Hosting a Garage Sale? Don't forget hungry Garage Sale shoppers could add an extra $100 or more to your final sales tally when you host a garage sale lemonade stand to cater to them.
GARAGE SALE TIP: Host a Lemonade Stand!
Food and drinks sell extremely well at Garage Sales — often adding $100 or more in gross proceeds when there's a big turnout. Cookies and homemade lemonade are warm weather favorites. People also love cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate when it's chilly out.
Not only that but there's just something about serving food and drinks at a garage sale that helps create a fun, festival-like atmosphere (which encourages people to buy more stuff!)
And what better excuse could you find to repurpose wooden crates into an adorable garage sale lemonade stand like this one I pinned from LisaGriffin.com?
More than cool math
In addition to building math and people skills, a kids lemonade stand is a wonderful opportunity for little people to discover their entrepreneurial spirit. It's also a great way to keep them out of your hair during the garage sale. I mean, spend time together!
But are Garage Sale Lemonade Stands worth the additional time and effort?
You already know my answer to that question is a resounding, Yes!
But don't take my word for it. Check out what seasoned garage salers said about hosting a lemonade stand in response to this question on Dishboards.com:
Do food & drinks really sell well at yard sales?
QUESTION:
"I'm having a yard sale next weekend, and my son (age 15) wants to set up a table to sell pop, bottled water and snacks. He wants to make a bit of money on his own, and I appreciate his initiative, but I really don't know if it would be worth his time. So I thought I would check with you "real" yard/garage salers to get your take on this... what sells best, and how much do you charge for stuff?"
ANSWERS:
"If any of the items are things you would keep around your house for personal consumption after the sale, there's not much to lose." — HTH
"A couple years ago my kiddos (ages 7 and 9) sold rice krispie treats and lemonade and made $35+!!! Now it didn't hurt that they had a sign on the front of the table that read Please help us buy a puppy!" — Clajgray
"Last summer my mother in law had a barn sale in the middle of a horrible heat wave. I think I made more money selling brownies, cupcakes and water than she did! I think I raked in almost $200!!! I had my wife run to the store twice in one day for cases of water." — Audrabolster
"...made around $100 selling canned soda, water and cookies (homemade.) If your yard sale is in cooler months...hot apple cider and coffee would be a good seller along with some individually wrapped biscotti and/or donuts. You can put the donuts in individual bags (ziploc or wax bags) and seal them."
"We always make sausage biscuits. They sell out really quickly! We also sell cookies (2 or 3 in a baggie for 50 cents,) soda and bottled water. We sell out every time! :) I put the cookies near the checkout area. It never fails, most every kid will want a bag of cookies!" —Kadesha
"I always do coffee, soda (in cans) and actually grill out with pre-packaged goods (hot dogs, Bubba burgers, wrapped cheese, etc.) plus donuts from local grocery, Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme. Dollar per dollar, I make more on this than I do on actual garage saling goods...[it] brings in potential sales and really seems to excite buyers." —Evil_Queen
"I let my kids sell Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite for 50 cents at our garage sales, mainly to keep them out of my hair. They usually net around $15. Not much - but again, worth it to give them something to do. Of course, when Mom is hot and sweaty, do I get a free one??? NOOOOO!! I need 50 cents MOM!!!!" —KBKIDS
"My daughter ...sold water bottles and Pepsi products. lol People were very generous, but she was only 5. She made around $100 in 2 afternoons. Seriously! She was only asking $1/ 1 liter bottle. And most people gave her the 'oh, you're so cute $5.'"
So...
You want to host a lemonade stand at your next garage sale, huh?
That's the spirit!
Now keep reading! I put together the ultimate Lemonade Stand FAQ that tells you everything you need to know to host a fun, safe and profitable lemonade stand at your next garage sale.
FAQ: Best Practices for Selling Food and Drinks at a Garage Sale Lemonade Stand
1. Do I need a Lemonade Stand permit?
The short answer is, most likely. It depends on where you live.
Just 15 states, including Oklahoma and Texas, allow you to sell lemonade at a yard sale without a license. (See graphic below.) The rest require a lemonade stand permit — even if it's for charity.
Your city and your home owner's association may also require a business license and you'll need to adhere to local ordinances concerning zoning and traffic. So check with your municipality first.
TIP: If the license and permit fees are out of your league, you may be able to give away lemonade, but have a tip-jar front and center so you still earn money.
2. Is it legal to sell food at a yard sale?
KNOW THE LAW—Most states have Cottage Food laws that allow home kitchens to make and sell foods that are "unlikely to grow harmful bacteria at room temperature." Which foods and the amount you're allowed to sell varies from state to state. Some require special labeling to sell homemade food, while others only allow the sale of commercially pre-packaged food and drinks (soft drinks, bottled water, bags of chips, etc.)
