7 answers
Jordin
Student
Rumford, Maine
2
Questions
Asked
4711 views
how do I start my baking business ? and how do i get customers ?
help me with this please
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7 answers
Jennifer Hinds
Personal Chef, Cooking Instructor, Recipe Developer
4
Answers
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Jordan! I love that you want to be a Baker. That is a great career and can be very rewarding and lucrative.
To get started I would decide what kind of baked goods you want to make and sell. For example, do you like to make cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats, or do you like to make breads and rolls, you can focus on donuts, or fancy pastries. Depending on what you want to bake depends on what kind of equipment you will need.
Once you decide what you want to bake, the next step would be to find some good recipes and then practice making them. Take notes on how they turn out, and if you need to adjust anything, like oven temp, or baking time. If you don't like how it turned out after a few times of making the same recipe, look for a similar recipe but from a different source. And then test that one a few times comparing it to the first recipe you tried. What you want to do, is find the best recipes for the items you want to make. And then you want to practice them so you are comfortable making them, and they come out the same way every time. That is a very important part of being a baker. You products all have to look the same every time you make it. You can help to ensure this by using a small inexpensive kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, or just be sure to use the same measurement tools every time you bake so you will always get the same result. Ask your friends and family to taste test, and give you honest feedback. Don't take it personally if someone doesn't like something you make. (Everyone has different tastes, so you can please everyone.) If most of the people say the same thing , take notes of their responses, is the icing too sweet, is the cake to dry, is the bread to dense... Then make small changes to your recipe to fix the problems, and try again.
While you are testing and perfecting your recipes, research the Cottage Laws in your state. These are laws and rules for selling homemade products like baked goods from your home. They will let you know what you can and can't sell, and any rules that you need to follow, like labeling your products with the ingredients, or not using certain ingredients like cream cheese in your baked goods. Every state has their own rules. If they do not allow you to sell baked goods from your home there are still things you can do to gain experience, so don't worry.
The next thing I would recommend would be to invest in a few basic baking tools, like a small kitchen scale, a good food thermometer, some cooling racks, good oven mitts, a couple aprons, dry and liquid measuring cups and some measuring spoons, some sturdy spatulas, and wooden spoons, a good kitchen timer, a few different size mixing bowls, a good hand mixer or a stand mixer (if possible), parchment paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, inexpensive containers to store your ingredients, and some blank stickers to label your containers and products. Then add whatever specific equipment you will need like cupcakes tins, cake pans, or bread making equipment. Start off with the basics and add more when you can afford to. You can find good deals on baking equipment at yard sales, Craig's List, or thrift stores.
Visit some local bakeries in your area that sell the same type of baked goods as you want to. Take notice of the the prices of their items, and get ideas for packaging and displaying your products. Take lots of notes so you can look back at them when you are ready to sell.
If the cottage laws don't allow you to sell from your home. You can get experience and your name out there, by donating to local bake sales and fund raisers. You can also go to the bakery department in the grocery store, and ask if they have any beginner or internship positions,. You can ask at local bakeries as well. Even though, you would be working for someone else and not yourself yet, it would give you a ton of hands-on experience and knowledge for free. You might also be able to make some money to save up and invest in your own baking business. You might need to get a work permit depending on your age, but that is just a simple form to fill out.
I would recommend talking to your Guidance Counselor at school. Let him or her know that you want to be a Baker and own your own business. They can help you research and find programs that can help you reach your goals. The last thing I would say is to have patience because it is going to take some time, and some money as baking ingredients are expensive, but most of all have fun, know that not everything is going to come out perfect on the first ( or first few trys), you are going to have flops from time to time, learn from it, take notes and then try again, and enjoy the process!
I hope this helps you, Jordin. Wishing you the very best of luck on your new adventure!
Jennifer
To get started I would decide what kind of baked goods you want to make and sell. For example, do you like to make cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats, or do you like to make breads and rolls, you can focus on donuts, or fancy pastries. Depending on what you want to bake depends on what kind of equipment you will need.
Once you decide what you want to bake, the next step would be to find some good recipes and then practice making them. Take notes on how they turn out, and if you need to adjust anything, like oven temp, or baking time. If you don't like how it turned out after a few times of making the same recipe, look for a similar recipe but from a different source. And then test that one a few times comparing it to the first recipe you tried. What you want to do, is find the best recipes for the items you want to make. And then you want to practice them so you are comfortable making them, and they come out the same way every time. That is a very important part of being a baker. You products all have to look the same every time you make it. You can help to ensure this by using a small inexpensive kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, or just be sure to use the same measurement tools every time you bake so you will always get the same result. Ask your friends and family to taste test, and give you honest feedback. Don't take it personally if someone doesn't like something you make. (Everyone has different tastes, so you can please everyone.) If most of the people say the same thing , take notes of their responses, is the icing too sweet, is the cake to dry, is the bread to dense... Then make small changes to your recipe to fix the problems, and try again.
