FAQ

What makes our training different from the many others offered in the same arena?

• There are multiple differences that make our training heads above the rest. We offer smaller class sizes with a maximum of 6-8 trainees per session. This gives our trainees a very personalized training with more attention placed on the hands on training and competency in handling the machinery and manufacturing of the product. It doesn't become a lecture hall with your head stuck in a book.
• La Vita Dolce recognizes there are 3 ways of learning … Hands-on learning, reading and watching. That is why we offer a 3 days hands-on training along with a comprehensive training manual that will cover all aspects of starting and managing your business. You will be able to read through the manual at your convenience to refresh your hands on experience and learn the important business materials. We will also give you a DVD of the hands on section of the training. This DVD will enable you to recall and review the hands on training when you're ready to start manufacturing. We recognize that there will be a time span from training to actual opening of your business. You won't need to rely on your memory to recall procedures. We've got you covered with the DVD.
• We also include as part of your training fee, 5 hours of phone consultation time. This will allow you to read the manual and watch the DVD and then call us with any questions you may have concerning the training and the materials covered in the manual. You may also need some personalized assistance in planning your own business and we'd be happy to answer questions or clarify issues for you during the consulting period.

Why are other trainings less costly?

Most other trainings offered in America are presented by equipment and flavor sales companies. These companies offer training to promote their products. They offer less costly trainings because they expect to make their money in sales of their products. They will train you to use their machines or their flavors but not provide you with unbiased information about other equipment or other flavor companies that may, in fact be a better option or resource for you. We have seen individuals who attended these trainings come away with no idea of how to start a business. All they learned was how to run a machine. They leave you with little or no knowledge of how to own and operate a gelato and /or Italian ice business. You are often trained by one of their sales people who may, in fact, never have operated a business and has no knowledge of the industry. We offer a business training course that will educate you how to operate machinery as well as how to run a successful Gelato and /or Italian ice business. We provide tried and true recipes, and a wealth of knowledge that we've acquired from our 35+ years of experience in retail, wholesale and consulting. We're not a sales company we're training professionals.

Can you get discounts on equipment?

YES. Through the years we have built strong relationships with the equipment distributors in the business and purchased hundreds of pieces of equipment. We extend our discount to our customers and get them the bottom line on every piece.

Will this investment save you money in the long run?

YES. There are many ways our training can and will save you money. Many times we've seen entrepreneurs trying to get started in this business by themselves. They have in some cases, purchased the wrong equipment and wasted thousands of dollars doing so. Our training will save you time and money by providing superior recipes and flavoring. We eliminate the trial and error game which can cost you much time, effort, money and income. This loss of income occurs when you open your doors selling inferior product. You will not encourage repeat business nor will your unsatisfied customers recommend you to their friends. We can save you additional headaches by providing you with the information you'll need for store lay-out, staff hiring and training, inventory, ordering, marketing, advertising and other business management practices. We also must mention, that if you choose to purchase your equipment through us, the thousands of dollars saved by the equipment discounts we offer, will in return almost pay for the training itself. “You can't afford not to take our training”.

Will you receive any store management training?

YES. We will not only train you on how to get your business started but also how to manage the store. We will provide you with training on store procedures, customer service, staff selection and training, marketing, advertising, grand opening suggestions, employment and health issues, store safety, and procedures for inventory, ordering and deliveries. We also include information on cost and profit margins.

Do we assist in site selection (location)?

YES. Choosing the best location is of utmost importance. A great location is as important as your product and management. Therefore, we provide for you a list of criteria and priorities formulated to assist in your selection of a location. Our assistance is limited only to the information we provide in the manual.