Prohibited Foods
All Cottage Food states prohibit the sale of foods that require refrigeration and certain other foods they deem potentially hazardous. For example, home kitchens in most states are not permitted to sell cheesecake, caramel apples, custard, yogurt, pumpkin pie, beef jerky, chocolate cream pie, lemon meringue pie, sliced fruit and sliced vegetables. (Whole fruits and vegetables are okay.)
How do you find out what your state allows?
Forager.com has an interactive US map that links to summaries of Cottage Food Laws in all 50 states.
3. What should I sell at my lemonade stand to make money?
MONEY-MAKING MENU — If you want to make money at a lemonade stand, my advice is to keep your menu simple and stick to proven best-sellers. Choose any combination of the following tried-and-true customer favorites and you'll do great!
WHAT FOOD SELLS BEST AT A LEMONADE STAND?
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Krispy Kreme donuts
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Rice Krispies Treats
- Brownies
- Pretzels
- Hot Dogs
- Potato Chips
MOST POPULAR DRINKS TO SELL IN ADDITION TO LEMONADE:
- Bottled Water
- Soft drinks
- Coffee
- Ice Tea
- Hot Chocolate
4. How much should I charge for homemade lemonade, food and drinks at my garage sale?
SELL-OUT PRICING — Here's an easy rule-of-thumb to help you set prices for your lemonade stand:
- If the serving size/portion is smaller than your fist, price it under a dollar.
- Sell everything else, including meal items like hamburgers and hot dogs, for $1 or $2 dollars.
At lemonade stands in Oklahoma, a small cup of lemonade made from a powdered mix sells for .50 cents. The average price of fresh-squeezed lemonade ranges from $1.25 for a large cup to as much as $5 if it's for charity.
Small cookies, Rice Krispies treats and brownies are typically 50 cents each or three for a dollar. Bags of chips, bottled water and soft drinks are usually $1. Large cinnamon rolls and pretzels sell for $1 or $2.
LEMONADE STAND PRICES IN 2024 AND BEYOND
Not even lemonade stands are immune to inflation, however. No matter what you read here, it's important for you to do the math. It would be a shame if your Lemonade Stand lost money because you didn't factor your actual cost into the price.
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY: "Make cookies smaller and package them with several to a bag. Buyers will feel like they’re getting a bargain." - Joanna Miller thekitchn.com
5. Do Lemonade Stands Have to Pay Taxes?
UNCLE SAM MAY WANT A PIECE — It's unlikely you'll earn enough money from a two-day kids Lemonade Stand to owe taxes. Just be aware that, according to the IRS website, "Everyone, including minors, must file a tax return if they have net earnings from self-employment of at least $400." (A lemonade stand is considered self-employment.)
6. How do I keep my kids safe?
SAFETY FIRST
- Set your kids lemonade stand up in a shady spot where you can keep an eye on it and it can be seen from the road.
- Keep the stand a safe distance away from the curb (about two 1/2 stroller-lengths.)
- Have your child invite a friend to help. (There's safety in numbers.)
- Make sure kids know not to go up to a car to deliver lemonade or collect money.
- Use paper or plastic cups instead of glass.
- Don't allow children to slice lemons.
7. Are there specific Health regulations for Lemonade Stands?
CLEANLINESS COUNTS
Requirements vary from state to state, but here are the basics:
- Wear an apron and tie back long hair
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling money and using the restroom
- Store cups upside down off the ground to keep bugs out
- Keep lemonade covered between sales
- Use tongs or a ladle to serve ice
- Have a garbage can nearby for empty cups, napkins and other trash
8. What tips do you have for hosting a Lemonade Stand?
DO'S AND DON'TS
DON'T make your lemonade too soon. It might lose flavor or possibly turn bitter or sour. I like to wait until the day before to make mine so I know it's fresh and flavorful.
DO taste-test every batch of homemade lemonade and cookies before you sell any.
DON'T add ice to your pitcher of lemonade. The ice will melt and water it down. It's better to refrigerate the lemonade the night beore, then add fresh ice from an ice bucket or cooler to each customer's drink when they buy it.
DO store the bulk of your snacks in a cooler if it's hot outside to keep them looking fresh. Leave only a small portion sitting out. (No one wants to buy half-melted snacks!)
DON'T fill cups with lemonade ahead of time and leave them sitting out. People will assume it isn't fresh, and worse — it will attract flies. In Oklahoma, I guarantee the wind will blow all your cups off the table and into your neighbor's yard!
DO offer a digital payment option like PayPal or Venmo. Joggers and people walking their dogs may not have cash on them.
9. How do I Sell More Lemonade?
MARKETING MAGIC
HOW TO GET MORE CUSTOMERS AT MY GARAGE SALE LEMONADE STAND?
