I live in a small town with the nearest large town being about 35 miles away. I have a fair amount of clients from surrounding towns. I was approached by a well known florist who has a shop just across the bridge from the large town. She asked if I would consider using her shop as a "satellite studio" since they no longer have a baker in that area. She would want cupcakes to sell in the shop as well as provide an area for my display and consult area. Clients from that area would arrange to pick up from her shop, BTW, I do operate out of a legal kitchen and at this time am not interested in relocating to her town. Too much trouble and expense.

Anyone else have arrangements like this? Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks!

"Thank you, but I'm not interested in relocating at this time."

Do you think the amount of business would be worth the time spent driving back and forth?

Thanks, those are all great questions. The deal is she just moved into a space that was previously a bakery. People are still coming in everyday looking for the bakery, She is an event planner and could throw business my way. Lots of things to consider.

I saw a thread on here where some bakers do something like this. One thing I might consider is doing consults there and the client would have to come to my facility to pick up or pay for delivery. It's a 20 minute drive from her shop to mine. And if it's a wedding, it would be delivered anyway. Really it would just give me more exposure if I went that route. I also do catering, so it would be good exposure for that too.

Thanks for letting me think "outloud"!

To be honest that sounds like a really good opportunity! The space used to be a bakery, she's an event manager, people keep coming there looking for a bakery etc.

But obviously its totally up to you!

I think if may be a good opportunity too. I'm meeting with her next week to discuss details. I'm thinking I may suggest we do a 3 month trial period and see if it is worth my time and effort and see if it benefits both of us.

I have a few similarities.

First, her facility must be approved by the HD or you would need to package your goods. It was a bakery, but now it is a florist.

Second, do a business plan. If the demographics can handle it, then you need to look at the financial end. No getting around this and we can't do it for you.

Third, yes, she's an event planner, but she is looking out for herself, as she should be. She wants your business to enhance her business. She has made a great move. It's up to you to do the numbers. She is not responsible for your numbers, only you are.