Posted by maddieNJ on 8/27/07 11:46am
Msg #207881

OT - baking - a new side business?

Anyone think about getting started in a new business while the market is quiet? I've been kicking around the idea of starting a baking business... muffins, cookies, cakes, etc. Either in baskets or in boxes - delivery to local homes or businesses for parties, gifts, etc. It sounds a little far fetched, but I love to bake and would love to make money doing it! Anyone think about doing something similar?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/27/07 11:50am
Msg #207882

I've never considered something like that for myself but, honestly, now would probably be a great time to start with the holidays basically just around the corner (yes...2-3 months away...oy..)youc ould probably make a great go of it!! Good Luck!!

Reply by ToniK on 8/27/07 11:54am
Msg #207885

I forgot about the holidays...lol

being that anything outside of halloween is not worth celebrating to me. Im weird, I know...lol

Reply by Chris_NJ on 8/27/07 8:36pm
Msg #208038

Just check out the state laws about any baking or cooking you might be doing in your own kitchen. NJ is very strict with alot of expensive requirements as to stainless, inspections (both health and state) fire equipment, etc. Not to put a damper on your idea, but there are very stiff penalties for producing food for public consumption in your own home. Hope it works for you. Good Luck!

Reply by corvette on 8/28/07 12:37am
Msg #208063

Baking

Don't forget to visit the Real Estate Offices..we had someone there local to do our baking at XMAS for our customers,friends and family.Good Idea!

Reply by ToniK on 8/27/07 11:51am
Msg #207883

I have a few friends who do gift baskets and baking gift baskets. Seems to be a lucrative business. There is even ppl like that on ebay who sells gift baskets and baking good. I suggest if you market to government employees (as we are always looking to grub...lol) that might be where your bread and butter would come from. But then again since I work in DC with all these govt agencies and building, you might not have that many govt offices in your location.

I have a couple side businesses right now but they are just hobbies that one day I hope to make a full time gig.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/27/07 11:53am
Msg #207884

Re: By the way, Maddie, if you decide to do this..

Let me know if you need a taster...<G> - I'll be happy to do quality control!!

Reply by snoopdogMs on 8/27/07 12:17pm
Msg #207898

There may be regulations in your state

In Miss. one must have a food handling license and also a separate kitchen to prepare food for sale such as catering. They want to make sure one doesn't have cats on counters and have the right to come by unannounced to check your environment. If they catch you the fine is pretty stiff.

Reply by Signing_Doc on 8/27/07 12:13pm
Msg #207895

Sounds like a great idea...HOWEVER (here it comes!!!!)...be aware of the following:

!) The Food Police (or whatever they call it in your state/area. Depending on how much you sell and if you advertise it...they MAY come down on you like hogs to slop. They may demand you use a "commercial baking facility"...must come under Health Laws (you may knead (a little dough humour) a Food Handlers License...A way to get around this is to start small and see if there is a need for it (even after the Holi(y)days. As long as you keep it a "hobby" there SHOULDN'T be too much problem but be aware of this.

2) Are you living in an HOA (housing association) area where a home business is prohibited...(this is usually NOT a problem unless they come to YOU to get the product)...

3) If not a HOA problem...are you ZONED for a commercial enterprise? Again this goes to #1.

4) Insurance IN CASE (G-d forbid!)...someone gets ill eating your product and decided to sue you.

There are probably more to worry about, but if I haven't discouraged you (and I hope I've not, just been there and done that!...or at least asked these same questions)...go for it and good luck to you.

"Doc"

Reply by Charles_Ca on 8/27/07 2:10pm
Msg #207943

There are commercial kitchens that rent work space.

I have one in one of my buildings and they are fully certified and have a number of businesses who make their products there. Also you can have things made to order using your recipes and just do the marketing. While there are rules and regulations just as in any other busness they can be met and still makie a profit, tousands op people do this on a regular basis. One of my clients is well known for her cookie baskets and she markets primarily on the internet and directly to local businesses.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/27/07 12:35pm
Msg #207911

If you decide to do this, check into the laws regarding selling baked goods not baked in an "approved" kitchen.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 8/27/07 2:35pm
Msg #207950

Re: OT - baking - for pets!

Less stringent regulations and very popular - people are pampering their pets. I know Bob Dog has better treats than I do. . .

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/27/07 7:43pm
Msg #208031

Like with any other business, before you invest too much money or time, it is a good idea to do a business plan, including research on the items mentioned above, as well as what your costs are likley to be along with what kind of prices the market will allow you to charge. It makes sense to find out ahead of time if you will actually be able to make money at this, unless you're just looking for something to enjoy that will keep you busy.

Also, if you get cable, on the Food Channel, there is a show that specializes in telling the stories of people who have tried to start a food related business. (Wish I could remember the name - I canceled my extra cable channels a while back, as I don't watch much TV anymore. It was something like "Recipe for Success".) Potentially very enlightening...

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/28/07 8:29am
Msg #208087

My grandmother used to sell her baked goods & pastries to her hsubands taxi route customers...nut breads, hungarian pastries with apricot, prune or nut filling -- mmm!

Gotta get to the bakery -- now you've made me hungry! LOL