The Sims 4: Crafting Dreams and Running Ventures

The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies introduces exciting new career options for players who want their Sims to take charge of their own destinies and even manage others. With this pack, players can now run small businesses, including familiar ventures like bakeries, which have been available since the Get to Work expansion. However, the updated small business system simplifies the process, making it much more manageable to operate a successful bakery compared to the previous version.

While you can set up your bakery using only the base game along with the Businesses and Hobbies pack, there are additional items from both the Get to Work and Home Chef Hustle packs that can enhance your business. Keep in mind that having the right equipment is just one part of running a successful bakery; you also need to improve your baking skills and consider hiring employees with solid baking skills to assist you.

Starting Your Bakery (What You Need)

Begin With a Venue

Like any other small business in The Sims 4, the first step is selecting a location for your bakery. You can operate from your Sim’s home, which is the budget-friendly option and saves time since there’s no need to move between lots. Alternatively, you might choose to purchase a separate lot for your business. To do this, simply open your phone, navigate to the business section, and buy a small business venue.

This action will take you to the world map, where you can decide on a suitable location for your bakery. An advantage of buying a new venue is that you can register your business at the point of purchase. Just be sure that the lot you select is appropriate for a business, restricted to private lots, small business lots, and community lots.

Simple Business Registration

Once you have a venue, you’ll need to register your bakery. This can be done during the purchase process or at any later time via your phone. Just access the business menu on your phone and select the option to register a small business for 750 Simoleons.

During registration, you’ll choose a name for your business, select its activities, set an entry fee if you have a ticket kiosk, and define your target customers. For a bakery, make sure to include activities like “Bake,” “Make Treats,” “Browse and buy items,” and “Eat.” You can select up to five activities, so feel free to add another one of your choice. I often opt for “Clean” since a tidy environment keeps customers happier, which is important for any bakery that can get messy fast.

Essential Purchases for Your Bakery

There are various ways to personalize your bakery, but some items are crucial for its operation. Essential tools include a fridge, oven, sink, counters, and a display case to showcase your baked goods. You could consider a ticket kiosk, but it may not be the best choice for a bakery where customers primarily purchase items rather than seeking entertainment.

Maximizing Bakery Profits

Skill is Crucial for Success

Running a successful bakery depends heavily on your skills and those of your staff. When you start hiring, it’s important for both you and your employees to possess strong cooking and baking abilities. The higher their skill levels, the better quality products they create, leading to happier customers and higher sales.

Additionally, you can enhance your bakery’s revenue through creative concepts. Think about merging it with a bookstore or café to attract a wider range of customers. Alternatively, consider providing a venue for live music or comedy, which may justify a ticket kiosk to earn money from patrons who want to enjoy the entertainment. Ultimately, your bakery’s design and management in The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies are only limited by your imagination.