Bakery Owners...

Business By wysmommy Updated 2 Jul 2007 , 5:51am by cupcake

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wysmommy Posted 30 Jun 2007 , 4:02pm
post #1 of 3

It appears I've just bought a bakery (or at least am about to). I know you guys are out there...Hit me with some of your best advice!

Thanks!

Michelle

2 replies
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Eggshells Posted 1 Jul 2007 , 2:55pm
post #2 of 3

Decide up front what you are going to specialize in, are you going full service with coffee, donuts, muffins and such or are you doing only custom cakes?

The first one will help pay the rent but WILL take up a lot of your time and people expect you to be there so they can get their JAVA jolt before they go to work.

The other is more chancy but more creative and you can keep "custom" hours too.

Just remember, to be TRUE to your passion, whatever you chose.

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cupcake Posted 2 Jul 2007 , 5:51am
post #3 of 3

I could go on forever about this topic, but alot depends on your location, clientele, and what competition you are facing. A retail operation consumes alot of time, that is figuring you doing cookies, brownies, pastries, specialty desserts, cakes etc. If you narrow it down to specialty items only you would be able to control it a little easier. When I first opened my shop, I did everything from pastries, breads, desserts, candy custom cakes, weddings, plus we had a dinner theater, so I did upscale dinners and entertainment. It was a little much. I averaged about 80 hours a week and after 3 years I was worn out, not to mention some major medical problem that forced me to scale down. I have the same business, but specialized more in custom items, I can regulate my time and have cut my work time down tremendously. I look at it now, and it is always easier to add to, then to take away. You get so pumped when you first start and want to get customers and business, so you take on anything to achieve that goal... but at what cost? If you are interested in more specific info you can PM me, didn't want this post to get too long.

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