How to Start a Home Baking Business?

225 comments
8 expert advice
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Do you wish to become an entrepreneur? Have you started thinking about your liking business? Do you love baked foods? Yes, if you have an interest in bread, cakes, cookies, and chocolates, then a little bit of startup advice can set up your home baking business.

If you have always loved baking great-tasting cakes and slices of bread, you may want to take advantage of your hobby and talent to start your own home baking business. A baking business can be very profitable especially if you have a number of friends and relatives who always order cakes and pastries during parties and special events.

Do You Know How to Make Good Cakes?

If you don't know yet or people don't appreciate the cakes that you bake, then find a good college or course to join. Learn it professionally.

The best thing about starting a baking business is you can indulge in baking while having the opportunity to earn from your efforts. You can operate this home-based baking business from home and on a part-time basis. If you are planning to start a baking business, here are some of the things that you may be interested to know about:

Requirements to Start a Baking Business

An oven and some sets of baking tools and equipment that you may already have at home will be good enough to start a baking business if you are just planning to operate your baking business at home or on a part-time basis. If you decide to open a bigger baking business, however, you will need more and bigger equipment to accommodate a larger number of clients.

Getting Clients

You can start getting your first set of clients by encouraging friends and relatives to try your baked foods. You can even encourage your friends to order cakes from you whenever they have occasions in their homes. A good way of encouraging people to order baked goods from your home baking business is to offer them cheaper but great-tasting cakes and slices of bread.

The small network of clients that you have will inevitably grow as long as you continue to provide your customers with the best-tasting baked goods. When building and choosing a location for your baking company outlet, it will be important to choose a baking business location where there are a number of prospective customers who will buy your baked goods. In addition to this, remember that word-of-mouth marketing remains to be the best so better ask your friends, family members, and even existing customers to refer your baking company to other people.

