Which way to take the business?
I'm starting a home-based pretzel business and I could really use a pros advice on which direction is the strongest endeavour....
Right now, I see two possible options while we are getting started (any other suggestions welcome!):
1. Sell wholesale to restaurants, bars, etc.
Pros: I know what my weekly quantities will be, it allows me to continue working my current job until we can get this into full-time mode
Cons: I worry that people wont connect our bakery with the product...we eventually want to create a store front...will they still keep going to the restaurant to get the pretzel instead of us? Also, once I hand off the product, I cant be sure they are serving it up to standard. If they aren't, I don't want our first customer impression to be a bad one.
2. Sell ourself (in between jobs) at farmers markets and the beach.
Pros: our business name, contact information and advertising is right there with the product (and the owner's too). We are assured of quality.
Cons: time, we are both working full-time as we start this up. I hear farmers markets are tough, tough, tough. We could create a stand on the beach...but we will need to shell out at least $1000 on a pretzel warmer.
I realize every business is different...but perhaps those of you who have started yours from the ground up can share your experiences. We are not looking to make oodles of money here...we are looking to get our product out there in a way in which we can harness our demand, keep up quality...and not kill ourselves.
Thanks everyone!
Starting a home-based food business can be worthwhile but it comes with much hard work and a realistic business plan. Thirty plus years ago I began my career this way and I guarantee it's a lot of work. In 2009 I wrote Start & Run a Home Based Food Business and ever since, I've received many many emails from readers asking about their specific ideas and plans.
For people who are unemployed and have time, it's been more successful than for those who have full time jobs and plan on keeping them while their business begins. It's certainly possible to keep one's job (and for many folks I recommend this) but it's important to be realistic about starting and growing a business when time is limited. I'm glad several members have jumped into this discussion. I just hope that people thinking about home baking for profit, will look at everything involved.
Mimi BakingFix