1. Familiarize Yourself with Rules, Regulations and Local Laws
If you want to run a business out of your home, start by contacting your local authority for information on obtaining a license, permits and local zoning laws that pertain to home-based businesses.
Furthermore, you want to check with The Department of Health for your state in regards to having you cooking space inspected for commercial use. In order to receive a license to operate, your cooking area will need to pass the inspection. For those packaging food items for sale, ask about labeling requirements too.
2. Plan Your Business
A plan can disclose whether or not a business concept has the potential to be lucrative, therefore it's best to complete this step before purchasing cooking supplies and materials. Developing a plan will also help you determine the most ideal way to acquire customers, and the time it will take to profit.
Many entrepreneurs find that business plan templates work best. Templates allow them to avoid the price of hiring a professional while also avoid the common mistakes that happen when they try to write a plan themselves.
3. Purchase Supplies and Equipment
After you have come to a decision on a business idea with potential and you've received the go ahead from the Health Department, the next step is to purchase cooking supplies. If you already cook in your spare time, you may already be well-equipped. If you need additional cookware or food prep items, restaurant supply stores can be a good resource for wholesale equipment.
Don't forget product packaging supplies such as bags, bottles, tins, shipping materials and product labels. Search on the internet for businesses that sell a diverse range of items - from pink cake boxes to vinyl bags to glass containers to wine boxes and shipping supplies - to the other end of the spectrum, complete one-of-a-kind packaging.
4. Locate Your Clients
In the case that you dislike selling, an easy method to attract new clients is by allowing people to test drive your products free of charge. Create a list of local businesses, organizations and events where you can distribute free samples, gift baskets or small catered meals.
People love free stuff, and once they know about you, they can contact you for more orders. It's human nature to want to return favors. Furthermore, larger groups give you more exposure to more people. Not only do you reach more people at once, you are more likely to receive larger orders later on.
Don't forget to provide your business card, a food selection or list of items you carry plus information on how to place an order. As a bonus, include a voucher or special discount. Ideally, you want to get them in the habit of doing business with you.
If you want to run a business out of your home, start by contacting your local authority for information on obtaining a license, permits and local zoning laws that pertain to home-based businesses.
Furthermore, you want to check with The Department of Health for your state in regards to having you cooking space inspected for commercial use. In order to receive a license to operate, your cooking area will need to pass the inspection. For those packaging food items for sale, ask about labeling requirements too.
2. Plan Your Business
A plan can disclose whether or not a business concept has the potential to be lucrative, therefore it's best to complete this step before purchasing cooking supplies and materials. Developing a plan will also help you determine the most ideal way to acquire customers, and the time it will take to profit.
Many entrepreneurs find that business plan templates work best. Templates allow them to avoid the price of hiring a professional while also avoid the common mistakes that happen when they try to write a plan themselves.
3. Purchase Supplies and Equipment
After you have come to a decision on a business idea with potential and you've received the go ahead from the Health Department, the next step is to purchase cooking supplies. If you already cook in your spare time, you may already be well-equipped. If you need additional cookware or food prep items, restaurant supply stores can be a good resource for wholesale equipment.
Don't forget product packaging supplies such as bags, bottles, tins, shipping materials and product labels. Search on the internet for businesses that sell a diverse range of items - from pink cake boxes to vinyl bags to glass containers to wine boxes and shipping supplies - to the other end of the spectrum, complete one-of-a-kind packaging.
4. Locate Your Clients
In the case that you dislike selling, an easy method to attract new clients is by allowing people to test drive your products free of charge. Create a list of local businesses, organizations and events where you can distribute free samples, gift baskets or small catered meals.
People love free stuff, and once they know about you, they can contact you for more orders. It's human nature to want to return favors. Furthermore, larger groups give you more exposure to more people. Not only do you reach more people at once, you are more likely to receive larger orders later on.
Don't forget to provide your business card, a food selection or list of items you carry plus information on how to place an order. As a bonus, include a voucher or special discount. Ideally, you want to get them in the habit of doing business with you.
About the Author:
Jerrie Fields writes for Home Business Center, Inc., the resource for home-based entrepreneurs since 1997. Interested in starting your own home-based food business? Download HBC's latest start-up guide, "21 Food Businesses You Can Start from Home".
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