Make Cakes For A Craft Show???

Business By icingonthecupcake Updated 26 Oct 2005 , 4:53pm by Natgrl12

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icingonthecupcake Posted 25 Oct 2005 , 5:26pm
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My daughter's school is having a craft fair and they need crafters. I was wondering whether or not it would be a good idea to make some cakes to have on display and maybe sell some smaller cakes and cupcakes. This would allow me to show my work to a lot of people and hand out business cards. I just don't know if you usually sell things like this at this type of show and if since I'm not a licensed business would this be a problem?? Has anyone ever done something like this?? Do you have any ideas?? I have to sign up for the show by the end of the week. Please help me out. Thanks!

8 replies
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Kiddiekakes Posted 25 Oct 2005 , 5:35pm
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Hi There,

I did this last year!! It was a Christmas Craft/Bakesale through our Church and I rented a table.I baked lots of goodies and wrapped them up in clear cellophane and used those pretty christmas decorations you can buy at Michael's craftstore for cheap.(I hot glued them on the wire I used to tie the packaging shut) They looked great!! I had a book there with pictures of alot of my cakes and business cards on the table.I'm not licensed either but I got alot of business this way!! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your delights!! You may have to consider your area though...I'm not sure how sticky they are about non licensed businesses and you certainly don't want to get in trouble with the health dept! As for what I made....cookies sold well,cupcakes..singles and 1/2 dozens.Brownies were a big hit!! Bundt cakes were okay but not a big seller.People I found were not willing to pay $7.00 for a homemade bundt cake at a bakesale but will at the grocery store...Go Figure!!

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ayost43 Posted 25 Oct 2005 , 5:49pm
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When I was little my mom took me to craft shows all the time. People sold all types of edible items (candy, cookies, cupcakes, etc.), so I would imagine that you could show your cakes. I think it would be a good idea to sell some cupcakes so people would know what the cake tastes like.

As far as a license I'm not sure. When my mom started selling crafts she didn't have one, but then as she got into it more she got one. I asked her about it and she said she can't remember everything but it had something to do with when she started a store at our home, so I dont know if that would apply to you. Sorry I don't know more about the license but that was like 15-20 years ago when I was in grade school and she doesn't sell anymore.

Best Wishes, and Good Luck! icon_razz.gif

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melodyscakes Posted 25 Oct 2005 , 6:02pm
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i would certainly do something for the craft show!! even if you decide not to hand out business card, you could put your name and number on each item. plus the teachers would see your talents, and might remember you when they need something for their children.
good luck!
melody

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JoAnnB Posted 25 Oct 2005 , 7:53pm
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Check with the vendor contact for the show. In some places, they require you to post your license before you are permitted to sell food to the public. If they don't require you to post your license, you may still be taking a risk.

In Oregon, the Health Department makes visits to food/holiday fairs looking for license violators.

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momsandraven Posted 26 Oct 2005 , 1:51am
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It sounds like a great idea! I agree w/JoAnnB though, definitely check about whether or not they require anything up front. When I made soaps and did craft shows a few years ago, some shows were very lax about enforcing rules, and others were super strict. You had to give them your sales totals to report sales tax, provide your tax id number, etc. Also, last year at a craft show, I saw a food reg. guy inspecting booths that were selling prepared foods.

All of that said, if it's not a big craft show, or one that draws a ton of attention, they probably won't be such sticklers. It is definitely something to check in to!! icon_smile.gif

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icingonthecupcake Posted 26 Oct 2005 , 5:24am
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Thanks guys for all the help. This really gives me the feedback that I needed. I will definitely check to see if I need to do extras because I'm selling food. Tommorow I am signing up. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!!

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tastycakes Posted 26 Oct 2005 , 5:30am
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I'd love to know how you do! I am not licensed either and I am always looking for a way to go around this. My city is so tough to get licensed in, but they will tell you over the phone that they just don't want to know about it, keep advertising to a bare minimum, don't name your business, etc. I don't think they give a hoot because you never hear of anyone getting foor poisoning from cake. Now if I was making my own sushi, I bet they'd come a knockin'! Good luck with the sale!

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Natgrl12 Posted 26 Oct 2005 , 4:53pm
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This is a great idea. I am from West Virginia and I did this at a local craft fair. I was just starting out so I talked to the Health Department first. I didn't have to have any type of license or permit. The only thing they suggested is that I should possibly get some type of extra insurance for it. It was great to get my name out and get things started for me!

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