- Decorate your Lemonade Stand with brightly colored banners, balloons and flags to call attention to it.
- Give it a cute, clever name. You'll be surprised how much a good name can influence people to check out your stand.
- Personally invite friends and family and ask them to bring a friend.
- Make a huge lemonade stand sign with the word "Lemonade" and a price.
- Mention your lemonade stand in all your garage sale advertising, including signs, flyers and social media.
- Put an ad in your neighborhood newsletter.
- Consider handing out flyers. You can advertise your lemonade stand on your yard sale flyers or create a separate one.
- Consider giving 50% OFF lemonade coupons to neighbors before your sale. Most will pay for a 50 cent lemonade with a dollar bill and tell you to "Keep the change."
Follow this link to download free printable Lemonade Stand Coupons.
- Give garage sale customers special incentive to buy lemonade. Offer a 10% discount with purchase, for example. Or reward customers with a spin-to-win promotion offering a cup of free lemonade, buy one get one coupons and percent off lemonade discounts as prizes. Be creative!
- Snap some pics of smiling customers shopping and drinking lemonade and periodically post them on Facebook throughout the day.
- Draw people in with your sunny personality. Be friendly. Smile and wave at passers-by and ask them if they would like a cup of cold homemade lemonade.
HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO BUY YOUR HOMEMADE LEMONADE & SNACKS
- Take pride in serving tasty homemade lemonade that people genuinely love.
- Give your lemonade and baked goods specific names that sound delicious. "Butterscotch Fudge" sells better than "Scottish Butter Tablet." "Grandma's Butterscotch Fudge" sells even better.
- Display or print a cute menu, or use a chalkboard sign to list lemonade flavors and all of the goodies you're selling along with prices.
Follow this link to download a free printable Lemonade Stand Menu:
- Consider garnishing lemonade (priced more than $1 per cup) with a lemon wedge or sprig of mint to make it look even more delicious.
- Put a couple of dollar bills and some coins in a clear, plastic tip-jar. It will send a message that your lemonade is worth buying and also encourage donations.
- Have a plate of teaspoon-size samples of your snacks on hand.
- Play upbeat music that puts people in a good mood.
- Consider handing out your recipe. It will spark good conversation and may intrigue some to indulge.
- Hang a sign announcing what you plan to do with the proceeds from your lemonade stand. Raising money for a trip or even a new guitar will compel some people to buy a lemonade to help.
- Keep a bowl of real lemons on the table so people will know your homeade lemonade is fresh.
HOW TO INCREASE LEMONADE STAND PROFITS
- Consider offering more than one flavor of lemonade. People are more likely to buy when they have a choice.
- When customers pay, if the change they're due is a quarter or less, ask "Do you want your change?" and toss it in the tip jar if they tell you to keep it.
- Offer a volume discount. (25% Off the purchase of four or more; buy three / get one free; or Buy One Get One after 2pm on the last day, for example.)
- If a customer is still at the sale when she finishes her drink, ask her if she'd like a cup to-go.
- Consider offering a half-gallon or gallon of homemade lemonade for people to take home.
- Thank customers as they leave and say, "Come back and bring a friend!" or "Tell your friends!" At a two-day sale, add something like, "We'll be here all day tomorrow!"
10. How much does it cost to host a Garage Sale Lemonade Stand?
Hosting a Lemonade Stand at a Garage Sale can be very affordable. If you already have a table, chairs and a pitcher, all you truly need is lemonade and cups ($18- $20.) But there are so many fabulous Lemonade Stand supplies and decorations for you to choose from that a startup cost of $25-$50 is more realistic. If you go all out, you could easily spend $400 or more.
I've found that making a supply list and sticking to it helps keep me on budget.
COST OF LEMONADE
The average cost to make homemade lemonade is $8-$10. This easy homemade lemonade recipe costs just .38 cents for a 12 ounce serving.
For low-sugar lemonade, mix 1 cup lemon juice, 2 cups white grape juice, and 3 quarts water. Or, you may prefer this Homemade Keto Lemonade recipe with a five-star rating.
TIP: You need approximately 8 medium lemons or 6 large lemons to make one 8 oz. cup of lemon juice.
TIPS FOR MAKING HOMEMADE LEMONADE:
- Don't chill lemons. You'll get more juice if you squeeze them at room temperature.
- To get even more juice, first roll the lemon against the counter using your palm.
- If you don't have a juicer, you may be able to get by squeezing lemons with a pair of tongs. If you don't have the strength, or just want to save your hands, I recommend the Zulay Lemon/Lime squeezer. It's moderately priced, easy on the hands and it has an extra-large bowl with two built-in seed filters.
- Wait until sugar is dissolved before adding ice.
- To keep sugar from settling to the bottom of the pitcher or your glass when you drink it, make a simple syrup to sweeten your lemonade. Just heat equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar dissolves; then add your lemon juice and more water to taste.
