I am considering hosting a booth at the annual craft fair at my daughter's school, and selling my chocolate creations. It will be in November, so I was thinking of making snowman marshmallows, Tree lollipops, pumpkin lollipops, cherry cordials, etc. etc. All, packed with nice ribbons, etc. If this is successful, then I will also try to host something at local preschools fairs and craft shows.

I know it's tricky getting a license for a cake business, but considering chocolate making is simply chocolate melting (no eggs, butter, etc), would it be easier to get a business license, so that hopefully from the craft fair, I can continue/start a small business?

Cake decorating was too complicated for me (well, the baking part!) I am so much better at chocolate making and I've gotten tons of compliments, and everyone says I should start a business.

I love making chocolates, and would love to have my own business, but if the requirements are like a cake business, then there's no way I can.

I am in Southern California-I know some of the rules for baking businesses include a separate kitchen, more than one sink, etc. etc. That isn't possible for me. (we are in a condo).

So, I was just wondering if I could start a business, but for chocolate orders only. (Chocolate covered strawberries, dipped oreos, peanut butter cups, molded lollipops, etc.)

Also, do you think it would be okay to sell chocolate gift-type items, as described above, even if the craft show has a bake sale booth?

Thank you so much for your help!!

First you have to contact the health department or the department of ag. to know whether or not you can get legal.

As far as the items you would like to sell at the craft fair sounds like you are looking in the right direction.

Small things go well at these types of advents. People seem to not mind spending a dollar or two, but some of the pricer things at the craft fairs don't always sell.

Chocolates are a consumable, and will most likely require a license. Unless you can find a kitchen to use, it might be difficult.

I actually did a booth at my son's school. It was phenomenal, if I must say so myself. Same time of year. I did wonderful christmas creations and other boxed orders but everyone wanted samples but did not want to buy much. I spent a fortune. Tried another craft show at a bigger school and same problem. they wanted fudge! and samples. I find if I bring in samples to work and they see my work, they want me to take orders. I've made a bundle but spent every night in the kitchen especially during holidays and it took a lot of time from the family. Now I just pass out order sheets when I feel like taking on a project. It is great though and I prefer chocolates over cakes, even though I do both. The more ornate, the more time and the packaging is most important as well.