Selling cakes etc from home?

Question

Hi.
Can anyone advise me on how to start up a business from home - selling cakes etc?
I have thought about working from home for a while and as baking is a hobbie I feel this would be best.
What do I need? How much do I charge? etc
x

Answer 1

The first and most important thing before you start doing this is to look into the Health and Hygiene aspect, as this could rule whether or not you can go ahead.

There are very strict rules as you'd expect in this area, and you need to get your kitchen certified. You need to talk to your local council about this, and they will be able to advise you of the correct department to contact, and then you can read up on the rules. I believe you have to go on a training course as well.

I really would do this first, as you don't want to go to the time, effort and expense in setting up and then find that you aren't allowed to do it until you get new equipment etc.

Its not impossible to do, and I think it could be a good business venture, you just need to get everything right before you start.

Wish you the best of luck, and hope it goes well for you!

Answer 2

In UK there are a lot of rules to be followed. Apart from the hygiene ones there is a question of labelling. All cakes must have a precise list of all ingredients, amount of each per cake or per 100 gm. the amount and percentage of fat, sugar, salt etc.. a list of any additives or colourants. Whether any nuts or allergy type materials are present. I honestly would query whether it was all worth it. Could mum control her baking so the quantities and results were exactly the same every time? You can do what you like at home or give them away but can't sell them. Even the WVS and Mothers Union have had to stop the home made cake sales at fetes and similar because of rules and regulations.

Answer 3

Hi , you have to be very careful when producing food from home to sell on. You will need to have a basic food hygiene certifcate you can take this course either at a local college or you can do it on the internet and this is called an e-course it will be about £25, once you have that you then need to notify the local food standards authority of your plan, this is because they need to come to your home to check that it meets requirements for the production of food. They will be looking at all differnet aspects from whether you have pets in the house to what condition the kitchen is in. It can be intrusive but it is a must if you want to be on the right side of the law.
Once that is all okayed you can go ahead with putting your business idea in motion. You can advertise anywhere.
Trying to work out costs is never easy as I well know when I started my business, but as long as you work out what all the ingredients cost you, then multiply it by 2.65 you will have your price to charge people (for example if it costs you £2.55 x by 2.65 = £6.75) the minimum you should multiply it by is 2.35. This way of calculating prices is the most commonly used and therefore will be the most beneficial to you.
Good luck and best wishes x

Answer 4

I would look into making a website and selling over the net to local places by order and place adverts in the newspaper and maybe some shopwindows i would look at your local shops/bakery's to get a feel of the prices i think i have seen some handmade cakes go for quite alot b-day ones for £15+ each wedding cakes sell for bundles!!

(when making a website ask around for people who can do them or post an ad at your local college/uni saying you will pay them a small amount to do one for you don't buy professionaly its such a waste of money cos even someone like me can make a website)

Answer 5

Cake prices depends on ingredients and the decorations .

Start making some up for people you know and take them to their job .
Tell them you are starting a cake business and want their input about what they would pay for your cakes .

Then decide it that is enough to cover costs and make a profit .

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Answer 6

I think if you are making any food for sale, you have to be preparing it in a approved location.. I don`t think you can do this at home unless your premises have been checked by the health and safety people or food hygiene people.

Answer 7

sell them over the internet lol