This Video can Teach you on Pricing and Promoting your Cakes

225 Comments

Tiffany said on November 18, 2008
I am in college and will soon go to nursing school. I love baking, and my mom keeps teasing me about starting a baking business, and so does my boyfriend. Now if I do start my own baking business, will I need a license right off the back to do it out of my home?
Maureen said on January 22, 2009
Is it necessary to get a license right away for baking at home or is it needed for a certain amount that you do? Is it difficult to get the permits or licenses you need?
LORESA D. said on February 9, 2009
Hi, I would like to know the necessary information about starting my own baking business, and the license information would be greatly appreciated.
nieves rodriguez said on February 9, 2009
I need to know how you get a home baking license or if you need one. Thank you, rita.
L. Kimble said on February 22, 2009
I need more info on getting a business license in IN and how to get started. I would love to do this. The attorney general's web site for IN was no help.
Tammy Kinsey said on March 13, 2009
i do not want to start a business but i do love to bake every summer. I was told that here in johnstown pa where i live, i had to pay for baking and selling any kind of drinks. I was also told i had to pay $50.00 for the permit. I do love to bake.
Sheryl James said on March 26, 2009
My PASSION is Creating Great Looking And Great Tasting Cakes. Largely, HeirLoom Cakes! The Real Problem Might Be - How to Ship the Cakes! How Are They Shipped With No Problems? Show Me....Sheryl
Betty Reeve said on March 27, 2009
My husband keeps on at me about open up my own business in baking cakes, but I don't know how. Could you give me some advice on opening my own business?
Joshua Brandon said on May 17, 2009
how do you get e license for a baking business? please email me at soldjarboy410@aoll.com
okoh said on June 6, 2009
Good day, i read all the questions but i want an answer to my question. What are the tips in commenical cake baking.e.g what are the best method of preservation.
vaidehi said on June 16, 2009
Please send me the relevant information that I need to open my own baking business please.
jess said on June 21, 2009
You definitely need permits and licenses in most states. You need to be sure you live in an area zoned for a business, even if it's a home based business. You need to be sure there are no animals anywhere on the premises, that's a health code violation, and you can be shut down for it. You need a business license, and a tax ID number for both state and federal. A lot of suppliers for bakeries will NOT sell to you if you don't have these. Don't take shortcuts, and don't sell if you're not licensed. If someone gets sick from something you made, you will be sued a million times over if you're not licensed and insured. Liability insurance is a MUST. I speak from experience, I used to own my own bakery.
Rissa said on June 25, 2009
Is it necessary to get a license right away for baking at home or is it needed for a certain amount that you do? Is it difficult to get permits or license you need? Also can you please send me all the relevant information that I need to start an in-home baking business? Thank you.
mageswaran said on July 3, 2009
i intend to bake biscuits in my home first in Malaysia. how do i go about to take my license? I want to bake through traditional method without using electricity. Is it possible to be approved? I am also planning to do in a different way by adding herbs when baking.
tammy said on August 3, 2009
how can i start my own cake business out of the comfort of my own home, and will i need to get a permit or license to start.
deborah cagle said on August 8, 2009
Would like to know where to get containers for muffins and cakes. i would like to sell at the local flea market. any suggestions would be helpful. thanks
chyra said on September 30, 2009
help, i need to know how to start a home baking business from home. how much capital will i need to start up.
Mabel said on October 5, 2009
I would like to just "test the waters" before beginning a full-blow business. should i just get a license from starting or is it okay to get it later?
Darren said on October 14, 2009
I live in Arkansas and would love to bake out of my home, i need to know if i can legally sell my baked goods before i have a permit or license. If i could get info on starting out i would appreciate it.
Rafaela de Souza said on October 31, 2009
I am from Brazil. I was looking for ideas for my Business Plan to present in college ( Business Management)and I found this website. This is a great one! I am thinking about to open a Baking Business which will offer variety of breads and deliver service.
christine said on November 5, 2009
i live in harrogate and have done baking for family and friends and want to set my own business up can you send me some information. do i need a license
Thomas said on November 15, 2009
I have over 17 years experience working as a pastry chef in hotels and large restaurants. Currently living in Nyali Mombasa. I bake cakes at home occasionally. I want to get more customers. I know my cakes are good(tailor made). Order now birthday, wedding, anniversary, e.t.c. CALL Thomas(UNISAM-CAKES) +254 0721529167
cereen vassel said on December 31, 2009
would like to start my own home baking business. i love to bake and cook but leaning more towards baking. as a class parent for my daughters class i make all the cookies and cakes for the different holidays. ready to do this for 2010, how do i start. watchung nj.
macarthur thomas said on January 4, 2010
i am interested to start a baking business from home in Georgia Ave NW or Washiington, DC 20011 USA
mary said on January 24, 2010
Greenwith, South Australia. I am thinking of starting a small home cake making business - only 1 or 2 cakes a week. Do I need a license and insurance for this, and if so, who do I approach to get them.
tolulope said on January 25, 2010
I am just getting to a new location and thinking of starting a home based baking business. please, how do i get buyers? i stay in a very reserved and quite environment in a quite busy city (ibadan, Oyo State) in Nigeria
