Hi!

I'm new to this site so I hope I'm posing under the correct forum!

I know cake balls are The Thing right now, but I've done a lot of research and it doesn't appear as if there is anyone selling them in my area. I've also looked at photos from existing cake ball businesses, and I am certain that mine are competitive.

Of course, I am stuck on a name. I love the idea of using Delish, but www.delish.com is already taken. I can do www.delishcityname.com but I'm not sure if that's the route I want to take.

I'd love to get input from all of you.

Thanks!

Jennifer

Delishcityname is good but it's not very specific of what your selling. (As in I would have no idea you sell cake balls) Delish Cake Balls (or Truffles) might work better. Also, not to discourage you, but check very hard in your area; there might be a reason no one is selling cake balls. Seems to me (my personal opinion) cake balls might be a fad that goes the way of bagel shops in the 90's and fro yo places that are popping up everywhere right now. Just do your research....you might find I am totally wrong. (I hope you do

I keep going back and forth about including "cake balls" in the name - I can't decide! They are definitely a fad - to follow the cupcake bakeries, taquerias and yogurt places like you named... but I love making them and think it would serve as a great side business for a little mad money. (I have a full time job.) Thank you for responding!

I personally hate the term "cake balls", but then I'm not crazy about the confections themselves. Perhaps I just haven't had the right cake/icing ratio. Anyway, how about Cake Bites for a name?

I don't know where you're located, but you should really check, as TattooMom25 says.

I heard that in Austin Texas, there's a place that's been successful. It's Holy Cacao.
http://www.theholycacao.com/

I read somewhere else that people are not selling "only" cake balls because they're easy to make. With the new book Bakerella has out, everyone will be making them.

There's even a video on Amazon on how to make them.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0811876373/?tag=cakecentral-20
www.bakerella.com

If you do have a distinctive product, though, you'll be successful. Depending on where you are located, of course. You should definitely go for it. I'm all for entrepreneurs. I was just looking at the Williams Sonoma website and they have the very expensive brownie balls for Halloween. I'm sure they'll sell them.

I also agree with TattooMom25 that you should look for a different, catchy name. And, if you can add other words to it like "CakeBallsAndMore" you'll have an indefinite number of products to add later on.

I'm in New York City, by the way.

I'm in Atlanta, which is actually where Bakerella lives too! I love her cake pops and have been following her blog since the start. I actually find that normal cake pops (basically cake balls on a stick) are easier to make that the ones that sit in a mini cupcake liner because you have the stick for dipping and for adding sprinkles.

I'm actually from Texas, so I know all about The Cake Ball Company, Austin Cake Balls and Holy Cacao. There are a TON of cake ball businesses in Texas, but I can't seem to find anyone here with the same cake ball caliber as the big name companies in other cities.

I've purchased www.atlantacakeballs.com and www.delishcakeballs.com but I'm just not SURE.

I agree that "everyone" will be making cake pops (and even cake balls) with Bakerella's new cookbook, and I do think they can be so simple to make. What I've learned is that people don't enjoy the process as much as I do, and they also don't have the time or the patience, especially to decorate them. That's who I would be marketing to. I know - it's hard to believe that someone could dislike baking, right?!

You may want to consider looking at a wholesale business, especially if you want to focus on a single product. Many higher-end grocery stores these days will purchase wholesale from local vendors and some even allow in-store demos. Farmer's markets are another possible venue.

Of course, this is assuming you are following the rules to get licensed in your area, I'm not sure if commercial home baking is allowed in Atlanta.

Well LonghornJen, I think you'll have be successful if they're decorated. That's the key. That's what I was just thinking about. Plus, if you have a full time job and you're doing this on the side, you have nothing to lose.

Have you seen the tables from Amy Atlas? I'm sure she doesn't bake all those cake balls. lol.

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/09/guest-dessert-feature-5/

I'm Spanish and one day I was looking for a recipe for alfajores, and I found a place in Mexico (I think) that has made a huge business out of DECORATED alfajores. Alfajores are nothing without you making them pretty. They're delicious, yes, but Spanish people know how to make them. These are totally good for parties. I would even buy them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alfajoresychocolatesbychocofilia/with/4654327877/

Unfortunately you can't do that in Atlanta - I'd need to use a commercial kitchen... or build a separate kitchen in my backyard.

WOW the alfajores are beautiful!!! I love the bright colors. It would be much easier to decorate the cake balls if they were cake squares - and flat! That person has probably made a fortune.

I have see Amy Atlas' blog - her tables are amazing. I wonder where she gets her cake balls.

I do love the name Cake Bites and it was actually one of the first names I thought of. Maybe I should rethink the Delish thing...

I love Cake Bites too, because that would mean that you can add ANYTHING made of cake that's small and cute.

Cake Bites Delish