People rave over your Dutch apple pie.
They always take a second slice of your Texas sheet cake.
Those oatmeal raisin cookies disappear in minutes.
Check out The Penny Hoarder’sGuide to Starting a Business.Tip: Take manageable steps.7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate PeopleDo you avoid people too? In the past, there was almost no way around working with people if you wanted to earn a living, but things have changed.Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this month, without having to put up with people.Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
Fans tell you repeatedly you could sell your tasty treats.
An initial investment in tools, packaging, and baking basics and a marketing strategy for your bakery business.
Its likely you already have some equipment but you may need more as your business scales up.
One thing thats free is coming up with a name.
That might be the most fun of all.
7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People
Do you avoid people too?
Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
But if you take a methodical approach you are a baker arent you?
youll be able to master each step.
It is thrilling and terrifying at the same time.
There are customers who sing your praises and ask you to cater their big office brunch.
Then there are more complicated challenges.
Dont Miss:6 Companies That Send People Money When Theyre Asked Nicely
Luckily there are lots ofresourcesto help.
The Facebook group,We Are Home Business Bakers, has over 34,000 members.
Joining alocal business allianceis smart.
They make workshops, gatherings, and peer-to-peer help available to members through networking.
Almost everyone wants to be friends with a baker.
These groups help you navigate at the beginning, and are a steady source of encouragement and support.
Think about your ideal baking business.
The first thing you should do is see what baked goods are being offered locally.
Your dark chocolate raspberry ginger brownies have a fabulous reputation.
Then decide if yours are different enough to stand out, or if you should pivot to another treat.
This is the right time to ask people in your life which of your desserts they like best.
It is important to be flexible when you are starting out.
Do Your Market Research
What items does a home bakery usually offer?
These are most common:Cakes
Cakes
Most pies (Check local regulations!
Visit different vendors at local farmers markets if that is your goal.
Figure out a target market for your home bakery business.
Marketing is more than having business cards and a cute name.
Different plans allow different levels of details.
Here are16 toolsto help you launch and run a small business.
It will help you shape the business around your life, rather than the other way around.
A lean business plan helps you focus on the right questions when you are starting your business.
In a way it is like a recipe.
Everyone loves your vegan cookies, and you have all the equipment needed to make them.
You need photographs, customers, packaging and a way to connect the customers with the cookies.
Using social media to promote your treats is free and effective.
There are lots of online videos on how to take effective food photos.
State laws have expanded what foods can be made at home and sold to consumers.
There are wide variations in laws.
Many states waive licensing and inspection requirements.
Its important to make yourself familiar with them.
Thiswebsiteis a database about cottage food laws.
Most states ban making temperature controlled or potentially hazard foods at home.
Some states require food handling certificates, business licenses, and a sales tax permit.
Learn about local regulations as the home based bakery business owner.
There are no national laws regarding cottage food production.
You have a name for your new business.
you could use a freelance designer through99designsorUpwork.
A logo design for cards, websites, and social media could cost $300-500.
you might also use a free design program likeCanvato create your own if you have the skills.
Word of mouth can build a home bakery business.
you could get potential patrons numbers and text them a weekly menu.
Do you want to use social media or a website?
There are websites built for home baking businesses, such asCastiron,BlueCart, andYummit.
Look at the ways people post their menus and photos.
Pay close attention to how they handle sales.
Social media is a common way to sell baked goods.
Instagram and Etsy are filled with drool worthy photos of cookies, cakes, pies, and more.
Many businesses use Facebook for online presence.
Its best to pick one that you are already familiar with, and have a following.
There will be time later to scale up.
Share pictures of your creations with your friends and followers!
Who in the world wouldnt want to daydream about your fresh lemon butter pound cake?
There usually is a fee for selling at a market or event.
You will need additional equipment for a stall.
Companies and systems that look good on paper may not mesh with your schedule or taste.
Buying in bulk usually saves money for shelf stable goods.
Do you want organic ingredients, or gluten free flour?
Is there a specific chocolate brand you are loyal to?
Order packaging material and labels online.
Youll need a place where it’s possible for you to easily package your tasty goods.
This can have a big impact on your budget.
Transportation and Delivery
An important part of the plan is getting baked goods to the customer.
Many home bakers offer multiple options.
Picking food up at home could include contactless pick up.
They might deliver the food themselves.
Or clean, solid produce boxes free from a vegetable stand work as well.
Total cost for baking supplies is $26.
Adding the packaging brings it up to $29.
Triple that amount equals $87 so $22 a cake would be the starting price.
Your initial costs might be higher since you will be stocking up on supplies.
Include in your calculations free samples or specials and coupons you might offer.
Those costs are part of marketing.
Ready to Go!
Are you ready to start your home bakery business?
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
It sounds appealing right?
Check it out here!
