Business Advice

[mellajane]

So i am trying to branch out my gluten free cakes and desserts i have no idea where to start ..Any feed back would be awesome. I have the desserts and packaging down but do i go to whole foods or just market myself out.. I really have awesome potential with my desserts i dont want to miss out on an oppertunity doing something i love. Any advice would be awesome.

[hannahp57]

If you don't yet have your own business (a "name" for yourself) I would start out pitching your products locally and branching out from there. Like to a wholefoods and places like that. Also not a bad idea would be to make your own website and start ADVERTISING! Spread the word about yourself. Local is the best way to start. You benefit with both saving up profits for branching out and gaining experience and feedback.

GOOD LUCK!

[casnco]

If you don't yet have your own business (a "name" for yourself) I would start out pitching your products locally and branching out from there. Like to a wholefoods and places like that. Also not a bad idea would be to make your own website and start ADVERTISING! Spread the word about yourself. Local is the best way to start. You benefit with both saving up profits for branching out and gaining experience and feedback.

GOOD LUCK!

Careful starting with a big chain like Whole Foods. I would go to local coffee shops. Start with a quantity you can reasonably bake. Don't throw away a good idea by starting off to big. Slow and steady will win great results. IMHO of course.

[RiceGuy]

I agree with the suggestion to take it slow. I've seen some people try "jumping out of the gate", by getting a big place for their business, stocking up on supplies and whatnot, maybe even TV advertising, only to find that they misjudged consumer demand.

Small, local shops would be good I think. Not just to spread the word, but for your own experience.

It sounds like you already sell some items, yes? Can you give us a figure of typical production/distribution levels? Do you have a kitchen capable of much larger quantities than you are currently doing? How are you currently handling storage? Do you work with local caterers, coffee houses, diners, etc?

[The Fluffy Assassin]

So i am trying to branch out my gluten free cakes and desserts i have no idea where to start ..Any feed back would be awesome. I have the desserts and packaging down but do i go to whole foods or just market myself out.. I really have awesome potential with my desserts i dont want to miss out on an oppertunity doing something i love. Any advice would be awesome.

Don't know if you're still checking the thread all these months later, but there used to be a gluten-free baked goods stand at the Farmers' Market Saturdays at Marion Square. However, this year they were gone, replaced by an organic bakery. You might want to see if you can get a table there, for a start. Open Original Shared Link

[tarnalberry]

local coffee/tea places, local farmer's markets. this is where you'll develop "a fan base".