How to Start Your Own Cookie Business From Home

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By Kathryn Vercillo

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. Most importantly, however, you will need to do online marketing. If you aren't sure why this is so important, there's a great article by a Cyprus Web Design firm called "How Can Online Marketing Help My Website?" that will help explain it to you.

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!

Comments

Colleen 4 years ago

THanks for the tip! I LOVE cooking. I want to started a baking business

Debbie Cook profile image

Debbie Cook 4 years ago

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.

Chris Doyle 4 years ago

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.asp

the candy man 4 years ago

yum i love cookies expecially ones with chocklate chip and are big and soft

Claudine Williams profile image

Claudine Williams 4 years ago

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?

huba7 profile image

huba7 4 years ago

This is one business I need to consider-only problem is that niche sales is not yet so developed in my country

anrev profile image

anrev 4 years ago

I just love cookies...

covcarbine profile image

covcarbine 4 years ago

There already are cookie business well here in britain any way theres bens cookies and millies cookies.

stormyweather profile image

stormyweather 4 years ago

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?

2patricias profile image

2patricias Level 5 Commenter 4 years ago

Don't forget food hygiene! I think that in the UK you would need to get approval from the local environmental health department.

C.S.Alexis profile image

C.S.Alexis Level 1 Commenter 4 years ago

Sent this one to my sister. Very good info. Thank you!

Chef Jeff profile image

Chef Jeff 4 years ago

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!

Lilymag profile image

Lilymag 3 years ago

Great advice! I have been contemplating a baking business myself. Thank you!

The Washingtonian profile image

The Washingtonian 3 years ago

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.

inthistogether profile image

inthistogether 3 years ago

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

Ronald Daniar 3 years ago

Nice tips. My mom probably needs it.

Thanks for sharing!

gr8archer45 profile image

gr8archer45 3 years ago

wow, this sounds like soo much fun!! Really amazing tips :)

HILLceo profile image

HILLceo 3 years ago

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.

Tiffany 3 years ago

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

JohnKhoo profile image

JohnKhoo 3 years ago

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.

Sandra  3 years ago

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.

Yellowburgandy 3 years ago

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.

shardy 3 years ago

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.

Tiffany (Ohma's Cookies) 3 years ago

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

moonlake profile image

moonlake Level 7 Commenter 3 years ago

Enjoyed this hub...

Joe 3 years ago

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

lorlei 3 years ago

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

TravelMonkey profile image

TravelMonkey 3 years ago

I LOVE COOKIES, send me samples :)

betherickson profile image

betherickson 3 years ago

Thank you for this great information. I love baking and this idea is definitely good for a business. Thumbs up for you!

Rosie  3 years ago

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

Ohma's Cookies profile image

Ohma's Cookies 3 years ago

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

newsworthy 3 years ago

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? :)

Owen 3 years ago

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

Amber90 profile image

Amber90 3 years ago

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!!

Ana Rijo 3 years ago

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!

Ana Rijo 3 years ago

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!

397268 profile image

397268 3 years ago

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.

Erick Smart 3 years ago

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?

Tiffany 3 years ago

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

Meka J 3 years ago

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.

GirlieGeek profile image

GirlieGeek 3 years ago

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.

__anton__ profile image

__anton__ 3 years ago

Great article!! Cookies are one of those treats that brighten up my day. :)

Jim Bauer 3 years ago

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.

Degree Online 3 years ago

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.

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites 3 years ago

Warm cookies all the time? I'd never make it out the door!! great and interesting hub!!

Bendy's Ideas profile image

Bendy's Ideas 3 years ago

Good hub! I think I might try this

irene 3 years ago

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!

jenive 2 years ago

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.

normannen 2 years ago

Hey. Cool hub...

Common Thred 2 years ago

This is a great hub; thanks!

hanna 2 years ago

i think a cookie job will be fun

Neil Ashworth profile image

Neil Ashworth 2 years ago

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

Vizey profile image

Vizey 2 years ago

Are Cookies like biscuits? I would like to make cookies at home for my personal consumption. Thanks for hub.

anglnflt4ua profile image

anglnflt4ua 2 years ago

I have always wanted to try this. You have resurrected that desire in me...thanks!

