Buying cookies in bulk? Here's what you need to remember

Looking for new ways to be more efficient and cut costs for your cafe? How about buying cookies in bulk? Not only will it save you money, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing you always have a consistent supply of cookies on hand. 

But before ordering your next batch of cookies, it's essential to do your research first. There are a lot of different factors to consider when bulk buying, including the type of cookies available, pricing, storage and many more. 

If you need help in buying cookies for your cafe, we listed these six tips to guide you in your decision-making process.

Be sure to price compare between different vendors

Make sure to compare prices between different vendors before deciding where to get your cookies. Always consider your budget and find a supplier that gives you the best value for your money.

A lot of cookie suppliers offer discounts for bulk or large orders. When doing your research, make sure to ask if they have any promo or freebies available. Enquire what other offerings or discounts they have on top of their bulk supply service. This is very important as it could give you additional savings which you can then allot to other areas of your business.

You also have to pay close attention to shipping costs. They can quickly add up, so you need to ensure you’re only paying a reasonable amount of money for the transportation of your baked goods.

Make sure to get a good mix of flavours

Another essential tip is to make sure you get a good mix of flavours. Having a wide variety of offerings allows you to cater to your target customers’ different preferences.

Take a moment to think about what your customers want. What kind of cookies do they like? If you're not sure, don’t be afraid to ask them. You can even create a survey for your existing customer base and ask what type of cookies they would like to see more in your cafe.

You can also offer vegan or gluten-free options for customers with dietary restrictions. Always remember, variety is key.

Pay attention to packaging and storage

The next important thing to remember when buying cookies in bulk is to pay attention to the packaging. It’s important that the cookies are well-protected so they don't get damaged in transit.

Storage is also a crucial factor you need to keep in mind. Create a plan in place for storing your cookies before buying in bulk. Invest in airtight containers to help keep the cookies from drying out and becoming crumbly. Do you have a cool, dry pantry or cupboard? That will be the perfect spot for your cookie storage. Avoid storing your cookies in a place that’s too warm or humid, as this can cause the cookies to become soft or even mouldy.

Keep an eye on your inventory levels

Keep track of how many cookies you have on hand. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to reorder and you can be sure that you’re only buying what you need. Cookies are best when they're fresh, so it's essential to only buy the right quantity that you can sell within a reasonable timeframe.

One good practice to manage your inventory is the FIFO or First-in, First-Out method. It’s a stock rotation system where you put the fresh items behind the older ones (ie. with the soonest best before dates) when restocking shelves. This will keep older cookie stocks from being pushed back where they can be overlooked.

Do your research

Reputation is a crucial factor to consider when looking for a cookie supplier. Make sure you’re partnering with someone reliable and who only provides top-notch services. Examine the quality of their products and how they can deliver the products you need on time.

There are a few ways to research a reputable supplier. One way is to read online reviews from other customers. Check their social media pages and company website to read feedback from other customers like you. Doing this will give you an overview of how they work and what their customer service looks like.

These are just some things you need to remember when buying cookies in bulk. As long as you keep your customers in mind and take these things into consideration, you'll be sure to end up offering a delicious batch of cookies for your customers every time.

If you need a reliable cookie supplier, Cookie Man is here to help you. Check out our wide range of cafe cookies here or contact us to learn more.