How did you get started with it? I'm thinking of offering some of my plain (but delicious!) cakes to restaurants as dessert options, but I have no idea how to go about it! What kind of restaurants are best to approach, how do I approach them, what kind of profit margin should I make sure I set for myself etc? Thanks for any helps/tips/advice you can give me!

I know I won't be much help in what you need, but understand that regular restaurants such as Applebee's, Red Robin, etc., have their own types of desserts and will NOT accept outside food due to health reasons. You would have to hit the 'mom and pop' type of businesses. Corporate and franchise places have strict guidelines as well as menu items listed. I know health codes are very strict and would not allow it. Good luck!

Remember I live in Europe and corporate restaurants don't exist here (in Holland anyway!). I was thinking more along the lines of upmarket cafes/brasseries & mid/high-price restaurants.

I have a restaurant here that I supply the desserts for. I charge her a fairly inexpensive wholesale price for the desserts. In exchange I can have kitchen time when they are not busy and I get to have a few cake dummies displayed!
We change some of the desserts seasonally.

Bonjovibabe,
Gosh, I always forget we're from all over! Good luck with the samples!

I sell cheesecakes and cakes to restaurants here. Not the big ones, mind you--but the locally owned buffets, coffee shops, etc.

Some weeks I'm covered up, and some weeks I don't do anything. I'm usually GLAD to have a week off, though!

What I did was just make up a "menu" of my most popular desserts/cheesecakes/cakes. I put both "wholesale" prices and "retail" prices on there. I also made a special "discount" available for Knox County employees, like teachers, cops, etc.

Then, when I'd eat at a restaurant I thought would like the products I had, I'd just speak to the owner/manager and leave them a menu. If they were in the mood to talk, I'd tell 'em about delivery, storage, etc.

I'd also suggest having your business cards in your purse. Give them out at the grocery store when you check out. Leave one with your tip at a restaurant. Put a couple in any cards you mail out. When you "forward" an e-mail, put your business info/website on top of the e-mail in bright colors.

Leave your cards EVERYWHERE...have your menus HANDY. Be ready to go to work! People LOVE home-baked things, and they're willing to pay for them!

Good luck!

--Knox--