While you are testing and perfecting your recipes, research the Cottage Laws in your state. These are laws and rules for selling homemade products like baked goods from your home. They will let you know what you can and can't sell, and any rules that you need to follow, like labeling your products with the ingredients, or not using certain ingredients like cream cheese in your baked goods. Every state has their own rules. If they do not allow you to sell baked goods from your home there are still things you can do to gain experience, so don't worry.
The next thing I would recommend would be to invest in a few basic baking tools, like a small kitchen scale, a good food thermometer, some cooling racks, good oven mitts, a couple aprons, dry and liquid measuring cups and some measuring spoons, some sturdy spatulas, and wooden spoons, a good kitchen timer, a few different size mixing bowls, a good hand mixer or a stand mixer (if possible), parchment paper, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, inexpensive containers to store your ingredients, and some blank stickers to label your containers and products. Then add whatever specific equipment you will need like cupcakes tins, cake pans, or bread making equipment. Start off with the basics and add more when you can afford to. You can find good deals on baking equipment at yard sales, Craig's List, or thrift stores.
Visit some local bakeries in your area that sell the same type of baked goods as you want to. Take notice of the the prices of their items, and get ideas for packaging and displaying your products. Take lots of notes so you can look back at them when you are ready to sell.
If the cottage laws don't allow you to sell from your home. You can get experience and your name out there, by donating to local bake sales and fund raisers. You can also go to the bakery department in the grocery store, and ask if they have any beginner or internship positions,. You can ask at local bakeries as well. Even though, you would be working for someone else and not yourself yet, it would give you a ton of hands-on experience and knowledge for free. You might also be able to make some money to save up and invest in your own baking business. You might need to get a work permit depending on your age, but that is just a simple form to fill out.
I would recommend talking to your Guidance Counselor at school. Let him or her know that you want to be a Baker and own your own business. They can help you research and find programs that can help you reach your goals. The last thing I would say is to have patience because it is going to take some time, and some money as baking ingredients are expensive, but most of all have fun, know that not everything is going to come out perfect on the first ( or first few trys), you are going to have flops from time to time, learn from it, take notes and then try again, and enjoy the process!
I hope this helps you, Jordin. Wishing you the very best of luck on your new adventure!
Jennifer
Tia Nix, PHR
Business Development Professional
5
Answers
El Cajon, California
Updated
Tia’s Answer
Hi Jordin!
Once you know what baked goods you'd like to sell, focus on those, which will be called your "niche". This will allow you to make a name for yourself and promote your business consistently.
You may be able to start your baking business in your own home to eliminate the cost of buying equipment to cook with. You may consider buying second-hand or used cooking equipment at a lower cost than brand-new cooking equipment. You may even consider partnering or collaborating with businesses that have a kitchen and will allow you to use their kitchen or equipment.
When starting your business there are so many directions you could go, so write down your ideas, and find resources that will make all of your ideas achievable and organized. The "small business development center" has videos and advisors who are able and willing to help you on your journey and be as specific as you need them to be.
Consider starting from home, you may also need to check local regulations and get assistance acquiring permits if needed.
Focus on the exact baked goods you are excellent at or specialize in.
Look for second hand, or used equipment.
Collaborate with local businesses or suppliers
Focus on online sales or events
Once you know what baked goods you'd like to sell, focus on those, which will be called your "niche". This will allow you to make a name for yourself and promote your business consistently.
You may be able to start your baking business in your own home to eliminate the cost of buying equipment to cook with. You may consider buying second-hand or used cooking equipment at a lower cost than brand-new cooking equipment. You may even consider partnering or collaborating with businesses that have a kitchen and will allow you to use their kitchen or equipment.
When starting your business there are so many directions you could go, so write down your ideas, and find resources that will make all of your ideas achievable and organized. The "small business development center" has videos and advisors who are able and willing to help you on your journey and be as specific as you need them to be.
Tia recommends the following next steps:
Amy Marie
Consultant
4
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Amy’s Answer
To launch a bakery business, I would follow these steps:
1. Ensure legal compliance. Research local and state laws regarding food safety, taxation, and business licenses.
2. Decide on the variety of baked goods you plan to offer.
3. Develop a user-friendly website.
4. Purchase the necessary baking equipment and ingredients.
5. Begin baking, photograph your creations, and publicize your business.
To attract customers, start with your personal network of friends and family and request them to spread the word. You might consider introducing a reward system for successful referrals.