kukoyi folahsade said on February 19, 2010
my state is lagos, my country is nigeria, i thank God for this opportunity. i love baking but there some that i dont know how to bake.
NATACHA said on February 20, 2010
STATE of Virginia, I am planning of starting a small home making sambosa(salty pastries with meat inside)and spring rolls( kind of appetizers). My plan is first offer free of my baking with friends and family,, church, any party, any occasion..and handling my cards.. My business is only ordering on the phone, and delivery. do i need a license right away.. i just want to do "test" first and see later on!!
deepak singh said on February 23, 2010
hi, its deepak. i want to start my own home banking business. i am a IrDA certified.. so what certification i need to do and what to do initially? Please help me.
anuj arya said on March 16, 2010
Hi, I am a ordinary person. I am thinking a business of establish my own bakery, but I know nothing in this field. I want to know about it. For example capital, space, instruments, marketing, dealing with customers. Each and every thing I want to know about this business. Could you please help me. Wait.... wait....let me tell you that initially I want to do this business as part time. So please help me.
sherry radatz said on April 2, 2010
i would like to know how to go about starting a home baking business, permits required everything i need to know jensen beach fl
fatima kasker said on April 14, 2010
i'd like to start baking from home business but dont know how to begin and what kind of permits is needed can you help me. cape town south africa
rosa l said on April 24, 2010
do i need to be licensed in wisconsin to start a home based baking business? How do I go about getting started?
Stephanie K. said on April 26, 2010
I'd like to start a home-based business in Washington DC. Can you help?
Mugure said on April 28, 2010
Hi, I want to learn how to bake fruit pies. I am looking for someone who would be willing to offer the training at an agreed on fee?
waheeda said on May 7, 2010
i stay in athlone in cape town and would like to start a baking business please help me
Dana said on May 10, 2010
My question is the same as #13 How to ship. Also how to get started at home.
Bo said on May 27, 2010
What equipment do you need to buy to start a baking business? - Baking in Australia.
katherine robinson said on May 31, 2010
I live in southbend, indiana - And I wanted to know if there is a license or permit I can get to start a home baking business...
dayna just said on June 27, 2010
i live in suffolk county ny do i need a license to sell cakes out of my house and to small business?
Sarah said on June 29, 2010
I would like to start a cake baking business, but I cannot afford a cooker and I do not have capital. Is anyone willing to help me out? Sarah
RORY said on July 1, 2010
I LIVE IN MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA...I would like all info regarding opening my Italian home cooked meals..made in my home...what do I need? how do I get started..this has been my dream but I am clueless how to get started...my food speaks for itself...idea is u call place order and either pick or i deliver..pls help me....
leticia said on July 1, 2010
i live in port harcourt in nigeria, i will like to have a book on baking, i can bake cakes and muffins but there are other things i would like to bake so plz can you help? thanks
Martine said on July 6, 2010
I would like to know the rules of starting a home baking business. What I would need to start up license and rules of equipment etc thank you
Tracy said on July 14, 2010
I am interested in starting a baking business at home in Long Island NY. What documents are needed?
linda said on July 16, 2010
I live in Orange County, NY and would like to know if I need a license or permit for a home baking business and where do you contact to apply for one. Thank you
jane trowbridge said on July 16, 2010
My baking has sort of taken on a life of it's own. I would like to know how to get my home based business off the ground. What type of permits and inspections do I need? I live in Suffolk county NY. Thank you.
Eileen Kolia said on July 19, 2010
I live in Bartlett Illinois. I would like to start baking business from home. What do I need? How to get started. Thanks
chris bergen said on July 29, 2010
I live in Zephyrhills, Florida and would like to know if it is legal to have a home based cake decorating business here?
Carolita Whitlock said on August 2, 2010
Love to bake cakes and can do some decorating. Live in Statesville, North Carolina. Is there a license required in my area to start up a home based baking business. Please advise.
dorah said on August 5, 2010
my name is dorah, i'm a mum of three. i have been baking ever since i was 4 in my mums kitchen. how do i make the world taste my baking and make a living for my kids?
Alexandria said on August 9, 2010
How can I start my own business for a bakery, How can I get license for starting my own bakery in the state of Arizona? Do you know of any schools?
charito said on August 14, 2010
can u please tell how much will be cost when starting a baking business? i am here philippines 2600
nkechi anyanwu kennia said on August 17, 2010
oyigbo rivers state, pls i need a school that i will come learn how to bake here in port harcourt. can you help me to get a better school in port harcourt for baking and cake making.
Cynthia said on August 17, 2010
I live in Cary, NC What do I need to do legally to bake cookies from home, to sell in local business coffee shop.
Cindi said on August 17, 2010
I live in north Alabama, Limestone county. I am considering a home based cake/cupcake baking business. Please advise on permits/license needed as well as any special equipment. Thank you!!
Diana said on August 26, 2010
I am interested to start a home baking business (cupcakes to be deliver to coffee shops ); I live in Weston, Fl 33326; my house is located in a residential neighborhood; What licenses do I need?
Darlene Alston said on September 6, 2010
I would like to prepare lunch and dinners from my home or carry out to some plants near by. How should i get started? I live in Hopkins, SC 29061.
Cathy DeMita said on September 13, 2010
