Starting a cake decorating business from home can be a lucrative venture for individuals with creative flair. This comprehensive guide covers the most important steps and elements of starting a cake decorating business, including conducting market research, knowing your market, networking and promoting your business, and determining your pricing structure.
To start a cake decorating business from scratch, it is essential to know your local requirements, prepare your home, name your business, create a business plan, promote your business, and protect your business. To register your business, you usually need to file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) license.
To ensure customers pay in full after confirming everything is great, ensure each customer signs an agreement to pay a portion up front. You can also choose the type of business, research your market, decide on your niche, create your business plan, choose a catchy business name, and get necessary advice.
When starting a cake decorating business from home, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of entering the baking industry and determine if this is the best career path for you. By following these steps, you can create a successful brand and establish a strong online presence.
In summary, starting a cake decorating business from home requires careful planning, legal compliance, understanding your market, and implementing effective strategies. By following these steps, you can create a successful and profitable business that caters to your creative flair and needs.
📹 How to Start a Cake Business from Home | CHELSWEETS
So many passionate bakers out there are eager to start selling their cakes, but don’t know where to begin! Starting a cake …
How profitable is cake business?
The typical cake business profit in the cottage food industry is around 20 percent, with higher profits for luxury cakes like wedding cakes or special order cakes. Home bakers can calculate their profit by considering factors such as cost of goods and materials, labor, packaging, marketing, and energy. The profit depends on the right mix of these variables, ensuring a reasonable profit margin for the cottage food industry.
How to promote cake business from home?
To advertise your home bakery, hand out business cards, include a personal thank you note, and attach flyers to orders. Despite having the best-baked goods in town, locals may not know about your business. Starting a home baking business requires excellent products, strong customer service skills, and a successful marketing plan. Utilizing social media platforms, spreading business cards and flyers, receiving positive customer reviews, and maintaining a consistent menu are all ways to attract customers. Creating a known product and using affordable marketing methods like social media, word of mouth, and community events are essential for success in your small business.
Is cake decorating an expensive hobby?
Starting a cake decorating hobby doesn’t require a lot of money, as you only need basic supplies. This post outlines how to start with these inexpensive supplies, which are in no particular order but are all basic and can be purchased with coupons at local craft stores. These basic supplies are a great foundation for beginners, helping them narrow down their options and create a visually appealing cake.
How do I start my own cake business plan?
A business plan is crucial for turning your passion for baking into a successful business. It should detail your product, research your competition, identify your target market, make a budget, and outline a marketing and promotional plan. It is also essential for applying for loans from investors or banks. A well-written business plan will help you understand your target market, the cakes you will offer, who your customers will be, and the costs associated with your business.
Despite having a secret sugar-flower formula, launching a business is not a simple task. However, with a smart business plan and exceptional baked goods, you can expect to see your profits multiply like mini cupcakes.
Is there an app to calculate cake prices?
CakeCost is a tool designed for bakers and cake decorators to facilitate the process of determining the cost of ingredients and labor associated with the creation of baked goods, thereby reducing the potential for uncertainty in pricing. The software calculates prices that include the cost of ingredients, expenses, and time, thereby ensuring accurate pricing and a desired profit margin. CakeCost obviates the necessity for bakers and cake decorators to estimate prices, thereby guaranteeing accurate pricing.
Can you make cake at home and sell?
Cottage food laws allow home-based sellers to sell without a food license as long as they follow local regulations. This means you can sell on Facebook and Instagram as long as you know your local regulations and are in compliance. The license to sell baked goods from home depends on the cottage food laws in your local area. Some states are lenient, providing significant freedoms, while others are more restrictive, requiring licenses and permits to sell goods in specific cities or locales.
Can you make money baking cakes at home?
Starting a home-based cake baking business can be a lucrative venture, as customers will flock to your business for your signature cake and easy sweets. You can also sell cupcakes for bridal showers and wedding cakes, or offer holiday cookies and bundt cakes along with fruitcakes. To succeed, consider what you will call your business and ensure it is well-organized and has a clear brand. By doing so, you can attract customers and build a successful business from home.
Can I run a cake business from home?
