How to start selling custom cakes

Registering as a pastry chef on the Domashka platform offers significant benefits: you get a stream of targeted customers, an order acceptance and management system, secure payments, and visibility in local searches—all without having to invest in advertising or spend time building an audience. Below is a clear, practical guide on "what to do" and "in what order" for those who want to sell cakes with maximum return.

What you get immediately after registering on Domashka

1. Local search results: users in your area will see your cakes.
2. Order acceptance channel: the customer places an order — you confirm it — payment — preparation — delivery/pickup.
3. Simplified request processing: message templates, fulfillment calendar, notifications.
4. Fraud protection: the system keeps a history of orders and reviews.
5. Pre-orders and package deals (holiday sets) are possible.

And all this is absolutely free!

Now — specifically, step by step, how to implement this in Domashka and where to sell custom cakes effectively.

Step 1 — Prepare a minimum business set (in 1–3 days)

• Recipes and price lists. Choose 4-6 basic cakes (classic, fruit, chocolate, cheese/cheesecake, themed). For each one, specify the weight/servings, ingredients, and shelf life.
• Photos. Three high-quality photos for each item: close-up, cake in packaging, cake in interior/on table. A studio is not necessary — the right lighting and neat presentation are key.
• Packaging. Choose a practical box, dividers, and ribbons. The packaging should retain its shape and be safe for transport.
• Cost calculation. Calculate the actual costs: ingredients, electricity, time, packaging, delivery. Add a margin of 25-60% depending on the uniqueness of the product.
• Terms of service. Minimum pre-order period, cancellation policy, return policy, and allergens — all of this should be specified in advance.

Step 2 — Registration and card creation on Domashka (1 day)

1. Register as a pastry chef/cook. Specify your region of operation (city) in your profile.
2. Create product cards: one card for each cake. Use keywords in the title and description: "Napoleon cake," "Delicious cheesecake," "Homemade apple pie with cinnamon," etc.
3. In the description, indicate: price, ingredients, weight, serving size, shelf life, packaging, delivery/pickup conditions, personalization options (inscriptions, decorations).
4. Set an availability calendar and minimum turnaround time (for example, 48–72 hours for complex cakes).

Why cards are important: it is through them that users find "custom cakes," compare prices, and make quick decisions. Domashka transmits cards to local search and also supports internal filters such as "cakes," "delivery," and "for holidays."

Step 3 — Set up order acceptance and payment

This step can be skipped, but if you wish, you can: 

1. Connect convenient payment methods (online card, transfer, cash). Domashka offers secure gateways — enable them.
2. In your profile, select the options: prepayment/payment upon receipt, deposit for personalization. For cakes, a 30-50% prepayment is often required upon order confirmation.
3. Set up message templates: order confirmation, pre-order reminder, readiness notification. This saves time.

Step 4 — How to work with requests: dialogue structure

1. The customer leaves a request: you see the name of the cake and a comment.
2. Respond within 60 minutes: confirm availability and timing or offer an alternative. A quick response is the main converter to sales.
3. Confirmation and prepayment: send a payment link/provide payment details.
4. Preparation: clarify the design, inscription, taste preferences, allergies.
5. Send the finished cake by courier or directly (as agreed) and notify the customer.

Tip: use templates, but personalize them: "Maria, thank you! For a 2 kg cake, I can make a berry layer — do you confirm?" — this way you increase the chance of payment.

Step 5 — Logistics: how to deliver cakes safely

• For cakes, the key is maintaining shape and temperature. Use rigid cardboard boxes, rigid pads, and thermal bags if necessary.
• Route: combine orders by area — this saves time and increases your margin.
• The Domashka service allows you to specify the delivery area — set time slots to avoid waiting.
• For large cakes (over 4 kg), it is wise to offer only pickup or delivery by your own transport.

Step 6 — Pricing and packaging options (how to increase the average check)

• Base price = cost + time + packaging + margin.
• Upsell options: personalized inscription, fondant figures, greeting card, gift wrapping. Offer them in the card as a "recommended addition.
"• Pre-orders/seasonal sets: Christmas set, cake + 6 cupcakes, turnkey birthday. These sets increase the average check.
• Loyalty discounts: 5–10% on the second order for returning customers.

Step 7 — How to find customers through Domashka and outside the platform

Inside Domashka:

1. Create new cards and update existing menus every 2–4 weeks.
2. Participate in platform promotions (holiday themes, "cakes for March 8" selections).
3. Collect positive reviews: ask for photos and comments — reviews improve your ranking.

Outside Domashka (additional):

1. Social media: post photos with your Domashka card tag and link.
2. Local communities: offer partnership packages with cafes, photo studios, florists.
3. Collaborations: joint offers with photographers for weddings/holidays.

Key idea: Domashka brings in the initial flow — then you scale up through word of mouth from offline partners.

Step 8 — Quality standards and working with reviews

• Always record the recipe and technology — this ensures consistency.
• Ask customers to post photos and reviews — feature the best ones in your cards.
• Respond to negative feedback quickly and correctly: offering compensation or a replacement often solves the problem and retains the customer.
• Collect statistics: which flavors and decorations sell best — optimize the menu.

Step 9 — Legal and safety

1. Check local requirements for preparing food to order (sanitation, income reporting). It is better to register as a sole proprietor/self-employed person right away so that you can work with your payment history without any problems.
2. Clearly indicate allergens (nuts, eggs, gluten) on the menu. This reduces the risk of complaints.
3. Liability insurance is an option for those planning large corporate orders.

Step 10 — Scaling: how to increase turnover without compromising quality

1. Add an assistant/helper for cutting and packaging.
2. Introduce weekly sets and subscriptions (e.g., cake + delivery every two weeks for corporate events).
3. Delegate delivery to a courier — this will free up your time for production.
4. Include "quick" items (cupcakes, mini cakes) on the menu for express orders.

Domashka supports several formats of work: you can develop as an individual pastry chef or join a small mini-bakery, while the platform will continue to bring in customers.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Not taking into account the time spent communicating with the customer. Respond within an hour.
• Underestimating the price. An unfavorable price will quickly kill your business.
• Poor packaging. A visually perfect cake with poor packaging will return damaged — you will lose your reputation.
• Lack of a pre-order policy. Without clear rules, you will be "rushed" at the last minute.
• Not asking for reviews. Without reviews, cards convert less effectively.

Examples of simple card texts (ready-made templates)

Name: "Classic Chocolate Cake"
Description: "Rich chocolate sponge cake, ganache cream, berry layer upon request. Weight 2 kg — 10–12 servings. Minimum production time 48 hours. Personalized inscription available. Sturdy packaging + gift ribbon. Delivery within the city (optional)."

Name: "Cheesecake with vanilla and berry topping"
Description: "Delicate cheesecake with a shortbread base. Weight 1.5 kg — 8–10 servings. Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Suitable as a dessert for a holiday or small banquet."

(Add similar texts to the cards — they work best.)

Conclusion — where to sell cakes and why Domashka is the key channel

• Where to sell cakes: primarily on Domashka (local access and traffic), additionally on social networks, through collaborations, local stores, and photo studios.
• How to find customers as a pastry chef: start with Domashka, optimize your cards, collect reviews, and expand your network of partners.
• Custom cakes as a source of income: with the right pricing, packaging, and delivery policies, this is a stable source of income and a scalable niche.

Registering and actively working on Domashka is the fastest and most reliable way to start selling cakes with minimal investment and a quick return on investment. By following this step-by-step plan, you will get a ready-made system: cards — orders — payment — delivery — reviews — growth.

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