The Great British Bake Off is over but it doesn’t have to end. Are you baking mad? Do you want Paul Hollywood and Prue Leaf to judge your mascarpone tarts? Well, you can with a home-based bakery business. It may not be the Bake Off tent but it’s a start. Speaking of beginnings, here are five steps to consider which will get the ovens firing. Contestants: ready, steady, and bake!
Write A Business Plan
Lots of people think they don’t have to follow the rules of business because they work from home. Sadly, you do because some facets of a modern day company are too important. A business plan is essential because it provides insight. By writing down the business’s goals, it is easier to stay focused and walk the correct path. Plus, it helps with everything from cost-cutting to recruitment. One tip to remember is to keep it simple. A business plan that you don’t understand is a waste of paper.
Figure Out The Licensing Rules
Again, just because you bake at home doesn’t mean the government won’t want a slice of the action. As long as the company is trading, it will need a licence or permit. Which one depends on the type of business and what you plan to sell. Are you going to trade directly with customers from the house? Or, are you looking to distribute to suppliers who then sell to consumers?
Buy Separate Equipment
Using the fixtures you already have is a decent compromise because it saves money. After all, they are already in the house ready and waiting for action. The problem is they may not be up to scratch. A bakery business needs everything from scale calibration weights to food thermometers. Usually, a typical homeowner who isn’t food mad doesn’t have these items lying around the house. Also, think about the tax bill. New equipment is an expense which you can deduct from your tax contributions.
Think Of The USP
A unique selling point is a feature which sets the business out from the competition. A company that trades from home can market itself as an actual home-baked bakery. Local shops and SMEs do this but don’t carry the same weight because of the corporate element. An alternative is to sell or create a product or service which isn’t available anywhere else. So, is there a niche which hasn’t been tackled yet? Maybe you are the first organic, gluten-free baker in town?
Sell, Sell, Sell
To sell to the general public, you are going to have to raise awareness of the business. However, using the standard rules of engagement isn’t appropriate if you are home-based. People love the fact you are small and local and won’t respond well to corporate advertising. Thankfully, Facebook and Twitter are on hand to help. Come on – what’s more personal than interacting one on one via DM? Always tailor the marketing to the brand.
One day, maybe Paul and Prue will name drop your business. You never know until you give it a go.