How To Get Ready For A Bake Sale
Here is how to get ready for a bake sale. It’s bake sale season! Are you gearing up for an upcoming bake sale and feeling a tad overwhelmed?
Getting ready for a bake sale can feel like a big task, but with the right plan, it can be fun and rewarding.
Bake sales are a great way to share your delicious treats while raising money for a good cause.
From planning what to bake to setting up your table, every step is important to make it a success and a little preparation goes a long way.
The last time I went through a bake sale, it was clear who was making money and who wasn’t.
The tables that stood out had organized displays, clear pricing, and eye-catching packaging.
Meanwhile, some tables had their baking beside t-shirts or store bought candy. It showed me that presentation and planning make all the difference.
If you want your bake sale to be a success, it’s not just about having tasty treats—it’s about making them irresistible to buyers.
How To Get Ready For A Bake Sale
1. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear goals is one of the most important steps when getting ready for a bake sale. Decide what you want to achieve. Are you wanting to raise a specific amount of money or selling a certain amount of your baking?
I was showing at a craft sale and there was a lady there selling cupcakes. She brought in bins of fresh cupcakes, sold out and went home. Her goals were clear.
Knowing your goals helps you plan better, from choosing what to bake to pricing your items. It also gives you a clear focus during the sale, so you can stay on track and measure your success at the end.
2. Create a Budget
Getting ready for a bake sale starts with knowing your numbers. Keep track of everything you spend, from ingredients and packaging to decorations and any fees for the event.
This will help you understand how much it costs to make each item and set prices that cover your costs and make a profit.
It also gives you a clear picture of how successful your bake sale is in the end.
A little effort to track expenses can go a long way in keeping your bake sale organized and profitable.
3. Choose a Theme
When you are getting ready for a bake sale, try to go with a theme. Whether it’s aligning with the seasons, celebrating holidays, or embracing a specific culinary theme, a well-chosen theme adds an extra layer of excitement.
It not only attracts attention but also provides a unique selling point for your event.
Themed bake sales have the power to captivate imaginations, making your baking stand out.
Also coming up with unique names for your cupcakes or cookies is also a fantastic idea for marketing.
4. Select a Suitable Venue
Choosing the right venue is key to a successful bake sale. Look for places with plenty of foot traffic, like schools, community centers, farmers’ markets, or outside local stores.
Make sure the location has enough space for your table, displays, and customers to move around easily. Check if you need permission or permits to set up, and plan for access to electricity or shade if needed.
A good venue can make a big difference in attracting more people to your bake sale.
5. Have Help
Having some extra hands can make your bake sale run smoothly and be more enjoyable.
Get your kids or a friend who’s interested in learning about selling involved. Not only does it take the pressure off you, but it also adds a fun, team aspect to the event.
They can help with setting up, handing out treats, and talking to customers, giving you more time to focus on baking and making sure everything is perfect.
Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about teamwork and business in a hands-on way!
6. Diverse Treats
Variety is the spice of life, and the same holds true for your bake sale offerings.
Consider including options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan treats.
Beautifully decorated cookies sell really well at bake sales. To take your cookies to the next level consider purchasing an airbrush machine for cookies and cakes.
Also, offering foods that do not spoil like dehydrated fruits and beef jerky are top sellers at bakes sales.
Stay on top of trends, items like freeze dried fruits are top sellers at the moment and make great meal prep ideas.
Did you know you can also buy things like maple syrup in bulk and then repackage them? Here’s an Etsy shop that has printable maple syrup labels.
7. Price Properly
Pricing your items correctly is important for a successful bake sale. If the prices are too high, people might hesitate to buy, but if they’re too low, you might not cover your costs or make a profit.
Consider the cost of your ingredients, packaging, and any fees for the venue, then set prices that are fair yet profitable.
Also, try to offer a range of prices with different-sized portions or treats so everyone can find something they’re willing to buy.
Keep your prices clear and easy to understand, and don’t forget to offer discounts for bulk purchases—people love a good deal!
8. Promote in Advance
Promoting your bake sale ahead of time is key to attracting a crowd. Use social media, flyers, or word of mouth to spread the word to as many people as possible.
Share details about where, when, and what treats will be available, and if you’re supporting a cause, make sure to highlight that too. This is one of the best tips for getting ready for a bake sale.
You can even create a buzz by posting sneak peeks of your baked goods or offering a special deal for the first few customers.
The more people know about your sale before the big day, the more likely they are to stop by and support it.
PRO TIP: Email all of the businesses in your area with a special invite to your show. Offer their employees a discount or something special when they show up.
9. Create Eye-Catching Displays
Visual appeal is a potent tool in attracting customers to your delectable creations.
Make your presentation better with colorful tablecloths, attractive signs, and creative displays. The visual aesthetic of your booth should not only showcase the scrumptious treats but also create an inviting atmosphere.
