How did you all get started selling cakes? I do alot of cakes and cookies for
Free for family, friends and school functions. So what do I need to do to get someone to purchase a cake???

School functions really started it for me. I was working in a school and they were having something and I told them I would make the cake. From there, the teachers started ordering from me. I would bring the cake to school so they didn't have to worry about going to pick it up. I also became associated with a cooking school by offering to do their grand opening cake. Met a several local chefs and make cakes for them.

Thanks! My sister is a teacher, maybe when school starts up again in September she can spread the word.

Have her take a back-to-school cake with her when the teachers start for "advertising" and give her some business cards. Take samples to the Dr.'s offices. My gyno orders lots of cakes and cookies.

I just started offering doing cakes for the people I work with and charging them a discount rate. Luckily no one expected me to do them for free. From there I have done it for my immediate family for free. Then when everyone comments on them at the party or what-not I tell them (or have my immediate family ie sisters/mom) that I have really started getting into it and am excitedly hoping to turn it into a little side business. People get the hint seeing as I am stating it as a business and not a hobby.

The back to school cake sounds like a great idea! My daughter has an ortho appointment soon I should figure out something to take to the appointment.
Thanks for all the great ideas!

Do you have a license to bake at home? If not, some schools cannot accept home baked goods. Advertising will get you "caught" and fined, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

If you are licensed, consider donations to places that normally buy cakes, schools, churches, offices.

No I do not have a license. I was only wanting to do a few cakes a month. It just seems like everyone assumes I will make the cake for a function and now I was thinking it would be nice to get paid for all of these cakes.

sandi64--
Here in ET, They do hava a thing about home-baked goods for the students but if it's for the teachers, it's not a problem...especially if a family member brings it. Our faculty has a Friday "thing" where everybody brings something--store-bought or homemade and it is only for the faculty.

adven68-
I'm with you. The only "advertising" I do is my business card when I deliver a cake. It's like the Fabrege Organics commercial. "They tell 2 friends and then they'll tell 2 friends and so on and so on!"

Yes, I think you are all right word of mouth is what will get a business started.
I need to let people know I'm interested in baking and selling cakes when they say your cake is so cute you should start a business.