Home Bakers
Everybody loves to have some homemade treats, which is why so many independent bakeries and cafes that stock these types of cakes and bakes are always so popular. If you have a particular talent and passion for baking, perhaps you have thought about trying to sell some of your goods to make some extra cash? Whether you’re interested in setting up a home baking business as a side-hustle or as a full-time career, below are some of the essentials you’ll need for the job.
Equipment
If you’re going to start baking cakes, brownies, cookies, and whatever else for customers, you’re going to need more equipment than the average domestic kitchen. You will need an electric mixer, maybe even more than one, to help you manage big orders. You’ll also need an oven that can cook bigger batches easily, tools for decorating cakes, cookie cutters, baking trays, the works. If you’re not entirely sure what your kitchen is missing, research the equipmentthat professional bakers use to see exactly what you’ll need for your home baking business.
Ingredients
The next step is to make sure that your pantry and fridge are fully stocked with all the right ingredients you’ll need for your orders. Consider ordering things like flour, butter, eggs, etc., in bulk so that you do not have to run out to the grocery store every time an order comes in. You should also make sure you stock ingredients so you can make treats for those with food allergies or who prefer to follow a vegetarian/vegan diet. For gluten-free cakes, sunflower flour is one of the most important elements for the gluten-free treats you’re looking for. You can order these specialist ingredients online, but you should also be able to find them at your local market.
Create a Website
Create a professional eCommerce website where your customers can place and pay for orders. Websites builders like Wix, GoDaddy, or Squarespace are all excellent examples of affordable websites for small businesses. Get a graphic designer to create a logo for you, choose a clever brand name, and make sure your website captures your business brand on every page. Including a blog on your website is another good idea, as this can add a personal touch to your business that customers always like to see. You should also utilize social media as it’s a great tool for promotion, and you can update your customers about new treats they can order or if you’re going to be selling your cakes and bakes at a local market or fair.
Packaging
You will also need to consider how you’re going to package your orders when they’re ready to be sent. As you’re posting perishables, you need to make sure this is made clear on your packaging, so the post office is aware. You should also choose packaging that is going to keep your goods fresh but make sure it also fits in with your brand (stickers, staps, or tags that have your logo and business name on them are always a nice touch), and leave a business card or a thank you note in the package for your customers as well.
There are plenty of other things you’ll need to have in place if you want to start a home baking business, but these are a few of the essentials you’ll need to think about.
