Opening a bakery is no simple undertaking, but you can accomplish great things if you go at it methodically. However, make nos mistake; there is far more to opening a shop such as this than knowing how to bake delicious macaroons!
Luckily, this post will give you the low down on six vitally important tips you need to start opening the bakery of your dreams!
Treat It Like A Business And Less Like A Hobby
Despite not always being true, many people who set up businesses based on their hobbies fail at the start because they don’t treat them like a business and instead as an extension of their hobby. Unfortunately, bakery tends to fall into this category since people believe they can simply rent a shop, bake some delicious treats, and, a la Field of Dreams… they will come! However, if you really want to succeed, you need to treat it like a business and get all the necessities a business requires. This means searching for insurance for your bakery business, hiring staff, getting your accounting on point, sourcing suppliers, and investing in a healthy marketing budget. If this all sounds challenging, it’s because it is. Nonetheless, with the right mindset and attitude, the rewards can be substantial, particularly if you make a name for yourself in a wealthy part of town.
Select A Suitable Business Location
Location, location, location…location is everything, so they say. Well, they say so because while most things can be moved online and need very little commercial real estate, however, something like a bakery still requires a decent location to set up shop in order actually to bake your products. However, if you are sensible and take time to look around, you could end up with far more than a mere factory churning out pastries. The right spot will mean lots of lovely footfall and passersby looking to sate their sweet tooth when the urge strikes. You will gain extra points for understanding the importance of setting up a window display that will lure in unsuspecting punters with a mouthwatering selection of your best-sellers and the enticing aroma of baked goods.
Obtain The Necessary Permits And Licenses To Run A Bakery
It is vital to obtain the necessary permits and licenses before getting started with your bakery business. Your area’s local laws will dictate the permissions you need to run a bakery. Usually, you will need permits for food handling, zoning certificates, and health department permits. Additionally, depending on the scale of your business, you may be required to secure other certifications, such as a business license or Employer Identification Number (EIN), for the inevitable process of paying tax. Make sure to research thoroughly so that you can get all the documents in order. Having all the paperwork in place beforehand is much easier because having it done later can be more time-consuming and costly. Additionally, if you have employees on your payroll, then consider getting workers’ compensation insurance too. In short, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses will ensure that your baking business can run smoothly without any legal hassles.
Establish A Business Plan And Budget
Many of the steps involved in setting up a bakery exist for almost all other businesses in that they need planning and thought. One of the key processes to opening any new business is developing a sound business plan that covers all aspects of your new endeavor, from how you will source capital to marketing strategies. In fact, when it comes to the former point, a solid plan is essential to obtaining backers willing to invest their money, as they can see when you expect to become profitable and, therefore, when they might expect to get their investment back. Even if you are boring money from family and friends, it’s worthwhile taking this step in order to avoid potential issues that might arise down the line.
Develop A Marketing Strategy To Promote Your Business
If you’ve taken the right steps in creating a pan, you should have already set out how you plan to market your bakery to the masses. However, now it’s time to implement that plan to ensure your shop remains full of customers who are willing to buy. When you’re just beginning, you can create an opening coupon to entice new customers and then keep them with things like a loyalty program (these tend to be extremely popular with buyers of baked goods)
Follow Safety And Hygiene Standards For Food Handling Lest You Get A Visit From The Health Inspector
Food safety and hygiene standards are crucial for any business that deals with food or drink, and when you’re applying for permits, you will become acutely aware of this. It’s a good idea to research the bakery industry’s standard safety and hygiene procedures before you open your doors and get your staff trained in the proper protocols regarding safe food handling practices and protective clothing when dealing with ingredients and equipment.
Starting a new business might seem terrifying, but you can make it happen with the proper state of mind (and a keen understanding of the steps involved). Hopefully, these tips have given you a decent overview of what you need to start selling your delicious baked goodies!
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