any suggestions on how to generate business? I'm already displaying my cakes at a local resturant. I do discount cakes for my aunt who takes my cards with her to her functions. So far I've done bridal shower, baby shower, and birthday cakes for her. Get a lot of Ohhs and Ahhs but no orders! I'm at my wits end! HELP!! 
Kmoores,
It sounds like you're doing all the right things! Now all you need is a little patience. I know it's hard, but slow and steady wins the race.
a business builds slow via word of mouth,but when it takes off you will be wondering where your nice quiet days went to.
lol
Congratulations on having your Aunt helping you out like that! Keep up the good work, as I"m sure you're doing to get ohh and ahhs..
Soon you will be flooded with orders!
I suggest you give out some free small cakes or cupcakes. I do that and get a lot of business that way. Go outside the realm of your normal everyday stuff. Donate some to some school offices and PTA functions, doctor's offices, realtors, party supply shops, banks, salons, etc. You will have to eat some costs, but you will get orders. I did this because personally I will not order anything, especially food, unless I have tasted it before. I think maybe a lot of people are like that.
HTH,
Berta
I donated to auctions and that was a MAJOR business-booster for me at the start. I've made up a certificate for prizes like 50 wedding cookie favours, kid's party cakes/20 cupcakes and 3 birthday cakes for a year. I gave my approximate prices for each service and people were very generous and excited to bid on them. You can nearly always put your business cards and maybe a sample styrofoam cake on display to entice the bidders!
From small ($20 in supplies?) to large ($80 in supplies?) donations, I've easily generated over 20 orders per auction.
Next year I'm giving a wedding cake for 100 away to the highest bidder at a charity auction. It's a great way to do a design you might have wanted to try forever! You can even supply a sketch or photo of what the cake will look like, but offer to personalize it just for their wedding.
I have been doing cakes now for about a year and all of my orders have been from word of mouth. I plan on opening a cake shop soon and one idea I have for generating bussiness is to have a free taste testing. I will invite my friends and family and ask each person to try to bring atleast one person. I will ask for feedback on taste and decorating styles. This way they get to taste my products, I get experience, and hopefully I get bussiness. The testers get free desserts! Everyone should win. If that one goes well, I will do the same thing for the public on the opening weekend of the shop.
I recently advertised in a local development that has a newsletter. I already had a couple of customers in there and I was able to use their comments, plus it was really cheap. Also, look for a local Mom's Club. They have monthly newsletters and outsiders are allowed to advertise, also for cheap. Hope that helps.
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