Bakery Ordering App: Compare Monthly Fees vs Sales Cuts

On this page

1. How a bakery ordering app works
2. Compare the two main types of apps
3. Key features beyond payment processing
4. What a real sale looks like after all costs
5. How to evaluate your sales volume
6. Mistakes that cost you money
7. Integrations with other tools you use
8. What to check before you commit
9. An alternative home bakers choose

You need a way for customers to find you and order. A bakery ordering app can do that. But the fees and setup vary widely. This guide compares the main types so you can pick one that fits your shop.

How a bakery ordering app works

Customers find your shop inside the app or through a link you share. They see your photos and prices. They pick items and pay with a card or digital wallet. You get an order notification. You bake and deliver or arrange pickup.

The app handles the payment. That is the core service. The difference is in how the app charges you for that service. Some take a percentage of every sale. Others charge you a monthly subscription. Learn more about taking orders from home.

Compare the two main types of apps

Commission apps make money when you do. That sounds fair, but the cut adds up. A flat fee app costs the same whether you sell one item or one hundred. For a steady stream of orders, a flat fee usually costs less.

Key features beyond payment processing

Payment handling is the primary function. Yet other features affect your daily workflow and customer experience. A good app should manage your menu and inventory in real time. It should let you set pickup times or delivery zones.

Customer communication tools are also vital. Look for automated order confirmations and status updates. Some apps integrate with SMS or email. This reduces the time you spend answering routine questions.

Sales reporting is another critical area. You need to track what sells and when. Basic apps show only order totals. Better ones break down sales by item or hour to inform your baking schedule.

What a real sale looks like after all costs

Let’s price a dozen cupcakes sold for $36. First, add your direct costs. Ingredients cost $8. Packaging is $2. Your labor for baking and decorating is valued at $15. Overhead for kitchen power, rent, and mileage is $3. Your total cost is $28.

Now add the app fee. With a 20% commission app, the fee is $7.20. You keep $36 minus $28 costs minus $7.20 fee, which is $0.80. With a flat $20 monthly fee app, you must allocate a portion of that fee to each sale. If you sell 25 dozen per month, that’s $0.80 per dozen. You keep $36 minus $28 costs minus $0.80 allocated fee, which is $7.20. For most bakers, the flat fee leaves more per sale. Use our free pricing calculator to run your own numbers.

How to evaluate your sales volume

Your order count decides which fee model is cheaper. Calculate your break-even point. Divide the monthly flat fee by the commission percentage. For a $20 fee and a 20% commission, you break even at $100 in monthly sales. That is about three dozen cupcakes in our example.

Consider your sales consistency. A commission model protects you in slow months. A flat fee model rewards growth. If your sales exceed the break-even point consistently, the flat fee becomes more profitable. Project your sales for the next six months before choosing.

Also factor in average order value. A high-ticket item like a wedding cake changes the math. A 20% commission on a $300 cake is $60. That could exceed an entire month’s flat fee. The same guide advises running scenarios with your typical products.

Mistakes that cost you money

Integrations with other tools you use

Your ordering app should not be an isolated tool. It should connect with other parts of your business. Many bakers use accounting software like QuickBooks. Check if sales data can export automatically.

Social media integration is also important. Can you link your shop to Instagram or Facebook? This allows direct ordering from your posts. It turns social engagement into sales without extra steps for customers.

Consider calendar and scheduling tools too. Some apps sync pickup times with Google Calendar. This prevents double bookings and manages customer flow. These small integrations save significant administrative time.

What to check before you commit

1. 1

   Add up all the fees

   Ask for the total percentage taken from each sale, including any payment processing fees. Compare that to a flat monthly rate.

2. 2

   Test it on your devices

   Try the app on your phone and your computer. Can you manage everything from both? A full desktop view is crucial for batch work.

3. 3

   See your customization options

   Can you use your own colors, logo, and photos? Can you get a simple web address for your shop, like yourbakery.brevl.com?

4. 4

   Check the payment options

   Does it force you to use their payment processor? Or can you connect your own Stripe or Square account to avoid extra fees?

5. 5

   Ask about moving your shop

   If you switch later, can you take your product listings, photos, and order history with you? A good app will help you move.

An alternative home bakers choose

Brevl is a flat fee bakery ordering app home bakers choose. It costs $20 a month with 0% commission. You take card payments through your own Stripe or Square account, plus Venmo and Cash App.

Your shop is yours to customize with your photos and colors. It works on a computer and a phone. Brevl includes recipes with costing and a weekly planner. We set it up with you and can move your old shop over. You can compare Brevl to other apps or learn about switching. Explore more tools for your home bakery.

Common questions

What is the cheapest bakery ordering app?

An app with no monthly fee often takes a high commission, like 20% or more. Over a few sales, that costs more than a flat monthly fee. The cheapest option depends on your sales volume. Calculate both for your shop.

Can I use Square or Stripe with any app?

No. Many apps require you to use their built-in payment processor. An app that lets you connect your own Stripe or Square account saves you the extra processing fee they often add.

Do I need a separate app for delivery?

Some ordering apps include delivery coordination or integrate with services like DoorDash. Others are for orders and pickup only. Check the features before you sign up if delivery is key for you.

What happens if I want to stop using the app?

With a monthly app, you cancel and stop paying. With a commission app, you just stop getting orders through it. The bigger issue is moving your customer list and product photos, which some apps make difficult.

Sources

1. Square Seller Fees
2. Stripe Pricing

General information, not legal or tax advice.