1. Find Out About Rules and Regulations
When starting a business from home, you want to contact your local authority for instructions on obtaining a license, permits and local zoning laws that pertain to businesses run from home.
In addition, you want to check with your state's health department in regards to having you cooking space inspected for commercial food preparation. In order to receive a license to operate, your cooking area will need to pass the inspection. If you plan to make, package and sell food products, inquire about product labeling regulations.
2. Plan Your Business
A well-written plan can disclose whether or not your business idea has the potential to be successful, therefore you want to do this prior to investing in supplies and materials. A business plan will also help you figure out the most ideal way to get clients, and the time it will take to make money.
Many entrepreneurs get templates to help them write their plans. Templates allow them to avoid the price of hiring a professional while at the same time avoid the common mistakes that happen when writing a plan from scratch.
3. Invest in Cookware and Equipment
After you have decided on a profitable business concept and you've passed inspection, the next step is to purchase cooking supplies. If you already cook in your spare time, you may already be well-equipped. If you need additional cookware or food prep items, restaurant supply stores can be a good resource for wholesale equipment.
Don't forget product packaging supplies like pouches, boxes, tins, shipping materials and product labels. There are lots of product packaging companies that offer a diverse range of items - from pink cake boxes to vinyl bags to glass containers to wine packaging supplies - to the other end of the spectrum, complete one-of-a-kind packaging.
4. Locate Your Clients
In the case that you dislike selling, an alternative way to win new customers is by allowing people to sample your food free of charge. Write down several local businesses, organizations and activities where you can provide a sampling.
People love free stuff, and once they know about you, they can buy more products from you. It's human nature to want to return favors. In addition, larger groups give you more exposure to more people. Not only do you reach more potential buyers at once, you put yourself in a position to receive larger orders later on.
Remember to include things like your business card, a food selection or list of items you carry plus information on how to place an order. As an extra incentive, add a voucher or special offer. What you are doing is getting them in the habit of doing business with you.
When starting a business from home, you want to contact your local authority for instructions on obtaining a license, permits and local zoning laws that pertain to businesses run from home.
In addition, you want to check with your state's health department in regards to having you cooking space inspected for commercial food preparation. In order to receive a license to operate, your cooking area will need to pass the inspection. If you plan to make, package and sell food products, inquire about product labeling regulations.
2. Plan Your Business
A well-written plan can disclose whether or not your business idea has the potential to be successful, therefore you want to do this prior to investing in supplies and materials. A business plan will also help you figure out the most ideal way to get clients, and the time it will take to make money.
Many entrepreneurs get templates to help them write their plans. Templates allow them to avoid the price of hiring a professional while at the same time avoid the common mistakes that happen when writing a plan from scratch.
3. Invest in Cookware and Equipment
After you have decided on a profitable business concept and you've passed inspection, the next step is to purchase cooking supplies. If you already cook in your spare time, you may already be well-equipped. If you need additional cookware or food prep items, restaurant supply stores can be a good resource for wholesale equipment.
Don't forget product packaging supplies like pouches, boxes, tins, shipping materials and product labels. There are lots of product packaging companies that offer a diverse range of items - from pink cake boxes to vinyl bags to glass containers to wine packaging supplies - to the other end of the spectrum, complete one-of-a-kind packaging.
4. Locate Your Clients
In the case that you dislike selling, an alternative way to win new customers is by allowing people to sample your food free of charge. Write down several local businesses, organizations and activities where you can provide a sampling.
People love free stuff, and once they know about you, they can buy more products from you. It's human nature to want to return favors. In addition, larger groups give you more exposure to more people. Not only do you reach more potential buyers at once, you put yourself in a position to receive larger orders later on.
Remember to include things like your business card, a food selection or list of items you carry plus information on how to place an order. As an extra incentive, add a voucher or special offer. What you are doing is getting them in the habit of doing business with you.
About the Author:
Jerrie Fields writes for Home Business Center, Inc., the resource for home-based entrepreneurs since 1997. Check out HBC's new book, "21 Food Businesses You Can Start from Home", available to download free at their website.
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