Distribute promotional flyers in local schools, grocery stores, and libraries. Think about setting up a booth at a school/town event.
Leverage social media platforms to spread the word about your business.
Organize a holiday sale. Take pre-orders so you can anticipate demand.
1. Ensure legal compliance. Research local and state laws regarding food safety, taxation, and business licenses.
2. Decide on the variety of baked goods you plan to offer.
3. Develop a user-friendly website.
4. Purchase the necessary baking equipment and ingredients.
5. Begin baking, photograph your creations, and publicize your business.
To attract customers, start with your personal network of friends and family and request them to spread the word. You might consider introducing a reward system for successful referrals.
Distribute promotional flyers in local schools, grocery stores, and libraries. Think about setting up a booth at a school/town event.
Leverage social media platforms to spread the word about your business.
Organize a holiday sale. Take pre-orders so you can anticipate demand.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you want to be a. entrepreneur. Have you thought about what industry you would like to start your business?
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest or strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg the entry criteria, competition status, any alternative / substitute, etc
3. Attend some industry related courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the operating model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
6. Prepare the marketing both online and physical
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest or strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg the entry criteria, competition status, any alternative / substitute, etc
3. Attend some industry related courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the operating model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
6. Prepare the marketing both online and physical
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Naila H. Carter, CMA
Product Manager
4
Answers
Bothell, Washington
Updated
Naila H.’s Answer
Hello Jordin,
Embarking on a baking business journey requires a solid grasp of baking techniques and recipes. Think about enrolling in classes and honing your craft through practice.
Drafting a business plan is a must. This will outline your objectives, identify your target market, and provide financial estimates. It will also detail your anticipated income and expenses, including costs for raw materials, supplies, labor, assistance, equipment, and so forth.
Don't forget to secure all the necessary permits and licenses needed to run a baking business.
Next, design a mouth-watering menu of baked goods to entice your customers. Aim for variety - think cakes, cookies, and more.
Promote your business through various channels like social media, word-of-mouth, local events, and online advertising.
Finally, remember that owning and operating your own business requires commitment and effort. Be courageous and savvy. After all, the only person who never fails is the one who never tries anything new.
Embarking on a baking business journey requires a solid grasp of baking techniques and recipes. Think about enrolling in classes and honing your craft through practice.
Drafting a business plan is a must. This will outline your objectives, identify your target market, and provide financial estimates. It will also detail your anticipated income and expenses, including costs for raw materials, supplies, labor, assistance, equipment, and so forth.
Don't forget to secure all the necessary permits and licenses needed to run a baking business.
Next, design a mouth-watering menu of baked goods to entice your customers. Aim for variety - think cakes, cookies, and more.
Promote your business through various channels like social media, word-of-mouth, local events, and online advertising.
Finally, remember that owning and operating your own business requires commitment and effort. Be courageous and savvy. After all, the only person who never fails is the one who never tries anything new.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Bakers usually don't need any official education certificates, but having a high school diploma could give you an edge with employers. Some bakers even decide to go to a technical or culinary school to sharpen their skills. But don't worry if you haven't done that, because most bakers learn the ropes while actually doing the job. This hands-on training might even involve being part of an apprenticeship program.
Karen (MacQuarrie) Croteau
Help organizations deploy and adoption technology to make their jobs easier
4
Answers
Reading, Massachusetts
Updated
Karen’s Answer
As you start out, share samples with family and friends. Promote your business on social media and ask people to comment on their experience - how it was working with you as well as their favorite baked good.
Your business can organically grow that way with minimal investment. From there, you can see how things expand. You should also think about your big picture dream. Do you want to only sell online? Do you eventually want to open your own store front? Or do you want your product sold in stores? Create a vision board for what you want from this business and visit it often. It will keep you grounded on your WHY and your dream.
As you begin to see success with word of mouth and you begin to make money, then you can begin to think about investing in your bigger dream.
Be patient with yourself, give yourself grace, recognize the path will not be smooth sailing and mistakes will happen. But mistakes are best way to learn, adapt and grow.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Your business can organically grow that way with minimal investment. From there, you can see how things expand. You should also think about your big picture dream. Do you want to only sell online? Do you eventually want to open your own store front? Or do you want your product sold in stores? Create a vision board for what you want from this business and visit it often. It will keep you grounded on your WHY and your dream.
As you begin to see success with word of mouth and you begin to make money, then you can begin to think about investing in your bigger dream.
Be patient with yourself, give yourself grace, recognize the path will not be smooth sailing and mistakes will happen. But mistakes are best way to learn, adapt and grow.
Wishing you the best of luck!