Laws/rules In Va On Selling Cakes On The Side

Business By charman Updated 28 Sep 2005 , 6:15pm by flayvurdfun

charman Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
charman Posted 12 Sep 2005 , 2:14pm
post #1 of 5

Does anyone have any information about opening a "business" in VA? Up until now, I have been selling cakes just for friends or by word of mouth. I have been asked to raffle off a cake for a fundraiser, and would like to print up some business cards and post my number for future business...is this even allowed? I have a full time--sometimes 50-60 hours a week--job already, but I like using this money earned as my mad money, but don't want to be doing anything that is illegal as well.

Should I contact the person that does my taxes, or what?!?
Any advice? icon_cool.gif

4 replies
rachell Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
rachell Posted 12 Sep 2005 , 2:27pm
post #2 of 5

Hello! I would start out by contacting the Agricultural Dept in your area and they should be able provide some information.

MrsMissey Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MrsMissey Posted 16 Sep 2005 , 1:11pm
post #3 of 5

The virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Dairy and Foods is a great place to start. they have about a 30 page booklet that spells out everything!

APCakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
APCakes Posted 28 Sep 2005 , 4:22am
post #4 of 5

I just posted a response to another VA question, and I'll PM you too with all the details as soon as I can. But I do know that you can't advertise at all unless you have been inspected by the Agricultural department and done all the requirements. If that's too much for you (as it was for me), then you can still do cakes for family and friends and friends-of-friends, as long as you trust them not to sue you! icon_smile.gif

flayvurdfun Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
flayvurdfun Posted 28 Sep 2005 , 6:15pm
post #5 of 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by charman

I have been asked to raffle off a cake for a fundraiser, and would like to print up some business cards and post my number for future business...is this even allowed?
Any advice? icon_cool.gif




I know I would want to do that too, but until I was legal I wouldnt.... there are too many people out there who are jealous, or say they know decorating too, and see it, and turn you in as to keep their side business going.... I have heard too many people do this at craft fairs.... I do crafts and people have bought them on the side, and I had someone go to the base commander and say I was doing business from my home without the license or permission to do so.... when the commanders secretary came to the door to tell me what was going on...her and I were laughing because she and the base commander and his wife bought some of the crafts...... but I lucked out, and quiver in my shoes everytime someone asks me my price for crafts or cakes.....

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%