JuliaR62 profile image

JuliaR62 2 years ago

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

tritonpackaging profile image

tritonpackaging 2 years ago

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!

Stephen Beck profile image

Stephen Beck 2 years ago

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.

Deccan Chargers 2 years ago

Thanks for providing such useful information, and explaining it so clearly.

Sophia Heresford profile image

Sophia Heresford 2 years ago

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

Althea Martin 2 years ago

My husband was just telling me I should sell my cookies...ironic :)Have you or anyone you know ever sold recipes on eBay?

Artemus Gordon profile image

Artemus Gordon 2 years ago

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.

Mitch King profile image

Mitch King 2 years ago

Now is an excellent time to start up whatever type of small business you have been dreaming up.

vannarith profile image

vannarith 2 years ago

@Mitch King, in my dream i just only to retire in the age of

25 and get my monthly salary $3000 every month from adsense.

Yeah, now i got success. i could earn at least $100 per day from adsense http://adsense-tutor2success.blogspot.com/

barrygardens profile image

barrygardens 2 years ago

Thanks for the tip, this is really a good tip!

W Shelby 2 years ago

Wonderful information posted here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the posted information. I have picked up some useful information regarding marketing that I plan to utilize. I have had a fascination with making cookies ever since I can remember - so much so that I recently started my own online cookie business at http://www.shelbyscookies.com.

Many Thanks

AdamCairn profile image

AdamCairn 2 years ago

After reading this, I decided I might jack it all in and start a cookie company. COOKIES!

Moneylady profile image

Moneylady 2 years ago

I enjoyed this! I will be back to read more of your writings

BookFlame 2 years ago

ohmygosh! I did a terrible thing by accident! I meant to rate your hub up and I hit down instead. I'm going to rate it up twice now! great yummy hub!

Leta S 2 years ago

Interesting and delicious idea! :)

Frank Crandell 2 years ago

The cookie business seems to be a great idea. But I do wonder, is the market saturated?

Jesaira profile image

Jesaira 2 years ago

Record-breaking growth has driven us to the top of Internet marketing businesses. You can build a profitable home-based business working part-time from your home computer! Training, support, Websites, and products all provided! Enroll FREE! http://www.sfi4.com/10926692/FREE

multimastery profile image

multimastery 2 years ago

Nice information and I love the way you ended the hub:) "That's just how the cookie crumbles!"

tim-tim profile image

tim-tim 2 years ago

I once heard a story on TV of a little girl being a millionaire, just baking muffins. She had her mom's help at first and she did it out of her home. Then it got so big that she hired someone else to help. I don't think is that simple though. Great hub!

Ginkoin profile image

Ginkoin 2 years ago

Wow this was something I hadn't thought of. I definitely will think more on this. Though if I do then I will have to keep my hubby from eating them on me. lol he loves cookies a lot.

Neil Ashworth profile image

Neil Ashworth 2 years ago

I love this hub. Your writing is original and the photos are beautiful.

kbeus21 profile image

kbeus21 2 years ago

Start learning internet marketing. If there is one thing I have learned about online business is the number one way to make money whether through adsense or affiliate marketing is traffic = income. Join forums such as v7n webmaster forum and web talk forum these will help with the basics. There are also great blogs out there that go over all aspects of SEO. If you reach thet top of Google for some major keywords then income will not be a problem.

borge_009 profile image

borge_009 2 years ago

Wow I am planning for this recently. Thanks for sharing this hub.