I am interested in starting a brown bag gourmet lunch catering business from home w/delivery in Roswell, Ga. Do I need to obtain a license if I just advertise with flyers and not on the internet?
TAMMY EASTWORTH said on September 14, 2010
I am wanting to do a home bakery part-time, do i need permits and license and inspected from health department. I do not live in city limits, Some of my items will be used for marketing gifts for some business, i have had several request from people but i need to know before i start doing this, i have called all my local offices and get the run-a-round seems like they don't know how to answer me. it is from my home not where people can come in I will be baking it and delivering it for some money some will be purchase the ingredient and i will bake it.
Debbie Tuschen said on September 14, 2010
want to start a business with gluten free bake goods from my home. live in the country in Rio Wisconsin, county is Columbia. What do I need to do to get started.
DaRel Samacicio said on September 17, 2010
Hello! I live in Topton, PA and would like to start a part time bakery out of my home. I contacted out local Boro and they said yes to it, but who do I contact next? Do I need a license/permit immediately or after I start earning a certain amount of money? Any assistance you can provide is appreciated. Thank you!
Sandra Woods said on September 21, 2010
i am planning to open a home baking shop in 519 Vienna Hwy. Hawkinsville, GA 31036
Debra Estrada said on September 28, 2010
I live in the County of Los Angeles, in a small suburb, Montrose, CA. I am interested in baking at home and selling cookies to a nearby coffee shop and to friends and family. Do I need a permit for this? Also, how do I find ways to package and advertise, maybe a sticker with my name and logo? Thank You
tahseen mussa said on September 28, 2010
hiya want to start a home baking business on small scale....my baking is neat my butter cream is very good can decorate well but tricky with fondant and picture cakes for birthdays.....want to know if i need license or insurance? going to start with the family and friends first..i live in the united kingdom.
dunia said on September 29, 2010
I live in florida(broward) and I would love to start business at my house, like cooking for delivery, you think I can
Monica said on October 1, 2010
Bronx, NY. How do I get a home occupation permit as well as a use of assumed name? The websites out there are extremely confusing....
Kay said on October 7, 2010
Abilene Texas 79606. I actually live out of the City Limits... what will I need to get started?????
Bernice Johnson said on October 12, 2010
is there anyone who can help me in setup a home based baking business in Gainesville, Florida
Millie said on October 15, 2010
I am 16, and am wondering how to start up a baking business. i would run the business from home so would like to know what qualifications and certificates would be needed. For a home business are licenses and qualifications needed at first? Thank you
susie smith said on October 15, 2010
i would like to start a home based bakery in tifton, georgia. what are the rule to the october 2008 food act that was passed regarding pies, cakes and cookies?
dee suat said on October 19, 2010
Hi, I am considering starting a home catering business for pets. I live in South Florida, Broward county. City of Lighthouse Point. I have seen conflicting information. Can you tell me what licenses, permits I will need besides incorporation. What concerns will there be since I am dealing with food. I would like this to be done from home. Thank you
Elaine said on October 28, 2010
Hello, I am from Chicago Il. I would like to start a home based Baked Goods and catering operation. I dont know what to do . Can I even do it from home in Chicago? If not are there kitchens on the south side of the city that are certified that I can rent for a reasonable price to do production from? PLEASE HELP.. Thanks Elaine
Cindy Pohl said on November 21, 2010
San Gabriel, CA 91776, USA. I want to bake organic cookies for the Farmers Market from my home. How do I get the permits, certification, inspection, etc. to get going with this? Thank you for your help. Cindy Pohl
Jennifer H said on December 14, 2010
Atlanta, Ga 30345 I would like to sell cookies, pies, breads, muffibs ect. from home. I'm wondering what the regulations and licenses I must obtain to sell and advertise for this.
Sally L said on December 22, 2010
I just started gaining lots of interest for my decorative cookies, and am not sure about what the guidelines are for having an at-home baking business in Macon, GA. Am I allowed to sell my cookies without any sort of business or food safety license? At what point will taking those steps become necessary? I am nowhere near needing a commercial kitchen, but I do want to make sure I'm going by the book. I've tried to look up the GA law, but it's difficult to sift through! THanks:)
Kay said on December 26, 2010
I am looking for someone who loves to bake and would like to start a home baking business with a partner. I live in indianapolis and am working right now and want to get things started before I retire. I make anything from cupcakes to cheesecakes. I've been told that my cheesecakes are better than the Cheesecake Factory. Quote from a co-worker. 'They are the bombe'. I want a partner because I think it would be more fun and 2 could get more done than one.
jenni said on December 28, 2010
hello! i want to start a bakery and sweet shop from home.. i live in southern indiana but plan on moving soon, tho i haven't decided where to yet. i would like to know at what point do i need a license and how do i go about getting one? all help is much appreciated! thank you!
Joe Guagliardo said on December 30, 2010
Can you have a home based baking business in Florida? I've heard and seen varying replies to this question. I've heard, "No you can't," yet there was a guy on the today show who started his baking business at home in Florida, and is so successful he is now branching out into a store type location. Any idea which it is?
Kara said on January 3, 2011
