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Calling VA "legal" home-based bakers - Page 2

post #16 of 86
7/18/07 at 1:44pm
I'm in Western Henrico. I called earlier but had to leave a message for someone to call me back.
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post #17 of 86
7/18/07 at 2:47pm
http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2/business_4096/frequently_asked_questions_faqs.html
mabe this will help a little. i'm sure lots of you have been to this site but just in case if you havn't here is a site to find out some info on how to start you busniess....i'm also in the middle of trying to find things out how to do it the right way. and reading you guys post is helping me feel better about going all out soon. if it any bother for tose of you that already had a inspection what did you guys go though i have read some were that they might ask you to do a demo on how you prepare the items did you guys have to do that and how long did it take.... for me is just that i'm scared what are they going to ask me and would i be able to answer their questions.....thanks ahead for your help

shaddi
www.GoddaLoveCakes.com
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www.GoddaLoveCakes.com
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post #18 of 86
7/19/07 at 6:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by berryblondeboys

Quote:
Originally Posted by squarepair

That was me about the 2 basin sinks. It is super easy to get legal. The only hiccup I had was the sink and you can still do cakes and frosting with the one sink basin. The inspection is done by the county, he did say they are getting ready to switch to US laws instead of VA laws but wasn't sure how that would affect things. I did hear too that Fairfax was easier than Loudoun but that was kind of just a rumor from the guy at Home Depoticon_smile.gif HTH, Kristin



I'm confused, if you could do cakes and frosting, what CAN'T you do with the one basin sink?

Melissa


It was the fillings that were a problem. Anything that couldn't sit out on the counter for a few days without spoiling. Even when he explained it, I still couldn't really see why I needed 2 sinks. It is all about sanitizing the utensils and such. Even though I use the dishwasher, because it isn't a professional one with gauges it doesn't count as good enough to make food that can spoil quickly.

Kristin
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post #19 of 86
7/19/07 at 12:12pm
What are the rules about pets in the home in VA? My son just moved back home for a while and brought his dog. Do you think this means I can't get licensed until the dog moves out?
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post #20 of 86
7/19/07 at 1:19pm
Pets are fine in VA.
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post #21 of 86
7/19/07 at 10:53pm
How picky are the home inspections? If I have a double sink, seperate fridge (in the garage) and all my stuff stored seperately and my kitchen is clean - is that all I need? Were the inspectors nice? If I want to store pans in my garage (no car in there) on shelves - is that a problem? Sorry for all the questions but these are important to me!

Also, how long did it take you to write your flow processes, recipes, ingredients, etc. I have been slow moving on this because having to do that makes it seem like a pain!
More than a dessert - a Centerpiece
www.occasionallycake.com
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More than a dessert - a Centerpiece
www.occasionallycake.com
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post #22 of 86
7/20/07 at 7:15pm
Thread Starter 
marccrand: I heard that you can't have your fridge in the garage. I have one there also. I'm not sure where I heard that, if it was in VA or some other state. Anyone have any input on that?

Squarepair: I was also told that you couldn't have pets in the kitchen area. Where did you get the information about pets being okay?
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post #23 of 86
7/21/07 at 5:56am
Well, I have pets, and the inspector knew it and there was no problem. I had asked Richmond also beforehand since I didn't want to waste my time. My floorplan is very open too, no doors into the kitchen, it is in the middle of the living area. They just need to be out of the kitchen while baking. He also takes a sample of your product but that is for everyone.

Kristin
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post #24 of 86
7/21/07 at 6:10pm
Thread Starter 
Squarepair, that's very encouraging. I had thought it would be a big problem. We have a dog and a cat and I was afraid that would keep me from getting approved.

Thanks,
Sandra
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post #25 of 86
7/21/07 at 6:31pm
I too am in Fairfax County. I bake a few cakes a month but would eventually like to do more. Being in real estate, I am cautious about taking on more cakes than I can handle.

Just curious, have any of you talked to your accountant to see how to set up for your taxes? I would think that would be necessary in order to keep out of hot water with the tax man. Since I have to pay my own taxes for real estate, I'd be curious to know what the process is for cakes. Will you have to file a business return?

