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I'm gonna do it! (I think)

post #1 of 29
10/17/05 at 6:48pm
Thread Starter 
I need help and advice from all my friends here. I am looking at space to set up my business. First and foremost is that I have found a space that is right on the town square. It is 600 square feet and the rent is $625.00. I don't know all the details yet but am bound and determined to get my business going whether it is in this space or finding another.

The thing about this space is that it is perfect. Good traffic, already zoned just have to work out some of the details. Working with a real estate agent that sold us our house. My plan is to do cakes, desserts, cupcakes cookies, you know a little sweet shop so to speak.

I have a couple of questions, for those of you in business, I need some idea about what it is going to cost to get started. Such as equipment etc, some examples of what you are doing as far as volume. This is going to be a one person show to begin with (just me) where do you go to search for use equipment. I really have so many questions, just need some advice. Can you help icon_confused.gif
***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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post #2 of 29
10/17/05 at 6:52pm
Hi Southern Belle,
I can't offer any advice since I'm just a home baker, but wanted to say GOOD FOR YOU!!! You may want to also contact your local S.C.O.R.E. office, they can help you put together a solid business plan, which you will need if you need to borrow money to get your venture off the ground.
Time that you enjoyed wasting wasn't wasted.
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Time that you enjoyed wasting wasn't wasted.
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post #3 of 29
10/17/05 at 7:00pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, it's a little scary but exciting at the same time. What does S.C.O.R. E. stand for?
***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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post #4 of 29
10/17/05 at 7:10pm
The rent is cheap enough but make sure that you don't have to put to many improvements to bring the space up to code.

Find out from your local licensing agency what is mandatory.

Here in Florida you MUST have a fire suppression hood and a grease trap if you have any kind of food.

I've been hearing horror stories that a fire suppression hood is like 40 thousand! But I have a friend of mine that is a lic Electrician who is quoting me 1 to 5 thousdand depending on the materials needed.

I haven't priced the grease traps as I heard THEY start at 10 thousand...and I don' t know any lic. plumbers!

Make sure that in your contract any and all improvements made to the space go with you when you leave! ( most landlords will NOT give you back any improvements but you can try)

I found a place within walking distance from my school, at 850 a month that is JUST begging me to put in Cake Supplies, but I KNOW that I will want to do cakes too and I dont' think the electric is up to code and there was some black mold on the wall.

Indications that it's not safe for food.

So, check EVERYTHING OUT! and get a lawyer!!!
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post #5 of 29
10/17/05 at 11:17pm
If you do not have a deep fryer, you may not need the fire suppression hood. Start with the health department to know what equipment you are required to have- sinks, dishwasher, ovens, bathrooms. The city will tell you about the codes, and insurance is a must.

But you may be able to find used ovens in good condition from a restaurant supply house- you can save a bundle. they are also a good source for used commercial mixers. If you don't have access to a lot of cash, used equipment can get you going.

dishwashing is a pain, but three sinks have less maintenance and expense than a dishwasher.
Cake. So many flavors, so little time.
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Cake. So many flavors, so little time.
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post #6 of 29
10/18/05 at 3:33am
one source would be the department of Agriculture to get what you need and you can go from there.

Don't be discouraged, I used to be in a state that required nothing,

Just that you were clean! well then things changed, but not by much.

You may be in a state that is not so strict about things!
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post #7 of 29
10/18/05 at 7:38am
SCORE stands for Service Corps Of Retired Executives. They are a group of people (retired, as the title says) that are willing to volunteer their time to help new entrepreneurs get started. You can usually contact them through your local Chamber of Commerce.
Time that you enjoyed wasting wasn't wasted.
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Time that you enjoyed wasting wasn't wasted.
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post #8 of 29
10/18/05 at 7:45am
Try Ebay for the used baking equipment.Usually resteraunts that are going out of business and such will put all their equipment on there.Many times I have seen good deals on ovens and baking sheets,large mixers etc..Also try your local auction houses although you will have to check regularily to know what is up for sale or not.
Busy Bakin Kakes For Kids!!!

Mom to Mitchell 11 yrs and Delaney 9 yrs
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Busy Bakin Kakes For Kids!!!

Mom to Mitchell 11 yrs and Delaney 9 yrs
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post #9 of 29
10/18/05 at 12:24pm
also, get more than one bid on any improvements...electrical, etc. I work with contractors all day long, you'll be amazed at the price differences (and some are just thieves)

Good luck!!!! and Congrats!!!
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post #10 of 29
10/18/05 at 1:54pm
I have to chime in about SCORE. I had an AWESOME experience with them. I had thoughts about doing a different sort of business (still somewhat food related) and they connected me with a retailer and a banker (retired) in the local area. My business was primarily retail as opposed to bakery. They asked me questions (nicely) that I hadn't thought of, and made suggestions for things I was stuck on. They also were VERY encouraging and supportive. They gave me their cards and offered the opportunity to call them if I needed any advice. I would recommend going there to get a lot of insight.

It was an excellent experience.

Also, I was told by my AG department that I didn't need a ventilation system so long as I didn't fry anything. So, you may be OK on that, just get in touch with your local deparment. The people that I've been in contact with regarding my baking have been extremely helpful (though a little nosey!) and knew right off the top of their heads.

Good luck!
Traci
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post #11 of 29
10/18/05 at 2:20pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you all for all your help and suggestions. I looked at the space today and it is just perfect. Just some minor remodeling. Zoning is ok already checked with them. Have a call into the Health Department now and am waiting to hear back. One of the Building Insectors did tell me I would have to have a grease trap and a back flow preventor. I have 2 uncles that are plumbers....so is my ex-husband but there is no way I would ask him icon_mad.gif

Anyway, I have been talking to our chamber of commerce here (The Business Resource Center) and he has been helping me free of charge which is what the Business Recource Center is all about. He is retired as well. Wonder if he is part of that S.C.O.R.E. Only problem is he is only here every 2 weeks. I need advice now icon_cry.gif

I have calls in about Insurance, Health Department, Building Inspectors and such....waiting on them to get back to me. I will keep you guys posted and again..........thanks.
***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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post #12 of 29
10/18/05 at 2:45pm
I am so excited for you! I will have to come by your shop when you get it set up.
Angela
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Angela
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post #13 of 29
10/19/05 at 2:52pm
Thread Starter 
Update:

Asked my real estate agent to get me a copy of the lease. DH is in Dallas meeting with some people in Dallas that do this for a living and they have agreed to look over the lease for me.

The #$%^ Health Department has not called me back. I have left 4 messages. Need to know what I need and if my appliances have to be commercial. Everyone else has been great.
Zoning-----check
Grease Trap----need a 5-10 gallon which runs around $450.00 installed.
Sink---have to have a 3 basin ss sink....$450.00
Back Flow Preventer $300 installed
Stainless Steel Counters $120-$180 depending on the size.

Called my real estate agent last night and gave her a list of questions to ask the lessor plus get me a copy of the lease...she has not gotten back with me!!!!! I have left 3 messages for her as well.

Thanks for letting me vent icon_cry.gif I guess I need to sit back and take a deep breath and let things happen. If they are meant to be...they will be.
***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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***If you always do what you've always done...you will always get what you've always got!
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post #14 of 29
10/19/05 at 2:56pm
The best of luck - keep us informed as to your progress.
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post #15 of 29
10/20/05 at 8:14am
I dont have a store front, but just wanted to give you a piece of advice....everything all works out as long as your intentions are good. Just be sure to ask a lot of questions during each phone call you make. Peole will help you along the way. Also, www.bakers_exchange.com is a good source for equipment
Good luck
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