Cookaholics Bulletin Board

Okay, I added a few of y'all to the group on Facebook.

I am switching over to a page for more control.

Becca, I tried to 'like' your page, but fb couldn't find it for me. Could you provide us a link so we can 'like' it?

(Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing, and a link may help me navigate).

Let me caution you about the issues with both of those options. The problem with delivery is that it's actually fairly expensive; you'll want to figure in your time, gas, and wear & tear into the cost. On the other hand, having strangers drop by your house can also be problematic, both for the wierdo factor and because of timing. I would suggest devising an open/closed sign system so that customers know when they can visit you there and when they can't.

In addition to the farmer's market, see if you can partner with a local small market. A lot of independant stores like to support local businesses and will let you set up a table to sell stuff by advance arrangement.

Also, just to check ... you do know about getting a local small business license and all that stuff, right?

Becca, add me if you haven't and I will let you know if I have any ideas. I agree with what Jesbelle said about making sure you factor in a decent wage for yourself. Also, if you have to special order an item for the order don't be afraid to tack on a fee for that, as you may not get another use from it. i.e. an essential oil no one else likes.

Fuzzy, I've been reading up on that, but I don't find it all in one place. I would appreciate any thought you have. Or links.

Best of luck, kiddo. It's always a thrill to earn money doing what you love.
fitzie

Becca,

Links:

• LA Small Business Center: http://www.lsbdc.org/
• Nolo Press Small Business Start-up Kit: http://www.nolo.com/products/the-small- ... -smbu.html
• More hints: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/ ... 30068.html

At a minimum, here's the things you're going to need to investigate:

• Getting a City and/or County Business License
• Getting a Fictitious Business Name (also known as a "dba")
• Zoning and Use ordinances around Business Use of Home (possibly neighborhood association rules as well)
• Health Code requirements for home-based businesses

The last item is because you're talking about doing baked goods. Few areas have significant health code requirements for lotions or soaps. California has a nice law which allows small, home baking businesses to waive a lot of the more stringent health code requirements; I don't know if Louisiana has anything similar.

I know it sounds like a scary amount of paperwork, but usually it's not; in most places, you're looking at filling out 2 or 3 forms, paying less than $100, and you're legal. I do strongly recommend the Nolo Press books, though; I started my first business thanks to a Nolo Press book.

Becca, can you send me the same info you sent to Kathy? Send to: ikamsler@hotmail.com
Thanks
Ilene