Monday, September 29, 2008

One of the hardest decisions

Of all the decisions I had to make, none was more difficult than the one I was faced with last week. We were torn between raising prices (something that we all felt so strongly against right from the start and fought tooth and nail against) and selling our last batch of gelato and bringing down the shutters at ice queen for good.

We priced our gelato to make everyone happy, but when we got feedback, we realized that people would be happier with a denser product, less air in the gelato. Stronger flavors, fresh fruit instead of paste, and we were happy to add as much as we could, because it gave us that much joy watching people appreciate the love that has gone into it. All the while never wanting to increase prices.

I didn't realize that our struggle to keep prices low from the start would cause that much unhappiness when we had to eventually adjust our prices so that we can continue this journey with our customers a while longer. 

So yes to all the people out there who might be reading, have yet to try, have tried and our regulars, I truly apologize for losing the tooth and nail fight.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

For the sake of better ice cream, I would say it's not a battle lost in vain. Don't bring yourself down over adding 30 cents to your product, especially when your product benefits because of it. From what I've seen (and I've only been to your stall once), nobody minds. In fact, everyone walks away with a smile on their face after visiting your stall, which is more than I can say for 90% of the hawkers around the island.

gelatoadventures said...

Thanks for dropping by and for the support. Its an unexpected comment but one thats really appreciated. Do drop by and say hi the next time you are there. I am the skinny little girl with the ponytail.

Dr Leslie said...

You just need to move to a better location!

If this little episode has shown you anything, it is that location is a big factor in the food business in Singapore. Remember McDonald's failed numberous times before they hit the right note.

Let us know when you decide to reopen again!

アデル庄 said...

i hope to learn to make healthy gelato from you...