We moved back to Florida a little over a year ago and I had a just starting to really get going cake business in Marietta, Ga. I can't stand not doing my cakes like I used to and have been doing some here and there and want to start my business up again. I am just about all set legally to go but, do not have the exposure I need to quit my job of over 12 yrs to do my cakes only. I already have a couple of coffee shops that want cakes, scones, brownies, etc, so that helps in the meantime. My husband wants to rent a small location that gets a lot of foot traffic and have me put cake dummies in there and we can let people know that at this time it is not a retail location however on weekends he will be down there and give out sample of my cakes. He is familiar with my cakes and pricing and my phone will be listed so I can take orders or discuss orders with people. I will also be down there on some weekends. My problem is that these spaces run about 20.00 or a little more for 800.00 sq foot which is about the smallest we can find. I plan on contacting tea rooms and other coffee shops and trying to get my cakes, cupcakes, etc into them. Please give your hones opinions as to whether you think this would work or not as the area has about 60,000 vehicles a day and is extremely busy with foot traffic.
Thank you for your help
evelyn

It is really a question of your personal finances and how much you are willing to work. If you are going to open a shop - can you go several months to a year without making any money? Most people are surprised at how many scones and brownies and such they need to sell in order to just cover the cost of the rent and util. and ingredients. Are you both ok with not seeing either on the weekends when he is handing out cake samples? Have you updated your pricing to cover the cost of handing out samples? Are you going to advertise? Can you afford it? Can you not afford to advertise? If you continue at your regular paying job, can you work two jobs and forgo sleep? If someone needs 200 cookies tomorrow morning for their business, you aren't sleeping tonight. Do you have kids? Will they understand? The number of people walking by sounds great, the size sounds right.... but that doesn't matter if you can't put in the money or the effort.

I am not trying to discourage you.... I would seriously consider going for it. You just want to go into it with your eyes open.

Good luck, marci

I think you have to have a licenced kitchen to sell from. I would look for a retail space/kitchen. I would check with the health department about the store front and the samples. I bet the same laws apply.

I have a licensed kitchen to bake from and we would be taking orders from the store front only. We have no children and I usually work weekends anyway. I get every other Sunday off and I work at night from 1-8 and he works the days so we really do not see each other but we do not sit and wait for life to give to us. I am used to doing the cakes, working plus I taught Wilton decorating 3 nights a week when I was in Atlanta for 4 years, so I am no slacker. Marci, I don't really do cookies, just the scones, brownies, biscotti, cuppies and cakes. I'm a pretty tough old bird and I think I can handle it and we have the money to do it all. My main concern is that I carry the insurance on us and I'd prefer not to leave my company right at this time. Maybe I should wait for a while. I just need mor ideas, pointers and help. Keep those thoughts coming!!!
thanks everyone
evelyn

With the exception of insurance, you sound set to go. Shop around for insurance. YOu can always get insurance for yourself. And if you can afford that or don't mind the hard work hours to keep your companies insurance, I say GO FOR IT!