I know there have been a lot of discussions about getting licensed/being legal, and maybe this question has been asked before, but I was just wondering...
I know that if you're not legal you're not really allowed to advertise, but can you leave a business card (or a few) with someone you make cakes for? I'm not legal, but I'm making all of the cupcakes for my friend's daughter's school class, and I was just wondering if it would be okay (and I wouldn't get into any trouble) for sending along a few business cards with them?
I don't want to pay to make business cards if I'm not going to be able to use them...
If your state does not allow home baking, then I would say probably not. Schools are a big place and it would just take getting one of those cards into the wrong hands to cause trouble. The kids wouldn't know the difference, but the whole point is to get the advertising to the parents. Around here, parents aren't even allowed to take anything to school to serve that didn't come from a licensed bakery. Pre-schools are much more lenient, but once they hit kindergarten, it's over! I understand why you would really want to, but I would think about it. If you do order some cards, they could always be just a "calling card" maybe with a cake in the background and just your name and phone number printed over it? Anyway, good luck either way! -Lori
You need to be careful and make sure what your state rules/regulations are. If your Health Dept. says you are not a legal set up, then most say you can't do any type of advertising....a flier, business cards, a list of prices, etc. All of that is considered advertising. Word of mouth is about the only advertising that is safe when you don't have a legal kitchen. Just do your homework and good luck. Here in Missouri....for sure you can't pass out a business card.
I have found (after asking my cousin-in-law the City Health Inspector) that I can give out cards that have my name, phone number, and email on them. But if I put a 'business name' or even a picture of a baked good on the card, then that is considered advertising.
I made some plain cards with the correct info on them, and when I make a cake for someone, I put two cards in the box. That way they have one to keep, and one to give to anyone who asks how they can get in touch with me to do a cake for them.
Ohio is one of the easier states to run a business from your home. You can always check the state website and see if you business falls under the laws. I believe that if you don't sell anything that could perish (i.e. cheescake or whip cream frosting) that you fall under the "cottage" law. So you don't have to be licensed to sell cakes or pass out cards or such.
But check the website and your local city laws. Sometimes the city laws are more strict.
GL!
Thank you!!!
I noticed Ohio's laws regarding licensing seemed much easier than some of the other ones I've read on here (Texas comes to mind), but I didn't notice about the cottage laws and the fact that I still may be able to sell without being licensed (it's my goal to be licensed, but as I'm living in an apartment on a college student's budget, it's just not in the books right now).
Thanks again for everyone's help 
Northern Cincinnati, what about you?
I just started pastry school (I had to beg my parents for three years to let me go... I couldn't afford it on my own, and they were convinced I needed to go to "real" school first, so I spent my first year out of high school at Miami in Oxford. But I finally convinced them that I already realized my dream, and they should just let me live it!) and I'm so excited to learn all the new techniques in my cake decorating classes (my teacher is just AMAZING).
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%