I live on Long Island and have been cooking and selling food by word of mouth for years. I'm looking to put my name out more and fill more bellies! Unfortunately I'm not sure of the rules and regulations to start an at home food business.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I start a homemade food business?
By Nikita
I do love entrepreneurs, Nikita. Life would be boring indeed if innovative souls such as yourself didn't shake up the marketplace with new ideas and products.
You'll likely want to start with just a whole bunch of research at city hall. Do you need a business license? Are you preparing foodstuffs at your home to sell to retailers or are you going to sell the products yourself. Either way, chances are you'll need someone to inspect your facilities and approve your preparation area. Health inspectors will have a number of questions and forms for you.
While not wanting to put a damper on your idea, you'll want to start writing a business plan. Google can help with that if you look into templates and / or guides. Think about such things as the clients you want to attract and how you're going to do that. Do you have a company name? Will you build a website? If you're going to market your product online, you'll want a domain name which - ideally - will be the same as your company name. Do you have enough money to get started or will you talk to your banker about a loan. If you're going to borrow, the business plan is essential. The more thought and preparation you put into planning the business, the more likely you are to succeed.
Do you have a good line of supply? Have you talked to suppliers about discounting for volume purchases? Have you given any thought to unique and appealing packaging?
Check your local library for how-to books on starting a business. The more information you have, the better.
Last not least, if you live in a city or town with a university or college where marketing classes are taught, get in touch with a professor or two and ask if they might like to get their class involved with a real-life marketing project. You'll get bright minds working with you for no cost.
Wishing you every success,
Rose Anne
I need a name for my signature bag of little cookies that I am selling. The main shape is a circle (icing varies depending on season), however I also make bags of seasonal mini shapes. Any creative suggestions for "Bag of ?"
By Deb from Saskatoon, SK
"Holiday Treats" maybe, I'm not quite sure, you did say depending on the season or maybe "seasonal smile". I dunno, but good luck! :)
Bag of Joy! Maybe not super-original but I would totally want to buy something called Bag of Joy.
Deb's Delights -- Sweet Sacks -- Tiny Treats -- Happy Sacks
Munchkins. Whatever you decide, I wish you great success!
--sarsi
I am thinking of making homemade cakes for sale during the holidays. Does anyone who does this have ideas for pricing? I plan to make pound cakes, carrot cakes, red velvet, chocolate, and caramel. Maybe others. Does anyone have any suggestions or other good tips? Thanks!
I think a lot of people would like to buy homemade desserts rather than purchasing from a store. As for pricing why don't you check what local bakeries are charging for similar products and price yours accordingly.
Well you should add up your cost of materials, energy and a profit. The cost to make cakes may be more than you will charge for them. One question, who are you going to sell them to? Do you have a ready market?
PLEASE BE CAREFUL ABOUT PRODUCING FOOD PRODUCTS OUT OF YOUR KITCHEN. THE HEALTH DEPT CONSIDERS YOU TO BE A FOOD MANUFACTURER IF YOU DO THIS AND YOU MUST BE LICENSED FOR THAT. I CAN SQUASH PICKLES EACH SUMMER AND WOULD LOVE TO SELL THEM BUT CANNOT UNLESS I PRODUCE THEM IN A COMERICAL KITCHEN.
I would just like to point out that thousands of baked good are sold at Bake Sales each year that are not produced in commercial kitchens. My grandmother supported her family baking from home as did many others.
There is a bakery near us that sells some of the type of cakes you are interested in selling. Maybe this will give you some ideas of pricing:
mikesfarm.com
I did not mean to offend anyone by pointing out that you need a commercial kitchen to prepare food for resale. It certainly does not bother me, as I enjoy buying from bake sales. I have just recently tried to get a license to make and sell my squash pickles and have been disappointed, because I find that I cannot do it from home.
One thing I have found when making things to sell is to stick with only 1-2 sure things and make that your specialty. It makes the item your selling a one of a kind and not one of many.
I have noticed the number of growing international community members in my neighborhood, since I live in a city with big universities. I want to prepare meals and sell them, since students don't usually cook and always end buying from shops. I could put up fliers and ads on Craigslist to get the word out, but I need to know if I am allowed to just make a meal in my apartment and sell it straight up.
Any regulatory/compliance and tax issues I need to take care of? And how do I do so? Who do I contact to help me get started? Thanks!I became a widow and I am looking to from home. I want to know how I can market homemade food and where? What are the conditions if I want to sell homemade food products?
I have a, passed down, cheesecake ice cream recipe from my grandmother; how do I automate it? It takes me about 45 minutes to make 3 gallons. Is there a company or factory that I could work with to produce the recipe?
By CJ
Every Christmas I sell cookies, pumpkin rolls, and pies to my co workers and friends. They love my food and think I should start my own business baking for weddings, parties etc. How do I start? I am planning to set up a separate kitchen. I live in Ohio. I want to try, but I am afraid of failure!
By Norma
I am a working woman, interested in starting my homemade food business with my mother's cooperation. My product line will include homemade jams, baked, cooked, and semi cooked food, and organic eggs.
I'm confused about how I can manage the production, marketing, purchase of raw materials, sales, budgeting, and delivery, as well as, product line test and quality packaging, etc. Could someone please suggest, for these unlimited activities, how can I manage all these in a way to achieve the interest of customers to want my product? And what type of marketing should I use? I'm thinking of using my own contacts and FB for my products marketing. If you can suggest some ideas I would appreciate it.
What's the best way to choose a brand name for my homemade food and drink products?
I have a florist shop and I would like to start selling home made cakes as well, but I don't know the pros and cons of what to do. Can anyone tell me if I need a license to do this or can I just sell them? Thanks.
By Karen from Barnsley
I make awesome cashews. I want to try selling them on eBay, Amazon, or Flipcart. Have you done anything like this? The only thing I know so far is these sites. Please help me.
By Manimaran s from Kanchipuram
