Does anyone advertise on Craigslist - just to get your name out there. I was thinking about doing this. I do not have a licensed kitchen so would this be considered illegal? Or could i just put a disclaimer that i'm not licensed and that would be ok? I'm not sure how i can drum up business and this seemed like a very easy way.
Any thoughts would be very appreciated.
TIA!
Mel
I dunno - it depends on whether or not the IRS catches you really - or how much you actually make. If you don't make more than $600 - I don't think they really care. However, it could be considered advertising and you could get in trouble.... i just don't know what kind of trouble and who would cause it!
There was one person on here who had advertised for craigslist and got someone wanting a vegan wedding cake - and then they changed their mind - and changed their mind again - and it ended up being an awful disaster. You have to understand who is looking at craiglist too - I don't think it's always people w/ a lot of money so they may call you and ask your pricing and then go away....
Good luck w/ whatever you decide and let us know how it goes!
I think it would be ok. I would put down that you are trying to start a new business and are not yet licensed but really want to have more practice before you commit to all the costs
Then say you are willing to give them a reduced cost because of it.
I would think you would be fine. The worst that can happen is they remove your post because it's not allowed.
Joanne
I have advertised on there a few times. I got a few bites, but no one who followed through. i was offering discounted prices. there was actually someone else in my general area advertising wedding cakes from home a week or so ago. out of curiousity, I emailed to see if she was licensed (mainly because I can't figure out how to get licensed in VA!!!!! and wanted some hints!) and of course I got no response...so I would take that as a no.
imartsy - I did see that post about that girl who screwed up the vegan cake. I know what my limits are. And would not think about taking on a vegan cake for one thing. Advertising on craigslist would be about getting my name out there initially. I would not expect to pull in a big profit from craigslist.
I advertise on craigslist regularly and have booked several weddings from there. Most want a cheap price for their "dream" cake. I try to accomodate. I have met some wonderful people through there. No bad experience yet... you can't beat the advertising price!! I have even had some brides I met through craigslist refer me to other people... it is wonderful at developing word of mouth.
I was on craigslist today and saw that someone was offering cake services to local businesses. They were offering to make cakes for free if the vendor would let her/him bake in their commercial kitchen for free since her/him didn't have any rent money. The person is trying to get licensed and I thought this was a pretty good way to do it.
I am seriously thinking about advertising this way but not sure yet. I did find alot of listings on their for renting commercial kitchens for a low price. I have a lot of research to do before I rent any facility. Sorry if I'm ranting. 
I'm licensed and have posted on Craigslist and have received no response.
I posted on Craigslist and got 2 responses pretty much right away, neither of them followed through though. Nothing since then and it's been almost a month now.
My big problem with craigslist is the geographical areas it's divided into. We're out in western Maryland, and there is nothing representing our area on the list. The closest I can get is greater Baltimore, but that's 75 miles away. It's kind of sad!
i just posted an add to craigslist, if i get any jobs from my add i'll let everyone know.
thanks for the idea!
melody
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