Emphasize the Basics: Quality. Cleanliness. Service.
Every year, the holidays present an awesome opportunity to increase sales and profits – both short-term and long-term. What your customers think about you, your employees, and your store decorations when they buy holiday-themed baked goods for this year’s special events will go a long way towards where they buy baked goods next week, next month, and well beyond the 2021 holidays! Now is the time to make your holiday baking a strong, lasting impression of excellence. Things that will influence their memories well beyond holiday cheer? The basics: Quality. Cleanliness. Service.
Quality Baking Products
BakeMark customers (that’s you) are already ahead of the curve when it comes to high quality baked goods. You’re starting with the very best products (ingredients, mixes, icings, fillings, toppings, finished goods, supplies, et. al.) available in the baking industry. You also have the bonus of your BakeMark Sales Representative who can steer you toward creating the best products, decorations, and displays. Take advantage of this tremendous resource every chance you get. Quality product means great taste, great appearance, and so much more!
Store Cleanliness all Holiday Season
Of course, the floor must be swept and your countertop and display case must be immaculate. But it’s also important to look at your store is if it is a giant report card to ensure a squeaky-clean impression on your customers. Grade yourself. Look at the walls for smudges. Can you give yourself an A? Are your posters fresh and clean? (Ask your BakeMark Sales Rep for new, unfaded replacements) How about the sidewalk? The trash cans? The windows? These are the things that subconsciously influence future buying decisions. Don’t stop inspecting and cleaning until your holiday report card has straight A’s.
Fantastic Service
You can count on a cheery holiday greeting to start a successful transaction with every customer who enters your shop. But that’s just the beginning. Make sure to suggest ways to improve each experience. “We have warm cinnamon rolls this morning. Would you like to try one for the road?” “Would you like to take a few holiday sprinkled cake donuts back to the office for your staff?” Even a simple “Can I make your fresh, hot coffee a large?” will let your customers know you care. Of course, a cheery “Happy Holidays” is always a memorable close.
Take Advantage of the Holidays
This year’s holidays give you a head start for all of next year. Customers who visit your shop for the first time will take advantage of your creative baked goods and fun-filled decorations. After that, it’s time for you to parlay that initial visit into many more returns for each and every customer. Always remember that the holidays bring them in, but quality, cleanliness, and service bring them back tomorrow and for years to come!
