I live in NC. I so want to become licensed and have my own in home bakery. I currently work a Ft job, and am wondering how I would calculate how much $ I need to begin my new job. I would love to quit the fulltime job outside of the home and do my own here. I have lots of cake pans, and all my Wilton supplies, ex: tool kit, bags, tips.I also do cookies, truffles, you name it, I either have done it or will try it. I have made candies for almost 20 years, tons of molds. I am wondering for things like advertising, website, etc. How much $ do I need to start with? This is a process of getting started....kind of a gray area question. so far, pretty much all my business has come from neighbors and word of mouth.

I know it costs to advertise, newspaper, fliers, cards, etc. Needing your input to know how much working cash I should have on hand.I guess I am afraid of starting something and getting in debt with it a lot....and that's scary. And thank you!

*edited to add some rewording in my post. *

I talked to Joan yesterday at the Nc Dept of Ag, she was VERY helpful. You might call and see what the inspection fee is, and ask about the free advertising for NC businesses, I saw a couple out there. If you use products (flour, eggs, etc) made/grown in NC there is a site for that as well. I would look into freebies until you sell enough to pay for your advertising, since you are wanting to stay out of debt with this.

The best advertising for me is my vehicle signs. They were less than $100, and I get calls all the time. Everywhere I go, I get stopped. Make sure you get licensed first before you dive into advertising.

The best advertising I have is my website (costs $12/month) and word of mouth (cost is free)! I do run a small ad in my town's (small tourist area in Houston) visitor's guide, but that's it. When I opened I had allotted $250 a month for advertising...I've never used it....I usually spend it on tools of the trade!

P.S. I am looking into vehicle decals. Those are a one time investment that sounds like they will pay off!

The best advertising I have is my website (costs $12/month) and word of mouth (cost is free)! I do run a small ad in my town's (small tourist area in Houston) visitor's guide, but that's it. When I opened I had allotted $250 a month for advertising...I've never used it....I usually spend it on tools of the trade!

P.S. I am looking into vehicle decals. Those are a one time investment that sounds like they will pay off!

The best advertising I have is my website (costs $12/month) and word of mouth (cost is free)! I do run a small ad in my town's (small tourist area in Houston) visitor's guide, but that's it. When I opened I had allotted $250 a month for advertising...I've never used it....I usually spend it on tools of the trade!

P.S. I am looking into vehicle decals. Those are a one time investment that sounds like they will pay off!

Depending on your location rules, you may need a small refrigerator just for cake stuff ($100-150). Whatever licensing/certificates are required.

Beyond that, you can start with what you have. Word of mouth is one of the most effective advertising methods. Create and donate a few cakes to places that normally would order cakes on a regular basis.

Websites can be helpful, but ONLY if you pay to have it constantly advanced to the top of searches, Or if you are one of a kind in your area. But you need photos of your work to make it desirable.

Start simply, and see if you can manage. It takes a lot of cake sales to support a household. Before you consider leaving your job, see if you can even create that kind of market. Cakes 'on the side' my be enough to satisfy your creative drive.

JoAnnB, do you have a shop?

I almost wish I had a shop. I do have a commercial kitchen I built in my garage. I still work full time as an acocuntant, so I limit my commitments in the kitchen.

I have a hope to retire to another city and open a shop. In my city, it just wouldn't go. bunch of cheap fuddy-duddies who think Starbucks has 'great pastry"

I would save at least $500 just for the investments that you are going to HAVE to make. Perhaps its more or less depending on where you live. If you're going to committ to this, I'd save up a lot of money before going in because the first few months are the "hardest" since you're just starting out. Did that make sense?

JoannB, that must help a lot in your "part-time". Can you PM me on how you became an accountant; I'm curious if you took specialty courses or majored at college. Thanks!

I got started with small investments...lots of things won from ebay auctions... vulcan oven ($300) under ctr freezer ($400) etc. local auction for coolers ($40...$200). ANd LOTS of HL coupons for equipment. I keep about $200 on hand now for materials and supplies...and I usually do not use the full $200 per week.
It does tak a LOT of cake sales to support a family...so mine is also still just "on the side" with the perks of a seperate kitchen and oven etc.
I say start small to see if it is what you WANT to do.
As far as advertisement goes..word of mouth...it does WONDERS. In the beginning...give discounts on cakes in exchange for their help in referring friends/family to you. Don't start with lots of advertising at first...you definitely want to "work up" to the busy weekends...it will take adjustment.
Good Luck!!!!!!!

thanks for all the wonderful input! As for leaving my job, most likely not no time soon. I work fulltime, but my income is not relied upon solely for family support. Dh works fulltime and makes good money for our area.....mine is just money for whatever needs. I guess I just need to step out in my faith and realize that I CAN DO THIS.

I am still reading and asking questions...so be prepared! And thanks again for the help. It is great being a part of CC!