Here Comes My Ship!! I Can't Believe It!

Business By momsandraven Updated 24 Sep 2007 , 1:39pm by CarolAnn

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momsandraven Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 5:24pm
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I am so excited!!!! I may soon be joining the ranks of 'shop owners' amongst us! I always knew I would do it in time, in fact I had planned on finding and opening a shop in a year and 1/2 when my son started kindergarten (full day here). Well,, a couple of weeks ago, DH & I took a stroll downtown to scout out potential good locations. We made note of a few shop spaces that are currently open, and a couple that were occupied w/businesses I didn't think would be long-term tenants. There was one space in particular that is right next to a beautiful upscale coffee shop that really grabbed my attention, so I called the number in the window for more information. Turns out that the spot is already spoken for, the sign just hadn't been removed yet. icon_sad.gif BUT THEN, the guy tells me that he has another shop that he is renovating just around the corner in the same building. An upscale ice cream & candy shop will be next door to the coffee shop, and there's a spot on the other side of that. It is gorgeous!! The rent is affordable, the land lord seems very "wise" about what he is doing and offered us a lot of advice in how to proceed. We're doing a lot of homework this weekend to research costs, etc and put together a bare bones business plan. I think if we can get the financing, we're going for it!!!!!!!! DH is as excited about it as I am, which is unusual. He is very conservative and anti-risk taking. To see him excited is feeding my excitement over the top! LOL
I know there is a lot to take into consideration as far as expenses, man hours, and planning go, and we are trying to take as much time as we can to think it through without losing the opportunity. I'll post some pictures when I have a signed contract in my hands, but until then, I just had to share this with all of you!

Okay, so now a few questions for those of you who own shops (if you are still reading this, I know it's long. I tend to ramble a bit when I'm wound up! icon_lol.gif)
I will be making an appointment with a SCORE representative today, and have found a bakery owner in a town about 40 miles away who is willing to let me pick her brain about start-up stuff.
* Are there any other people that you think would be invaluable to speak with while in the planning stages?
* Do you have office space in your shop or do you do paperwork/computer stuff at home?
* What type of office equipment do you use the most or wish you had?
* I have a 6 qt and 10 qt mixer. Do you think this will be enough to get me started or should I consider investing in something bigger?
* Do you know of any good websites (or books) for professional kitchen design plans? I will be required to do a build out, so my kitchen is starting from scratch.

Thanks everyone!

106 replies
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tirby Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 5:34pm
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I'm not a shop owner but I'm rejoycing with you. How exciting.Cant wait to hear more from you. Keep us posted!

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KHalstead Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 5:41pm
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oh congratulations how exciting!!!!! I don't have my own shop (so jealous lol)...but I have read a few posts about this very thing and someone suggested hire someone that builds commercial kitchens for a living......I guess certain states have laws about how many sinks and what kind/size of sinks you have to have based on the size of the kitchen and where certain things (stoves/ovens, mop sinks, trashcans, refrigerators, etc. ) have to be placed and they're not always in the most convenient place!!! So I would definitely check with someone like that.......evidentally some people have built their kitchens and failed inspections because of some of these things (placement of things) and had to remodel the entire kitchen AGAIN!!! Costing tons of extra money! Do your homework.

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deb12g Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 6:18pm
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I had to check with my local Department of Health. They, in turn, sent guidelines to me that I had to follow. I also had to make sketch of my building, where things were, etc. The people were very helpful, and I was able to call several times with questions, etc. They even offered to come out to my site and give me some pointers. I was able to pass inspection on the first visit. Make SURE to check out regulations in your state/ county. Each is different. Best of luck!

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RisqueBusiness Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 6:31pm
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Okay, so now a few questions for those of you who own shops (if you are still reading this, I know it's long. I tend to ramble a bit when I'm wound up! )
I will be making an appointment with a SCORE representative today, and have found a bakery owner in a town about 40 miles away who is willing to let me pick her brain about start-up stuff.


* Are there any other people that you think would be invaluable to speak with while in the planning stages?

Anyone with marketing experience,
printers to do your flyers or cards

* Do you have office space in your shop or do you do paperwork/computer stuff at home?

most people have office space in the shop, even me with my little tiny shop, I have a desk and filing cabinet and I do sit in the front where people come in, but that's where the phone lines are..lol


* What type of office equipment do you use the most or wish you had?

work tables!! storage, shelving and refrigeration!!

* I have a 6 qt and 10 qt mixer. Do you think this will be enough to get me started or should I consider investing in something bigger?

depending on what you plan to make, that should be good to start...if you trade up, nothing bigger than a 20Q, all my volume recipes use a 20Q mixer, it's enough so stuff doesn't lay around getting old forever.


* Do you know of any good websites (or books) for professional kitchen design plans? I will be required to do a build out, so my kitchen is starting from scratch.

CAD designs are good, you can go online and check that one out...you can download some CW free designs to use as a guide, nothing you design has to be set in stone

First off congrats, you must be super excited!!

