Start Your Own Cookie Business
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Do you enjoy baking? Would you like the freedom of working from home or working for yourself in a small bakery of your own? If so, you might want to start your own cookie business. You can start as a home-based business or work from a small location near your home, setting your own hours and making your own decisions about what products to carry. You can indulge in the creativity that comes with baking while reaping the benefits of working for yourself. And when you start your own cookie business, you invest in the opportunity for unforeseeable growth in your income and passion for your work.
Of course, you'll need to make a lot of decisions before you can start your own cookie business. Some of the things that you will want to decide are:
- Where the cookie business will be based. Are you going to be based from your own home or from an out-of-home location? Are you going to sell items through the web? In either case, what kind of permits will you need to be allowed to start your own cookie business in this location?
- What is your niche? You can start a general cookie business but you'll be better off if you find a niche. This may be in unique packaging of your cookies. It may also be in unique ingredients, cookie shapes or decoration. It may even be simply in the marketing. Find a way to set yourself apart from the competition before you even start your own cookie business and you're more likely to succeed.
- What kind of start-up capital will you need to start your own cookie business? How will you get it? You may need to buy baking materials, pay for marketing and hire an employee or two. Or you may have what you need. Look realistically at the financial aspect before you start your own cookie business.
- What are you goals? Set one month, six month, one year and five year goals so that you have an idea of what you really want to do with your cookie business.
Once you have made some of these important decisions and decided that you are ready to move forward and start your own cookie business, here are some of the first steps that you'll need to take:
- Take care of the legalities. You need business permits and tax information so get it before you start your cookie business.
- Set up a website. Whether or not you're selling items online, you'll need a website for marketing. If you're catering to a national clientele, make sure that the site is search engine optimized to turn up when people search for cookies online. Include contact information, ordering information and some fun stuff for your customers to enjoy on your site.
- Create your product list. You can always add new cookies to the list or offer specials but you should have a base of standard cookies that are your major product. Set your prices and get good photos for marketing purposes.
- Spread the word. People need to know that you have a cookie business. Direct marketing through email and cold calling, getting and passing out business cards and attending networking events are all common ways of spreading the word. You may also want to begin networking with local grocery stores and specialty food stores to see if you can get your cookies - or at least your new brochures - placed at their location.
It isn't hard to start a cookie business. And it's a career that can be rewarding; you may earn a good income or at least get the flexibility of working from home while supporting yourself. But you'll need to take it seriously and consider all of the factors involved before you start your own cookie business. That's just how the cookie crumbles!
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I think that a cookie business would be so much fun - in fact I have thought about it before and wondered if I'd sell the cookies or just the mixes. A great way to market a cookie business is to Real Estate Agents. If you have a unique product and can give it a real personal touch the word spreads fast.
Great hub! I'm in the cookie business, but I dont have to make them, they are already made (with very healthy ingredients, and can help you lose weight!) All I need to do is market them! Take a look, anyone can join!
http://www.cwd.appetizerdiet.com/thecookie.aspyum i love cookies expecially ones with chocklate chip and are big and soft
That sounds like a yummy business. I wonder what you would need to go through to make sure that you have the thumbs up from the health department?
This is one business I need to consider-only problem is that niche sales is not yet so developed in my country
I just love cookies...
There already are cookie business well here in britain any way theres bens cookies and millies cookies.
Realistically, can you cook enough cookies in a domestic oven to run a business? Surely you'll need specialised equipment and premises at some point? I wonder how far you can go with just the equipment in your kitchen? Has anyone done it that can comment?
Don't forget food hygiene! I think that in the UK you would need to get approval from the local environmental health department.
Sent this one to my sister. Very good info. Thank you!
In the U.S. you do need to follow certain regulations, just as in other countries, but there is no reason one couldn't start out small and get larger. My neighbors started a catering business, limiting the size of parties to no more than 30 meals, and worked out of their home kitchen, which they brought up to specs to meet the state health department regulations. In about a year they built an annex with commercial ovens and other things needed to expand the business.
They were doing well until they decided to open a restaurant, and that took them away from what they did best. It is possible to get too big!
Great advice! I have been contemplating a baking business myself. Thank you!
In another life if I hadn;t been born a writer I would have been a baker, thanks for the oatmeal cookie recipe which is not my strongpoint.
LOL the candyman would LOVE my cookies I make tha BEST chocolate chip cookies IN THE WORLD!!! Big.soft chewy ones mmmmmmmmmm
Reggie Baker 306 546 0662
Nice tips. My mom probably needs it.
Thanks for sharing!
wow, this sounds like soo much fun!! Really amazing tips :)
This is a nice list of questions that one asks when contemplating starting practically "any" business, but there aren't many practical answers to those questions provided in the hub. It is a good place to start off, though.
On my blog, I talk a lot about starting a cookie business. I've also counseled some folks to help them on their way. There are a ton of considerations, and every business will be just slightly different because every situation and person is different. But the basics remain the same.
Health regulations are always a major concern. Here in California, you are not allowed to bake from your home. Any food sold MUST come from a commercial kitchen. But this also varies from state to state.
