If you are wondering how to sell homemade baked goods, the first step is to do some research into running a business. This homework needs to be done, no matter what your product is.
Start With a Plan
If you are going to be selling items you have baked, you need to decide two things:
- Who are your customers?
- What products will you offer them?
Customers
Sit down and imagine the type of person who will be buying your wares. How old are they? What kinds of lives do they lead? Why would they be interested in buying baked goods, as opposed to baking something themselves? Are your customers going to buy baked goods because they don't have time to bake? It may be more convenient for them to purchase something already made than to buy the ingredients and bake something. Other reasons customers may have for getting their baked goods from your business is that they don' t have to clean up the kitchen, and they have the added advantage of enjoying the goodies right away.
Products
Now that you have some idea about who your customers are, you can then decide what products to offer them. Will you be offering products that remind them of treats they enjoyed as a child? Would your customers enjoy baked goods that are a bit more exotic? It all depends on your target market.Keep in mind, too, that you are baking products for the public. An item that you enjoy may not appeal to the masses. It's all about what the customer wants.
Licenses and Health Regulations
Contact your local board of health to find out whether you need to have your baking premises inspected. You may need to have health certificates indicating that you are in good health. A business license may also be required.
Another part of the process of learning how to sell homemade baked goods is to check your phone book under government listings or go to your state's official web site to learn about the specific requirements for your area. You also need to find out whether any regulations apply that require a list of ingredients used in your products to be provided.
Start Small
When deciding which products to offer, it is a good idea to start with a small list of offerings. YI's better to offer a limited selection you are able to bake well and reproduce fairly quickly, than trying a number of things right away. As your business grows, you can consider adding products to the line.
Selling Homemade Baked Goods
There are a number of locations where you can sell your products. You can sell to customers directly from your home, or set up a booth at a fair or weekend market, or sell homemade baked goods to stores and specialty shops,.
Sell From Your Home
If your business is relatively new, you may want to make up some flyers and distribute them in your neighborhood. You could also put up signs at malls in your area.
As the orders come in, you need to have a plan to get them filled quickly. Will you require customers to give you a certain number of days' notice when ordering? Are your products the type that you can make a large batch in advance and freeze until needed? Will you be delivering orders or will customers be required to pick them up?
Set Up a Booth
A good way to introduce your products to potential customers is to set up a booth at a fair or a weekend market. Offering free samples is a great way to create interest in your wares. Be sure to have business cards or flyers ready so your new customers know where to reach you to place additional orders.
Stores and Specialty Shops
Another option is to sell homemade baked goods to stores and specialty shops. Contact owners of these establishments to discuss providing your product to their establishment. Be sure to take samples so they know exactly what they are getting.