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m0use Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 6:32pm
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Hi- just wanted to say congratulations! Here's a bump for you just in case...and when it comes to business dealings get things done in writing! We are no longer in the day and age where a solid handshake sealed the deal and your word was your word.

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stephanie214 Posted 11 Jan 2007 , 7:25pm
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Congrats...my fingers and toes are crossed for you icon_biggrin.gif

I can feel your excitement...I was on cloud nine when I opened up my beauty supply store.

Make up a list of items that you would like to sell such as, balloons, hats, candles, etc. to help with your in-coming income.

Check on the back of packages to get company phone numbers and call to see if you can become a distributor (or get the names of their distributors) for them or if they will be willing to ship directly to you...cutting out the middle man. But, you have to be careful because you might be able to get the items cheaper from a distributor.

Check the Library, they have consumer books with companies and the things they manufacture...be warned, they are big and time-consuming to go through but worth the effort and can be checked out.

Decide on whether you want to be a sole proprietor, partnership with hubby or a cooperation.

Above all, open up a business account separate from your personal account at the bank.

By the way, plan on losing a lot of sleep but if you can make a go at it, it will be worth it icon_wink.gif

Good luck thumbs_up.gif

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momsandraven Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:00am
post #8 of 107

Thanks so much everyone! I'd love to hear some more opinions on the questions in my post too. I drove past "my" space three times today while I was out running errands. LOL

I tried to contact the SCORE representative in my town today and was told there wouldn't be anyone in the office til FEBRUARY??? Oh well, I'll move on without them I guess!

Has anyone had any dealings (good or bad) with A-City Discount? They sell a lot of used restaurant equipment on eBay. Their feedback looks good, but I'd love to hear from anyone that has done business with them.

TIA!
Beth

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eriksmom Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:14am
post #9 of 107

This is spectacular news! Congratulations! Keep us posted, enquiring minds want to know!
Best of luck to you, (and way to go with DH. wish mine would get excited about cakes)

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nglez09 Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:33am
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My felicitations, I guess. icon_mad.gif No really, congrats. thumbs_up.gif

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ShirleyW Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:34am
post #11 of 107

I am so happy and excited for you. I wish you great success.

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melodyscakes Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:37am
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momsandraven,
that is so exciting!!! so, what is your first step? do you have to get a loan for kitchen equipment? does it come ready for you to move in? and how much is rent? I am being noisy, but I am dying to know....maybe one day I can open a shop. congrats....especially about dh being excited too... that is awsome!


melody

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kelleym Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 1:50am
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I also wanted to add my congratulations and complete happiness for you. What a dream come true! Please post pictures as soon as you can, I just love pictures of people's shops!

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momsandraven Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 2:13am
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Hi Melody,
The shop right now is just an open rectangle space, with carpeting. I have quite a bit to do, and oh, did I mention I'm doing a big bridal show on SUNDAY too??? Here's my plan for planning. Thanks for asking, I think it will help me a lot to have to put it in writing. icon_wink.gif
1- Research costs for equipment. I have 2 mixers, and the basic baking stuff, so my list is the big stuff. I'm on the look-out for a half-size Blodgett 5-shelf oven, a 3 compartment sink, 1 freezer, 2 refrigerators, 2 stainless work tables, hand sink, several stainless storage shelf units, small office equipment, refrigerated display case, and cash register. The shelves, office stuff & cash register will probably all come from Sam's Club & Office Max.
2- Draw up a kitchen sketch & find an architect to put his blessing on it so the health dept will approve it. That's before I can really even get started on the build-out.
3- Put together bare-bones business plan so that I can approach a few banks for financing. Set-up credit line and start build-out.
well, that's as far as my mind has wrapped around all of this! LOL I do have an appointment set-up with the baker I mentioned earlier in my post too. I know that will help tremendously! Luckily, since I've been doing this for a little while I have the business name, permit, and food sanitation certificate out of the way already.

I'd love to hear comments and/or direction from anyone, so please feel free to chime in!!

nglez09- you crack me up! I almost spit my Diet Coke on my computer when I read your post! LOL!! icon_wink.gif

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RisqueBusiness Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 2:25am
post #15 of 107

Moms..don't get bogged down selling to many "other" things..stay true to your vision. Even selling coffee takes time away from what I need to be doing...

you don't need to fill your shop with excess c**p

before you order from e-bay look around your area's used equipment places, you may find good deals on e-bay..but..you may go broke with the shipping and handling.

also if you purchase local, you get warrantees and a guy can com eout to fix any problems that you may find..

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cupcake Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 2:05pm
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YOU MIGHT CHECK YOUR AREA FOR AUCTIONS. THERE IS ALWAYS A RESTAURANT GOING OUT, AND SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET GOOD DEALS. YOU CAN PREVIEW THE ITEMS FIRST, USUALLY THE DAY BEFORE. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU THAT IS GOOD AT CHECKING OUT EQUIPMENT.I think you could get by with a 6 and 10 qrt mixer, but I definitely would look for a 20. If you do any volume, you'll be glad you did. Make sure your refrigerators and freezers are deep enough to hold commercial size pans. You will probably need a vent-a-hood also. Depending on your states regs, it may be a building code thing, or fire dept thing. If you are doing retail, you may need to provide a restroom. Check out insurance, liability, building and etc. Check out your taxing authority. Also, check out your demographics and traffic flow to area, that you can get from your city or state agencies, any new building going on, like major road construction, re-routing etc. Location is important. On the building, check roof, termites, do water samples for quality, power sources and is it up to code. Paint make sure it is not lead based. Proper sewer and sanitation. Do you need a grease trap? Just a few things to think about. Good Luck in your endeavors.

