I rented a table for a local church festival where I will be selling cupcakes and showcasing some of my work. I am trying to determine how many cupcakes and how many different flavors to have ready, but am at a loss. I feel like it is alot of trial and error, but never having done this before I have no point of reference. I was told that last year there were about 700 people that attended the same event, so assuming that remains generally the same what would you recommed??? I haven't been able to find any info on the web in this regard or here on CC, only in regards to a bridal expo which this is not. I appreciate any input.

Thanks for the help.
Jackie

There was a thread a long time ago about a CCer making cake for an expo-type event. One thing that limited her though was that the event managers only allowed her to sell cupcakes in cases of 6. Most folks don't want 6 cupcakes unless they're with a bunch of folks or family. Clarify with your event manager that there are no limitations to how you can sell the cupcakes.

Also recommended was sticking to 2 or 3 basic crowd-pleasers like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry.

Are you going to be the only dessert-type person at the event or are there going to be a bunch of dessert vendors? This will affect how many you should make. Are there going to be a lot of kids/teenagers/young people vs older folks?

vgcea,
Thanks for your response. I believe I will be the only person doing cupcakes. There are no specific limitations in the way I sell. The event is geared towards kids since it is a family festival day. Not sure if doing minis would be better, regular size or both. So much to think about and I couldn't find any threads on here unfortunately. I don't know that I want to go the route where I have kids getting involved making their own toppings or fondant toppers. But I will definitely do some decorations on the simpler flavors. What do you think?

Needed to sit down for a minute and walk away from the kitchen - clicked on CC and found this thread - went off and Googled *how many to make for cake expo* and came up with thread from long ago - thought it might be helpful.... hope so.

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-653513.html


Bluehue

Thanks Bluehue,
The problem is that I am doing more of a "trade show" in theory, where I will be selling cupcakes. So I need to plan for that versus just bringing samples. I appreciate your effort.

No problem Bluehue. Go get some sleep!LOL

Try thinking along the lines of "Farmers Market" If in the past they draw a crowd of 700 I would prepare to have between 400 - 500. Do not have more than 4 flavors to choose from it will only be overwhelming for you. Use the old KISS method. Keep It Short & Sweet

If this is another means of marketing yourself have lots of printed media on hand. People might not want to buy at that moment but withing a few days or a week may want to try. Be prepared, take 1 or 2 persons with you. Put up signs or a menu board to let them know what your offering and your prices.

I've done several, I make it a point to come away with selling enough to cover my cost of materials, a few orders on the spot but most importantly to me that contact with potential new customers.

In Sales we learned this... I want to eat today as well as tomorrow.

HTH

auntginn,
Thank you so much. That was so helpful. I will do exactly exactly what you said.

You said that you were the only vendor to do cupcakes.... are you the only vendor to have dessert? There is a difference. I would imagine that if it is geared toward children, desserts including cupcakes would run over thereby affecting your potential customers. Just a technicality in what you wrote that might need to be explored.

I wouldn't do anything with create-your-own toppings as with most of these events, people go from table to table and while a line might bring about curiosity seekers, it detracts from money paying customers. You have to devise a way to collect money and keep the line flowing.

Of course neither of my paragraphs actually address how many to make, but I would probably shoot for 350 to 500 with a combination of mini, regular and jumbo cups. My rationale would be a size for everyone.

Make sure you have enough singles to make change, and if you use some type of POS credit approval system (square) make sure the venue has wifi or a strong signal for your cell phone.

How did it go esq1031? I am considering being a vendor at an upcoming craft show and seeking the same type of answers