Piglitza profile image

Piglitza 2 years ago

Awesome! Love baking and so does the wife! So many tips! Thanks for sharing!

michael 24 months ago

mm.. cookies are good! :)

annathequietone profile image

annathequietone 24 months ago

sounds great someone will really find this information useful. thank you.

angel115707 profile image

angel115707 Level 2 Commenter 24 months ago

I really wanted to have my own baking buisness from home, but there is one problem...legally you are not allowed to sell food out of the kitchen you use for personal purposes, it is in violation, and you can be fined. you are supposed to have a separate kitchen or building in order to do it. This is why I am having trouble, I cannot pay for another place as a single mom.

websclubs profile image

websclubs 23 months ago

Hi Kathryn,

Enjoy baking, nice Useful hub Thanks.

jeanie.stecher profile image

jeanie.stecher 23 months ago

Hi Kathryn! Love your article. I really love cookies and love cooking one. This of course could be a potential for a small time home business and to match it with your hobby. I would be thinking about this Kat. Your article will be much of help. Thanks!

adorababy profile image

adorababy 23 months ago

When I worked in the hospital before, I used to bring cookies for sale in a jar and they were very easy to sell. I would just leave them in a corner and co-workers would just drop their payments in a can nearby and it was no hassle at all. This hub reminded me of that moment.

Rick Zepeda 22 months ago

Kathryn, you are an awesome writer. Now I need to go eat some cookies.

lahoriamplifier profile image

lahoriamplifier 22 months ago

i think its a good idea

CharteredAccountants 21 months ago

I must say useful tips!!

kingdude4ever profile image

kingdude4ever 21 months ago

Great advice we should start our own business

cookiemonster84 profile image

cookiemonster84 20 months ago

This exactly what Ive been looking for. Ive recently decided to start my own cookie business and had no idea where to start. I love to bake and I LOOOVE cookies. My only problem is I dont have any original recipes. Im sure thats a big problem. What can I do?

gamelover profile image

gamelover 20 months ago

It looks great

shoppingqueen profile image

shoppingqueen 20 months ago

Good advice, thanks!

betty 20 months ago

hi there all, i live in the fiji islands, a small island country in the south pacific. i run my cookie business from home, its a wonderful way to make the extra buck. i'm enjoying it and encourage anyone who loves baking to try it. best of luck.......

Barbigirl66 19 months ago

Hi there everyone ....

Dilemma .. I have great original cookie recipe, I bake and make them all the time for family functions, bake sales etc... everyone loves them! & says I should open my own cookie business but I have no idea where or how to begin?

suissforex profile image

suissforex 18 months ago

Great idea!!

anyone knows the rules and regulations on starting this business from home?

http://fastcashforex.com

lindacee profile image

lindacee Level 3 Commenter 18 months ago

I have a friend that started selling cookies from her home and it has blossomed into a thriving bakery business. She did many things mentioned in your Hub. Great advice for the bakers out there!

kitchen island designs 17 months ago

This exactly what Ive been looking for. Ive recently decided to start my own cookie business and had no idea where to start. I love to bake and I LOOOVE cookies. My only problem is I dont have any original recipes. Im sure thats a big problem. What can I do?

businessesforsale profile image

businessesforsale 17 months ago

This article helped me quite a lot and pointed me in the right direction.

Heather Lopez 17 months ago

I am interested in starting up a Vegan Cookie business online. I want to rent out my church's kitchen in Mighigan. The problem is I cant find what kind of a lisence I need. Where do I go to find out?

Bizz Buzz 17 months ago

I love baking but im only 12! wat to do?

KIM  17 months ago

I am working on my business plan, the financial part and wondered what income others generated the first year and how much the income/sales grew each month.

craigmissuea profile image

craigmissuea 16 months ago

Cookie business seems to be an attractive one. I feel it is very rewarding in the long run.

SamboRambo profile image

SamboRambo Level 2 Commenter 16 months ago

Okay, you convinced me . . . . after I overcome two obstacles: Money and permits. I'm not zoned for an in-home business. Meanwhile, I'll have to drool over your ideas.

Air Compressor Buyer Guide 16 months ago

i also enjoy baking at home, but never thought of making it as a business, will consider it now

LyndaD profile image

LyndaD 16 months ago

What a great idea for a hub and a business, made me little hungry though. Cookies, who doesn't love cookies!

iQwest profile image

iQwest 15 months ago

Hi Kathryn,

I enjoyed your Hub! I am biased as I have a weak spot for the sweets. The amount of business opportunities out there are amazing. In fact, many times these ideas are right in front of us, but we don't see them or tend to over complicate things.

