What have some of you used in the past that has been successful? I'm looking to start small and sell a few cakes a month (I know, I know, I'll get legal the second I can, I swear). I've put the word out to friends and family and put out a craigslist ad...Any other ideas? Thanks!
What I do works wonderfully for me. I take small 6" squares or rounds to business for a free sampling. I attach my business card to the board and usually leave a few loose ones too. I have gotten many, many orders from this!
Give referral credit. http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-4183413-.html#4183413
Not sure where you are located, but in Georgia, if you advertise and are not legal or licensed, you face potential fines and litigation.
Here, you can bake for friends and family, but the governing body rep told me that the minute someone advertises without a license, (and is caught 
) there will be consequences....
Best to check it out first...IMHO...
GOOD LUCK with your venture!!!
Lish 
Give referral credit. http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-4183413-.html#4183413
I love this idea!!! I have sent out coupons and done a few "x% off your next order" flyers in with an order, but have never done a referral discount! I think it would be great!! thanks for all your super ideas debi -- you always come to the rescue.
With that said, I would be scared to put anything in writing if you are not legal. When I first started out, I had "calling cards" made that were just business cards with my name and phone number. There was nothing about cake on the card. My friends and family had them and could tell whomever they gave them to that I did cake. If my mom took a cake to work with her, someone might ask about getting one and she would give them a card. That person would get a cake and then someone at their party would ask and they would give them a card and so on!
Once you are legal, I have found that a great way to advertise is by offering your services for fancy fundraisers. It isn't always cheap, but you are rubbing elbows with people who will spend $5000 for a table at a fundraiser. The first time I did this I probably had 15 phone calls the next Monday morning and probably got 40 new customers total from that one event.
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