I think it depends on what kind of business you are starting. Are you doing this for the money and as a carreer, or because you like baking and decorating and the extra money is nice? My business is the latter of the two. I have found one thing to be crucial. Give people more than they expect. Always. Here are some things that I do:
*Offer free delivery and set up. They may not need it, but I am offering them something for free.
*I allow my brides to take home their leftovers from a tasting (if they request it). I have no use for it once they leave. I've had a few clients come to me because a bride took her leftovers to work the next day. Her co-workers ate my cake, liked it and are now clients of mine.
*If a bride books with me more than 1 year in advance, She will get on her -1 anniversary, a bridal cookie boquet and a nice card saying that I'm looking forward to working with her. Just to keep my name in her mind (and my business cards out of her purse). I do not tell them ahead of time. It's just a nice little surprise from her baker.
*I make my clients feel like friends and family. They come to my home (which is always immaculately clean when they get there), usually meet my children, and we work together to choose what they want over coffee at my dining room table.
*I go out of my way to be accomidating and enjoyable to work with. I have found that for me as a little guy, that little extra personable-ness is what the big guys don't have.
*My cakes are cheap. I purposely set my prices just under those of the local bakery of choice. Eventually I will raise them, but for now I'm not in the red and I make a decent profit on each cake. There are a whole lot of price concious people out there that like to feel like they have gotten their money's worth. If you are do beautiful work, are easy to get along with, and offer free delivery and set up to boot, my friend, you have made a client for life and they are going to tell everyone they know about you!!
People come to me beacuse I'm friendly, easy to work with, I do beautiful work and I give them more than they expect. I am not (by any means!) a pastry chef, or have a fancy business, but these are things I have found that work for me. I think you have a good idea about bundling, and I hope that it works for you. Whatever type of business you are going for, find your niche...and don't eat too much buttercream!('
')
Amanda
Need to build my business any advice??
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