Few people can resist the lure of fresh-baked bread, muffins and cookies. Baking goodies that people love to eat can be a great source of income as well as a rewarding pastime. If you love to bake, have a few delicious recipes and would like to be your own boss, then you should consider starting a small baking business. While baking can be hard work, requiring many hours spent on your feet, finding customers is easy because there is an endless demand for quality baked goods.
Instructions
1. Decide what items you will sell. Perhaps you would like to specialize in gluten-free products, children's birthday cakes or artisan sourdough breads. Find out how much it costs you to produce each item so you can charge a fair price for your goods. See how many items you can produce in a day.
2. Check the laws in your community that apply to starting a small baking business. You may need to purchase commercial equipment and have your kitchen regularly inspected by the health department. There are strict guidelines that govern any food business, so be sure you are in compliance. You will need to purchase a business license and open a bank account for your business.
3. Purchase the goods and equipment you will need. If you have to purchase commercial equipment, then consider taking out a small business loan. You can save money by purchasing used equipment. If your kitchen is not large enough, you may be able to arrange to use a small restaurant's kitchen in the early morning hours in exchange for providing the restaurant with fresh baked goods. You will also need a wholesale supplier for the ingredients you will need to buy.
4. Think up a catchy name for your business. Print business cards and a menu of available items with prices. Consider offering a discount for bulk purchases.
5. Find customers. Approach restaurants, small stores and catering companies first, as these businesses will be able to purchase large quantities of your products. Be sure to give generous samples when approaching potential customers. Consider selling at flea markets, farmer's markets and craft shows. Always have menus and business cards available to encourage repeat orders.
6. Keep the quality of your products high, deliver on time and be courteous. Continue to offer new items and flavors to keep customers interested in your products.
Tags: will need, your products, baked goods, baking business, business cards, commercial equipment