Going pro... getting started.

[linnvix]

I've always been told I should sell my cakes, and now that I find myself looking for a part time job, I'm taking the suggestion into great consideration. I can assess the costs/fees and understand the basic principals of running a business, but I need a better understanding of contract baking.

For example... Tastings? I make several small sample cakes for them... that seems very time consuming to make so many batches. Plus... I don't feel comfortable having complete strangers in my home when it's just my boys and me. Suggestions? Generally, how many different cake flavors should I have available? Any other comments or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[puzzlegut]

I haven't done any of the things that you're asking. But one thing you'll want to do is find out if it's legal for you to have a baking business out of your home. Some states do not allow this and if you live in a state that does, they may require a bunch of changes to your kitchen/home. You will want to check this out first before you go much further.

[cakebaker]

I agree about checking into the regulations on baking, that can be a deal breaker in some states!

As far as tastings, I really don't worry about having them in my home. After all, if I were in a brick and mortar business, I'd be by myself most likely. I just don't see the difference between a business in my home and a brick and mortar bakery. Some people hold tastings at a coffee shop or some other public place, but I'm not comfortable with bringing food into another business...just isn't done around here.

I offer 3 flavors for a tasting. Whenever I have extra batter I make cupcakes with it, freeze them and use them for tastings. I rarely have to bake just for a tasting. I don't decorate them, usually just a swirl top so they're quick and easy. I do these at no charge for orders over $200, anythin under that and I charge $35.

[tracymes3]

Very good information to know cakebaker...thanks

[linnvix]

Thanks for the tip, cakebaker. How long do you normally keep your cupcakes for before the quality starts to deteriorate?

I have an assortment of recipes, how many flavors should I generally offer to my customers? Do you ever accept "special" requests?

[cakebaker]

I wrap them individually in foil, then a plastic storage bag, then in an airtight container.

It's a bit of overkill, but they'll stay fresh for months that way. I usually run through them at a rate where I don't have them stored for more than a month or so though.

[JaclynJ326]

I usually make mini cup cakes too and put just a simple swirl on top and I allow 3 flavors and up to 3 fillings to taste. Currently I am living with my fiances parents so I don't like to have people come to my home so i meet in a local starbucks. I always make sure to buy a coffee while i'm there so i'm not just moochin on their building...

[Amanda]

You know I used to do big fancy tastings....but it was just too much work. Especially if they don't book with me!
I make up 6 cupcakes (3 flavors) and 3 fillings in nice neat little to go boxes. They can pick them up (or I'll drop them off) and taste, discuss, and get back to me when they like. I never liked the uncomfortable silence after the tasting was over when I knew they wanted to talk among themselves, but I didn't really have anywhere to go....this is just much easier for all involved. I charge $35, and it barely covers the ingredients, but I don't mind. If I get a booking out of it, it's worth it. If I don't, then I didn't lose much of anything.

[cakebaker]

That's a great idea Amanda!

It would be so much easier not having to sit through a tasting. I don't mind the decorating or baking, but taking up 2 hrs of my time really gets to me sometimes!

Nevermind, I have to clean up and look decent!

I'm seriously going to think about switching to just a pick up style tasting like you're doing!!!!

[jeri]

When I first got going I used to make little loaf pan cakes... that was over kill especially if they wanted to try more than a couple of flavors.

What I do now is bake for 2-3 brides at a time and let them know when I will provide their samples. I too do cupcakes 2 of each flavor so bride & groom mom & dad can all have a taste. I do not charge for the samples, and lucky for me only once has the bride not booked with me. I am pretty confident in my product the taste is what sells my cakes. Sometimes the bride & groom come here to my home, after all if I am making their cake, they should be able to see my kitchen! Most of them are amazed at how small my kitchen is and how much I accomplish in such a small space. We've lived in the same house and baked in the same kitchen for 30 years so guess it's good enough!

I know some shops have tastings once every couple of months and the brides have to schedule way ahead. I'd rather them take the cupcakes and taste and enjoy... or if they really hate something spit it out and they don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing in front of me! I tell the brides to choose 3-4 flavors and they will get more because if I am baking for 3 people and they all choose different flavors, I put together a box of mixed flavors from each bride. I love the look on their faces when I deliver their cupcakes and the wonderful comments on how much fun they had tasting them all!