Thank you so much for starting this thread, @sugarlab -- I teared up when I read it. Sometimes you feel like you're the only one going through something, and it's helpful to at least know you're not alone in the experience.
We're not solely a bakery -- we're kind of a bakery, restaurant, cafe/coffee shop hybrid. But, our roots are in baking and it's a huge part of what we do. All of our baked goods are also vegan (didn't realize there were so many of us @Abludoodle @ShawneesGoodies!) and the ingredient prices really have gotten insane. The majority of our customers are not vegan, so it's hard to promote the items as specialty/vegan (which would come with a higher price tag), because that's not actually what they're coming to us for.
Anywayssss... it's been a tough year for us too. My husband, sister-in-law, and I (the three of us own the business together) are heading into a series of "What's next" conversations over the next two weeks. It's becoming more and more apparent that this model just isn't long term sustainable -- from a financial perspective, but also a mental load/stress level perspective (I'm sure you can relate @lenjobakes). I honestly don't think there are any quick fixes, and at the moment I'm struggling a bit to see how we can make it work long-term, but... trying to remain curious and creative.
Thanks again for starting this thread @sugarlab -- looking forward to hearing from others. Nice to know how everyone is doing, and makes this small business owner life a little less isolating.
Thanks for the encouragement @maxpete! As I lay awake in bed thinking about all of this (who can relate?!) I often find peace in asking myself, "What if it all turns out better than I can even imagine?" I don't have any idea what that could look like... it could even mean closing the shop. But, I honestly believe that, in general, things work out as they need to. So, one day at a time, one question at a time! Eager to find some clarity soon.
Thanks again for your positive energy and encouragement!
What we've done:
- Focused on wholesaling our product. We've now grown that aspect of our business to accounting for 10% of ALL revenue annually. It's nice that at the beginning of the week you know you've already sold X before doing anything else. Plus it gives great exposure to people who may not be familiar with your main store front.
- Doing special events like festivals, etc. A great way to add a very nice financial boost plus, again, expand your exposure.
- Doing themed items. We do specialty boxes depending on the time of year. Halloween is Boo Box, Xmas is Gift Box, Easter is Bunny Box. Items that are only available thru this limited time opportunity creates buzz & a sense of urgency, plus is a nice change of pace to your regulars.
- Collaborate with local businesses. We now provide a local lunch shack with unglazed donuts 1x/week for them to use as buns for smashburgers. Getting coffee from a local roastery/cafe & doing themed donuts exclusive to them. Same with beer from local micro breweries. Most of what I've already said applies.
- An "Office Hero" program where a member gets a dozen donuts a month for a year, but the entire year is prepaid in December. Another great way to get a lil boost off season.
- Corporate branding. Doing color/logo themed work for local corporations to promote their brands & say thank you to their customers.
And some eye candy to back it up ๐
