Taking Cookie Preorders Online: The Full Workflow
Taking cookie preorders online is the single biggest unlock for a home cookie business. Here's the full workflow that actually works.
What customers need to do
The shortest possible path:
- See your weekly menu or set options
- Pick a set (or build a dozen)
- Pay online (deposit or full)
- Pick a pickup slot
- Get a confirmation
Custom orders vs weekly drops
Run weekly drops for repeat business. Reserve a small slot per week for custom orders with a separate design intake form. Don't mix them — custom orders bottleneck your weekly drop schedule.
Deposits for custom orders
Require 50% deposit at booking for custom orders. Final balance due at pickup or 48 hours before. Non-refundable after the design is approved. This single rule eliminates flaky customers.
Pickup scheduling
Offer 2-3 hour pickup windows on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Avoid offering 10am-5pm — too many customers spread out and you sit at home all day.
How FoodDropr handles all of this
Storefront, menu, set or build-a-dozen options, Stripe deposits, pickup slot selection, and confirmations — all in one mobile app for $19/month.
