A Bakery's Sweet Spot: eCommerce to sell Custom Cakes

In recent years, the rise of online shopping has transformed consumer habits across various industries, with the bakery industry being no exception. As convenience continues to drive purchasing decisions, bakery owners are uniquely positioned to cater to the growing demand for custom and unique bakery items sold online. This blog post explores the significant shift towards eCommerce shopping habits and how bakeries can capitalize on this trend to enhance their sales and customer satisfaction.

The Shift to Online Shopping 

The last five years have seen a substantial increase in online shopping, a trend significantly accelerated by the pandemic but set to continue due to its inherent convenience and efficiency. Consumers are now more comfortable than ever with online transactions, seeking quick, hassle-free purchases from the comfort of their homes. This shift presents a golden opportunity for bakeries to expand their market reach through their own eCommerce store. Specifically in how they sell high margin items, like custom cakes, cookies and cupcakes! 

Consumer Preferences: Value and Convenience 
Today's shoppers prioritize value, convenience, and availability in their purchasing decisions. For bakery owners, this means setting up an online store that offers a seamless buying process is crucial. Implementing features such as clear pricing, easy customization options, and reliable communication can significantly enhance the online customer experience.

Demand for Customization in Bakery Products 
Despite a general trend toward cost-saving measures, there is a strong consumer desire for personalized and unique products. This demand is particularly relevant in the bakery industry, where custom cakes represent a significant draw. By offering customizable options, bakeries can attract a broader audience looking for products that stand out or are simply fun to shop. 

So, Bakery Owners... Why are You NOT Selling Online

Many bakery owners hesitate to sell online, fearing the complexity of custom orders and managing increased order volumes. However, the solution lies in simplifying the customization process—focusing on basic options like flavors, fillings, inscriptions, and color choices that meet the needs of the majority. 

We like to call it "Custom Enough".  Your customers have the dopamine hit from making a choice, but you've controlled the details so that your operations can handle the choice without disruption. 

Talking with hundreds of bakery owners we’ve learned that 80% of their custom cake business could be sold online.  A well-organized eCommerce store will take care of most customers leaving bakeries able to accommodate those seeking more custom creations through in-store visits or phone calls. 

Additionally, setting appropriate lead times and utilizing fully integrated eCommerce solutions like BakeSmart can effectively manage both customer expectations and order flow.  Software like BakeSmart ensures that bakeries can handle increased volumes without sacrificing quality.

Streamlining Operations with BakeSmart

Ease of setup and management is crucial for transitioning to online sales. Bakery-specific eCommerce solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing order management systems can make the digital transition smooth and manageable. BakeSmart, for instance, offers features that streamline everything from taking orders to final fulfillment, significantly reducing the administrative burden and allowing bakery owners to focus more on growing their volume and less on the logistics of each order.
 

As consumer behaviors continue to evolve, bakery owners have a significant opportunity to expand their presence in the digital marketplace. By harnessing the power of eCommerce, bakeries can not only meet current consumer expectations but also position themselves for future growth. Embracing online sales channels will enable bakery owners to turn every click into a potential customer, ensuring that their custom creations are just a click away.

To see BakeSmart in action and learn how it can work in your operations, schedule a demo today!