I have two questions for you guys who have already started your cake businesses:

1. If you rent a kitchen, what is a reasonable rate? I know that this will depend upon the area, but I'm just looking for a baseline I guess.

2. Where did you get your liability insurance?

Any help with these two issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Wait, make that three...

3. Where can I get an idea of what a customer contract would include?

Thanks again!

1. If you rent a kitchen, what is a reasonable rate? I know that this will depend upon the area, but I'm just looking for a baseline I guess.

Like you said it depends on the location. I live in the outskirts of Houston. I found a place for $10/hour. Only b/c the lady didn't really know what to charge and when I suggested this she agreed b/c she is SUPER nice. It seems the range hourly can be anywhere from $10-$20.

Some places want you to pay a flat monthly rate (they get paid whether you use the kitchen or not). I've seen that range from $200-$600.

Also, I have a friend on here (I'm sure she'll pipe in later) that made an agreement to provide her person with goodies and she can have free rent. You just have to be careful that they don't demand too much and then you don't have time to do your own thing. So if you do go this route, make sure to get everything in writing.

2. Where did you get your liability insurance?

The Hartford, it's what a lot of people on here use. It's how I found out about the place. A lot of the insurace co I called originally said they wouldn't insure me b/c it wasn't my place. Hartford insured me and it only cost me about $350/year!


HTH and GOOD LUCK!