Bakery inventory management, point-of-sale systems, and excellent user interface are crucial to good bakery management and online ordering system. Luckily, BakeSmart has all the features you need to make your bakery stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways to give yourself a leg up on the cake decorator down the street is an easy-to-use online ordering system. Setting up new software doesn’t have to be a headache, and in the long-run, online ordering systems can save you plenty of time and money. Learn more about implementing online ordering and how it can benefit your bottom line.
Why Make the Move Online?
Before you invest in software for your bakery, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Allow us to convince you! Transitioning to an online bakery management system will save you time and money, plus bring dozens of new income opportunities. Making the move to online ordering can result in a world of benefits, including:
- Ease of use for customers and staff
- Reduce pressure on phone lines and email communication
- Customer interaction with no middleman
- Easy to update
- Potential to add new revenue streams
- Accept a variety of payment methods
- Minimize employee and customer error
- Take care of all your online ordering needs from one convenient system
Building a Useful Ordering System
Once you’ve decided to transition to an online bakery management software, it’s time to think about which features make the most sense. Every bakery is different and will require a different setup. With BakeSmart, creating a personalized system is simple! Our software can do it all, from everyday coffee orders to complex custom cakes. Here are a few things to consider when building your very own online ordering system:
Choose an Ordering System that Meets Your Needs
First and foremost, think about which specific features your bakery needs. You might want a bakery inventory list available to both your staff and customers, or you might integrate a POS system so patrons can buy online. Let the BakeSmart team know more about your unique needs, and we’ll recommend the features best suited to you.
Add Capabilities for Custom Orders
While most of your customers are probably content with your everyday batches of donuts and pastries, some patrons might want something a bit more personalized. To keep every sweet tooth happy, be sure to integrate capabilities for custom cake orders. This way, you can keep track of every detail, including icing flavors, toppings, and fillings. An easy cake ordering system will make you better able to accommodate special occasions, like weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Reduce Stress with Organizational Tools
Although running a bakery might seem like all icing and sprinkles, keeping your business profitable is no easy task. Fortunately, an online ordering system can take some of the daily stress off your plate. BakeSmart software includes numerous organizational tools so you can have all the relevant data at your fingertips. Start using intuitive inventory management techniques, or streamline your bakery expenses spreadsheet.
Making the Most of Your New Online System
Now that your online ordering system is up and running, how you use it is up to you. Convenient online systems have countless benefits, and it’s important to take full advantage of them. To make the most of your customized ordering system, we recommend the following:
Control Crowds at the Busiest Times of Day
Online ordering systems aren’t just for accommodating digital customers. They’re helpful for in-person patrons as well! Taking care of orders online means less foot traffic in your store—not to mention shorter lines. Of course, you’ll still have those rush times at specific points in the day, but you’ll minimize the crowds with an easy-to-use online ordering system.
Utilize Social Media
No matter how much time and money you put into advertising, nothing sells your bakery quite like word of mouth. Setting up a website with online ordering capabilities gives you something to link to on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and whatever other social media platforms you use. You might also set up a Patreon accessible via your online ordering software to make some extra income on the side.
Gain Wholesale Clients
Trying to attract wholesale clients can be challenging. After all, restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels might have high production expectations, even for a small bakery. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, an online ordering platform and wholesale bakery software can be just what you need to get the conversation started. Let potential clients know that ordering from you is quick, easy, and customizable!
Generate Extra Income with Merch Sales
We could all use some extra cash on the side, no matter how successful our bakeries become. One popular way to open up a new income stream is through merchandise sales. Perhaps you’ve had a T-shirt design in mind for a while, or maybe you have some branded hats gathering dust in the back. Post them to your online ordering platform and watch your customers take note! Not only does merch give your patrons a fun way to support your bakery, but it also functions as free advertising when your customers wear it out and about.
Get Set Up with BakeSmart Today
As you work to set up an online ordering system, be sure to use the best bakery software on the market. The team at BakeSmart is excited to work with new clients and help them maximize their bakery’s profits. Trying our software is risk-free and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied with the system. Say goodbye to complicated order management and inaccurate inventory lists—schedule a demo with BakeSmart today.