Trying To Open Up A Little Cake Business

Business By respectablecakes Updated 28 May 2010 , 3:46am by mkolmar

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:12pm
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I'm trying to open up a little cake business to work from home but i dont know about the license situation or how to reallly get started my head is just spining and i cant think straight right now, if anybody has any advice on where i should start or how or what i need to get the license it would help me out alot. I would only do occasion cakes birthday, baby shower cakes little cakes that i'll be able to work from home.

91 replies
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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:18pm
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Call your local health department and see if you're able to have your business in your home. There is a thread on what states allow home bakers and those that don't. I don't have the link to it. Maybe someone else will post it.

Where are you located?

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:26pm
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Im located at beaumont texas. I just want to do little simple cakes for a reasonable cakes, just bc some people cant afford 100 dollars for a cake and i think everybody deserves to have cakes they want for a reasonable price.

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thumbs Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:29pm
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Start by calling the health inspector and ask deeper into the responses you get to fully understand as I wasn't getting clear answers at first.

I thought I had to make a separate kitchen in my home but come to find out I don't icon_biggrin.gif as long as I am not running a retail operation (where customers are coming to my home to purchase cake slices, etc) I am good to go.

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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:30pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

Im located at beaumont texas. I just want to do little simple cakes for a reasonable cakes, just bc some people cant afford 100 dollars for a cake and i think everybody deserves to have cakes they want for a reasonable price.




Texas DOES NOT allow this type of home business. You can't bake in your home but I think renting commercial kitchen space may be an option. Call the local health department and they'll have that information.

Obviously you haven't been decorating cakes for very long if you think someone "deserves" a cake "they want for a reasonable price." icon_confused.gificon_eek.gif


People that can't afford the cakes we make in our bakery buy their cakes at Wal-Mart or the grocery store.

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:41pm
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i have been and my dad was a backery manager for 23 years and we felt sorry for people that cant spend 100 dollars for alittle special cake for their childs 1st birthday i'm not a greedy peron and i love to help people out if i can. but doesnt everybody deserve a beautiful cake for their childs 1st birthday?

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-K8memphis Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:43pm
post #7 of 92
Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

i have been and my dad was a backery manager for 23 years and we felt sorry for people that cant spend 100 dollars for alittle special cake for their childs 1st birthday i'm not a greedy peron and i love to help people out if i can. but doesnt everybody deserve a beautiful cake for their childs 1st birthday?




no

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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 2:49pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

i have been and my dad was a backery manager for 23 years and we felt sorry for people that cant spend 100 dollars for alittle special cake for their childs 1st birthday i'm not a greedy peron and i love to help people out if i can. but doesnt everybody deserve a beautiful cake for their childs 1st birthday?




Where were you a bakery manager? Your dad? "A little special cake" wouldn't cost $100.00 even in the bakery where I work. Our prices are based on the amount of servings the cake yields. "A little" cake wouldn't be $100.00 anyway. icon_confused.gif

No. "Everybody" doesn't "deserve a beautiful cake for their childs 1st birthday" no more than they deserve to live in a $250,000 home for the cost of a two bedroom apartment. People "deserve" to get what they pay for and nothing more.

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:15pm
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no i went to a backery here to get my pasteries and some guy was getting a 2 layered ps3 cake and was going to pay 250 for it something like that i think its unreasonable. im mean we dont live in fancy houses (mod edited for content) and i would like to just help out. Im not lookin for to be bakin wedding cakes or something big and have my name all out in the state of texas im just sayin in my little community.

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:20pm
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I understand what ur saying i do but the cost where u live might be lower bc the cost of living is lower somebody that lives in a small town there house can be 400 for a 3 bedroom house and some big city ur lookin at 500 for the same thing.

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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:24pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

no i went to a backery here to get my pasteries and some guy was getting a 2 layered ps3 cake and was going to pay 250 for it something like that i think its unreasonable. im mean we dont live in fancy houses (mod edited for content) and i would like to just help out. Im not lookin for to be bakin wedding cakes or something big and have my name all out in the state of texas im just sayin in my little community.




$250.00 for "a 2 layered ps3 cake" is NOT "unreasonable". That is a carved cake and most of those start at $5.00 or more a serving. There is alot of skill/time/work involved in making a cake like that.

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:34pm
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see i was thinkin that the price should be 150 or 140 it was just the ps3 modem not the controllers or anything like that.

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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:37pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

I understand what ur saying i do but the cost where u live might be lower bc the cost of living is lower somebody that lives in a small town there house can be 400 for a 3 bedroom house and some big city ur lookin at 500 for the same thing.




I agree but cake prices are usually determined by what the going price is in your area. The lady that owns the bakery where I work bases her prices on what other bakeries in our area charge. We sell bc cakes starting at $3.00 a serving. That is way under what a bc cake would sell for in some of the larger cities.

