Running a cookie baking business is a good way to exercise a love of
baking and earn money at the same time. Depending on the laws in your
particular jurisdiction, you can run this business from your home or
from a commercial kitchen. No matter where you decide to base your business, however, you will have to put hard work into building this business. The hardest part may be attracting customers before you have
made a name for yourself.
Step 1
Develop talent for baking cookies and create your own cookie recipes. To compete against packaged cookies available in grocery stores and fresh-baked selections from established bakeries, your cookies will have to be something special.Step 2
Brainstorm ideas for making your cookies unique. For example, you may cut them into unique shapes, make over-sized cookies or bake them with healthy ingredients. You may also offer custom cookie baking to attract customers who want something different for holidays, events and celebrations.Step 3
Decide how you will sell your cookies. Offer delivery of freshly baked, still warm cookies or open a store from which to sell your unique cookies. You may also sell your cookies through a truck or stand at special events and fairs or set up a kiosk in a local mall. If local laws will allow it, you may even bake your cookies at home and take orders for them in person, by phone and online.Step 4
Apply for licensing for your business. You will likely need a general business license as well a license to prepare and sell food. You can usually apply for a business license through your local county clerk's office or the department of licenses and inspections in your city. The department of licenses and inspections may provide licenses for food vendors as well, but in some places, you will have to apply through your state's health department.Step 5
Choose attractive cookie packaging that meets your state's health requirements. Include ingredients on your labels.Step 6
Submit to an inspection by your state's health department or licensing agency. A representative will probably have to inspect your kitchen and packaging. He may also review your recipes before you are licensed. You may be subject to future inspections as well.Step 7
Purchase liability insurance. You will need this coverage in the event someone becomes ill or dies after eating your cookies.Step 8
Prepare a menu of your cookie selections and set prices. Include pricing for custom-made cookies and shipping or delivery.Step 9
Create and market a website for your cookie baking business. Use keywords related to your cookie baking business throughout the site to make it easier for potential customers to find you. Use online ads to draw visitors to your website, and add your website address to all of your marketing materials.Step 10
Use
multiple methods to market your cookie baking business. Work of mouth
referrals can be helpful, but using business cards, fliers, direct mail,
newspaper ads and even radio spots will also work to get the word out
about your business. Online ads may prove helpful as well.Things Needed
- Business license
- Commercial vehicle license (if delivering cookies)
- Baking supplies
- Merchandising supplies
- Marketing materials (business cards, brochures, fliers)
- Purchase the necessary equipment
Tips
- Boost your chances of making sales by offering complementary services or products. Offer cookie gift baskets or bouquets to increase your customer base.
- While you may start out baking in your home kitchen, you may eventually need a commercial kitchen to handle larger and more frequent orders.
Warning
- Some states do not allow businesses to sell food prepared in home kitchens. Check with your state's department of health before you get started.
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