Cake Business
Went to a meeting a couple of days ago, and it was a group devoted to Weddings only. Social networking. A pastor ( mine ) with a Wedding business, 2 photographers, a florist, 2 travel agents, and me, a cake decorator. Hoping to help each other out on each other's websites. My son-in-law & daughter develop websites in their spare time, and they are going to help in create mine. Since I am newly retired, I am not looking into starting a business per say, but rather growing my hobby and making a few dollars along the way. Has anyone on CWB had a successful hobby based business that can give me some sound advice. I know here in Ontario, Canada, if you make under $30,000.00 a year, they don't consider you a "business", but you are still able to give receipts, write off supplies, gas etc.
Any advice would be most welcome & helpful. I go to my next social network meeting Sept. 20th and hope to have my blog & website up & running, and be armed with some knowledge from experienced cakers.
Thanks guys
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dawn Becker on
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I have a full blown business, but this advice is true for any level business:
Know exactly how you are going to support each other. I'm involved in a couple of groups like that. We all just refer each other and that's the end of that. A couple of us who work together - "book a package and get a deal" where we both give a small discounted fee, giving the customer a larger combined discount.
Some networking groups require a hard cash fee, some monthly, some only for qualified/booked referrals.
Make sure you know what you are getting into. Don't assume. You are the only one providing a food service. make sure if you do any shows or networking - you are not stuck always providing treats. Time aside, the cost grows quickly for those freebies.
Keep up with your mileage. In the US, we can claim mileage on our taxes, which helps with the wear and tear on the vehicle, it's not just gas we are using.
That's all I can think of this second. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by June Kowalczyk on
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Thanks Dawn
I am going to write down these suggestions. There is no fee to be in this group. Funny you should mention bringing "treats". The group leader asked if I would consider baking cupcakes as a thank you if were to bring in a guest speaker to give us help, tips etc. My pastor's wife spoke up and said that I would not be doing this for free, but be paid by the group for my services. That being said, I would only do this.....1. If I have time......2. expect someone else to bring a thank you gift, not just me. Just because I am the only cake decorator, doesn't mean I should be the only one providing the "food service", or food as a thank you. Time is a important commodity, mine just as important as theirs. Even if i am retired.
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