Approaching A Candy Shop In My Town

Business By stephaniescakenj Updated 4 Sep 2008 , 2:13pm by SweetConfectionsChef

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stephaniescakenj Posted 3 Sep 2008 , 1:34pm
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Hi Everyone, I have been tossing around a few thoughts lately trying to figure out how to become legal without spending a fortune. There is a candy shop in my town, they are very high end, she makes her own truffles and dipped fruit, etc. she also sells prepackaged international candies and jelly belly, etc. I was thinking of approaching her and asking her if she'd like to form some sort of partnership with me where I could use her kitchen and we could possibly share advertising. We could also refer business to each other because she could make chocolate/candy favors for people that buy my cakes. Does anyone here have any thoughts on this? I don't know what scenario would work, I can't really afford to pay much for rent as I have no business right now so I was thinking she could take a percentage of my cake sales? I just don't know where to begin so I've been sitting on the idea for quite some time. I would appreciate anyone's ideas.
thanks!

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jessnsam Posted 3 Sep 2008 , 5:52pm
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i think that its a great idea n u shud go for it icon_smile.gif

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Mike1394 Posted 3 Sep 2008 , 6:02pm
post #3 of 5

Sure give it a shot. The only issue being you say you can't pay much rent, but will offer a %. If you don't have enough customers to pay rent that % would be quite low wouldn't it?

Mike

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stephaniescakenj Posted 3 Sep 2008 , 6:55pm
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the percentage would be low if I don't make many cakes... I guess my thought process in that would be that she isn't really losing out because I'm not using her facilities to make much at that point. If I pay a fixed rent and use it once per month, it's a waste of money and my hubby would get pretty pissed but if I give her maybe 20% of my cake order than that wouldn't be too bad? I'm not out any money for something I haven't used either. I don't know if that's enough to make it worthwhile to her though, probably not. I don't charge much for my cakes, in fact I'm at 1.50 per serving for party cakes, I don't make wedding cakes but I would like to, I'm not in a highend area so if I give her more than 20%, I may as well pay people to buy my cakes. I think in her shop, I may be able to get up to 2.50 per serving? I don't really know, I would have to test the market and see what happens. Maybe I could offer a fixed amount each month, $150 a month? and then 10% or 20% of each order but I would ask that I be able to put a few dummies somewhere in her shop so people can come in and see my work, rather than look at pictures. she has a designer that does her shop layout and windows each month, everything is very graphic and eye catching. All around just a super cute shop so I know I would get great exposure through her. Well i think I will approach her and see what she says, the worst that can happen is she says no, right? thanks!

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SweetConfectionsChef Posted 4 Sep 2008 , 2:13pm
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Sorry to burst your bubble but from reading your posts it doesn't sound like there is anything in this for the business owner. You know the person who put up all the money to start, pays the monthly bills, & has most likely worked VERY VERY hard day & night to get that cute shop! I had so many people walk into my shop wanting something like what you are proposing....not gonna happen. There are health dept, liability, tax, landlord, & issues that I don't think you are even considering. thumbsdown.gif

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