My Experience of Selling Activity

-Raunaq Singh Saini

Participating in the selling activity for our Brownies and Cake Pops was an insightful and
multifaceted experience. The journey commenced with a visit to a bustling wholesale market
where we sourced essential ingredients like high-quality chocolate, milk, cream, packaging
material, and aromatic vanilla extract. Additionally, we procured the necessary equipment for
baking, including cake pop moulds and baking trays. This procurement process incorporated
several fundamental concepts from the world of sales and distribution.

In the wholesale market, we encountered the concept of price negotiation. Negotiating prices
is a crucial element in sales and distribution, as it impacts the cost of goods and, ultimately,
the pricing strategy for our products. It was essential to strike a balance between acquiring
quality ingredients at a reasonable cost to maintain profitability.

Upon returning to our kitchen headquarters, the focus shifted to the production process, and
this is where a critical concept came into play - economies of scale. Economies of scale refer
to the cost advantages a business can achieve by producing goods in larger quantities. Our
team was responsible for crafting a significant number of Brownies and Cake Pops, which
allowed us to benefit from these economies of scale. The larger production quantities meant
that the cost per unit decreased, making our products more cost-effective.

The production phase also underscored the importance of consistency and quality control.
These principles are vital in sales and distribution to ensure that customers receive a
consistent and high-quality product. We followed precise recipes, adhered to strict baking
standards, and conducted regular quality checks to guarantee that each treat met our quality
standards. Consistency and quality control are integral to building a loyal customer base and
ensuring repeat sales.

Packaging was the next crucial step, and here we encountered another concept in sales and
distribution - branding and product presentation. Effective packaging and branding can
significantly influence consumer perception and purchasing decisions. We carefully designed
packaging that showcased our products' visual appeal and incorporated our branding
elements. This packaging not only protected our treats but also made them more enticing to
potential customers.

On the day of the selling activity, I transitioned to the finance department, where I managed
cash transactions and customer payments. This role emphasized the importance of cash flow
management in sales and distribution. Efficient cash handling ensured that our business
operations ran smoothly, and we could restock supplies as needed. It also highlighted the
significance of payment convenience for customers, as seamless transactions can enhance
their overall experience.
Our team was faced with a pricing decision that perfectly aligned with sales and distribution
concepts – the concept of pricing strategy. Initially, our Brownies and Cake Pops were priced
at ₹70 per unit, reflecting their quality and the cost of production. However, as we
approached the breakeven point, a decision was made to decrease the price to a flat ₹50 per
unit. This price reduction aimed to attract a broader customer base and increase sales volume.
In sales and distribution, this aligns with the strategy of price optimization to maximize sales
and profitability.

One of the essential sales and distribution concepts emphasized during the selling activity
was customer relationship management. Building positive relationships with customers is
crucial for business sustainability. We engaged with customers, answered their questions, and
provided excellent service, ensuring that their experience was pleasant and memorable. These
interactions not only led to successful sales but also created opportunities for repeat business
and word-of-mouth referrals.

The overall experience of selling Brownies and Cake Pops was a comprehensive learning
opportunity in the realm of sales and distribution. It underscored the importance of
procurement, production, pricing, branding, and customer engagement. As we reached the
breakeven point and strategically adjusted our pricing, we applied fundamental concepts from
sales and distribution to optimize our sales and profitability.

This experience was not only about baking and selling treats but also about applying critical
business principles. It demonstrated that sales and distribution are integral components of any
business, and a well-rounded understanding of these concepts can lead to successful ventures
in the world of confectionaries. Moving forward, I look forward to applying the knowledge
gained during this selling activity to future entrepreneurial endeavours.