A Harebrained Idea?

[cupcakeshoppe]

My "business" hasn't really taken off yet. I'm in the process of trying out recipes, learning how to decorate and figure out pricing. I'm planning a "launching" probably in June since May is gonna be a busy month for me. For the "launch" i'm thinking of having a cupcake party.

Just invite some friends and potential clients (like owners of a coffeeshop or snack bar) and maybe make 5 different flavors of cupcakes and serve some beverages. It's like a tasting and i would hand out business cards to everyone.

Do you think this is a good idea? I figure word of mouth is gonna be good after this. And any help or ideas or suggestions (even violent reactions LOL) are welcome and appreciated as always.

Thanks!

[Amanda]

It's a great idea! Just throw a huge ol' party, who doesn't love that? Invite more people than you think will come so that you REALLY get your name out there. Even if they don't come, they'll have heard of you!
I personally would make it a smidge more formal. Maybe 5 or so different "stations" of cupcakes in separate themes so they can see what you are capable of. Like...um....have a long table with 5 (or so) elevated trays of beautifully decorated cupcakes grouped in themes (children's birthday, wedding, whimsical, etc.) and tasting cupcakes below. Does this make any sense?
You could also make pink champagne cupcakes and have, of course, some pink champagne with it!
Just a thought! I'm sure people will chime in with lots more!!
Good luck!

[2sdae]

I deff like the different themed idea.
One table with say a wedding cupcake tower, mini cakes with an initial on it and bridal shower cup cake ideas.
kids cupcake cakes, cup cake towers maybe a large cupcake you know like the wiltons one type.
A baby shower table with ideas
Elegant type cup cakes for birthdays, ann, receptions, buffets, you know events.
I'd do basic flavors and then some exotic ones too. Some filled some not variations in icings, and decor too...gum paste flowers, royal deco, dragees, white chocolate toppers, poured fondant, regular fondant you know just different things for them to sample and look at as different ideas and different ways they can see a cupcake CAN fit into their events.

[cupcakeshoppe]

Omygosh! I hadn't even thought of themes and events! that's a wonderful idea!

See, my cousin and i love planning parties so this is gonna be so much fun too. If we can plan parties for people and maybe tie in cupcake orders, that would be so much fun!

keep the ideas coming people! Am drooling at the thought of a cupcake party. LOL

[Amanda]

Well, then by all means go ALL OUT!!! Don't just have little themed cupcake stands, but themed cupcake areas! (maybe 2' for each theme?) You can decorate a table section like a child's party with confetti and streamers, a section for weddings with tuling (sp?) and fresh flowers, etc. What fun! Then they could get a really good idea of how cupcakes would look in each situation, and just how versatile you are!
You have to let us know how this all comes together!!

[cupcakeshoppe]

Oh i definitely will. and i'm thanking 2sdae in advance because i'm sure the stuff i'm gonna get from my bf will help me out a lot.

[2sdae]

[bupbup74]

Where are you planning on having the open house? If it's going to be at your own house, then I'm not sure how many business owners will actually show up. Are you getting your own shop?

If not, I would have the open house at some neutral area somewhere, like a banquet hall or something.

Also, maybe you could have a door prize (cupcake bouquet), and maybe even a raffle for a gift certificate or something. If you make edible cupcake centerpieces for each section/table, maybe you could raffle them off as well.

Make sure you have plenty of business cards and pamphlets for everyone to take with them.

[Amanda]

This sounds like so much fun! Can I come?

[bupbup74]

Me too!!!!!