Advice on market stall idea please.
Lolita_Von_Lush started this topic @ 16:12 on 30/06/2009
Hi there everyone!
I have an idea that Id like to turn into a business but Id like to do some reseach and get some help and advice first. Ive ran my own business before but it died through no fault of my own (long story short I got all my stuff nicked and the police wouldnt help). This means I have recieved goverment funding before so I dont think I am eligble for it again (Im 22 and a new mum by the way so not sure if that entitles me to anything).
Basically I want to sell cake. Everybody loves cake right? Cupcakes to exact, since theyre both pleasing to taste and to the eye. I'd eventually like to set up a market stall cupcakery on my local indoor market but I'm not sure what licenses, certificates, insurance and equiptment I would need. Obviously food hygeine certificate, sneeze guard and running water would be a must, but since cake is classed as a perishable would I need refridgeration and such?
Obviously I'm not going to shout tally ho and go jump off into the deep end. I plan on going back to college to do a course in baking (because I like having proper certificates for things, it makes you appear more professional) and sugar craft. During this time I'm going to start exploring local events such as coffee mornings and similar indoor events then look into setting up a small table there selling my goods and collecting market research. I think my biggest problem will be not having a car.
If I get to market stall stage I'd like to expand, which would be a sensible idea rather than just selling cake. I'm thinking I could sell drinks and other refreshments OR sell baking supplies.
I think that this would be a great idea and would especially apeal to kids and young people. Customers would be drawn in by the colours (and cake! woo!) and there will be a range of flavours and sizes to choose from. I chose cupcakes because as earlier mentioned they are pleasing to the eye and there are so many combinations and decoration possibilities. As expansion I have a range of other ideas including larger cakes, cake-in-a-jar, homemade premade cake mix and home made cake edible cake toppers (thats a few of my ideas anyways).
Please let me know what you think and if you can give me any help and advice about things I mentioned or other grants (I have recieve a NES grant and a Princes Trust grant) then it would be much appreciated
x
Interesting or important topic? Please click "vote topic higher" if you think so.
RE: Advice on market stall idea please.
Scarthingwell Replicas | 01/07/2009 04:29 PM
I think you would probably need a commercial standard kitchen and to be inspected by the local council. Try ringing their environmental health dept and asking what you just said. Transport could be a problem but if you can fit your stock in a taxi and it's not too far I don't see why that wouldn't work. Just keep all receipts!
------------------------
Wholesale Home Accessories
Wholesale Mirrors
RE: Advice on market stall idea please.
buddinghealth | 02/07/2009 05:07 PM
I like the concept - and I think you could get business from this idea.
Remember to think about profit, you need to look at the costs of the raw ingredients and the potential sale price as well as buying the equipment and renting the space and make sure there is enough profit left.
Cup cakes will always be popular, perhaps you could have a selection of decorations and let kids dectorate their own cakes after they've paid for them!
------------------------
Yoga Poses
body cleanse diet Isogenics
RE: Advice on market stall idea please.
tdl123 | 02/07/2009 05:22 PM
From an insurance perspective you are likely to want a public liability insurance policy to prevent your business (and you if not a limited company) being liable to be sued from poisoning a client with a cake! If you employ anyone you will need employers liability insurance too.
With todays weather though - Forget cakes, ice cream is the future!
------------------------
Compare Insurance - with Superquote.com | Shop Insurance | Ventilation Cleaning
RE: Advice on market stall idea please.
Rally | 05/07/2009 09:02 PM
Hi,
Great idea because who doesnt like cakes!!
If you are looking to recieve a grant you will need to draw up a business plan as you cant just go in saying "I have an idea", you will need to have it on paper!
Secondly in regards to the licences etc... you will need to ask your local council whether any regulations rectrict as anyone can start a business but local gov have sertain rules. If there are other stall's setup in your market close to your market target or even can be a fishmonger ask them for some advise which you will need to put into your business plan.
Expansion is not really a problem you should consider now...just start your business and hope for the best!
Good luck
Need any more help, email me
Ray
raihan@bbkca.com