Every year brings new surprises, market shifts and changing trends.  As the owner of a bakery you’ll need to keep your current customers satisfied while making tweaks to draw in new business.  Keeping up with the times, providing convenience and expanding your reach can be difficult while running a business, however, they are necessary in order to compete.  The uniqueness of an independent bakery is what sets you apart and you need to maximize the advantages that come with that.  With a greater flexibility to adjust and adapt quickly, small businesses have the ability to experiment provided they have the cash flow to do so.  Here, we’ve put together a list of items to include on your list of business growth strategies leading into 2017.

Sample Menu

The unique products you offer at your bakery are what define your reputation.  You may have some great treats that your customers may not be familiar with and it’s important to make it easy for them to try new flavors.  Free samples are a good way to introduce new items but a sample menu that provides your patrons with a variety to choose from is far more effective.  This gives you an opportunity to make a profit while introducing customers to your distinctive selection.  Keep your portions small and use uniform pricing that charges per item, reducing the prices as the number of selections increases.

Custom Cakes

Cakes have become more of an art piece than anything else and having the artistic and structural expertise to create something one of a kind is what high end consumers are looking for these days.  Clearly as the owner of a bakery you have the prowess to create on your own, however, hiring artistic talent whose vision aligns with your own can take your business to new heights.  It’s important to take pictures of your custom pieces so you can showcase the skills of your team.  Wedding cakes can be big business on their own so developing a dedicated wedding brochure is also a good idea.

Artisanal Innovation

The artisanal movement has picked up steam over the last decade and successful bakeries are now taking traditional recipes and making them their own.  Using the best ingredients from local as well as international sources is a trend that continues to gain in popularity.  Making the origin of your ingredients well known will draw in those people looking for something different.  Blending flavors from all over the world to invent new tastes will make your business a destination for food lovers seeking innovative baked goods.

Organic Ingredients

Concerns over chemicals used to grow, produce and harvest food has led to a boom in the organic food industry.  Nearly half of Americans actively try to include organic ingredients into their diet and that number is continuing to increase.  When paying up for specialty items consumers have come to expect that they will include organic ingredients.  Some people will stay away from chemicals altogether and having a strong set of organic offerings can help you carve out a niche in the industry.

Local Relationships

Bakeries stand to significantly increase revenue if they are able to develop working relationships with other local businesses.  Restaurants, produce stands and catering companies can make great partners and selling your products through them provides a great platform to popularize your brand.  Strategic networking can provide your company with the lifeblood of every small business; consistent, repeat customers.  In many cases these relationships are extremely beneficial for all parties involved as cross promotional campaigns expose your company to a whole new customer base.

Cash Flow

A bakery cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions can help your business respond to market shifts and profit. Improve your bottom line with a merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions for:

• Interior renovations
• Storefront improvements
• Equipment upgrades or replacement
• Marketing and advertising
• Signage improvements
• Food and inventory purchases
• New location

Finding the cash flow to make improvements while keeping your bakery operating at its peak can be a daunting task.  Quikstone Capital Solutions can provide you the expertise and funding necessary to keep your business flourishing through the new year and beyond. 

Click below to download our Free Bakery Investment Guide

or apply now for funding information.