Last week I called a local bagel/coffee shop asking if I could rent their kitchen or partner up with them somehow and sell my cupcakes and cakes there. I was open to either way and just asked to sit down and tak with them. I was told they would call me later in the week. Well that never happened; so.....this weekend I took 6 different flavored cupcakes and a cake and left them there along with a letter.

Well...I just got a call from one of the owners. He told me that dropping off the samples was certainly a good way to get their attention! Wooohoo I have an appointment to meet with them on Thursday.

He said they had a bunch of questions for me and to bring my questions for them. Here is were I need help....what types of questions shouls I ask? What concerns should I have if I were to go the renting the kitchen route and get my own business license etc or if they want to sell my things there.

I am open to all suggestions...

*sorry for typos etc I have to use my blackberry now cuz my IT is montioring all internet useage on our pc's

Thank you in advance

Congrats, how exciting!

Regardless of the choice you make, keep your business first and make sure you are still getting profit out of the deal. I'm sure you already know this, but get every little detail on paper such as your portion of rent and utilities, when you can use the space, if you can sell your goods there, their payment and/or share of profits, etc.

You can always feel them out and if something doesn't seem right you can try another kitchen or bakery.

I am sure that many others here will have much better advice for you. Good luck!

Great news!! The meeting went great! I am going to use their kitchen in the evening; after hours when they are closed. Currently they close early hopefully this will bring in more business and they will stay open later! They will also promote my cakes etc and get me a sign to place somewhere in their stores. (oh did I mention they have 2 locations???)

We haven't disucssed the money part yet but we will when things get moving. They will order everything I need to get going! I am so excited I feel like I am stuck in a dream....

UUURRRRRTTTTT! Back up, put on the breaks!!

Definitely discuss the moolah before they order anything.

It sounds great and all, but you maybe setting yourself up for a big mess!

Best of luck!

I agree.....full disclosure of all details is needed before moving forward.....

First of all congrats! I agree with the others though, get the details in writing and ask lots of questions. What kind of renters insurance will they require you to have? What kind of storage space is available for you to use? How will payment for your products work? Who pays sales tax (do you sell to them wholesale - this may affect the kind of license you need to get)? What if people want to pay by credit card? Can people pick up your cakes when the shop is open or will you have to deliver? Can you use the shop for your consultations - what are the time limitations? What happens when someone walks in the door to place a cake order? If they take an order for you, how do you contribute to the cost of that labor.

I am in a similar situation. We started with a 3 month lease to see how things worked out. If it's possible I would highly recommend this. Things are working great but we both made some adjustments at the end of the 3 months.

I'm really surprised they are not requiring a licence up front... I didn't think someone could actually "sell" their product if they weren't licensed? Maybe that's just in certain states?

I really don't know most of the rules anyway since I'm just a hobbyist and don't actually sell any of my cakes.... At any rate, good luck to you! And definitely take all the good advise from the others here who do know better!

Good luck!
~diem