You want to start a business working at home, and you like to bake cookies. What about starting a baking company where you sell your cookies for profit?
If you are like lots of other people, you can envision yourself baking piles of gourmet cookies in your kitchen, but you have no idea how to go about launching a company. On top of that, if you want to get some answers, it's not obvious where to look.
However,That said, opening a home-based baking business does not have to be so difficult that you give up before you start. Check out the instructions below to make start-up much easier.
1. Learn Which Rules and Regulations Apply to Your Business.
Each city's requirements vary, so contact your city office. Call your city's licensing department and ask what the requirements are for a home-based baking business. Staff can let you know which licenses you need and if the zoning in your neighborhood allows you to operate your baking business from home.
The next step is to call your state's Department of Health. For baking at home, your kitchen will need to be approved. Also ask about product labeling rules for food packaging.
2. Write a Business Plan.
Looking for a shortcut? Use business plan templates. A business plan can show you whether or not your idea will be profitable, help you organize a marketing strategy and predict how long it will take to generate a positive cash flow.
Putting together an organized plan in advance can help you save valuable time and money in the long run. In addition, you don't want to start a business in the first place unless it has the potential to be profitable.
3. Stock up on Materials and Baking Equipment.
Running a profit-generating enterprise obviously depends on the number of sales you make. Nevertheless, profits are also affected by company outgo. Cut costs by buying bakeware and food prep items at discount distributors like Central Restaurant Products where you can get everything you need online and research prices.
Also get product packaging supplies like bags, boxes, tins, shipping products and labels. Services like "My Own Labels" allow you to develop your own labels from your home computer, after which they send you the finished product.
4. Spread the Word and Bring in Buyers.
In Step 2 above, you will have outlined an advertising campaign for your business. An additional (and easy way to get a jump start is to let consumers test them out. List local companies, organizations and community functions where you can hand out free samples, gift baskets or dessert trays. Include your business cards and ordering details.
This promotional strategy works well because a large group can be contacted at one time. Letting people "test drive" your cookies and reaching out to larger organizations, you are in a better position to receive substantial orders and speed up company growth. Not to mention, people are more apt to buy from somebody who has already given them something for free.
If you are like lots of other people, you can envision yourself baking piles of gourmet cookies in your kitchen, but you have no idea how to go about launching a company. On top of that, if you want to get some answers, it's not obvious where to look.
However,That said, opening a home-based baking business does not have to be so difficult that you give up before you start. Check out the instructions below to make start-up much easier.
1. Learn Which Rules and Regulations Apply to Your Business.
Each city's requirements vary, so contact your city office. Call your city's licensing department and ask what the requirements are for a home-based baking business. Staff can let you know which licenses you need and if the zoning in your neighborhood allows you to operate your baking business from home.
The next step is to call your state's Department of Health. For baking at home, your kitchen will need to be approved. Also ask about product labeling rules for food packaging.
2. Write a Business Plan.
Looking for a shortcut? Use business plan templates. A business plan can show you whether or not your idea will be profitable, help you organize a marketing strategy and predict how long it will take to generate a positive cash flow.
Putting together an organized plan in advance can help you save valuable time and money in the long run. In addition, you don't want to start a business in the first place unless it has the potential to be profitable.
3. Stock up on Materials and Baking Equipment.
Running a profit-generating enterprise obviously depends on the number of sales you make. Nevertheless, profits are also affected by company outgo. Cut costs by buying bakeware and food prep items at discount distributors like Central Restaurant Products where you can get everything you need online and research prices.
Also get product packaging supplies like bags, boxes, tins, shipping products and labels. Services like "My Own Labels" allow you to develop your own labels from your home computer, after which they send you the finished product.
4. Spread the Word and Bring in Buyers.
In Step 2 above, you will have outlined an advertising campaign for your business. An additional (and easy way to get a jump start is to let consumers test them out. List local companies, organizations and community functions where you can hand out free samples, gift baskets or dessert trays. Include your business cards and ordering details.
This promotional strategy works well because a large group can be contacted at one time. Letting people "test drive" your cookies and reaching out to larger organizations, you are in a better position to receive substantial orders and speed up company growth. Not to mention, people are more apt to buy from somebody who has already given them something for free.
About the Author:
Bob Garrett reviews small business strategies for Home Business Center, Inc., which has helped entrepreneurs start home-based businesses since 1997. Visit the website for a step-by-step guide and resource list on starting a home-based cookie business.
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