Starting a Home-Based Cake-Making and Decorating Business

Getting Started

Many cake decorators get their start in this business by decorating cakes for family and friends, and then for friends of their family and friends. Cake decorators often find themselves in the business almost accidentally. Contacting family and friends is certainly a good place to begin when considering starting a home-based, cake decorating business. This approach provides the opportunity to try the business before investing money in commercial kitchen and baking equipment, marketing, and other business expenses.

Marketing

Direct referrals from family and friends is a low-cost and effective way to begin marketing a cake decorating business. Word-of-mouth advertising is particularly effective, and family and friends are often happy to help spread the word - particularly if you ask for their assistance.

Brochures and business cards can be an inexpensive and effective way of marketing many businesses. Brochures and business cards can be posted on community bulletin boards. This approach may be most effective in locations where you have some connection or where potential customers will recognize your name.

Websites are cost-effective marketing solutions for many businesses. A business website can be set up and maintained inexpensively, yet the site provides a convenient place to share photos, videos, testimonials, pricing information, and other news. The website can also include links to social media profiles or fan pages and an e-mail newsletter subscription form.

Community newspapers and classifieds can also be inexpensive advertising options to keep your business in front of a wide, local audience. These publications are usually affordable and offer discounts for long-term advertising contracts.

Cautions

Always follow all health department regulations and best practice guidelines whenever food preparation is involved. Violating health department regulations can result in expensive fines, and may potentially result in a food service business being closed by the health department. Complying with health regulations and recommendations keeps your business and your customers safe.

A commercial kitchen may be required for home-based, food service businesses. Contact your local health department for details about what your state or county requires for home-based, food service businesses. Some states may require a separate kitchen with a separate entrance to the outside.

Business liability insurance is often a good idea for businesses, including home-based businesses. Food service businesses are particularly vulnerable to lawsuits from a food-borne illness. Business liability insurance can help to protect your business from financial ruin should any unfortunate situations occur. Business automobile insurance on any vehicles that are used for business is also essential, though many automobile insurance companies offer this as a rider on personal policies.

Conclusion

The cake decorating business can be a "sweet deal" for the artistic entrepreneur who enjoys baking. This business offers plenty of opportunity to be creative as you create one-of-a-kind, baked memories for your customer's special occasions.

SOURCES

Earlene Moore. The Business of Cake Decorating. Earlene's Cakes. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.

Starting a Cake Decorating Business. BizyMoms. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.

How to Start a Cake Decorating Business 1-2-3. Home Inc. Business Center. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.