Running an ice cream van in the UK is a classic summer business – and when the sun’s out, customers queue up. But with a few smart upselling tactics, you can turn a simple £2.50 cone into a £5 treat – and leave your customers even more satisfied.
At Takeaway Supplies, we support ice cream van owners with everything from flavourings and toppings to cones, cups, and packaging. In this post, we’re sharing practical ways to boost your sales this summer with upselling techniques that really work.
Why Upselling Matters for Ice Cream Vans
Unlike a brick-and-mortar shop, ice cream vans rely on quick sales, often during peak times like lunch hours, school pick-ups, or weekend events. That means your average sale value matters – a lot.
By offering add-ons, extras, and premium options, you can increase your revenue per customer without needing more footfall. The good news? Upselling in an ice cream van is easy – and often just requires a few tweaks to your offering and signage.
Offer Premium Cones and Tubs
Don’t just offer a standard cone – give people a reason to upgrade.
- Waffle cones, chocolate-dipped cones, or sprinkle-coated cones all feel more indulgent and can easily justify a higher price.
- Branded or themed tubs are perfect for families and events – and a great way to charge more for a simple scoop.
At Takeaway Supplies, we stock a wide range of cones and tubs designed to help your ice creams stand out.
Tempt with Toppings
One of the easiest upsells is: “Would you like toppings with that?”
Most people say yes – especially if they can see what’s on offer. Display your toppings clearly and use signage or a small toppings menu to show options and prices.
Popular upsells include:
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
- Fudge chunks
- Crushed biscuits
- Chocolate or strawberry sauce
You could offer one free topping, then charge 50p or £1 for each extra – simple, effective, and very profitable.
Create a ‘Deluxe’ Menu Section
Create a few named combinations with extra toppings, sauces, or whipped cream. For example:
- The Chocoholic: Chocolate ice cream, brownie pieces, chocolate sauce, and chocolate sprinkles
- Fruity Fun: Vanilla with strawberry sauce, fruit pieces, and a wafer fan
- The Unicorn: Bubblegum ice cream, marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, and a candy stick
People love picking from ready-made combos – and these deluxe options are great for boosting your average sale price.
Upsell Drinks and Snacks
It’s not just about ice cream. Stock a small selection of cold drinks, bottled water, or snack-sized treats like cookies or sweet bags.
This is especially useful at busy parks or events, where families may be looking for a quick refreshment. A meal-deal style offer like “Ice Cream + Drink for £5” can work wonders.
Run Limited-Time Specials
Urgency sells. Promote a flavour of the week, limited edition topping, or seasonal sundae. Use signs or stickers on your van to grab attention and encourage impulse buys.
Example ideas:
- Mango Madness Week – Mango ice cream, mango coulis, and tropical toppings
- Red, White & Blue Sundae for bank holiday weekends
- Easter Egg Sundae, Bonfire Toffee Cone, or Winter Wonderland Cup
With flavourings and toppings from Takeaway Supplies, creating themed treats is easy – and profitable.
Use Clear Visuals and Friendly Prompts
Don’t leave upsells to chance. Display photos of your premium products or deluxe cones near the ordering window. Add friendly prompts like:
- “Make it deluxe for £1!”
- “Add 2 toppings for just 50p!”
- “Fancy a waffle cone upgrade?”
Keep it simple, colourful, and enticing. People make quick decisions at the van – make sure your upsells are easy to see and understand.
Make It Easy to Say Yes
The golden rule of upselling: never pressure – just offer. Keep your tone friendly and your pricing clear. If a customer is choosing a basic cone, you might simply ask:
“Would you like to add a topping or upgrade to a waffle cone?”
More often than not, they will.
Stock Up for Summer with Takeaway Supplies
We help ice cream van owners across the UK keep their vans fully stocked and ready for the summer rush. From high-quality cones and tubs to flavourings, sauces and toppings, everything we offer is designed to make your job easier and your products more appealing.
- Fast delivery across the UK
- Great value for bulk orders
- Trusted by hundreds of ice cream businesses
Make 2025 your most profitable summer yet – and turn every cone into an upsell opportunity.
Explore our full ice cream van supplies range or get in touch if you need help choosing the right stock.