Any supermarket can sell cakes, but it takes a certain type of bakery to create an unforgettable masterpiece for a birthday, wedding, anniversary or other special occasion. As evidenced by the popularity of television shows such as Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss, and Extreme Cakes, consumers are definitely interested in this sweet art form. Still,not every bakery can create a stunning and delicious cake.
Read on to learn how to expand your bakery into a high-end cake shop.
Dressed Up Decor
Consumers who seek unique, high-end cakes are looking for a complete experience. It begins the first time they walk into your shop. When expanding your bakery into a high-end cake shop, create a space that is as impressive as your work. If you aren’t sure where to begin, take inspiration from the boutique hotel trend. While these spaces are small in size, they're big in ambiance and are anything but ordinary.
When expanding your bakery into a high-end cake shop, create a space that is as impressive as your work. If you aren’t sure where to begin, take inspiration from the boutique hotel trend. While these spaces are small in size, they're big in ambiance and are anything but ordinary.
For example, if you are inspired by contemporary design, avoid fussy furniture and seek out pieces with clean, streamlined appeal. A settee or love seat, as opposed to conventional lobby furniture, offers comfort and charm. Include a few unique touches such as art and fresh flowers for a stylish space that speaks to your bakery's personality.
Once you have your décor in place, make sure to optimize your lighting so your cakes look their best. While natural lighting is ideal,it's not always possible depending on your budget or space; lighting fixtures can deliver equally winsome results.
Lastly design your shop to be the perfect backdrop for displaying your high-end cakes. Arrange display tables and cases throughout the space and invest in non-perishable cake models that your customers won't be able to miss. Also, take photographs of your work and display them in large books or even in frames throughout your bakery.
Client Care
While you can walk into any grocery and pick up a cake, a specialty cake requires advance planning.Because of this, bakeries that specialize in high-end cakes require space dedicated to client consultations.
This meeting space should be intimate and inviting. The best locations are separate from the hustle and bustle of the bakery, and include enough room to comfortably seat a bride and her bridal party. The typical office or sterile conference room is less-than-ideal when it comes to these meetings. Rather, create a cozy boutique feel to promote conversation and establish a personal connection.
The Tools of the Trade
Specialty cakes feature intricate, and often fragile, detail work, so transportation is another factor that must be considered when expanding your bakery into a high-end cake shop.
How will your transport your masterpieces? A van with custom shelving inside and your logo outside not only helps with large cake deliveries, but also works as a great marketing tool.
In addition, you may have to invest in staff to ensure that your cakes make it from your bakery to your clients’ venues.
The Price is Right
Many bakeries struggle with pricing their cakes. If you are worrying about overpricing your high-end cakes, don't. The truth is that most bakeries err in the opposite direction.
According to Bridal Guide, the average wedding cake costs $466, but your consumers are looking for anything but average. Specialty cakes, particularly in metropolitan areas, soar into the four figures. Unusually shaped cakes run even higher because of the labor-intensive construction and decorating processes.
By considering your expenses and financial goals in advance, you can come up with a pricing and payment schedule that is both professional and profitable.
Expanding your bakery into a high-end cake shop requires a high-end space, thoughtful service, and a solid business plan. Keep these tips in mind, and you can not only join this niche market but rise to the top of it.