A well-designed display has the power to entice passersby and convert them into satisfied customers.
10. Provide Allergen Information
It’s important to be transparent about the ingredients in your baked goods, especially when it comes to allergens.
Make sure to clearly label any items that contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, or eggs. This not only helps keep your customers safe but also shows that you care about their health and well-being.
You can create simple signs or stickers with allergen information next to each item or include a list on your pricing sheet. Taking this extra step can help build trust with your customers and make your bake sale more inclusive.
11. Accept Pre-orders
Offering pre-orders is a great way to guarantee sales and make your bake sale even more organized. Start collecting orders through your social media or by having people message you in advance.
On the day of the sale, set up a special section for pre-ordered items with the customer’s name clearly marked.
Use a big sign to let people know they can order ahead next time, making your sale even more appealing.
Pre-orders help you plan better and ensure you’re not left with too much leftover, while also encouraging repeat customers.
12. Offer Bundle Deals
Bundle deals are a great way to increase sales and give customers more value for their money.
For example, offer a discount when people buy multiple items, like three cookies for the price of two or a cupcake and a brownie together.
This can encourage customers to buy more, especially if they’re having a hard time choosing.
Here’s our guide on how to bake perfect cookies.
Bundle deals also make it easier for you to sell out of your treats, and they give customers the feeling they’re getting a special deal.
Just make sure to clearly display these offers with easy-to-read signs so everyone can take advantage!
13. Have Adequate Change
Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of small bills and coins so you can easily give back the right amount.
Consider keeping a small cash box or pouch organized by denominations, and if possible, use a mobile payment option for people who prefer paying electronically.
But always have change in case the internet goes down, which happens a lot!
14. Provide Nice Packaging
Offering proper packaging is important for both presentation and convenience. Use sturdy bags or boxes to wrap up your baked goods, especially if they’re delicate or need to stay fresh.
Clear plastic or paper bags with a branded sticker or label add a professional touch and make your items look even more appealing.
Offering different sizes of packaging can also be helpful, such as small bags for cookies or larger boxes for cakes.
Well-packaged treats are not only easy to carry, but they also show customers that you take pride in your baking and care about their experience.
15. Engage with the Community
Transform your bake sale into a community-building event by actively engaging with customers.
Share information about your cause, express gratitude for their support, and foster a sense of connection.
Building relationships with your customers goes beyond the transactional nature of a sale; it creates a memorable experience that resonates long after the last cookie has been enjoyed.
16. Have Samples
Arrange your samples strategically on the display table, offering a tempting preview of the delicious treasures available.
This not only adds a personal touch to your customer interactions but also encourages them to explore new flavors or treats they might not have considered.
Sampling is a powerful marketing tool, converting hesitant browsers into enthusiastic buyers. As people savor the flavors of your creations, they’re more likely to be drawn in, sparking conversations about their favorites and generating buzz around your bake sale.
17. Cater to Corporate Customers
Reaching out to corporate customers can be a smart way to boost sales and increase the visibility of your bake sale.
Send a well-crafted email to local businesses, offering bulk orders or special deals for their offices or events.
Make it easy for them to place large orders by providing details about your available items, pricing, and delivery options.
Corporate customers often appreciate the convenience of pre-ordered baked goods for meetings, team events, or client gifts, so offering them a chance to order ahead can lead to steady business and bigger sales.
18. Post On Social Media Throughout The Day
Capture vibrant photos of the event, the delectable treats, and the smiling faces of satisfied customers. Post to your social media throughout the day.
Here’s a post idea for you:
🍪🎉 Our bake sale is in full swing, and we’re seeing some serious favorites fly off the table! 🧁 The [insert popular item] is selling out fast, and our [insert another popular item] is definitely a crowd-pleaser. If you’re still planning to stop by, be sure to grab yours before they’re gone! Thank you all for the amazing support—we’re so excited to see what sells out next! 💕 #BakeSaleFavorites #BakingSuccess #ThankYou #SweetTreats
19. Collect Feedback
After your bake sale, collecting feedback is a great way to learn and improve for next time.
Ask your customers what they liked, what could be better, and if there’s anything they would want to see more of in the future.
You can gather feedback through a simple survey or just by chatting with people as they buy. Listening to your customers helps you understand what works and what doesn’t, and it shows that you value their opinions.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to learn how to make your next bake sale a success!
With a little planning, creativity, and the right preparation, you can turn your bake sale into a memorable event that not only attracts customers but also helps raise money for a great cause.
Remember to set clear goals, price your items well, and offer excellent service to keep people coming back.
Let us know what tips you found most helpful, and we’d love to hear about your own bake sale experiences! Happy baking!
Next, check out these ideas for cupcake designs for beginners. Some of these would be fantastic to sell at your next bake sale. And if you have a baker in your life, here’s our gift guide for the best gifts for bakers.
