3 Secret Supply Hacks That Will Save You Money on Your Lemonade Stand

When you're starting a lemonade stand, every penny saved is a penny earned—and in this case, those pennies add up to bigger profits! While fancy equipment and expensive supplies may seem like the key to success, the truth is, with a little creativity and planning, you can cut costs and still run a highly professional (and profitable!) lemonade stand.

Here are 3 ways to save money on lemonade stand supplies that I’ve learned from first-hand experience to help you save money on your lemonade stand while still standing out from the crowd.

1. Shop Around for Your Lemons – Membership Stores Aren’t Always the Best Deal

When it comes to buying lemons, most people assume bulk stores like Costco or Sam’s Club are the cheapest option. But here’s the trick—they might not be!

In my experience, I found that my local grocery store offers better pricing, and here’s why:

• Membership stores often sell lemons in bulk, but you may end up with fruit that's either overripe or unnecessarily large.
• Many local grocers will allow you to place custom bulk orders at a competitive price. This way, you get fresh lemons at the exact quantity and timeframe you need.
• Plus, my local grocer even prepares my order ahead of time, saving me both time and stress!

Pro tip: Always compare prices per pound between different stores and ask about seasonal produce discounts—lemons are usually cheaper during peak citrus seasons!

2. Booth Decorations Don’t Have to Come from Fancy Shops

Want your lemonade stand to look as refreshing as your drinks? You don’t need to pour money into costly new decorations! Here’s how I outfitted my stand on a budget:

• Believe it or not, I scored an entire stash of lemon-themed decor at a yard sale—completely brand new! Yard sales, thrift stores, and buy-sell-trade groups on Facebook are absolute gold mines for finding affordable, unique items.
• Another huge money-saver? Craft stores. Most lemon-themed decorations are part of spring inventory, which means they go on major clearance in late winter. Stock up during these sales!
• If you’re crafty, consider making your own decor with dollar store supplies or natural accents like fresh greenery and lemon slices.

Booth Decorations Don’t Have to Break the Bank! Decorations play a big role in catching customers’ attention, and with a little ingenuity, you can create an eye-catching booth for next to nothing!

3. Ditch the Branded Merch When Selling In Person 

Sure, branded shirts and custom merch might sound like a fun way to promote your stand, but here’s the thing: You absolutely don’t need it to make sales!

My team and I have successfully run lemonade stands with zero branded merch by relying on these budget-friendly strategies:

• Focus on creating a visually appealing stand—this does way more to attract buyers than a shirt ever could!
• Wear simple outfits like a crisp white or yellow shirt and a clean apron. It still looks polished without spending extra money.
• When it comes to in-person sales, a little personality and charm go further than fancy branding. A warm smile and a friendly chat can make your stand memorable without the extra expense.

Ready to Learn More Cost-Saving Strategies?

These hacks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to running a profitable lemonade stand without breaking the bank. If you’re serious about turning your lemonade stand into a money-making machine, there’s an entire world of tips, tricks, and strategies waiting for you in the Squeeze and Sell Lemonade Course! (learn more here)

Learn how to set up, market, and grow a lemonade stand that stands out from the competition—and discover even more insider secrets to maximize both your earnings and efficiency.

👉 Enroll today in the Squeeze and Sell Lemonade Course and take the guesswork (and overspending!) out of your lemonade stand journey.

Make your lemonade dreams a reality—with profits as sweet as your drinks! 🍋