Equipment purchases represent some of the biggest investments that small business owners in the bakery industry will make. Knowing when to upgrade and replace is essential to keep your business running. New equipment can have an impact on your efficiency, energy costs, the quality of your product and the customer experience. With equipment upgrades impacting so many aspects of your business it’s important to do your research so you make educated purchasing decisions. Here we’ve assembled a list of the 10 most important upgrades you can make to your bakery business.
1. Ovens
Ovens are at the core of the bakery business and there have been some major advancement in functionality and energy efficiency. When deciding what type of oven to purchase you’ll want to take a look at your budget, needs and space. An over is a big investment so you want to get it right the first time. Reliability is key as it is near impossible for a bakery to function without one.
2. Mixers
Commercial mixers can be expensive but the time they save and the quality they produce has a major impact on your bottom line. Take a look at what type of volume you’ll need to produce to decide what type of mixer to purchase. As with most equipment, you’ll need to make sure your new mixer will fit in your workspace.
3. Countertops
Nothing scares away a customer at a food establishment quite like dirty countertops. Stainless steel is a great option for bakery owners but there are also some high-quality, sealed, wood countertops that can serve your purposes.
4. Storage
A messy kitchen can cause inefficiencies as well as potential safety hazards. Having proper storage will allow you to take advantage of seasonal inventory opportunities and keep your workspace safe and efficient.
5. Refrigeration
Proper refrigeration is important in every business within the food industry and bakeries are no exception. There are requirements for refrigeration that need to be met and poor functioning equipment can get you into trouble with code enforcement. Additionally, a lack of proper refrigeration can cause health risks and costly spoilage.
6. Kitchen Tools
Smaller tools such as rolling pins, cutting boards and baking sheets need to be replaced regularly as outdated equipment can be a safety hazard and make for a substandard product. These little things can be a relatively inexpensive investment that provide worthwhile return.
7. Display Cases
Putting your menu items on display is an essential component of the marketing of your bakery. Everyone loves to look at a clean display case full of their favorite treats. Conversely, an old or dirty display case is sure to drive customers away.
8. Administrative Technology
Software developments specifically for the food industry have made bookkeeping much faster and easier for small business owners. These types of investments will help you save on accounting costs as well as help you keep better track of your inventory.
9. Furnishings
If your bakery has an eating area it’s important to periodically update your tables, chairs and décor. Cleanliness is so important in the food industry and this attention to detail will make customers more comfortable in your establishment.
10. Deep Fryers
While health-crazed Americans have slowly moved away from fried foods, there is still great demand. Old fryers can negatively impact the quality of your fried goods and may eliminate an important niche for your bakery.
Quikstone Capital Solutions has been providing small business owners with merchant cash advances to stabilize and improve their companies for more than 10 years. If you are in need of a cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, a merchant cash advance could be right for you. With the ability to quickly qualify and get your money in a timely fashion, there is no more convenient option.
