How to Run a Bake Sale

Reviewed by Craig Watson

Last Updated: June 26, 2025 References

Bake sales are great ways of earning pocket money or raising money for charity. You can either hold a bake sale in the neighbourhood or at school. Read on to find out how to put on a bake sale people will be talking about for ages!

Steps

Download Article

First, determine how many treats you plan to sell. If you just want to go round the neighbourhood, then you will need around 50-70 treats. For a class sale, around 15-40. For a whole school sale, around 100-150. Also, don't forget—if it's not a bake sale and more of baking orders, get all the orders in first!^{[1]
X
Research source}
Good ideas are cupcakes, cookies, slices of cakes, flapjacks, but then, you could always be creative, and make some different treats!

Advertisement
Don't rip your customers off (or you might not get any), by selling a cookie for $5. Sell your treats at reasonable prices e.g. Cupcake=$2 Cookie=$1 But try not to make them too cheap, or you won't make as much money.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Use a normal day, where people won't be busy or away. Also, use a sensible time, e.g. after school, or 4:00 PM in the neighbourhood. Remember to ask your principal if you can hold your bake sale!^{[3]
X
Research source}
Make fun, striking, colourful posters that say the date, time and prices of your bake sale. Hang these posters around in your neighbourhood or school. If you are baking for a charity, then include this too.
You can't have a bake sale without baking! It's best to ask your parents and/or a few friends to help. Make sure you have all the ingredients for your treats!
Use icing, sprinkles, chocolate chips, edible glitter, candy, anything that will make your treats look stunning. If you are not very good at cake decorating, you may need help from your parents.^{[4]
X
Research source}
On the day, about an hour before your stall begins, place a large table, chair, sign (optional) and money pot in your front garden/the hall/the playground.
Don't forget to have a can or box for money!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Reader Videos

Tips

It is best to do this with 1-4 friends. Easier, faster, and a lot more fun!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If people forget their money, then give them what they wanted to buy, and write their name on a list. You can then ask them the next day for the money. Keep asking until you get the money, then cross their name off your list when you get the money.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Put your table under a canopy so you don't get sunburned and so if there's a light shower, the cakes won't get wet.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0