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mikmacmal
Newbie
Joined: Feb 07, 2006
Posts: 4
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 Posted:
Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:50 pm |
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Hi! My name is Holly and I'm new to Cake Central. I am just starting out but I am having a really hard time getting business. Does anyone have any ideas on how to advertise for a home cake business? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! |
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trent
Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 12, 2006
Posts: 969
Location: Japan
Birthday: Jul 23
Gallery Supporter Member
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Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:58 pm |
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do u work? that's how i got started, by bring sweets . i'm known as the cake lade at work. i would start their . if u do not then maybe bake something for a relative, and havethem take differnt items to work.. good luck |
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ellepal
Forum Addict
Joined: May 21, 2005
Posts: 952
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Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:59 pm |
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Exactly...bring cake to work, to neighbors, to bridal shops. Get a website, and do some shows to get your name out there. Before you know it, you'll be on the verge of quitting your day job! |
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chaptlps
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Oct 25, 2005
Posts: 1841
Location: Colorado
Gallery Supporter Member
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Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:04 pm |
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Hiya Holly,
Welcome to cake central. I personally don't have a business out of my home (couldn't anyways I have two dogs).
I think from what I have read from others here who do have their own business, that, first, in most states, you need to have a business liscence (sp) in order for you to advertise in any fashion. I don't know what the regulations are like in your state so you have to be very careful.
If you are a licenced home bakery than I would think about getting a web site going, make business cards. Make up some sample cakes (cupcakes would be good for this) with your cake flavors and take them to local businesses along with a business card and maybe a portfolio of your decorated cakes.
But like I said before though, in most states you have to have a licence to do this.
A lot of folks on here have depended solely (and quite successfully) on the good ol' word of mouth.
Take cakes to work with you. Give em to the hubby and have him take them to work too along with your family and friends.
Exposure is your greatest asset. Get your friends and co workers talking about the wonderful cake that you had brought to work. That might generate some orders for you.
I hope this has helped in some way. |
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MrsMissey
Moderator
Joined: Aug 26, 2004
Posts: 5438
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:23 am |
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Welcome to Cakecentral!
You just need to get the word out in order to get more business...church functions, bake sales and stuff like that. I always have brochures and/or business cards with me...find a way to bring up the subject of cakes in your conversations and be ready with pics of your cakes! Good luck to you!! |
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hn87519
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 07, 2006
Posts: 93
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:25 am |
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First, be sure to check if it's legal to do this. In a lot of states it isn't. |
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KittisKakes
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 1146
Location: Virginia
Birthday: Mar 10
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:26 am |
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Don't forget bridal shops and wedding coordinators and places like that. Bring them a sample and some pics, they could certainly get business going your way. |
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MrsMissey
Moderator
Joined: Aug 26, 2004
Posts: 5438
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:32 am |
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| hn87519 wrote: | | First, be sure to check if it's legal to do this. In a lot of states it isn't. |
..legal to do what? |
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Sherry0565
Frequent Member
Joined: Nov 15, 2005
Posts: 373
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Birthday: May 24
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:39 am |
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I usually make a few freebies for select functions, and then make sure everyone knows who made the Cake! I've sent a few practice cakes to my husbands place of employment, and took a few to work myself. You'd be surprised at how many orders will stem from that alone. Tonight I'm making a cake for my son's Senior night at the high school. (also a freebie), so I'm hoping a few of the parents will place orders in the future. Word of mouth advertising is Great!
Good luck to you! |
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mikmacmal
Newbie
Joined: Feb 07, 2006
Posts: 4
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:02 pm |
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thanks everyone for your help. i've made many cakes for my family but it hasn't seemed to get any word out. my daughter isn't yet in school and i don't work so i can't do those types of bake sale functions. i will check into church bake sales and maybe sending some cakes to work with family members. i actually don't have a license and have to check into what is legal. i didn't want to deal with the red tape until i'm sure if the business will succeed. thanks for your comments!! |
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JamesSweetie
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 16, 2005
Posts: 301
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Birthday: Nov 12
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:39 pm |
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I had sent cakes with my hubby to work a few times, and though everyone finishes them off and seems to love them, no business has come from it. For Valentines day, I brought my mom a cake at work, and as it turns out, people were raving about it and there happens to be someone who works there that does catering also, and since all the employees are raving to her about my cake, she may be interested in my cakes. The more people that see/hear about your cakes, the better. I had told every family member that I am doing this, and to tell everyone they know as well, and now I have my first order for March not only for a cake but a batch of cookies too! |
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Phoov
Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 27, 2005
Posts: 874
Location: Kansas
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:55 pm |
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Welcome Holly! Not much I can add to what's been suggested. I'm not too far ahead of you in the "business" end of this cake stuff! I made a point of taking cakes EVERYWHERE for awhile....pot lucks, church events, friends' birthdays, etc. The fruit of that labor is now rolling in. It does take awhile, especiall depending upon your social involvements. The more cakes you can get in front of people, the faster word will spread. Best of luck to you! |
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izzybee
Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 20, 2005
Posts: 524
Location: Honey Brook, PA
Birthday: Jul 20
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:56 pm |
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It is not legal to have business cards or brochures stating anything about prices or the fact that you are a business, in some states. The possibility of getting caught is very slim, but will suck if you do. I however, have ignored such rules! I advertised in my Mom's Club newsletter which is how I started my business, then mostly word of mouth, and putting up cards around town. I walked into a bakery and asked if they needed any help, that generated alot of business around the holidays, also selling to local restaurants is good way to start.
Also I have done cakes at a discount for large parties with the promise that my business card and menus be available at the party, and I have gotten alot of business that way as well. |
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MrsMissey
Moderator
Joined: Aug 26, 2004
Posts: 5438
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:08 pm |
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Business cards can be as simple as a "calling card"..your name, e-mail and phone #, with a picture of a cake or something along that lines. If you are having a conversation with someone and happen to mention that you do cakes....you can hand them a business/calling card and say if you ever need a cake, give me a call!
Same thing with a brochure..it doesn't have to say "in print" that you sell cakes, it can just include your contact info and pics of cakes that you have done! |
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Fishercakes
Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 22, 2005
Posts: 534
Location: Southern Ohio
Birthday: Sep 02
Gallery Supporter Member
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Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:19 pm |
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I have made a few cakes and dropped them off as "thank you" gifts for our local bank, school, library, etc. I even made a few for the doctor's office staff when I took my son in to get his new glasses. They loved them and I have had a few orders from those.
Good luck! |
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