Make Your Cake Decorating Business More Efficient, part 1

It is true of any business that efficiency equals greater profit. In the previous post, we looked at some general ideas to consider when starting your own cake decorating business, and in this number one we look at a number of things you can do to maximise efficiency and make your time and effort more productive.

Bulk Produce items that you will use frequently. Things like fondant flowers, figurines, certain types of lettering - these can all be made in advance so you don't have to set up to make them each time you do a cake. Every niche uses particular things repeatedly, so if you work your niche thoroughly, you can save a lot of time and effort by this type of mass production. Many of these things can also be bought from a good supplier, or contracted out to someone who specialises in them. Do be careful though - storage methods and times will vary for anything edible, so check this before you start.

Maintain good communication with clients Be very clear about their requirements for the cake, and also of dates and times. If you are unsure, ask. It is better to double check than to have to start over because you thought they wanted red flowers when they really wanted blue. You will save a lot of time and extra work, not to mention your reputation, if you get all these details in writing and refer to them often. It is a good idea to give progress reports - e-mail is ideal for this - so the client knows you are working for them and care about the service you provide. It will also give them the opportunity to correct any misconceptions, but be careful here - people do change their minds about such important features of their special occasions, and you need to be clear about exactly when final decisions must be made.

Emergencies will arise from time to time. Experience will teach you what to be prepared for, and it is wise to always have necessary equipment, tools, and materials ready for unexpected repairs when disaster strikes. (Sometimes a cake is beyond saving - check out this You Tube clip. It may be amusing as a video clip, but look at how upset the bride is - it really isn't funny. Someone's carelessness has caused this to happen - if it is the cake maker, then I wouldn't expect them to get paid). Being efficient in all aspects of your cake decorating business will help to avoid last minute rushes that tend to create such problems. Part 2 of this post will talk about some more things you can do to help achieve this.