How to Run a Bake Sale: 9 Steps
1. Plan your bake sale: Start by selecting a date, time, and location for your event. Make sure the location is convenient for your target audience and that it has high foot traffic. Also, check the weather forecast beforehand to ensure it will be suitable for an outdoor event.
2. Gather volunteers: Find friends, family members, or colleagues interested in participating and helping with the bake sale. Assign roles to each volunteer, such as bakers, sellers, decorators, and promoters.
3. Create a menu: Decide on the baked goods you want to sell at your bake sale. Consider offering various options like cookies, brownies, cakes, and cupcakes. Don’t forget to include some allergy-friendly or vegan options as well.
4. Set prices: Determine reasonable prices for your baked goods that will cover the cost of ingredients and generate revenue for your cause. Keep in mind that you want to make a profit while still keeping prices low enough to encourage people to purchase multiple items.
5. Gather supplies: Besides baking ingredients, you’ll need supplies like tables and chairs, tablecloths, napkins, plates, utensils, price tags or labels, cash box with change, and plastic bags or containers to package the baked goods.
6. Promote your bake sale: Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to announce the sale event to friends, families, neighbors, and community members. Additionally, consider creating flyers or posters to put up in local shops or community centers.
7. Bake ahead of time: Start baking multiple batches of each item a day or two before the sale to ensure you have enough inventory for your event. Consider asking your volunteers for assistance with preparation as needed.
8. Set up and decorate: Arrive early at your chosen location to set up tables and chairs with tablecloths, displays of baked goods attractively arranged on trays or plates. Use signs or labels to clearly mark the prices of each item.
9. Sell and engage customers: Welcome customers with a friendly greeting and make them feel valued for supporting your cause. Encourage them to try samples if available and suggest additional items to purchase. Don’t forget to thank customers for their support.
With these 9 steps, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful bake sale!