the bear bakery Case Study

The Bear Bakery partners with Slerp to enhance flexibility and streamline operations
Facing rigid ordering systems, complex inventory management, and manual wholesale processes, The Bear Bakery sought a solution to enhance flexibility and improve operational efficiency.
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50%
reduction in errors
3 days
slow fermented breads

The Bear Bakery, known for its artisanal approach to baking with a specialisation in slow-fermented sourdough, faced several growing pains. Their operations were tightly structured due to the time-sensitive nature of their products. Sourdough fermentation alone takes three days, and managing production cut-offs for flour weighing and ferment preparation demanded precision.

Despite their commitment to quality, the bakery was struggling to adapt their existing system to manage both retail and wholesale demand. Retail pre-orders for their busiest day—Saturday—needed better inventory control to prevent waste. Meanwhile, orders placed through Squarespace were limited to one day a week, stifling growth opportunities. Wholesale clients required a more streamlined system, but manual processes using spreadsheets and emails often led to errors. The Bear Bakery needed a solution that offered flexibility, inventory management, and operational efficiency.

 

Why The Bear Bakery partnered with Slerp

 

  • Order Flexibility: Slerp allows the bakery to manage retail pre-orders across multiple days, giving customers more freedom to choose pickup times and improving stock management.
  • Wholesale Management: Slerp’s tools provided structure and automation for wholesale orders, eliminating the reliance on emails and spreadsheets.
  • Inventory Control: The bakery needed a highly customizable platform to handle product-specific inventory variables, and Slerp delivered.
  • Streamlined Operations: Slerp’s single platform supports both wholesale and retail, helping the bakery manage cut-offs, packing slips, and standing orders efficiently.

Nicole, who manages operations at The Bear Bakery, had experience with various systems but struggled to find one that could meet their complex needs—until Slerp.

 

Seamless transition to Slerp

 

The Bear Bakery found the transition to Slerp straightforward. They introduced the new ordering system to customers through Instagram posts, emails, and an instructional video shared across their social media channels. Retail customers appreciated the convenience of ordering for multiple days, not just Saturday.

For wholesale customers, the bakery took a phased approach, starting with packing slips and structured cut-offs. Standing orders became easier to manage, and Slerp’s online system significantly reduced the errors associated with email-based orders. Wholesale clients now benefit from a simplified process using custom discounts and online ordering—something that was impossible under their previous system.

 

Results that transformed The Bear Bakery

 

  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Retail customers can now pre-order for any day of the week, giving them more flexibility.
  • Operational Efficiency: With orders consolidated under one platform, manual processes have been reduced, streamlining wholesale and retail operations.
  • Scalable Systems: The bakery is now positioned to scale their operations, thanks to structured production schedules and improved inventory control.
  • Reduced Waste: Improved inventory and order management helped minimise waste on busy days.

 

Key takeaways for bakery operators

 

  • Enhance Customer Convenience: Offering multiple pre-order options improves the overall customer experience and engagement.
  • Improve Operational Structure: Automated order management systems free up time and reduce errors, allowing bakery teams to focus on what they do best.
  • Reduce Waste: Better stock management and production cut-offs help reduce surplus inventory.

 

Looking ahead

 

Thanks to Slerp, The Bear Bakery has gained control over their production and inventory processes, positioning them for further growth. Their improved ordering system supports both retail and wholesale operations, ensuring that customers and staff alike benefit from a more organized and flexible structure.

Is your bakery or restaurant facing similar challenges? Whether you’re dealing with waste, limited pre-order options, or manual ordering bottlenecks, Slerp can help.

 

Take the first step toward streamlined operations and profitability. Book a free consultation with Slerp today.

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Slerp is an online ordering platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry.