Boosting Profitability with Premium Ice Cream Cones

When it comes to selling ice cream, small changes can make a big difference in profitability. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase revenue is by upselling premium cones. While the initial cost of these cones may be slightly higher than standard ones, the added value and customer experience they provide more than make up for it.

Why Upselling Premium Cones Works

Premium cones—such as waffle cones with chocolate dips, sprinkled edges, or honeycomb pieces—enhance the perceived value of the ice cream. Customers are willing to pay more for an upgraded experience, and the profit margins on these cones can be significantly higher than standard cones.

For example:

• A standard wafer cone might cost £0.05 and sell for £2.50, yielding £2.45 profit.
• A chocolate-dipped waffle cone with sprinkles might cost £0.40 but can be sold for £3.50 or more, increasing the profit per serving to £3.10.

That’s an increase of £0.65 per serving—which quickly adds up over the summer season!

The Psychology Behind Upselling

Customers often view premium cones as a luxury add-on rather than just a functional part of their ice cream. By offering premium options, you give them the feeling of an indulgent treat, which makes them more likely to spend a little extra.

Additionally, a premium cone doesn’t just enhance taste—it’s also a visual upgrade. Customers love to share attractive food on social media, giving you free marketing when they post their beautifully presented ice cream.

How to Successfully Upsell Premium Cones

1. Train Your Staff to Offer the Upgrade

Encourage staff to suggest the upgrade during each sale. A simple phrase like:
“Would you like to upgrade to a waffle cone with sprinkles for just 50p extra?”
can make a big difference.

2. Display the Difference

Customers need to see the value. Use clear menu boards with images of premium cones next to standard cones to show why they’re worth the upgrade.

3. Bundle Offers for Maximum Impact

Consider offering deals, such as:

• “Make it Deluxe” – Upgrade to a premium cone and get an extra topping for a small fee.
• Family Cones Deal – Buy 4 premium cones and get the 5th free.

4. Offer Customisation Options

Let customers choose their cone style! Options like:
✅ Chocolate-dipped waffle cone
✅ Sprinkled edges
✅ Honeycomb or nut-coated rims

Giving people control over their treat increases the chance they’ll spend more.

5. Use Premium Cones in Promotions

Run limited-time specials featuring premium cones to encourage repeat customers. For example:

• “Weekend Waffle Cone Special” – Discounted upgrades on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Seasonal Themed Cones – Festive cones (red and green sprinkles at Christmas, heart-shaped cones for Valentine’s Day) create a buzz.

Final Thoughts: Profitability Beyond Cost

While premium cones may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they allow businesses to increase average spend per customer and stand out from the competition. A small price increase per sale, multiplied over hundreds or thousands of transactions, can significantly boost overall profits.

By integrating premium cones into your offering and training your staff to upsell them effectively, you’ll not only improve your bottom line but also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Start upselling today and turn every cone into a premium profit booster!