In addition to the many good points you made, getting the business started off on the right foot by getting it setup properly is, as you pointed out, important. Speaking from experience, it's easy to get consumed with what you deem will be the difficult aspects of the business and realize that, down the road, you're struggling because you didn't tackle the basics.

Thank you again!

Ella_Bella profile image

Ella_Bella 15 months ago

Mmmmmm, baking, I love it! Sunday's are my bake day's this weekend I plan on making chocolate-flan, so delicious cannot wait!

fbliangcha profile image

fbliangcha 15 months ago

Something my wife would like to do but I am recommending something that preserves well - something that spoils for when you have no customers is not very appealing to me.

eventsyoudesign profile image

eventsyoudesign 14 months ago

Great article. Everybody loves cookies. Starting a business like this does take a lot of back breaking work coupled with long hours, but if you are successful it could be very rewarding. Love the article. Thanks for sharing. Teresa

HotUrban profile image

HotUrban 14 months ago

mmmm sounds delicious!

Ken Barton profile image

Ken Barton 13 months ago

Great Hub, Cookie business is a Win Win situation every time!

TED 12 months ago

Great Hub, I love cookies, that's part of the joy of opening a business that related to your interests.

Cute Compression Socks 12 months ago

Great business idea. However, I think all your readers will flood the market, but that's alright... ;-)

brennawelker profile image

brennawelker 12 months ago

I love cookies, Thanks for very informative hub.

jimmue profile image

jimmue 12 months ago

A great cookie doesnt necessarily make for a complete business model. It's a great start, but don't forget the business part. You can analyze your business model for free at http://businessmodelevaluator.com

Business Model 12 months ago

Bake great cookies and research business models as well.

Ami 12 months ago

Hopefully we'll be able to do this in Texas starting in September! Currently, it is illegal to sell any food item made in a home kitchen, but the Texas Baker's Bill is on the governor's desk. If he signs it or even does nothing (i.e. if he does not specifically veto it), then it will come into effect on September first of this year. If you want to see details, you can go here: http://www.texascottagefoodlaw.com/

These are very good tips otherwise. I can't wait for September so I can start selling baked goods, though I have no idea where to start!

Zimmers 12 months ago

good 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...

Web World Watcher profile image

Web World Watcher 11 months ago

Wow, you sure do write a lot of well informed hubs across a broad range of topics. Thanks for this one.

Pamela Sarzana profile image

Pamela Sarzana 11 months ago

I would like to bake from home..I was thinking more along the line of Brownies..

Jazz Festivals 10 months ago

Great hub. I really enjoyed reading it. I have always wondered about opening a cookie business.

heavenrooms 10 months ago

Very nice hub, by the way, i really like cookies :)

Hämorrhoiden Hausmittel 10 months ago

Lot of useful stuff here thanks mate=)

william.fischer29 profile image

william.fischer29 10 months ago

I am glad to read this very informative hub.

cowtowngirl77 profile image

cowtowngirl77 9 months ago

Thanks for this good information. I love to bake cookies and will look into this possibility.

Jeff_McRitchie profile image

Jeff_McRitchie Level 2 Commenter 9 months ago

Nice Hub! I never thought about starting a cookie business. It sounds like it could be fun.

Jeff_McRitchie profile image

Jeff_McRitchie Level 2 Commenter 9 months ago

Nice Hub! I never thought about starting a cookie business. It sounds like it could be fun.

NMLady profile image

NMLady Level 3 Commenter 9 months ago

Re: Needing acommercial kitchen

Our church leases out time in their kitchen to a local woman who bakes her cookies there. She then went and got a contract with a local gourmet grocery.

natcookiequeen 9 months ago

Your hub has inspired me to finally get started looking into seriously making cookies for money. It wouldn't be a job because I love doing it! I make large quantities for my family, friends, gifts, baby shower, etc. After learning all the great info here I think I can sit down and work out some numbers.

tashonna 9 months ago

i want to open a pastry shop

business from home 8 months ago

A home-based cookie business owner should ideally be trained. Being professionally trained yourself would improve your business prospects. If you do not have any professional training, you might take up a short-term food safety class before venturing into the cookie business of your own. Your business plan should determine the course of your business and serve as a roadmap. Important topics that your cookie business plan should address include main objectives of your business, investment budget, strategic position, licenses, sales summary, future vision, pricing policy, competition research, market analysis and marketing strategies.