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littlecake Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 3:04pm
post #17 of 107

when you do get a bigger mixer, the hobarts and others come in different "phases".

it's an electric term.

you need a phase1.

if you get the other kind it takes much more electricity...and some places don't even carry that much voltage.

some of the men could prolly address this better....

or when your looking just ask the salesman ..."what phase is this?"

i got a 30 quart in a 1 phase and i love it.

i injured my wrist a few months ago, and had to use the little kitchenaid for a couple months because i couldn't lift the big bowl....

man it seemed to take forever mixing up that many batches of stuff.

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amandasweetcakes Posted 14 Jan 2007 , 1:40am
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Congratulations thumbs_up.gificon_lol.gificon_biggrin.gif

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momsandraven Posted 14 Jan 2007 , 5:56am
post #19 of 107

littlecake, thanks so much for those tips! That will definitely be on my list of requirements to ask about. I was wondering if your oven is gas or electric? I'm thinking that I may have to go with a gas oven because of power restrictions (only 100 amp service total in the space to run mixer, refrigerators, etc)

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littlecake Posted 14 Jan 2007 , 6:26am
post #20 of 107

i have an electric convection oven..it bakes 6 full sheets at a time(perfect size for lil ole me icon_razz.gif ).there wasn't anything special about the hookup, i just called the electrician, and he put in what i needed.

another thing you'll probably need is a greasetrap, i got a small one that fits under my sink for about 500.00.

it has to be cleaned out by rooto rooter about every 18 months...

i bought alot of my stuff from a place that sold used bakery equipment.

everyones different, but for me a double upright freezer was more needful than a full sized fridge...i just use an tiny fridge to put eggs and stuff in...

but i store all the weeks cakes in the freezer after i bake on tuesday...so i need alot more room in a freezer.

keep us posted on how everything goes!

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mkolmar Posted 14 Jan 2007 , 6:26pm
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Just saw this...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm so happy for you!

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momsandraven Posted 7 May 2007 , 1:57am
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Just had to post an update!!

I ended up taking quite a while to make my decision, but finally signed a lease late last week for this space. So now the race is on to get the build out done and be ready to open ASAP! icon_surprised.gif

The response in my town to the 'buzz' about a cake shop opening is amazing. People are poking their heads in to wish us luck and take a sneak peek all day long while we've been there working on the remodeling.

I'll post a couple of 'before' pics as soon as I get them off my camera. I've tried to dress up the front windows a little right away so people can start to associate me with the space. This week I'll work on a couple of graduation cake dummies to make a window display with. At the moment, I bought some nice looking, but inexpensive frames and I have pictures of some of my cakes on display in the windows, along with a "Opening in June!" sign.

There are so many stinkin' permits to get it just blows my mind, but luckily I am in what is called an enterprise zone, so the fees are 50% off. The building my shop is in was built in approx. 1860, and is full of character. I can't wait to show you all a few pics! icon_biggrin.gif

(Anyone here on CC who lives nearby is invited to my Grand Opening, which is tentatively planned for June 16th. Just PM me for info/details.)

Thanks for letting me gush! thumbs_up.gif

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maryjsgirl Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:11am
post #23 of 107

That is awesome! Can't wait to see the pics!

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Ursula40 Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:13am
post #24 of 107

crossing all fingers that everything goes according to plan. Unfortunately I live too far away, but will be checking this post often. Please take plenty of pics, so I can dream along

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gateaux Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:20am
post #25 of 107

Congrats, I did not read the whole tread, but I suggest you contact your bank if you have not already done so and ask if there are consultants in your area that could help answer some questions. Some of these people are either bankers or business people that now do this in their spare time and they are usually really good.

Good Luck. It's so exciting! All the best.

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littlecake Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:25am
post #26 of 107

well you are opening up at a great time!

graduation time is my busiest time of year.

plus alot of wedding cakes now...keep us posted!

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itsajeepthing0196 Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:28am
post #27 of 107

Im so excited for you!

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Deana Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:28am
post #28 of 107

You go girl!! Your posts can hardly contain all your enthusiasm - I am so so excited for you!!


There is a pretty decent book - How to open a financially successful bakery author Sharon Fullen- that has quite a bit of useful information. It goes from business planning, to store layout to marketing techniques... might be worth a peek or two.

Good luck - you know we are all rooting for you!!

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mkolmar Posted 7 May 2007 , 3:58am
post #29 of 107

That's great! You already have interest in your shop. You are going to do great!

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indydebi Posted 7 May 2007 , 4:18am
post #30 of 107

watching with excited anticipation!

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