Hi,
I am new to the business (less than 3 months). I sell custom cakes and cupcakes. I was approached by a local start up company that they want to help me sell my cakes online. Setting up an account and upload pictures of my cake and information of my cakes to their site are free. People can browse search/browse cakes(not just mine, but also other bakers') in their local areas from the comfort of their own home and make purchases online and pick up at my shop. I was told that there is a growing trend to order things online (which is sth I like to do too).
I was offer 2 payment options: either a monthly fee of $100 that includes everything or a transaction fee of 15% per purchase made through the website but no monthly fees. I am not sure if I should give it a try or try some other means of advertising. What do you think? Is it worth it? maybe I should try the transaction fees, after all, I am not paying anything until a purchase is made. What's your suggestion for other ways to build my business quickly? Thank you very much in advance.
Vanessa
Mmmm... I would do more research and find out what other possibilities there are for you to accomplish the same thing but possibly cheaper. The fees sound high and would really cut into your bottom line.
I am new to the business (less than 3 months)... I was told that there is a growing trend to order things online (which is sth I like to do too).
What's your suggestion for other ways to build my business quickly? Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Vanessa, welcome to CC. We all see an amazing number of online stores, but as an insider I know that only a handful of these baking businesses have success. This start-up company is interested in growing their own business and will tell you whatever it takes to get their own customers, who are people like you. Sorry, but there is no magic way to build a business quickly. I suggest you look at the local competition, your target market, and decide if your pricing can sustain a cake/cupcake business. If you want to move ahead, that's great! At least you will be prepared for the journey.
15% transaction fee? uh, no.
Also, you can do the same thing by setting up a website yourself, or a Facebook page. You can put up a picture, use a shopping cart and link in Paypal or Square. It's not that hard, although it may take you a few days to set it up. Look at the options on Go Daddy.
no don't do that -- it's them making a business off of you -- just say no --
best to you
AThank you ladies for the great insight
I have a very simple website but I am not getting many traffic, let alone new customers from it. Of course, I am not just depending on my website to build my business. I also know it takes time butI have a difficult time trying to figure out how to increase awareness of my shop both online and offline. Any ideas or suggestions?
I have heard some good things about the Knot and Wedding Wire. Anyone has any insight into these in turns of pricing and value to provide new businesses. I also wonder if I should negotiate a lower transaction fee or monthly price or a longer trial period since it is a start up company. I wonder if there are similar sites out there I can explore for pricing, effectiveness and stuff. Any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks.
V
there's a lot of information on the knot and wedding wire if you do searches
best to you
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