Running a home based bakery like COCAKERY is more than just bakery and selling sweet treats. It is also about understanding people, their emotions, behaviour and how they respond to your business.
After almost a year of operating the cart and connecting with community, I realized something that not many talk about openly.
You are not just selling dessert. There are different type of customers you have to deal with.
Let me share the different kinds of customer I have personally encountered. Maybe you will recognize some of them in your business too.
A Thoughtful Customer Who Touched My Heart
Not every customer is difficult. In fact, some leaving a lasting impression with their kindness.
One of my regular customer is a Chinese aunty who often buys our pineapple tarts. She is always supportive.
During Chinese New Year, she did something that truly warmed my heart, she gave me an ang pow.
I wasn’t expected from her. That simple gesture reminded me that kindness still exists, even in the smallest acts.
The Dead End Customer
I still remember clearly an Indian lady came with interest and order about six classic buttercream cupcakes. I thought okay that there is hope.
But the moment I mentioned the price, she raised her voice, said it was expensive and ended up buying only two before storming off.
It left me shaken.
Lesson : Not everyone who asks is ready to buy some just want to browse and that is okay. I have learned to let go without taking it personally.
The Customer Who Asked for a Taster
There were also Malay women, covered in niqab, who came to the cart and asked, “Can I try the brownies first?”
Mind you, it was RM4 per piece not a premium price.
It confused me because while asking for free tasters is normal in supermarkets or big brands, we’re just a home bakery trying to cover ingredient costs.
The Jealous Customer – The One Who Undermines Your Work
Some customer ask every price of your menu and belittle of your work.
They are not comfortable with your value and they portray it even without knowing you.
These are the one who carry tone of a comparison and dismissal. This often come from a place of jealousy.
Real example : I once had a customer who questioned everything I made.
What RM 6.50 for small cupcake ?
I stayed calm even though it hurt a little.
What she did not want to see was it was not just a cupcake. It was decorated with hand-piped chrysanthemum buttercream, using solo liners and made with premium ingredients.
Then she pointed to my flower basket cake and asked for the price .
“RM 90? Must be less than 1 kg right?”
However the fact the cake was over 1.5kg. I baked from scratch and designed with a flower basket theme.
Lesson: Sometimes people make assumptions without knowing the full story. In time like this, I have to remind myself that my job is not to defend my price but to stand behind my value.
A Small Act in the Rain, A Big Reminder
I still remember one rainy evening when a customer came to the cart. The rain had soaked my table, and everything felt a little chaotic.
Despite the weather, she still chose to buy and support my small business.
While I packed the cupcakes, she held the box steady with both hands so the treats wouldn’t get wet.
It was a small act, but to me, it meant the world.
Moments like these remind me that even in gloomy weather, kindness can shine through.
These are some of the situation that I encounter that I remember the most.
It was not that easy as someone might think it full of bitter sweet memories.
Every encounter is a learned lesson.
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