The Number 1 Time Drain in My Baking Business and How I Turned It Around
Running a successful baking business comes with its unique set of challenges, and one significant hurdle is the time-consuming process of pricing up cakes and managing customer quotations. However, with the right tools and technology you can streamline this aspect of your business. Here are three strategies I implemented to regain control of my time and enhance efficiency.
1. A Smart Pricing System
Implementing a Smart Pricing System was a game-changer. Crafting a well-designed formula that incorporates all relevant data, including ingredients, labour, and overhead costs, is crucial. Tools Google Sheets are invaluable in creating a comprehensive calculation. It’s an eye-opener when you realise all the costs that go into making the cake vs. what you charge for it! And if you're stuck, why not leverage the power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT for personalised and efficient calculations? You can even ask them to make the spreadsheet for you!
Key point: Knowing how much it costs YOU to make a cake helps you understand what you need to change when you factor in your hourly rate.
2, Letting Automation Help:
The quoting process, often bogged down by back-and-forth communication, received a significant boost through automation. Utilising auto messengers in Facebook or Instagram chats, emails, or even chatbots on my website, meant I could efficiently handle common inquiries. Implementing a well-structured questionnaire not only accelerated the quoting process but also added a professional touch to customer interactions. Linking to an online survey creator or Google form can further streamline the gathering of essential information.
Key point: Stop typing the same messages over and over again. Get your auto-responder to ask the common questions you need answering up front!
3,Setting Clear Expectations:
To filter inquiries and set the stage for serious customers, I focused on setting clear expectations. This included establishing a minimum order price. Displaying upfront pricing on my website proved to be a powerful strategy, cutting through initial inquiries and allowing me to concentrate on clients genuinely interested in my services.
Key point: Having the pricing on a website, instagram highlight, or facebook page saved hours of wasted time. So many conversations would just stop once we discussed price. Having that information readily available automatically filters out those who don’t want to pay that.
For more insights and tips on leveraging technology in your baking business, be sure to check out our ebook, 'How to Leverage Tech in your Cake Business in 2024’