It usually starts the same way. You post a photo of your sourdough loaf or custom cookies on Instagram. The likes roll in. Then, the inevitable comment: "How do I buy this?"

So, you put "DM to Order" in your bio.

At first, it feels manageable. But 50 orders later, you are drowning in screenshots, unread messages, and the panic of wondering, "Did that customer pay their deposit via Venmo or Zelle?"

If you are treating your bakery like a business, it’s time to stop treating your ordering system like a group chat.

The Hidden Cost of "Free" Tools

Many cottage bakers stick to Google Forms and DMs because they are "free." But let’s look at the actual cost:

• The Chase: How much time do you spend DMing people "reminders" to pay?
• The Error: Ever made a vanilla cake when the DM said chocolate? That’s a refund (and a ruined reputation) caused by a disorganized system.
• The Friction: Every time a customer has to "wait for a reply" to know the price, you lose a sale.

The "Storefront" Shift

Platforms like Bakeshop replace the back-and-forth with a simple link.

1. Instant Gratification: Customers see your menu, choose their pickup window, and pay in one click.
2. Inventory Protection: Unlike a Google Form, Bakeshop counts your inventory. If you only have 20 loaves, it stops selling at 20. No more awkward "oops, I oversold" refunds.
3. Professionalism: A branded storefront tells your customers, "I take this seriously," which allows you to command higher prices.

Stop working for your inbox. Start your free Bakeshop storefront today.