A bake sale doesn't just happen by putting down some baked brownies.
Some thought has to go into how the customer will see the products as well as how the customer will receive the products.
Eye appeal is definitely buy appeal.
And, obvious cleanliness is one of the best salesman I've ever met.
Here are three areas to focus a little attention on while getting ready for the big day.
Setting the Table.
Bake sales are occasional events used for fund raising.
They required a lot of planning ahead and this means the organizers need to think about all the supplies they will need to carry their project through.
There will have to be a place to display the items.
Most event planners will use oblong tables that can be easily arranged to create a natural counter space.
If these tables are new and in pristine condition they may be used without further enhancement.
But, realistically speaking, they will have been used and need a bit of attention.
Covering a bake sale table can be just what is needed.
If at all possible, try using a white table cloths.
These could be linen, the type restaurants might use.
Some organizers prefer to use the white linen table cloths and then cover them with a sheet of clear plastic.
If something spills it is easy to clean up to keep the table looking good.
If you have a connection with a restaurant you may be able to borrow these cloths easily.
If not, plain white butcher paper, or purchased plastic cloths can be used to create a clean looking appearance.
If the bake sale has adopted a holiday theme, by all means consider using colorful plastic table clothes.
A cheerful coordinating color is better than a pattern because you want the buyer to see your baked goods without visually wading through a complicated design.
Do your best to acquire table skirts.
These can be purchased at a local party store in different colors.
Adding table skirts provides additional unseen storage space under the table which you'll need to store boxes of supplies.
Looking ahead to the big day, you will need to have a number of serving trays and baskets to display baked goods.
If you need more, serving trays can be easily purchased at party stores.
In a pinch you can wrap a baking sheet in foil.
Wrapping It Up Be sure to have plenty of wrapping supplies on hand before the sale begins.
Plan on having one or more of each for convenience.
Use aluminum foil to wrap items.
Use clear wrap, which also comes in colors, for wrapping.
Grab an assortment of paper doilies to use on your display trays.
Buy an assortment of paper plates which you can use for display as well as serving.
Buy the largest package of napkins you can find.
Keep a large number of plastic bags for your shoppers to take their goodies home.
Use plastic snap top containers to conveniently wrap cakes and pies.
Restaurants will often donate these to your event.
If not, purchase them at a party store.
Use inexpensive curling ribbon to decorate your display table.
Serving Supplies Volunteers selling at the bake sale will need to wrap items and sometimes serve items to buyers who will stay to eat their treats at the sale.
Having additional supplies will make this easy.
Use a number of serving utensils including knives, spatulas, and cake servers.
You will need a couple of different sizes of paper plates for serving.
Try to use one size paper cup for coffee and tea.
Standardizing your portions will make it easier for selling and serving.
Use plastic forks and spoons for people who will eat at the sale.
Place napkins in an accessible place for your customers.
Bring plenty of paper towels for those inevitable spills.
Bring some Clorox cleaning sheets as well as hand sanitizer.
The organizers should request volunteers bringing their own dishes or serving equipment to place their name on it so it will eventually find its way back home.
Having the correct serving tools and the ability to quickly to wrap baked items is essential to making the sale run smoothly.
It also makes for a happier volunteer group because the kinks and frustration issues have already been worked out.