In a bold move to highlight the reality of running a small business, one ice cream truck owner is sending a clear message that social media fame doesn’t equate to free food. Based in Los Angeles, entrepreneur Max Jensen operates a vintage ice cream truck called Sweet Swirls, and he’s become a target for influencers seeking free treats in exchange for social media promotion. However, Max has decided to take a hard stance: influencers will now pay double for their cones.
Sweet Swirls has made it clear that anyone wanting to indulge in a delicious soft-serve cone, typically priced at $4, will have to shell out $8 if they come with an influencer request. “We’ve put up signs to make it official. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have; we don’t provide complimentary ice cream for social media posts,” the company stated in an Instagram update.
Max, who started his ice cream business in 2015 as a side gig while pursuing a career in acting, often finds himself approached by influencers who expect freebies. “Within the first minute of conversation, they introduce themselves and suggest they’ll promote us if we give them a cone,” he explained during an interview. “I think it’s ridiculous to expect a $4 ice cream for free.”
As the influencer culture continues to grow, many businesses find themselves pressured into giving away products for the sake of visibility. While this can benefit lesser-known brands, it can also lead to financial losses and a sense of entitlement among some social media users.
Recently, after being asked to cater for an event of 300 guests in exchange for “exposure,” Max decided enough was enough. He promptly created a sign stating, “Influencers Pay Double.” “I can’t operate like that; my business can’t afford to give away ice cream,” he remarked.
Max noted that despite the popularity of his business, evidenced by long lines during events, some young influencers still question why he has a modest follower count. “What does it matter? I have a thriving business; if social media disappeared tomorrow, I would still be here,” he asserted.
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In summary, Max Jensen’s Sweet Swirls ice cream truck has taken a stand against influencer culture by implementing a policy where influencers pay double for their cones, emphasizing the importance of valuing small businesses and their products.