do u work? that's how i got started, by bring sweets . i'm known as the cake lade at work. i would start their . if u do not then maybe bake something for a relative, and havethem take differnt items to work.. good luck
Hiya Holly,
Welcome to cake central. I personally don't have a business out of my home (couldn't anyways I have two dogs).
I think from what I have read from others here who do have their own business, that, first, in most states, you need to have a business liscence (sp) in order for you to advertise in any fashion. I don't know what the regulations are like in your state so you have to be very careful.
If you are a licenced home bakery than I would think about getting a web site going, make business cards. Make up some sample cakes (cupcakes would be good for this) with your cake flavors and take them to local businesses along with a business card and maybe a portfolio of your decorated cakes.
But like I said before though, in most states you have to have a licence to do this.
A lot of folks on here have depended solely (and quite successfully) on the good ol' word of mouth.
Take cakes to work with you. Give em to the hubby and have him take them to work too along with your family and friends.
Exposure is your greatest asset. Get your friends and co workers talking about the wonderful cake that you had brought to work. That might generate some orders for you.
I hope this has helped in some way.
Welcome to Cakecentral!
You just need to get the word out in order to get more business...church functions, bake sales and stuff like that. I always have brochures and/or business cards with me...find a way to bring up the subject of cakes in your conversations and be ready with pics of your cakes! Good luck to you!!
Don't forget bridal shops and wedding coordinators and places like that. Bring them a sample and some pics, they could certainly get business going your way.
I usually make a few freebies for select functions, and then make sure everyone knows who made the Cake! I've sent a few practice cakes to my husbands place of employment, and took a few to work myself. You'd be surprised at how many orders will stem from that alone. Tonight I'm making a cake for my son's Senior night at the high school. (also a freebie), so I'm hoping a few of the parents will place orders in the future. Word of mouth advertising is Great!
Good luck to you!
thanks everyone for your help. i've made many cakes for my family but it hasn't seemed to get any word out. my daughter isn't yet in school and i don't work so i can't do those types of bake sale functions. i will check into church bake sales and maybe sending some cakes to work with family members. i actually don't have a license and have to check into what is legal. i didn't want to deal with the red tape until i'm sure if the business will succeed. thanks for your comments!!
I had sent cakes with my hubby to work a few times, and though everyone finishes them off and seems to love them, no business has come from it. For Valentines day, I brought my mom a cake at work, and as it turns out, people were raving about it and there happens to be someone who works there that does catering also, and since all the employees are raving to her about my cake, she may be interested in my cakes. The more people that see/hear about your cakes, the better. I had told every family member that I am doing this, and to tell everyone they know as well, and now I have my first order for March not only for a cake but a batch of cookies too!
Welcome Holly! Not much I can add to what's been suggested. I'm not too far ahead of you in the "business" end of this cake stuff! I made a point of taking cakes EVERYWHERE for awhile....pot lucks, church events, friends' birthdays, etc. The fruit of that labor is now rolling in. It does take awhile, especiall depending upon your social involvements. The more cakes you can get in front of people, the faster word will spread. Best of luck to you!
It is not legal to have business cards or brochures stating anything about prices or the fact that you are a business, in some states. The possibility of getting caught is very slim, but will suck if you do. I however, have ignored such rules! I advertised in my Mom's Club newsletter which is how I started my business, then mostly word of mouth, and putting up cards around town. I walked into a bakery and asked if they needed any help, that generated alot of business around the holidays, also selling to local restaurants is good way to start.
Also I have done cakes at a discount for large parties with the promise that my business card and menus be available at the party, and I have gotten alot of business that way as well.
Business cards can be as simple as a "calling card"..your name, e-mail and phone #, with a picture of a cake or something along that lines. If you are having a conversation with someone and happen to mention that you do cakes....you can hand them a business/calling card and say if you ever need a cake, give me a call!
Same thing with a brochure..it doesn't have to say "in print" that you sell cakes, it can just include your contact info and pics of cakes that you have done!
I have made a few cakes and dropped them off as "thank you" gifts for our local bank, school, library, etc. I even made a few for the doctor's office staff when I took my son in to get his new glasses. They loved them and I have had a few orders from those.
Good luck!
There's a school around the corner here and I've thought about taking a cake there...I don't have any kids and don't know anyone who has kids or knows any of the school's staff, so I'm kind of shy and don't really know what I would say to them when handing out the cake. I too don't have a license... Any suggestions??
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone. I am a little shy about approaching people. Well, actually, a lot shy. I live in a big city so if I just walked into a bank and handed them a cake they would look at me like I was crazy. I don't go to the same branch every time and mainly use the drive thru so I don't know the tellers. As far as schools go around here I'm not sure if they would accept a cake either. People are a little wary about taking things from strangers. I'm going to call some local schools and churches though and see about donating for bake sales. I'm also going to call some of the party stores and see about putting fliers up. I don't know if they'll let me but it can't hurt to ask. I try to do all of the cakes for family functions and they know I'm trying to get started but family always want freebies. I have to get tougher and tell them they have to pay. I'll never make money doing everything for free. I put a flier up in my daughters doctor office and got one order from that. But the next time I went in my flier was gone. I didn't want to ask about it because I didn't know if a patient took it down or the secretary and I didn't want to put the secretary on the spot if she did it. Does anyone put fliers on cars? I have seen many people do it but I would feel so rude if I did because I don't like finding fliers on my car when I come out of the store. But I'm starting to understand why people do it. You have to get your name out somehow. Thanks again everyone!!
If you have an indoor playground in your area check if they do Birthday parties. If they do ask for a meeting, bring them an amazing cake, perhaps with their logo and "kiddy" decorations. They in turn can either recommend you to their clients or book the cakes for their clients. We have one here in Ontario that I went to and because they supplied the cake and food, I was able to "bump" a major grocery store who was suppling them and got the contract myself.
Another suggestion is to do work with a charity, they always to galas etc and you can provide the desserts.
Basically you need to "hit the pavement" and always give samples. Once you put your thinking cap on the ideas will be endless.
I've sent a few things to work with my husband and people have loved it. The other day I called the office and one of the girls mentions that the cake I sent was lovely and she tells me "you should sell your cakes" 
.... hubby was not telling people that I'm selling them 
..... mind you he works in sales 
.... lol
oh... and to add insult to injury the girl that complimented me is pregnant... anyway I told her and she booked a cake for the baby shower and might book some cookies as goodies ....
my question is should I kill the man?????? lol
the moral of the story don't assume people know make sure EVERYONE knows you do cakes
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