- If your lemonade is too sour, add a pinch of salt.
- To save space in your fridge you can store the lemonade in gallon-size zip-lock plastic bags. Just place an empty bag inside a bowl and pour until it's nearly full.
Fresh-Squeezed or Bottled Lemon Juice?
Freshly squeezed lemons are generally considered better than bottled lemon juice, but either one will work as long as you use bottled lemon juice made with real lemons. If you don't have time to squeeze lemons, adding fresh strawberries to your lemonade is a good compromise.
- A gallon of lemonade will yield approximately 24-4 oz servings in 8 oz cups filled with ice or about 11-12 8 oz servings in 16 oz cups filled with ice.
11. What Lemonade Stand supplies do I need?
This supply list includes everything you need to host a lemonade stand. You probably have the equipment and many of the items are optional. The only things set in stone are: lemonade, a pitcher, cups and a table (stand.)
Cups
You can buy 100 9-ounce plastic party cups for less than $10 and 100 16-ounce plastic cups with lids for straws for around $18.
Plates & Napkins
If there's room in your budget you may want to spring for paper dessert plates and napkins ($5 - $15.)
Pitcher
$10 to $20 and up.
TIP: It may be difficult for smaller kids to handle a full pitcher of lemonade. If yours can't pour without spilling, you may want to upgrade to a drink dispenser. I bought this one to use at family barbecues and I'm really happy with it. It looks nice, it's a good size and it doesn't leak or drip. ~Kristi
Lemonade Stand Ideas
Rent a Folding Table — If you don't have a table, I recommend renting one. In Oklahoma City, you can rent a 6x4 heavy-duty plastic folding table for just $7 for the entire weekend. Just throw a cute tablecloth on it!
Card Table — If it's an annual tradition, you may want to invest in a card table for the lemonade stand. Amazon sells 3-foot square folding card tables for around $50 and up (if you can't find one on Craigslist.)
Melissa and Doug Lemonade Stand — As much as I love Melissa and Doug toys, I don't recommend using a Melissa and Doug lemonade stand for the stand at your garage sale. The Melissa and Doug lemonade stand, or any toy lemonade stand for that matter, is just too small for selling lemonade to adults. They don't have the necessary counter space and it's awkward for adults to bend down that far to read a menu and make a purchase.
If you consider buying a lemonade stand kit or a lemonade stand for sale online, be sure to double-check the dimensions since photos can be deceiving.
DIY Lemonade Stand — A lot of Moms make their own lemonade stands. The materials and supplies you need to DIY typically run $20 -$30. But if you have some materials at home you can recycle, you could easily do it for half that.
I've seen some really cute DIY lemonade stands made from printer stands, tables, microwave carts, crates, old kitchen cabinets. fence pickets, desks, bedroom nightstands, PVC pipe and more.
DIY Wooden Lemonade Stand for Kids
Believe-it-or-not, the total cost to DIY this darling wooden Lemonade Stand was just $3!
Kaelah Beauregarde says 100% of the lumber she used to make this rustic, wooden Lemonade Stand was salvaged ($0) and she only spent pennies on nails and screws. Check out her step-by-step-tutorial at thecluelessgirl.com.
DIY Lemonade Stand Plans
If rough and rustic isn't your thing, HouseGrail.com has links to 19 free plans for cute lemonade stands like this adorable Fence Picket DIY Lemonade Stand by Ana White. (DIY Cost: $30)
A template for the large lemonade stand sign in the photo is included with the plans.
Pre-fab — If you have a "spare no expense" mindset and care more about making memories than making a profit the first time out, there are some adorable pre-fab lemonade stands for sale online that you will love.
High-End Kids Lemonade Stand
This hand-made lemonade stand from Hailey's Pink Lemonade couldn't be any cuter.
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Full-Size Prefab Lemonade Stand
It sells for $499 + free shipping. The upside is it's full size (not a toy) with built-in storage in the back and the price includes all of the accessories and decorations shown in the photo — even the dispenser. So, you're getting everything you need to host a kids lemonade stand and a precious photo op, too.
For more Lemonade Stand ideas, including how to build a DIY Lemonade Stand, lemonade stand clipart and delicious homemade lemonade recipes, check out my Pinterest Boards!
Above all, have fun and don't sweat the small stuff.
Any Questions?
Feel free to contact me! I've been researching and writing professionally about lemonade stands for a little over 10 years and I've hosted 5 of my own. Not only that, but I'm probably the biggest lemonade dork you'll ever meet and I would love to help.
— Have a Great Sale!
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Resources:
- FREE Online Price Guides
- Neighborhood & City-Wide Yard Sale Calendar
- Clothing racks, tables, aprons, counterfeit detection, directories
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