What Are The Challenges To Running A Small Baking Business?
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE SIDES TO RUNNING A SMALL CAKE BUSINESS?
For many of us it’s often been a dream to run our own small baking businesses and for others after baking for the kids birthdays, friends and family loving your bakes the next step might be to take the cakes into a side business which is especially appealing as the hours can be flexible suiting many. However if you have found yourself running your own small baking business you may have come across some challenges.
Whilst on the most part cake design is filled with creativity and goodness , it's essential to acknowledge the flip side! Like any job there are always challenges that come with running a little home baking business. In this blog post we can explore some of the negative aspects of designing cakes, running a small cake business and some of what it entails. . I want to be honest and open as to offer you insights along with a few tips on navigating these challenges a little easier.
Taking that leap from hobby baker to professional baker is a big one, I can honestly say running my own cupcake business has been one of the HARDEST thing I have ever done!
Long Hours and Tight Deadlines:
Challenge: Cake design is an intricate and time-consuming process, and tight deadlines can lead to long but flexible working hours. Many of us work early mornings, late into the night and at weekends to fulfil customers orders.
Tip: BE ORGANISED! This will save you a lot of headache with every order. If you plan your schedule meticulously, allocating sufficient time for each order, find your rythem and don’t take on too much. Setting realistic deadlines for each order with avoid rushing your bakes and also avoid burnout.
Endless Engaging Content:
(Something I struggle with)
Challenge: You have to get creative and have a lot of content to share with your audience all the time day after day. That doesn’t just mean endless pictures of your cakes either. You have to come up with unique engaging content that will keep them on your platform and returning for more!
Tip: Create a content calander and batch create your content! Have a strategy don’t just post aimlessly, always have a plan ;)
Dealing with Difficult Customers:
Challenge: The reality is not every customer will be a delight to work with, and handling difficult clients can be stressful. (Whole Blog Post Coming About this lol as its can be alot!)
Tip: Establish clear communication channels, it’s up to us to set boundaries, and diplomatically address concerns. Having a well-defined contract can also protect you from unreasonable demands. Don’t just wing it, by setting out your terms and conditions at the start this will safe your time later when your dealing with this more challenging customers.
Ingredient Costs and Pricing Pressures:
Challenge: Ughhh this over 2022-20204 has been so hard for many of us! Many small cake businesses closed down because the price of ingredients and work spaces just became too much. We want to use high-quality ingredients as our customers deserve the best, but with the cost increases it’s a challenge to find the right balance. (Let’s not get started on the price of butter) So setting prices that reflect the value of your work may face resistance in competitive markets.
It’s up to us to Find The right customers who appreciate our craft and more than willing to pay our prices. If you're someone who is really struggling with how to price your cakes and bakes for profit in your small baking business Make sure you Grab This Guide to help your How To Price for Profit!
Tip: Educate customers on the quality of your ingredients and the craftsmanship involved. Be transparent about your pricing to help customers understand the true value of your creations.
Health and Safety Regulations:
Challenge: Adhering to health and safety regulations can be complex, especially when working from a home kitchen. Also very different from country to country event state to state.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with local regulations, obtain necessary certifications, and ensure your workspace meets health standards. Transparency about your compliance can build trust with customers. Remember they are there to help you ensure everything meets the safety standards required. ( New Guide Covering This Is Coming Soon!)
Weather-Related Challenges:
Challenge: I know a lot of you are in very hot humid climates so working in a variety of weather conditions can significantly impact the stability and appearance of your cakes! Even if your in the uk believe it or not occasionally it can be hot, humid and sunny that can play havoc with ganache, buttercream etc
Tip: Invest time in learning about the effects of humidity, temperature, and seasonal changes on your cakes. Consider adjusting your recipes or delivery methods accordingly. This will save you time in the long run and save you from many disasters and unhappy customers! Also educate your customers on cake care when they order from you.
Handling Criticism and Negative Feedback:
Challenge: Not everything you create will be perfect, and negative feedback is inevitable and as we are so passionate about our small businesses it’s so hard not to take everything persoanlly!
Tip: Use constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. Learn from mistakes, seek feedback from trusted peers, and always strive to improve your skills.
Dealing with Trolls ughhh …more about that later in another Blog Post!
Market Saturation and Competition:
Challenge: The cake industry can feel saturated, leading to fierce competition, but what market isn’t saturated? Don’t let be the excuse your use to not follow your dreams of running and succeeding at your own cake business.
Tip: Differentiate your business by finding a unique niche, showcasing your style through effective branding, and leveraging social media to reach a broader audience.
Balancing Creativity and Client Requests:
Challenge: Balancing your artistic vision with client expectations can be very challenging at times.
Tip: Clearly communicate your design style and limitations upfront. Work collaboratively with clients to find a balance that satisfies both parties.
Working Alone
Challenge: This can be one of the hardest sides to running a small baking business. As it’s all on YOU! So unless you're running a cake business with your bestie or your sister everything comes down to you! From shopping to stock to dealing with customers, to running the social media its ALOT!
Tip: Become friends with local bakers reach out to the baking community online so when you need support from others in the same position you have some where to go and to ask for advice. Because the reality is our friends/partners are outside our cake world and really don’t get it and we can’t expect them too.
REMEMBER
Owning your own cake business is wonderful if you're prepared to put in a lot of work!
It’s not just about baking the cakes and the decorating.
You also need to be:
A good photographer
A marketing manager
Know how to run your e-mail marketing
How to build a brand
How to find & nurture your customers so they return! If you need help with where and how to find more if your ideal customers CLICK HERE!
Constantly buying the stock and order everything you need.
A customer service manager
If you want to be taken seriously know how to run and maintain a website.
Ready to create endless social media content that keeps everyone engaged
and so much more! Not to scare you off, lol! Its all doable if you're determined and organised!
There are also many more jobs to running a small baking business these are just a few!
TIP: BUT you can call yourself a CEO- The Boss!
If you need more help with social media, pricing your bakes and finding more customers there are a variety of Baking Business Support Guides to help you!
While the journey of running a small cake business may have its challenges, I believe that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. By staying resilient, adapting to change, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can turn these negatives into valuable lessons that contribute to the success and longevity of your sweet venture. Remember, the joy of creating delicious and visually stunning cakes is the driving force that will keep you thriving in the wonderful world of cake design.
If you're feeling lonely running your cake business, you don’t need to be I have a couple of places you can come and join for a safe space to discuss issues, vent and ask for advice!
Any questions drop me a message on Instagram or an E-mail Im happy to help you.