Joe, the answer is no. I've spoken to the Department of Agriculture for Florida and you can not operate any type of food services from your home.
Bryan Hiller said on January 7, 2011
Greensboro, NC. I have been baking a lot for my church and friends and would like to start doing it Part-time for a test business (bakery/ coffee shop). I can bake anything from cheesecake, cake, cookies, cupcakes and sticky buns. How can I start something Part-time from home.
Suzanne Mailey said on January 11, 2011
I live in the Northwest of England and I am thinking about baking cupcakes to sell at fairs etc. I would like to know what Insurance or License Certificates I would need to be able to do this.
Nadia said on January 17, 2011
I live in South Africa , Port Elizabeth and I'm thinking my own home based baking business - where do I start and how can I get the funds to start.
teresa moreno said on January 20, 2011
hi, my name is teresa and im trying to open a cake shop. i live in Live Oak, Ca 95953. can you please tell me the step that i should be taking to start a cake business, any information you give me be appreciate. thank you
pauline agbor said on January 21, 2011
Abuja,federal capital territory,nigeria. I would love to start my own small scale baking business but I need to at least get more professional training but do not know of any training centre around my area.thank u
Sharandell W said on January 21, 2011
Columbia,MO. HEY TO ALL! First you need to check and make sure your state allows home based bakerys. Second you will need your food handlers permit, and an inspection from your local Health Department. Then go from there! I'm currently trying to open a home based bakery!!! ENJOY YOU GUYS:-)
Diane T. said on January 28, 2011
I live in Georgia and would like to know if I can turn my fairly large storage house into a bakery and it still be considered a home based baking business. It is located approximately 20 feet from my house. Also, should I establish an LLC for my home based business? One more question....if I live in a residential area how do I go about getting permission to operate my home based business?
Ambadas Ganpatrao Kadam said on January 29, 2011
I want to start a Home Based Banking Business. Let me know the steps/procedure for it. I am Residing in Nanded City District Nanded Maharashtra. Pl convey. Thank u
Christy Province said on February 7, 2011
I Live in Houtzdale PA. At this time I am unemployed and have always dreamed of a baking business. I have worked out of my home a little for friends and family for pies and cookies. I would like to start slow and build a baking business out of my home. Do i need any permits, inspections or licenses to start. Is their a dollar amount limit per month that you make before you have to have a license. Thank you Christy
Brandy said on February 8, 2011
I would like to start a bakery in the Grand Prairie, Arlington area.
Lana said on February 9, 2011
I live in Stockton Ca. I always wanted to open my own baking business at home. I would like to know how to get started and the steps and also procedures for it. thank you please email me and let me know
Trevor Trout said on February 12, 2011
Our church would like to start a bakery in a previously disadvantaged area in CapeTown. Are you able to assist. Regards. Pst Trout
Ngenzeni Khanyile said on February 18, 2011
I want to start my own baking business at home, please help me with how to get started, steps and procedures including all the equipments to be used. Your help will be very much appreciated. Thank You.
Lorena Cepeda said on February 18, 2011
I Live in Orlando, FL. At this time I am unemployed and have always dreamed of a baking business. I would like to start slow. Do i need any permits, inspections or licenses to start. Is their a dollar amount limit per month that you make before you have to have a license. Thanks in advance, Lorena
Tammy Pittman said on February 22, 2011
St. Paul, MN; USA. I am very interested in starting up a baking business from my home. I have been reading many articles on how to go about it and am overwhelmed with the information. Can you provide a resource or a list of the first steps to get started. Where should I go for the most updated information and to get the most current licensing needed, etc. I would appreciate your help. Thank you
Totka Neykova said on March 3, 2011
Hi, I live in Chicago, IL. I like to start a baking business from home. What kind of permits do I need or licenses? Thanks in advance, Totka.
Lynn Harris said on March 3, 2011
Moving to northern part of Atlanta, GA area and was wondering if in that area you can have a home based baking business, and who I can contact for information on licenses/permits. I want to do cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes. Also, any suggestions on how to get started finding customers. Thank you.
James expert adviser said on March 3, 2011
@Totka Neykova, yes you need to be certified to do this business from home. You need a 3 compartment sink, a hand washing sink and a separate floor washing sink. You also need stainless platform for your kitchen.
Jestin James
Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)
James expert adviser said on March 4, 2011
@Lynn Harris, you need to have a license to start this business. Here is a guide to secure a permit in Atlanta, GA. If you have trouble then hire a consultant to complete this work for you. Finding buyer is must. There are couple of ways to it. Will you just take orders in a small amount then probably word of mouth will work best for that. You start partying at your home and show your works in those parties. You can also find regular gatherings in Atlanta and supply some free bakery to promote the business. If you wanna go for big scale then you need a website, advertise, contact local grocery store, gas stations, etc for the business.
Jestin James
Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)
Totka said on March 4, 2011
Thank you!!!

How to Start a Home Baking Business?

Do You Know How to Make Good Cakes?

Requirements to Start a Baking Business

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Getting Clients

This Video can Teach you on Pricing and Promoting your Cakes

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