hello all! first off...great site! I just joined last night. I happened upon this site looking for decorating ideas...and behold...an advice forum from seasoned veterans! I have just started a "from home" baking business and need to know (step by step) how to become "legal" I've only had a few "paid" orders as I'm not marketing or advertising. I'm handing out business cards to those who ask, but this is so new (just a few weeks) I haven't even printed up flyers or brochures. I haven't been charging "market" price or charging tax, I've called a few bakeries in the area to get price ideas, but I always charge less, so it isn't retail. Also, if I ever needed to what about the renting a commercial kitchen idea....do I need to be licensed for that? how much should I expect to pay per hr, etc? (I live in North Carolina, outside of Charlotte.) How to approach a baker about renting her/his space? The goal is to be able to do it all from home though. Oh yes, let's not forget the COST of licensing...a ballpark for that to would be nice. Thanks for the advice !

I don't know the legalities in your state, but here's a link to a cc article of how to get started:

http://www.cakecentral.com/article57-US-Wanting-to-start-a-Cake-Decorating-Business-but-where-do-I-begin.html

Also:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-32550-business.html+north+carolina

and:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-37458-business.html+north+carolina

-Rezzy

lucky you to be in a state that makes is very easy for legal home bakers.

dept. of Ag will have the answers you need.

just look at the links rezzycakes gave you.

(oh, BTW-- there are lots of NCers on here!)

Sliceofheaven....i too am in NC and im in the process of getting lic. and opening a shop out of the home...i have looked at the nc ag web site and its about clear as mud!! I will be getting in touch with my local health inspector after the first of the year and if you would like i will let you know what i am able to find out..if you will do the same for me as it looks like we are in the same boat so to speak.

and ...if there are any other north carolina folks out there who would be willing to offer up some advice to me i oh so need all i can get.

Thanks, Tiff

Call the Dept. of Ag. They are very nice and helpful. They sent me the rules and regulations, the number for the inspector in my area, and he is coming in Jan.Just call them and tell them you are interested in opening a home based baking business.

Thanks sliceofheaven for posting this topic. I too am a "home" baker and I'm trying to grow this into a business(I live in Michigan). So if anyone has any info how to get started in this state, I would greatly appreciate any and all help. I have gotten some ideas of where to go to make the name legal and to receive a food handler's card, but I know there's more to it.

Sounds like a complicated process! I live in Maryland right now, and I've heard it's hard to have a home-based baking business here...geuss that's why I haven't seen any around here. LoL.
Maybe I should move to NC when I'm ready to open a business!

Good luck, and keep us updated!

It depends what state you are in. What state are you in?