The Consultation Location Dilemma
I vividly remember sitting in Cake Design School back in 2013, wondering “ I live in an apartment building, where am I going to host my Cake Clients as I get my business up and running?”
I truly wanted to give off a great first impression for my customers. I was already in debt and I definitely did not feel comfortable investing in hosting make cake consultations somewhere else where I had to pay.
If you don't have a storefront, bakery, or dedicated cake studio, you're probably wondering the same thing. But don't worry – I've got some insights that might help you see this challenge from a different perspective.
Think About Your Target Client
First things first: who are the clients you want to attract? And where would they feel comfortable meeting you to discuss their cake needs?
When I was growing my business, I knew I wanted to attract high-end clients who would happily pay $10-12 per slice for my custom cakes. With that goal in mind, I needed to create an environment that matched that price point and made clients feel confident about their investment.
While I lived in a luxury apartment complex, I didn't feel comfortable inviting strangers into my apartment, and I wanted a space that would elevate my brand. So I got creative and looked at the resources available to me.
If you'd like more resources to help you on this journey, make sure to check out my FREE Cake Business Library. It's filled with ebooks, templates, checklists, guides, and so much valuable information designed to help you transform your cake business and achieve the results you're truly looking for.
My Consultation Solution
The solution ended up being right under my nose – the community center in my apartment complex! It was luxurious, beautifully decorated, and had a conference room that resembled a small boardroom. The environment was professional yet welcoming, and it aligned perfectly with the high-end brand I was building.
Don’t get me wrong, I was still nervous about telling my customers to meet me in a community center of an apartment complex. But, I had to get over it. I needed an option that looked great, free for me to use, and readily available for me to use.
That community center became the launching pad for my business. I was able to grow successfully just by hosting consultations in that space, which cost me nothing but gave my clients the premium experience they expected.
Alternative Consultation Locations
Not everyone has access to a fancy community center, so let me share some other options that might work for your business:
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops can be a great neutral meeting ground – just make sure it's not too noisy during your typical meeting times. One challenge with coffee shops is cake tasting. As the manager if you can host your cake consultations at their shop considering you are bringing in outside food. Or, bring a tasting box to go so they can sample your cakes at their house after discussing your cake design.
Cake Tasting Solutions
For coffee shop meetings or other public venues, consider creating beautiful "cake consultation flavor bags" that clients can take home. This allows them to taste your flavors at their leisure and follow up with their preferences later. It's actually quite an elegant solution that can enhance the client experience.
Collaborative Spaces
Look for opportunities to partner with businesses that complement yours:
Floral shops
Wedding boutiques
Co-working spaces
Here in Denver, we have several wedding boutiques that operate as co-ops. You pay a monthly fee and gain access to a professional space for your consultations. This arrangement not only provides you with a beautiful meeting place but also potential referrals from other wedding vendors.
Using Your Home
If you do decide to host consultations in your home, take a critical look at the space through your clients' eyes:
Is it immaculately clean?
Does it convey professionalism and quality?
Does the environment justify the prices you're charging?
You might need to designate a specific room for consultations or make some changes to ensure your space aligns with your brand. Remember, clients aren't just buying a cake – they're buying an experience with you from start to finish.
Still attracting budget cake customers in your cake business? Let’s change that around! Click here to download my FREE eBook: 10 Strategies to Become an High-End Wedding Cake Business. It’s located inside my Cake Business Library.
It's About Creating an Experience
Here's the key insight I want you to take away: The consultation location is about much more than practicality. It's about creating an experience that makes clients feel confident paying your prices.
People usually buy based on feelings. When a client walks into a beautiful, professional environment for their consultation, they're already forming impressions about the quality and value of your work. The right setting helps justify your premium pricing in their minds before they even taste a crumb of cake.
This experience-focused approach will help you narrow down your options much more effectively than just thinking about convenience or cost. Ask yourself: "Will this location create the feeling I want my clients to have when they're considering spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on my cakes?"
Find what Works for You
The right consultation spot looks different for every cake business. It depends on:
Your target market
Your pricing strategy
Your brand personality
Available resources in your area
The important thing is alignment between your consultation environment and your business goals. If you're targeting budget-conscious clients, an ultra-luxury setting might actually work against you. If you're charging premium prices, meeting at a fast-food restaurant probably sends the wrong message.
Where Do You Host Your Consultations?
I'd love to hear from you! Where do you currently host your cake consultations?
Is your location still aligned with the clients you want to attract, or are you thinking about making a change?
Drop a comment below so we can all learn from each other's experiences and maybe spark some new ideas.