Starting a cake business from home requires obtaining cake-baking insurance to protect yourself and your operations. Public liability insurance covers bakers against accidents in the kitchen or other areas while working, while employers’ liability cover is a legal requirement for employees. Although there is no specific license needed to sell homemade cakes, obtaining a food hygiene certificate and registering with your local authority is necessary.
Additionally, complying with food safety legislation in the UK and EU is essential. With the right knowledge of hygiene and safety procedures, food legislation, and governing body expectations, you can thrive in your new venture. This article provides valuable insights to help you get your cake-baking business off the ground and grow your confidence in the first steps to lay the foundations for a successful future.
What makes a cake business successful?
A business plan should outline a mission, goals, target audience, competition, and financial projections. Identify your niche and focus on quality ingredients for your cakes. Be creative with unique designs to attract customers. Utilize social media to showcase your cakes and reach a wider audience. Offer delivery services for convenience. Build relationships with vendors for quality ingredients. Train staff to produce consistent cakes. Stay updated with trends and adjust offerings accordingly. Provide excellent customer service to build a loyal customer base and gain positive reviews and referrals.
Where do bakers make the most money?
The highest salaries for bakers in the United States are observed in New York, Denver, Portland, Boulder, and Las Vegas, at an average of $20. 23 per hour, $19. 76 per hour, $18. 74 per hour, and $15. 93 per hour, respectively.
📹 Top 3 Money Makers for Home Bakers for a Profitable Cake Business
Is a cake business profitable? Most definitely! Here are the top 3 money makers for home bakers to make more money in their …
I always appreciate when ppl in the business are willing to share what they have learned. Sometimes you get ppl that are worried about someone stealing their business so the become a mizer with information taht could help you progress to the next level. Thank you for sharing this information and you have definitely inspired me to try the home based cake business again. I was not as informed on my first attempt but after perusal your articles and being in a better place in my life, I am going to give it a go! Time to pull all of my Wilton equipment out of the boxes. I focused primarily on fondant cakes but I want to try more iced cakes this time around. Thank you for all the great information. I love your website so much!
Thank you SO much for making this article! Usually when people make articles like this they just spout the same old “hard work, believe in yourself, be true to yourself!” While that’s all nice, it does NOTHING to help me learn what I need to learn to actually start my home-based bakery business. You actually went into detail about what we need to know to be legally certified, what tools we need and how to fairly price our products! Loved this article!! 🎂🎂🎂
I LOVED this article! I live in NY too (Buffalo) and recently, I’m taking my cake skills seriously and have gotten offers from restaurants to bake for them and co-workers telling me that I need to start my business. I never ever thought of looking in this direction but now I’m thinking it could be a possibility in the future. You hit up on so many points and concerns of mine. Thanks for making this!
Thank you soo much for making this enlightening article for those of us planning to start our home based baking business. You touched on some things we have taken lightly and still are, like the pricing. My mom was the baker and by perusal her manage her business got me into the world of baking too. You have opened my eyes to a lot of things to think about and I will definitely be perusal your article every time I have a cake order😊
Well I am trying to start my own in home bakery and just the thought about it…it’s scary but I know I can do this and it’s a challenge that I am willing to take so …I am so grateful that I am perusal this article it kinda at ease my mind in a way and I will keep perusal this website for more tips and what not.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who went through all this stress. Especially the pricing. I’ve finally learned how to pass on cake orders that are really not worth all the time spent. Before I used to say yes to every order and I’ll spend so much time trying to please everyone for little money. Oh well still learning though
Thank you your advice really push my confidence up! To now im just starting to sell cupcakes and to my surprise, in just one week i already had 3 orders of cookies and cupcakes and now its growing!😇 im going to enroll my self in a cake class i really wanna learn more i’ve been self taught for like 5 years now i already made cakes but those formula or ingridients their using to stabilized the icing stuff is the only thing im lacking of.. its really a great feeling to know that your family and friends supports you and believing that you can do it.. my family and me are planning to start a mini bakery in our town hope it works! ☺️
I was binge viewing cake recipes and got your article, I am actually on my way to start my own bakery business, and without looking for it… I found a LOT of excellent notes from what you recommended, I’m self-taught as well and I really appreciate this because is not something other people will tell you. Plus you’re really cute, thanks for the article.
