I've just about completed my budget for opening a home bakery business in Ohio. I'll have about $600 left over to buy the necessary equiptment. What should I get?
I have the basics...tips, turntable, good-quality pans, etc. I don't have an airbrush, cricut, baking rack, things like this.
What would you buy?

Why spend it? Why not save it for something that you come across that you really need, instead of something you think you might like or maybe use?

That's a good point. We have more money saved up for operating expenses...I just want to be prepared. I'm considering investing in an extra fridge and airbrush, but want to make sure I don't come across something else I wish I had bought first.

I would buy an Agbay if you don't have one already, that and an airbrush.

It would be an agbay for me.

Isn't an agbay a few hundred bucks? I'd buy an agbay AND an airbush

I'm thinking an agbay, an airbrush and a used fridge for cake only. Who's with me?

I would get a fridge/freezer & printer (i just bought mine I got a whole kit with everything included) and am going to go back to get an airbrush. but the printer I needed for two cakes coming up this month and there is no where to get pics done cheep and for sure.

and absolutly! find a wholesaler where u can get all ur prducts without paying retail that will make your money go further!

If you can resist the temptation, Save it till you need it. I am always getting cake orders that require me to but a special mold, cutter, pan etc, its good to have to money in reserve to get those things as you need them. I used to just buy supplies willy nilly because I wanted them, well I have dozens of items I've purchased but never used on a paying cake (my Cricut is one of them!). Now I do my best to resist them temptation to spend and just buy something when an order dictates it. I am finding that my bank acount is growing because of it.

I agree with the PP, we have learned to wait to buy very specific cake supplies until an order makes them a necessity. That way you usually have a deposit to use towards the purchase of it too. Unless there is something you KNOW for sure you will need, then it would make sense to go ahead and get it.

I'm a newbie myself, and I don't have a business yet... but I agree with the others who say to hang on to it. I might get the airbrush, because that is probably something you'll use a lot, but otherwise wait until you need/want something for a specific purpose. If you already have the basic tools, wait until you have a need for the more specialized items. I keep looking at molds and cutters, but I'm waiting to buy things as I need them, I would hate to spend $20+ on one mold and never use it!

AGBAY AGBAY AGBAY AGBAY!!!!!

And fridge for your cake would be great, as well as the airbrush. I'd kill for an airbrush at this point, but I wouldn't trade it for my Agbay to save my life .

for sure do not get a cricket i have one and just practices a few times with it i have never used it for a cake that was $500 down the drain

make sure to stock up on cake boards and bases
I have a air brush and use it for almost every thing you save money on it and waste less fondant .

I would go for an airbrush. It has been a great tool for me. Correcting color and creating color, adding luster and quick fixes. Also a Kitchen aide and lastly a pasta roller. This helps with trim, ribbon, bows. flowers and so on. The cricket can be a good tool but you have to use it regularly to get the money out of it. I have yet to trust if for designs but have for sayings.

I have a Kitchen Aid and pasta roller. I'm not offering custom cakes yet, so I'm not as worried about unplanned decorating expenses cropping up.
I have a set menu of cakes/candies I offer....hoping to use business profits to fund more education/training and will expand my menu then.

Great advice, from everyone. I love this place!

Have you bought your boxes? Going to a place like BRP Box Shop and buying in bulk will MAKE you money. If you need several sizes, it will cost you several hundred dollars.

I am in Ohio too. Where will you be located?

It totally depends on what kinds of cakes you make. But an agbay will never do you wrong...

AIRBRUSH!!

As much as I LOVE my Agbay, I don't think it's a necessity - just nice to have. If you start doing a lot of cakes, or need to torte your layers, then it's time to invest in one. But doing so beforehand is just buying a luxury.

I think an airbrush for most people is a necessity - and I'd invest in a good one, with an adjustable air flow (especially if you're new to using one).

I would also stock up on fondant (if you buy yours), cake boards, cake boxes and other packaging supplies. I would also invest in printed advertising materials. The way I package my cookies, I put them in a cellophane bag (from Nashville Wraps) and, use a postcard (from Vistaprint) folded in half and stapled to the bag. Packaging is much less expensive if bought in bulk and it's better to stock up than run out and have to cut a diaper box down to size (it happened only ONCE! LOL!)

I'm near Cincy (just north) and a stone's throw from Bakery Crafts and Sugar-Craft. I am stocking up on boxes and boards, but hadn't thought about investing in some more fondant.
My marketing budget is seperate, but I love the business card/bag idea. I've been saving up for this for awhile, so I want to spend my money wisely...but I also want to be prepared.