Opening a bakery business--can I do it alone? How do I start?

Posted by Enigma on May 10, 1998 at 16:48:01:

I am planning on opening a home-based bakery business specializing in cookies and muffins. I've already figured out the necessary equipment and capital layout, as well as the suppliers. I've already established my own standardized recipes, packaging, prices, sales forecast & target sales volume. I intend to start with distributing my products to restaurants, coffeeshops, small grocery stores, etc. However, how do I start getting customers?? Do I just walk up to the owners and ask if they're interested in selling my products? Does it help to have an attractive product brochure? Do I write them a letter or call them up? Also, what is the usual arrangement with regard to selling the product? I mean, do they just pay you for the items sold (consignment basis), or are they supposed to buy the items upfront from you? And for those who started out doing this, is it at all possible to earn a decent income by doing this on your own without having to hire employees? And lastly, how does selling wholesale compare with selling retail (like having a shop that people can go to). I don't really dream of making this into a multi-million dollar venture, but just something I can do and live on without taking too much time away from my family. Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Opening a bakery business--can I do it alone? How do I start? Gerard 12:16:10 5/11/98 (6)
  • Re: Opening a bakery business--can I do it alone? How do I start? Enigma 20:42:02 5/11/98 (2)
    • Re: Opening a bakery business--can I do it alone? How do I start? Gerard 20:59:55 5/11/98 (1)
      • Re: Opening a bakery business--can I do it alone? How do I start? Enigma 21:18:01 5/11/98 (0)
  • Wow ..... I wanted to thank you for all this info too! Nici 13:09:33 5/11/98 (2)
    • Re: Wow ..... I wanted to thank you for all this info too! Gerard 18:24:59 5/11/98 (1)
      • It is always good to hear form you Gerard ....... and you are so right about it too. Nici 10:10:37 5/12/98 (0)