This very helpful l don’t have a business but l have always love to bake as little girl l ALWAYS LOVE BEING UN THE KITCHEN WITH MY MOM.! I loved it this how l learned everything was always homemade my mom only baked from scratch. And l do as well I’m not sure yet if l want the business just yet but u have given me so much useful information that l didn’t realize l needed to get started if l do decide to have a at home Baking Business so things l did know l live in Brooklyn so where like right here from each other been here all my life and l have seen so many successful businesses fold so l.know I’m not ready for a store front business any time soon..! Lol. Thanks for all your information and tips.🎂😃
Wow, thanks for this tutorial I learned a lot! I’m one of those that values my work and thinks that I should be charging the same as the stores. Then you do get that customer that won’t want to pay too much for the cake. I just have to learn to tell them it does take some time to make these from scratch and I do put a lot of effort into my cakes! I definitely will be seen this article over and over again! Thank you once again for this tutorial.❤️❤️❤️
Hi Chelsea, thank you very much for the excellent advise. I am too type A person plus my first steps in trying to turn my love to bake to a business. I had and still have doubt if I am able to turn it to the full time business because I don’t know how to start marketing. Friends and family members love my baking and it is free for them but it is till at start point and I don’t have lined up people with order yet. I look forward for the 2 part of your article how to use social media successfully. I am also open for any your suggestions. Thank you! Munara
Thank you the advice some people advertise on social media there cakes for really cheap an it’s hard to compete with that an then you have some people say it just cake no it your time an effort people can pay for decorations an food an jumpers why not cake especially when they want detailed cakes but still want it for cheap I’ve worked in store bakeries an people still complain about the prices what do you have to say bout it
This is an extremely useful article for people like me. So many friends have asked me to start selling my cakes but I have always been hesitant because of license regulations. Since I too work full time and bake only as a hobby, it is overwhelming to think about pricing, tools and most importantly keeping that work/life balance.
I can’t believe that I just found this article. I also live in NY and it is hard to start a business. I sell to my neighbors and friends in the summer time. I’m trying to work on getting more orders. Yes it is hard to get exposure on social media. I’m still working on pricing so pricing after 3 years( I started when I was 17) so thank you for this! Lots of good information!
hi Chelsea! thank you so much for making this article. this year, I’ve started pursuing an actual business for my baking and it’s been very challenging because I’m still a student and I don’t have anyone to discuss questions and concerns about a home baking business. your article gives me a breath of relief after all of my stressing. you’re amazing for going after what you’re passionate about and I can’t wait to utilize your tips and advice that you’ve shared with us. thank you again so much, I’m excited for the future for all small businesses.
Yes times a million to the KitchenAid! I couldn’t really afford it but the pro 500 went on mega sale so I invested and am SO glad I did! Thanks for posting this 😊 your startout sounds a lot like mine. I’m YouTube taught, inspired by lots of your cakes, and have been self taught and learning as I go! Loving all of it
Hi Chelsea, Thanks for this informative article for beginners. I could relate to so much that you spoke about and I am so glad that I stumbled upon this. I am just starting out and also have no formal training in baking. So I wanted to ask you if you can recommend some really good online baking course. I know I can find tons online but a recommendation always helps. Thank you
I appreciate this article as Iam thinking to make a cake business or not. I dont have a separate kitchen in my home but we are hoping to find a space. I hope to find more info from your articles. NEW SUBBIE!!! I have the passion and love to bake it is just scarey I have only done one super large baby shower cake which was my first order lol! It was 36 by 36 lol!
Wonderful advice. I’m a home baker here in Lunenburg Nova Scotia, and recently people have asked for my cakes, cookies, and brownies. I’ve basically done them at cost as I get enjoyment out of it, so very similar to you. I also just love doing my articles and posting them on here. Both the baking and the articles are a great outlet for creativity.