Like I said, Wal-Mart and the grocery store still sell 1/4 sheet cakes for under $20.00. People that can't afford or won't pay the price of a "custom" made cake always have that option.

As far as housing goes, I can't afford a 6 bedroom, 5 bath w/ inground swimming pool so I don't shop for houses in that area of town. We own a nice 4 br/2ba/large deck/above ground swimming pool because that's what we can afford.

All I'm saying is that some can afford custom cakes and some cannot.

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chellescountrycakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:47pm
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Okay, I'm in Texas about 70 miles from you, and you do need to call your health department. It is illegal to conduct a retail bakery from your home. That said, many people do. and its up to your health department and/or your aversion to jail/fines. LOL

I started making cakes because I couldnt afford to buy the special ones and refuse to eat a walmart one.

when people saw my kids cakes and asked me to make them a cake, I thought it would be fun to do, since I love it so much (and with only 4 kids I didnt get to often) , and just charge for ingrediants. I learned quickly that it wasnt. and that I was losing money from MY pocket.

Its not worth it. As it is, people are willing to pay (and I'm from a pretty poor town) a hundred dollars for a 1/2 sheet cake decorated with a few fondant fiqures. and I'd make less than minimum wage to make it. I have had people see a picture and tell me "I'll pay you 125.00 to make the baseball glove cake"

I cant afford to have a plumber come to my house when a pipe breaks, so I learned to do it myself. I cant afford to get acrylics every 2 weeks. So I learned how. None of my kids cared that their smash cake was from walmart and was free to go along with the 20.00 1/4 sheet cake I bought for the other party goers.

They dont care now that they get a hunting scene complete with fishing poles, a dock, a pond, a deer blind, hunting riffle and trees. they LOVE it, and enjoy it, but they wouldnt feel less loved if they got the 30.00 sheet cake with a fake deer and some plastic trees.

It was something I wanted to give them, something I wanted to make the pictures special. And I wouldnt pay 250.00 for it. So I learned. I dont give my kids huge parties where I am trying to impress the neighbors, they've never even had a friend come. Its just family, so I'm not showing off, I'm just giving them a little extra thought/ work to their special day.

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mamawrobin Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:48pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

see i was thinkin that the price should be 150 or 140 it was just the ps3 modem not the controllers or anything like that.




You may "think" that the "price should be 150 or 140" but it COST $250.00. I think alot of things shoud be cheaper than they are but that doesn't change the price.

When determining the cost involved in making a cake there are alot of things to be factored in. Cost of operation, (license, insurance, insurance, rent/lease,utilities,supplies,equiptment,your TIME, advertisement,cleaning supplies,and so much more). It isn't just flour, sugar and eggs that they're paying for.

Like chellebyerly, I too learned to decorate so that I could make my grandchildrens/childrens cakes because I cannot afford to pay that kind of money for a custome cake either. thumbs_up.gif

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PTBUGZY1 Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:56pm
post #16 of 92

respectablecakes- if your looking at helping kids who's families may not be able to afford a cake for birthdays, maybe you could look into the 'free cakes for kids' program.

Honestly if your wanting to do "simple little cakes for reasonable $$" the costs of starting a business would soon change your mind. In Texas you're not allowed to have a home based cake business.

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smokeysmokerton Posted 27 May 2010 , 3:57pm
post #17 of 92
Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

i have been and my dad was a backery manager for 23 years and we felt sorry for people that cant spend 100 dollars for alittle special cake for their childs 1st birthday i'm not a greedy peron and i love to help people out if i can. but doesnt everybody deserve a beautiful cake for their childs 1st birthday?





I get what you're saying and I think it's nice when people like you want to make your cakes available to the "have-nots". As long as you are making a profit that is acceptable to you, go for it. Everyone may not "deserve" a custom cake, but I think everyone deserves the right to make their child feel special in whatever way they can. For you to want to make that happen for them is very kind. Like I said before, though, don't hurt yourself trying to help others. The cost and time you'll have to put into this need to be considered.

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hsmomma Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:11pm
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If you just want to help people out who can't afford cakes...then I would try and find out information on "Free Cakes for Kids". It's a non profit organization and I believe you aren't required to be licensed to donate. Just an idea if you aren't wanting to start a business for income but just wanted to help people out.

Just a side note (not starting a debate just pointing out something that prehaps you may not have thought of)...

I think its noble of you to want to help others out, I really do. But, as a business owner that spends countless hours working on my craft, talking with clients and paying for good quality ingredients (not to mention licenses, insurance, electricity etc.)... I should get paid what I put into it (just as in any profession).

So, even though not all can afford my cakes, it doesn't make me any less deserving of an income that I work hard for. By underpricing, you in effect are doing a disservice to others in the industry.

