Baker looking for Ideas?

Question

I am a certified pastry chef/baker and I am looking for some ideas to make extra money. I was wondering what type of advertising you all would trust and take seriously if you saw. Like.. A flyer in a neighborhood, something on craigslist, etc? I would love to cater some birthdays or dinner parties, but I dont know how to get a jump start and find some clients. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I would put flyers on bulletin boards in laundromats, grocery stores, drug stores, places like that where the busy person has to stop for a little while.

If you have a QuickQuarter or ThriftyNickle type advertising newspaper in your area, that is a good place to put a quick little ad once in a while. You know the ones that have stuff for sale? Run a series for about 6 weeks, lay off for a bit then run some more.

Once you get one or two clients, word of mouth is best there is, but it is getting the first couple of clients.

Answer 2

I would do a website....and then do a flyer...post it at area bridal shops, Party and crafts shops ....Craigslist is another option, but be careful...It will be slow at first but your best marketing tool is word of mouth......After you first successful event, you will be busy busy.....

Answer 3

I definately agree with Lorie.  One of the main things I like as a consumer is the ability to find out information about a company online.  If you don't already have a website - get one!  It can make all the difference.  I don't even look at most places if they don't have a website.

Apart from that I think the leaflet handout in the neighbourhood is a good idea.  Make sure your shop also advertises clearly that you cater for these things.  Maybe even have a day where you roam the local streets with some of your cooking for people to taste.

Answer 4

Craigslist is a great way to get started.  You could also check out local restraunts and see if they wanted to widen their pastry menu and give them samples of your best items.  Word of mouth is always the best way to get started and you could post info at bulletin boards at churches or places like dinner affair and other places that people make their own meals.

Answer 5

NCL still hasnt called you either? I work with catering companies and it seems that the network of catering employees here in detroit get to know each other. I would try finding that network in your area. besides the coffe shop deal (I thought that was a good idea) i would suggest looking to set up a booth at festivals or other shows in your area. Its a good way to display your product and pass out buisness cards.

Answer 6

like you said, make flyers and give them to neighbors, and give some to your friends to give to their friends and so on. when people recommend you to other friends they trust you more. hope i helped

Answer 7

A friend of mine in college actually made money this way... she found a coffee shop that wanted to sell bakery items and baked a few cakes/pastries/cookies, etc. and took them in twice a week.  Basically her deal was, she got paid double what the cost of her ingredients were.  The coffee shop sold the cakes and stuff by the slice for whatever price they wanted.  You might start there for a little extra money.  You might also ask some local businesses if you can come in and give samples to their employees (pre-wrapped cookies with your business card attached) for example.  Then people will eat your cookies and keep your card.  Just an idea.

Answer 8

Show people exactly what you can do. Flyers can only do so much. Compile photos of your best looking work and put them in a binder and show them to people you know. If they or any of their frinds are in need of cakes or whatever they will have seen your work or heard good things and will call on you to supply them. Invest in a few business cards but make them look great. Don't just do a simple white.