So I've been fiddling with cake decorating for the several years, mostly for my sister. I've made probably a dozen cakes or so...

Well we moved to MA in November and my playing of cakes pretty much ceased. This week though I got the great idea that I would make a cake for my boss at work.

Anyways, I now have three seperate people who want cakes from me. Two will be paying customers, the third is a close friend and I'm making it for his wife.

The question I have is:

1. Do I HAVE to become licensed if I'm only dabbling a little? Is there anything legal I need to worry about? I know MA is one of the states that licenses home businesses, but I don't know I would call myself a home business.

2. One of the orders was for two of the hot dogs and they want it Aug 15th. I don't know how much to charge. I have only sold one other cake in my life and I charged 40 dollars because of how short of a notice it was. The cake itself was a flat sheet cake with ghosts and a tombstone coming from it.


Thanks for taking the time to read this and any advise ya'll have.

Jenn

[/img][/code]

There are lots of forums here that will get you the info you need on legal businesses. Or call your local health department to find out. On the other matter of pricing....some sell their cakes for as little as .75/slice to $9.00/slice. You should check out the going rate in your area. Call some local bakeries as well as grocery store. And for the free customer....never, I repeat, never make a free cake! If you make one free cake then everyone else will expect the same treatment. Your time is worth something.

I would definately find out about getting licensed if you are getting paid. Not sure how much to charge on those cakes. Like tippyad said I would see how much things are in your area.