I've been running my cookie business (www.OhmasCookies.com) for just a couple of weeks now, and it's doing well. I love being in business for myself. There's just no substitute for it.
So if you want to start your own cookie business, do your homework. Get the legalities taken care of first. Then start with the fun stuff.
I'm always happy to answer questions at my blog if you have specific ones about your own business.
I hope that helps!
TiffanyOwnerOhma's Cookies
I believe these sort of question apply to whatever business we are going to run. Not only for this cookie business. Still, the main consideration is the business location. A good location will contribute some walked-in sales for you.
Who can answer my question. I want to start my cookie and cake business and in Maryland I can only use only commercial kitchen. So where would I find that kind of kitchen and how much it would cost? Anybody please help me with info.
I was thinking about starting a home based cookie business here in Nevada but the laws here say that under no circumstance can one prepare or make food out of the home, you have to do this in an industrial kitchen. My question is if say here in Nevada, can one sell cookies via the internet to other states other then Nevada to overcome this or would that technically still be not allowed? I don't understand these laws, why can't one start a cooking business out of their homes, all they would have to do is send the health department out to inspect, to me that is another example of how they make it hard for one to succeed.
This is a great hub. It looks like you really have a passion for what you do and that is always wonderful. Much continued success2you.
Sandra,There is a web site you can use to locate a kitchen. The address is: http://www.commercialkitchenforrent.com. If there is nothing in your area, start calling people.Call local churches (some will have commercial kitchens, but not many, so call every one in the phone book), or contact local catering companies. Many will be happy to rent you their kitchen, especially in the off season when they can use the extra money to pay their rent.Also, try local family owned restaurants. Some may be willing to rent you their kitchen during hours they are not open. Just be prepared to get a variety of responses. Keep in mind, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Perseverance is key. If you really look hard enough, you will find something.Good luck!YellowBurgandyThese laws are in place for a good reason. In a commercial kitchen, the health department can easily monitor what is happening there. In a private home, you have the right to send them away and tell them to come back at another time (when your kitchen is clean). So they cannot get a true idea of what is going on in your kitchen. They also have no way of knowing if you use your kitchen for things other than food prep. In a commercial kitchen, this is far less likely. The laws are in place, not only to govern and insure healthy and safe food production, but to protect the consumer. You wouldn't want to purchase some cookies made in somebody's kitchen while they were clipping their toenails and brushing their hair and teeth over the dough. (Gross example, but you get the idea).To answer your question, no, you cannot sell to other states and escape the legalities of your state’s health department that way. First of all, you would/should never tell a customer that you can't sell to them because they live in your state. Second of all, a business is bound by the laws of the state in which it resides. So you are out of luck there. Sorry.I know it can be frustrating. I’ve been through all of that myself. But you have to remember that, while big brother can be a real pain in the behind, in this case, he is actually doing some good. Regulation in any industry is a good thing because it keeps people honest, and consumers protected. If you get creative, there are many ways do what you want to do, and still follow the law to the letter.Good luck. I wish you the best.TiffanyWeb Site: www.OhmasCookies.comBlog: http://thecookieblog.wordpress.comEmail: info@ohmascookies.com
Enjoyed this hub...
Hi Everyone. My name is Joe and I own my own cookie business. I have a great product line of about 30 different Italian style cookies. cookies come in one pound containers and 12 containers per case. If anyone is interested in re-selling these wonderful cookies of mine, then just email me at itlpep@aol.com. I do wholesale my products. THANKS
Aloha Everyone. I am Lorelei The Cookie Lady of Hawaii. I have cookie bouquets,cookie baskets,party favors and gifts. I have cookies that no one else offers. I have the best shortbread style of cookies in Hawaii.I am going to be launching my website in the next couple of weeks.
Does anyone out there have a website and are making internet sales?My customers are vacation rentals, hotels,tourists and the locals.I ship to the mainland and inter-island.Right now I have shipped mainland from locals and visitors that have visited the island.
anyone can write me at info@thecookieladyofhawaii.com
Aloha
The Cookie Lady of Hawaii
I LOVE COOKIES, send me samples :)
Thank you for this great information. I love baking and this idea is definitely good for a business. Thumbs up for you!
Hi Tiffany,
I am 16 yrs old, and I love to bake. Cookies are my specialty. Of course, cookies are the only thing I bake most of the time. Aside from that, I decided that some day, possibly when i am in my early to mid-twenties, that i want to have my own little cookie shop. I bake cookies all the time for my family and friends, and they enjoy them so much. I truly believe that I could do this. I just... Well, I need a little help. I read all those pondering questions, and all of them i figure i can't do at the age i am now. I was wondering if you had any advice for me, an aspiring cookie shop owner and baker of 16 yrs old?
What can i do right now while I'm still attending highschool? What can i do to work closer to my goal?
I really, really, hope you read this and answer =/
-Rosie
Hi Rosie,
This is Tiffany. There's no reason you can't start now. I think it's wonderful that you are so focused at such a young age.
