Ok post numero duo for today!

I'm in the throws of starting up my business which is home based (in the UK) and it just occurred to me that I'll obviously have consultations for weddings as well as tastings etc but the problem is that I don't want to have people round to my house.

Firstly, one of the main reasons I am starting my own business is because I am struggling to find work just now and we need extra income in order to renovate certain areas of my house and although there are no structural problems or problems that would affect me being able to work from home, it's not in a state that I would be comfortable with customers seeing. The kitchen is decorated and ready to use but in order to get to the kitchen you have to come through the house and I would not like for customers to see the rest of the house as it is not exactly what I'd class as a 'slick business environment' lol.
Secondly, although it is my business, it is also my home and I don't want people just coming to the door whenever they want, because when I'm not working it is obviously my home.

Anyway does anyone else work from home and have a workaround for consultations, or am I in an odd category all of my own lol?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I think some people meet customers in a coffee shop or other little cafe near their homes, for the reasons you mentioned above. If you're planning to deliver the orders, there's really no need for customers to come to your home. You should probably not put your address on your website, to avoid people dropping by.

i know some people who meet there clients at a local coffee shop or somewhere convenient

I actually have the same problem and I have found a beautiful, local hotel that allows me to meet clients in their restaraunt/lobby. I presented it to the manager that I would be meeting with wedding clients and they would be able to see the beautiful venue of the hotel at the same time we discussed wedding cakes. They jumped at the chance and allow me to do this without a fee.

I used to do them in the client's home and acted like it was a service. And I would pick up a cute carton of hot coffee on the way to go with.

I did/do the same as mombabytiger and sell it as a service. It saves them time and money and in addition I get a good idea of their style and tastes. Of course you have to figure your costs of doing this into the final cake price.

I am working on a different solution now where I hope to renovate an outbuilding on the property to have my office and cosultation area.

Never thought of going to the CUSTOMER's home... i like that idea, and mayb explore that opportunity...

I am also just starting consultations in my home business, and was struggling with the same problems. Glad to read the solutions. Thanks