Advice??

**Hollyhandi** · 08-10-2006, 08:29 AM

I can't seem to get the idea of a pie or dessert of the month thing off my mind.
I was joking when I said it , but now wondering

How would I go about Starting something like this?
How much would you charge to join it?
Do any of you think it would be worth exploring?
Would you do it ?
All advice will be apreciated...
I am desperately trying to find someway to bring in money to my home....

**celina** · 08-10-2006, 09:18 AM

i think i'd go simple with x amnt of money per pie...and do one flavour a month....and let them order ahead as many as desired...

fall/apple, etc...go in season....

on the first send out a flyer with order by date and amnt and delivery date....

more ppl would join in monthly....and i think it would translate well...you could eventually add a fresh baked bread or cookies etc..and at xmas you could include a cookie package of variety for those who dont bake themselves

**tervsforme** · 08-10-2006, 09:26 AM

I think this is a great idea! You said that your husband sold some pies at work. I would probably start there with flyers like Celina said and then go out from there. Maybe to parents at school or people at church! Most people love homebaked pies and cookies, but with this fast-paced world, don't take time to do it, or more importantly learn it.

**ktsmama** · 08-10-2006, 09:56 AM

I think this would be a great idea. One good thing about cooking one flavor per month is that you require the same ingredients for all of the pies and it might be a little cheaper to buy in bulk for those items.

**Cricketlegs** · 08-10-2006, 10:08 AM

I missed the original posts about this but I just want to say Good Luck! I hope it works out for you.

Cricketlegs

**SewCrafty** · 08-10-2006, 11:03 AM

Holly, for what it is worth. When I was working full time and night shift also

I would have paid someone handsomely to bake for me especially Christmas cookies!

Around early Oct or so maybe you could offer some samples of what you may bake for the holidays? That way people would know who to order from. Or make up an order form and include it in each delivery with a due by date. I would also ask for 1/2 the cost up front, just so you won't be out ingredients in case someone chooses not to take them once they are made up.

On the pie of the month, I think that is a great idea. Or how about a theme, i.e. November = pumpkin. Offer pumpkin pie, cake, muffins and cookies. If you need any recipes, I have a great pumpkin cake and pumpkin cookie recipe.

Good luck!

**kabin63** · 08-10-2006, 11:11 AM

Oh, my dad always wanted my mom to do this. she makes the best pies, but when they looked into it and I don't want to blow your dream wide open or anything, they found out they had to have a stainless steel kitchen. the health dept. would have to inspect...etc, but if you start small and personal you might be able to to get this thing going really well.
Mom would end up selling them to people at yard sales, etc...People actually request them from her when given the chance.
Good luck! It's a great idea!

**Kimberlina** · 08-10-2006, 12:35 PM

My family has baked holiday cookies for years.

An online friend recently suggested offering up pies for the holidays- Thanksgiving in particular. She had a great suggestion- making some in throw-away aluminum plates, but also buying cheap glass pie plates and selling pies in those for more- she said there are lots of people who want it to seem like they baked it themselves or that it is at least truly homemade. I thought that was brilliant.

As for start-up cost, I have no idea. To do it legally, last I knew, in NY, you had to have a 3-sink kitchen. That would have to cost a bit. At the risk of outing myself, we never do it the official way.

**yankeegal** · 08-10-2006, 05:15 PM

I think if you "advertise" or use business cards for example, you need to find out what your state's regulations are regarding home-baking businesses. Some require commercial kitchens, state health inspections, etc... I do cookies from home and I am looking into what I need to do to take it to the next step (and if it is worth it to me) So for now, I do it "unofficially" also.
The internet has so many sites on starting a home-baking business-also your local city hall could probably let you know what is required. Good luck!

**Daisygirl** · 08-24-2006, 05:57 PM

I'd go more with word of mouth if you want to keep it under the table and without the health regulations. However if you want to work within the regulations it would not have to mean remodeling your kitchen. If you got to church they may have a commercial kitchen that they would allow you to use. Consider the barter system and approach a restaurant about using their kitchen after hours in return for some pies.

I think this is a GREAT idea. What wonderful Christmas gifts these would make. You could go to Christmas craft sales and have samples to taste, along with pies for sale and order forms. I bet you'd get a lot of business that way. Offer it to people at work and offer a slight discount if they are buying a year form themselves and 2 more people. I am cheap as all get out but this would definitely be something I would spend money on!

Best of luck Holly. I think you could do this.