Hi I have a question about my daughter’s wedding cake I’m making…i tried Italian meringue buttercream for the 1st time and it came out really sweet and SUPER buttery tasting. Pretty much all anyone could taste is butter! I got my recipie from Brian on preppy kitchen…what went wrong? I heard so many great things about it! Will it travel from Texas to arizona by car with dried ice frozen? Is it the best icing for a wedding cake? Also do you have a fondant recipie? Thanks you’ll save my life!!!! Ive only been decorating for a couple months and this is a challenge!! Naomi
Hi dear I’m a homemaker. I make cakes for friends n family,nowi want to bake cakes to earn the money to give for charity. I don’t get many orders n I can’t make so many cakes because I have some other responsibilities, is there any sight where I don’t have to get licence n register myself because i cant run a tregular busy business, will be waiting for your response. Thanks in advance
You said where you live you need a separate kitchen for your business. How do you manage baking then from home for customers if you only have that one kitchen? Unless you have a house with another kitchen in the basement designated for your customer’s orders how will you be able to have a business from home? 🙁
Hi Chelsea! Do you have an accounting and document manager system recommendations for a baking biz, as well as a system that will help you track inventory, set pricing, and scale recipes (up or down)? I’ve heard great things about Freshbooks (accounting system), and I’ve seen info about Cake Boss (inventory, pricing, etc for bakers), but before I leap into buying these products (which could get pricy) I would like your advise. Thanks so much – I’m a new biz owner, so your help is greatly appreciated!! :0)
Thank you so so much for this article! It is like you were talking to me one to one! I am totally in need of finding my work life balance, and although I love my business but I have no time for anything or anyone else :(. Haven’t seen my friends for a year now because I either bake/ shop/deliver/ plan/ do my accounting/ research/ it is so much! I do all the aspects of my business myself, and I really struggle with space now in my kitchen. Your article helped me to realise that I must change my ways otherwise me, my family, and my business will pay the price!
Hi Chelsea! This was an awesome article. Thank you so much for posting. I am not looking to start a cake buisness, but I am interested in selling one of my baked goods and hopefully tuning it into a small business. My apartment kitchen is quite small, do you have any good recommendations of kitchens I can rent out for the day in NYC? I was hesitant to try this because I assumed they were quite expensive. Additionally, do you recommend any stores or websites with great edible decoration for baking? Thanks again! Your article was so helpful and was exactly what I needed to hear to make dreams come true in 2018! Happy New Year!
Awesome tutorial, thanks for posting! I have always dreamed of owning a bakery, and still hope to someday get there. I think home business would be a wonderful start, and really appreciate your advice. I know when I get questioned on how much I would charge for my baked goods, I never know how to respond. I also agree that my KitchenAid is one of my all time favourite tools, I too started with a hand mixer! For Christmas this year hubby upgraded my cake turntable, so I am pretty excited to try it out! Happy New Year Chelsea! ❤️
Thanks for this article Chelsey! I find pricing cakes really hard. They always take so much longer to make than you think they will. Sometimes a cake can actually take me a whole day (and it’s not even a wedding cake!). I don’t know what my hourly rate should be… maybe minimum wage, given that I am not properly qualified or done any formal training in the food industry? It’s so hard to know! Anyway, happy new year to you and thank you for the article, looking forward to part 2! x
Thank you a bunch, this article has great information. I’m a beginner and I was doing so much search but couldn’t really find certain info I was looking for. I’m from the Bronx and this was exactly what I was searching for. It sure is so hard here in N.Y. I want to start a cupcake business. Want to sale start selling outside as a pushcart but they told me they weren’t giving out licence for that right now, I would need a temporary for now and also need my food certificate which I’m working on getting now. I would love to get certified to bake from home as well but I bet that will be just as hard. I would like to ask what do you need to have and how you need to have your kitchen in order to pass when they come inspect ? And also if you don’t mind me asking when you have your own business how do you do your taxes ? Thank you, you are awesome, keep up the fantastic work you are doing. God Bless
hi, i just came through your website and i instantly subbed! i love this article, it calmed my nerves so much. i do have a VERY important question tho, what careers would you recommend to pursue right before you dive into this business? or is it possible to straight up go into cakery? do you think that it’s better to do something before doing a cake business from home or just start with what you have?
I’m thinking of starting a cupcake business from home(right now I’m just making cupcakes for family and friends) and Thank you so much for this article, This gave all the important key points and it’s going to help me get my cupcake business started, Happy New Year and wishing you all the success in 2018🤗