On another note, if any of you are near Fairfax City and are interested in classes, Fran's is planning to start giving them again. I've been asking for a while. They are going to teach gumpaste as well. I am so excited. I can do a lot, but have so much to learn.
You are as old as your fears and as young as your years. Age is just a state of mind. Thanking God for making it through breast cancer 2 times
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You are as old as your fears and as young as your years. Age is just a state of mind. Thanking God for making it through breast cancer 2 times
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post #26 of 86
9/6/07 at 7:08pm
Compared to some of the states Virginia is fairly easy. I'm currently in the middle of getting ready. You can call the Dept. of Agriculture to get your packet. I read someone commenting on it taking awhile. Mine literally took 1 day from the time I called to receive it. Talk about fast!

Does anyone have a sample of your product label? I'm getting prepared and not sure and don't want to be the only thing to hold me up from getting inspected.

In preparing to become legal think of what you want to have as your name first. Get the application in for that before anything else and be prepared there is a $100 fee for that, then $40 fee to get inspected and your license fee.

Also saw someone ask about taxes. Think about setting your self up as a LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) and file as an S-Corp. This seperates you personally from the business so that god forbid someone eat something else bad the same day they eat your cake but want to blame you for it, they can't sue you personally.

Again, any sample labels available??

talk soon
sassy
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post #27 of 86
9/6/07 at 7:42pm
I didn't read thru all the posts to know if this was already answered- but in VA (particularly Richmond and Virginia Beach areas) you can write or call: Tho the state is lenient, some cities require more or restrict it. (Norfolk city is restricted from home bakeries)

Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Division of Animal and Food Industry Services
Office of Dairy & Foods
P.O. Box 1163 Richmond, Va 23218
Phone # 800-552-9963 or Fax 804-371-7792
www.vdacs.state.va.us

If you are in VA Beach- you can drop by:
VDACS- Office of Food Safety
ATTN: Rick Barham
1444 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455-3363

I didn't see where you can't use cream cheese- It says they prefer seperate refrigeration, but to use the family one, just designate a "cake item" area or even use a rubbermaid tub.

Pets are OK- but can't be in immediate area during food prep.

hth!
Janet Brown
The Cake Studio
www.janetscakes.com
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Janet Brown
The Cake Studio
www.janetscakes.com
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post #28 of 86
9/6/07 at 8:24pm
Thanks for all of the great info and links, ladies! I have been slow to get all of the recipes and labels together. I just can't seem to find the time!!
Also, my cake stuff is SO unorganized. I can't stand it. I need a shelf with bins on it or something to store all of my stuff.
There are so many little things to get and do, I just haven't made it my priority. I need to. My little biz has really taken off!
The county I live in does not require a buisiness license. I couldn't get one even if I wanted to. There is no place to go to get one. I just need to regster my name and get the Dept of Ag out here to inspect.
Does anyone know how to get a Federal Tax ID? I have tried, but I don't know what I'm doing. Thanks!
Monika

Raising children is like being pecked to death by a duck.

Never trust a skinny cook.


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Monika

Raising children is like being pecked to death by a duck.

Never trust a skinny cook.


[/url]
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post #29 of 86
9/7/07 at 5:56am
For the Tax ID you can just go to www.irs.gov to apply for one. It's really simple.
Accountant by day....Masked baker by night!
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Accountant by day....Masked baker by night!
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post #30 of 86
10/9/07 at 7:17pm
Ok so it's been a little while since I have posted, however I have been watching and reading the many different forums on CC. Gotta love how friendly everyone is and how willing most are at helping others out.

I got my call all of my paperwork passed the first stage!! Talk about some major "homework" to have to do to prepare for this, sheesh. I actually thought about forgetting it and just going back to school ...lol

So I scheduled my inspection, he would have done it this past Friday, unfortuantely I was getting my tooth pulled that morning, silly me! Monday was a holiday, Tues he was out of town at a conference so you betcha, work thinks I'm going to the dr in the morning...lol my inspection is scheduled for 9:30am!!!

I have spent this evening cleaning my already clean house, making sure my crammed full of cake decorating supplies kitchen was neatly crammed. I'm starting to stress out. I am certain I've missed something somewhere and he is going to fail me!!

Ok so if anyone who's been through the actual inspection can lend any last minute words of advice other than relax...lol I'm all ears!

I'll keep you posted
Alicia
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