How Much Inventory to Bring

Forecast cups before you buy anything: expected traffic × a realistic conversion rate.

Then work backwards to fruit, syrup, cups, lids and ice against that number, and add a modest buffer — running out early costs you far more than carrying a little extra.

Ice is the one to over-buy. It's the most common day-ruiner and the cheapest thing on your list.

After every event, write down what you actually sold. Three events in, your forecast stops being a guess.