,000 – $80,000+ |
Step 2: Equipment
- Commercial shaved ice machine or ice shaver (see How much are shaved ice machines?)
- Ice storage (freezer or insulated chest)
- Syrup bottles and pumps
- Cups, spoons and straws
- Hand-wash station (often required)
- POS system
Step 3: Permits
Business licence, health permit, mobile vendor or temporary event permits, sales tax permit and insurance.
Step 4: Locations
Parks, pools, sports fields, schools, festivals, farmers' markets, church events and private parties.
Step 5: Pricing and menu
Offer sizes, a range of flavours, creamy toppings and specialty combinations. Shaved ice has very low ingredient cost, so prices often bring high margins.
Step 6: Seasonality
Peak season is late spring to early autumn. Book school, church and corporate events, and consider adding hot drinks or other treats in cooler months.
Profit: How much does a shaved ice business make?. Related: How to start a coffee cart business and How to start a food truck business.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a shaved ice business?
Choose a setup, buy a commercial machine and supplies, get permits and work high-traffic summer locations.
How much does it cost to start a shaved ice business?
From about $2,000 for a stand to $80,000+ for a truck.
How do I start a snow cone business?
Same steps, using an ice crusher instead of a block shaver.
Do I need a permit to sell shaved ice?
Usually a health permit and vendor or event permits.
Is shaved ice profitable?
Yes. Ingredient costs are very low.
Want a shaved ice business website with event booking built for your business?
I design and build fast, modern websites that turn visitors into customers, with booking, WhatsApp and automations built in. Tell me about your business.
Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
Work with meMore stories