Lowering prices for hard work sets a bad standard and just spreads the burden deeper. After all, if I get paid less, then guess what...I spend less money, which effects other people in other professions. Just a different perspective...still think it's wonderful that you want to help.

Please, please, please...don't think I'm slamming you. I think if everyone wanted to help others in need...then the world would be a better place. thumbs_up.gif

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leah_s Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:18pm
post #19 of 92

ditto on the Free Cakes for Kids program.

As for everyone else, certainly they DO NOT "deserve" a custom cake. Hell NO. Frankly, I deserve for my mortgage to be paid off and to have an Escalade 'cause you know I'm always on here tryin' to help everyone with advice and all. But that ain't happenin' either.

People deserve a clean environment, safe housing, good schools, no street violence and the OPPORTUNITY to earn a living. Everything else - work for it.

As for baking out of your home, I'd seriously advise you to abide by the laws in your state/city, or you could get fined or sued and lose whatever you do have. That's a big gamble to take for cheap cakes.

I still have a headache.

Where's my damn Escalade?

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:18pm
post #20 of 92

i agree, i was going to charge them for the stuff there buying the indgredients the stuff i put on but should i really charge them for my time if im willing to do it, i mean yes charge them like 6.00 hr of how much time i put in on it.

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mariana7842731 Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:26pm
post #21 of 92

make sure you charge at least 1 and 1/2 times your costs.

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:27pm
post #22 of 92

I agree and thanks for all ur advice and i will look into the free cakes for kids, but if someone is willing to pay me a little something for the cake then yea im gonna take it im not stupid.

But if i do a cake and somebody likes it and they tell their friends about it and they want one to would i really need a license. i mean its not like its gonna be all on the internet or around texas just around family and friends.

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PTBUGZY1 Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:28pm
post #23 of 92
Quote:
Originally Posted by respectablecakes

i agree, i was going to charge them for the stuff there buying the indgredients the stuff i put on but should i really charge them for my time if im willing to do it, i mean yes charge them like 6.00 hr of how much time i put in on it.



but in TEXAS that is illegal, charging for ingredients only is also illegal.

As I understand it (and please correct me if I'm wrong) you can have THEM supply the ingredients, boards, dowels etc and what you do not use you MUST return to them, but still you can't add $6 hr for your time.

Leah_s- you're too funny. Your Escalade's in the mail. :^)

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leah_s Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:29pm
post #24 of 92

$6 an hour? I don't even get out of bed for that rate. I'm not joking either.

Back in the day when I was a corporate rat in a maze, I earned $40 an hour as a consultant. That was ::gulp:: 12 years ago. Now I figure if I make $20 an hour doing cakes I'm walkin' in tall cotton.

But I'm happy.

Just sayin'.

Headache is getting better.

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mariana7842731 Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:29pm
post #25 of 92

you go girl. (mod edited for content.)

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respectablecakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:47pm
post #26 of 92

if there going to pay me for makin a cake thats illegal then i guess people that means friends that helps friends make their kids birthday cakes has to have a license

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tracycakes Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:56pm
post #27 of 92

No, it just means that you can't charge them. You can give them away all you want, you can't charge or that means you have a business. Believe me, I've been there - for 20 years before I opened my business. I've given away a ton of cakes.

Honestly, check into the Free Cakes for Kids. You want to help, that's a way to help.

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tinygoose Posted 27 May 2010 , 4:59pm
post #28 of 92

As far as a 1 year old getting a "special little cake". FYI-- The first birthday cake is for the parents, the kid doesn't have a clue what is going on.

When I was a kid my mom would make me a regular cake (albiet my favorite flavor) and put the same plastic Christmas decorations on it every year. (I am a Christmas Eve baby), I would get one or two "nice" presents from under the tree, sometime it was wrapped in Xmas paper, sometime Bday paper. Some years she was sooo busy I got a Pepperidge Farm frozen choc. cake with the Xmas decorations.

I always felt special on my birthday, it had nothing to do with how fancy my cake was or wasn't, how elaborate my gifts were. I got what I got. The best thing about my birthday is that my mom would tell me every year that "I was the best Christmas present she ever got."

Sooo, NO everyone doesn't "deserve" a special little CUSTOM cake on their birthday, but yes everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday.

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costumeczar Posted 27 May 2010 , 5:02pm
post #29 of 92
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariana7842731

make sure you charge at least 1 and 1/2 times your costs.




If I charged that I'd be working for less than minimum wage. Where did you make that figure up? It's ridiculous!

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Jenny0730 Posted 27 May 2010 , 5:03pm
post #30 of 92

How long have you been making cakes?

I think it's really kind of you to want to help people out but I am just curious as to whether or not you know how much time you would be setting aside to do so.

I also don't think that everyone DESERVES to have a special cake for their kid's birthday. They deserve what they can afford or are willing to pay.

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