Please contact me directly through my web site (www.OhmasCookies.com), or through my blog (http://thecookieblog.wordpress.com). I would love to help.
I need to know a couple of things:
1) What state are you in?
2) Are you working part time? Do you have a source for some start-up money?
Tiffany
Baking cookies makes the world go round! Wonderful idea. My grandmother (bless her heart) was the community baker. My aunt is a caterer. My cousin took grandmothers sausage recipe and started a multimillion $ business. Starting a cookie business crossed my mind. Got milk? :)
Selling cookies online is a great idea,for worldwide sales.There are alot of classic cookies from Europe,(England they call Cookies Bisquits) very old classic recipes,that can be adapted using modern production methods and lots of extended ingrediants,that were never used in these recipes,and most have long keeping qualities like european gingerbreads,making perfect for selling online overseas.
I purchased somes cookie gingbread from Switzerland called Basel Leckerli,one of the best cookies i have ever had,thick gingerbread with flaked almond and tiny pieces of fruit, nice and soft similar in shape to a small brownie
This is such an excellent hub! It is odd how people really shun ideas that are simple. But what they don't realize is those are the ones that lead to greatness. If it is something you love and know...what can stop you? I really take this article as a motivator for others to find alternate means of income while part-taking in something other than 'work' - a real job. This is Brilliant!!
I am already in the cookie business. We make alfajores, a traditional South American cookie. I'm very happy with the business, it helps me think bigger! We prepare everything at home and the entire family is involved.
Thank you for the kitchens for rent advise, really helpful!
I am already in the cookie business. We make alfajores, a traditional South American cookie. I'm very happy with the business, it helps me think bigger! We prepare everything at home and the entire family is involved.
You are welcome to visit us at (www.alfajoresonline.com).
Thank you for the kitchens for rent advise, really helpful!
Cookies are just the greatest food in the world. I love the chewie kind, especially toffee cookies.
I'd be fat as a fool if I was baking cookies as a business. I'd just be "sampling" them all day.
It seems to me that you would have to have some kind of health permit and kitchen inspection to sell your cookies to the public. Do you know if this is the case?
Erick,
Health permits are required in many states, however, there are a few states left that do allow you to bake out of your own home kitchen. You would have to contact your state offices to find out what's required in your particular state.
Hope that helps!
TiffanyThe Cookie Blog
Wow nice hub! My sister was laid off her job after 5 years and has a home business making treats out of her home. She is haing a blast and is looking into getting a loan to get her own building. She really enjoys cooking and feeding people and it is definitely doable for someone who has the passion. Great article.
Love the cookie idea. Now if could only bake! :o) I thought about this before but only doggie cookies instead. It might be fun to try.
Great article!! Cookies are one of those treats that brighten up my day. :)
So many businesses start out in exactly this way. It is part of what makes that "American Dream" a real thing. I applaud anyone who sets risk aside and takes the initiative to follow through with their own dream and turn it into a successful enterprise that advances America, and that ultimately creates jobs.
Love the cookie idea. Now if could only bake! :o) I thought about this before but only doggie cookies instead. It might be fun to try.
Warm cookies all the time? I'd never make it out the door!! great and interesting hub!!
Good hub! I think I might try this
My hunny makes a great cookie (his own recipe). He was giving them out at his work to his customers.
One customer brought in a friend. The friend turned out to be the owner of a small chain of delis. Before we knew it, Hunny is selling batches of his cookies to the deli chain on a weekly basis!
Thanks for the ideas. I have a great cookie idea that has never been tried before, i hope to start my cookie business soon look out.
Hey. Cool hub...
This is a great hub; thanks!
i think a cookie job will be fun
Great article and what a way to make a living! Not sure if it would work for me though, as an avid cookie eater but who knows...
Neil Ashworth
Are Cookies like biscuits? I would like to make cookies at home for my personal consumption. Thanks for hub.
I have always wanted to try this. You have resurrected that desire in me...thanks!
Thanks for the fun hub.
How did you market your cookie business--mainly online or offline? Cookies seem like they are something which beg to be tasted, so I wonder if this is a business that is best marketed offline (at least at the beginning).
Thank you,
Julia
At Triton Packaging we support all home-business initiatives, in fact we carry packaging solutions for start up companies in the bakery industry. If you have baked your cookies and want to show a clean professional better appealing presentation of your items, please let us know, we could help!
I've been seeing this hub for quite some time. Even though it's not my business, I can see that your knack for business in general transcends the type of business. Great hub! Lots of fun to read.
Thanks for providing such useful information, and explaining it so clearly.
Now is not the time in my life to pursue this, but one day I would like to try starting a business selling cookies. I make a cookie that tastes like Christmas. My family fights over my cookies and begs me to make private batches just for them.
Someday...
Sophia
My husband was just telling me I should sell my cookies...ironic :)Have you or anyone you know ever sold recipes on eBay?
I do not plan on setting up a cookie business but I was curious what your marketing techniques were. I have been considering selling organic vegetables and herbs that come off my land.
Colleen says:
2 years ago
THanks for the tip! I LOVE cooking. I want to started a baking business