My state says that I am not allowed to have a cake business from home unless I have a separate kitchen that is closed off to the family. I don't have one so I won't be getting a business license. I am making cakes for friends, family, and word of mouth. Does anyone know if it's ok to have business cards with my "business name" if I don't have a business license?

I wouldn't think you would have a 'business name' if you don't have a business licence. Perhaps a better option is a card with just your name and contact info. I don't know if you want yourself set up as a business if you are not operating legally. Hope that helps.

Agree with afunk. It's harder to claim that you aren't a business if you have a business card with a business name.

Yeah, you're setting yourself up for serious trouble. I wouldn't put my family's future on the line just to sell a cake,.

yeah maybe just get a card with your info and give as requested.... good luck

I agree with everyone else. If you are doing word of mouth advertising, then you probably shouldn't have anything in writing such as biz cards or a website just to play it safe. Sometimes, that is all you need. My SIL found a lady to do her wedding cake through word of mouth (a friend of a friend) and this woman had no biz cards or a website. But, she has a ton of business from referrals. Just a thought.

Thank you. I made a facebook page with this "business name" so I guess I better delete it. Bummer.

If its not legal to sell in your state then you are setting yourself up for trouble. No way I would try to market myself or my product just to be shut down or lose everything just because of a cake. You are taking a huge risk!

this is a good question, I also have a facebook page for my cakes, but don't even suggest that I will sell them. I just have on the info that I am working on getting ready to have a bakery one of these days. Is that a no no too? I have only done some for family and friends.

Good point Cathy. It's just cakes on this page. Guess it's time to hit the delete button.

It is actually breaking the law to sell from an unlicensed kitchen in many areas. If your area says you must be licensed to have a business then that is your answer to any question about selling cake. It's Illegal period. You can't advertise in any form for an illegal business. Well actually some not so smart people have done so and have gotten in trouble- because it's illegal. No selling, no accepting money in exchange for cake no matter how small an amount as that constitutes a sale. A sale constitutes a business and you already know it is illegal to do so from your current kitchen situation. I wish you luck on getting the kitchen situation arranged to where it will be a legal business venture that you can peruse and get licensed. Until then it's illegal no matter how you look at it or think it can be justified.

My post was to the Op's indication

patticake1951 if you can afford to buy supplies and make cakes and are happy only to give them away then more power to you. That's really nice.
I have seen some incredible cake decorators that do just that and have it noted on their page that they do now sell cakes and it is only a hobby and the page is for the purpose of sharing the pictures.

yeah, It gives me some practice until I can do it full time.
I figured you were talking to OP but thought I would throw that out there too. I did go in and put some of my son's pictures on there.

My card has my website on the front and my first name and phone number on the back. I never claim to be a business, but this way if people still want my contact info I can give it to them in a professional manner. You may consider getting a card that says something like "From the kitchen of..." or "Baked by...." etc.

Yep, it's a bummer, huh? We're selling our house this summer, and hoping to buy one where I can convert the garage into a kitchen.

Check with your zoning first because that can be an issue. Many cities won't allow a business in certain areas of planned development.

I'm no help but wanted to say hi to the AK girls here...my bro and his wife moved up there last summer and I can't wait to go visit them someday.

Fairbanks is nice in the summer, but the winters are horrible! Anchorage is not near as cold.

I will check zoning laws, but luckily (?) there aren't a ton of "planned communities" around here. None that I can afford anyway, lol.