business from home

kate 8 months ago

i want to bake cookies in home and sell on web.does anyone know if i need a permit or license for it? i live in ny and dont know anything about documents.thanks to everyone

Daddy Knows Best profile image

Daddy Knows Best 8 months ago

Very enjoyable. What a 'yummy' idea. I'm afraid I would consume all of the retail stock, if you know what I mean. :)

JLBender profile image

JLBender 8 months ago

This is a great article. My wife is without a job right now, so mabe she can start a cookie business. Your article is very straightforward and well writen.

Cookie Bouquets 7 months ago

great article Kathryn! I have my own business as well and love it! http://www.cookiebouquets.com/

BusinessForSale profile image

BusinessForSale 6 months ago

sweet and tasty business idea ,like it

weak 6 months ago

its not good in philippine

Rusticliving profile image

Rusticliving Level 6 Commenter 5 months ago

Happy Holidays Kathryn!

Great article on the cookie biz. Good information as well as pointing me in the right direction. Thanks for the info!!

alice 5 months ago

thank you for the tips

Duromax Generator 5 months ago

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.

lovelybakes 4 months ago

Sometimes you just HAVE to start out of your home and take a risk. I actually do custom cakes, but when I first got started I went way in over my head and ended up really going into debt because I tried to follow EVERY little regulation to a T... I rented a commercial kitchen, which was nearly took all my profits by itself, had to get all these licenses and then there was the marketing that I couldn't even afford after just every day overhead was covered (and if you get down to the nitty gritty, it really is ALL ABOUT THE MARKETING baby).

I even had to get a job again in sales to just start paying off my debt and getting my back taxes paid.

In my opinion.... "Screw it!"

If you have to start out of your home and it's not completely legal, I know plenty of people who have worked out of their homes for awhile while trying to get their business off the ground and never had problems. However, you do take a risk because unfortunately there are jerks out there that love to butt in and ruin other people's lives just for fun or frankly because they're jealous you’re trying to be "smart" about how you get started. That way your business doesn't burn to the ground in the first few months due to overhead and the headaches of bookkeeping, marketing, and basically being a “one man show,” or just burn you out altogether (been there and burn out REALLY sucks because it's very hard to get back up completely).

Just be careful and clean! When you start becoming profitable and have built a few supplies up, THEN rent a commercial kitchen and get licensed, etc.

I'm sure many will disagree and that's ok! I'd rather NOT be broke than be politically correct... Thank you!

That's my 2 cents from "EXPERIENCE" of both failure and success :-) Cheers!

Rebecca 4 months ago

I am selling gourmet cookie dough as a fundraiser for my son's baseball team. These cookies are delicious! I need to sell 320 boxes in 2 weeks time. the cost is $15 for a box and you get 40 cookies for that price. any suggestions on how or where to advertise to get sales in this short amount of time?

mohammad milky 4 months ago

i want to make a successfull businessman in brakery as cake and wedding breadwhwere to start on .give company name with address

Amber May Leigh 3 months ago

Hi my name is amber and I'm nearly 14. I really want to start my own muffin service i have found this information really helpful but my mam says that there are certain requirements for owning a catering business for example how you cooking area or kitchen is designed. Is this correct I'm not sure also do i need to take a catering course before i begin my business i know the basics because i have been taught at school but do i need to know more in this area. Please help!

businessesforsale profile image

businessesforsale 2 months ago

This is a great hub. What about all of the comments? WOW!

Shihab Mahmud profile image

Shihab Mahmud 8 weeks ago

Great hub.......!! Dis is Very good information

Qmarpat profile image

Qmarpat 7 weeks ago

That's a really nice article. I mostly make my coloful character cookies for fun. I take orders, If someone wants a particular face, or charcter-I'll make it for them. I haven't quite got pricing down, because I make them from scratch and they are huge!! I'm new here, you have a lot of hubs that's great. I'm working on gettin ten a month. I have online t-shirt and gift shops and I'm in college. I wish you continued success.

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