How to Start a Cookie Business From Home
Step 1
Decide what types of cookies you will be baking. You can specialize in one type of cookie, such as chocolate chip or shaped and decorated sugar cookies, or you can offer a variety. If you will be the sole baker, consider the amount of time you have vs. the amount of time each type of cookie takes to create. Drop cookies take less time than decorated ones. Also think about storage and delivery. Decorated cookies will require special storage and delivery to prevent them from being ruined. Create a price for each type of cookie by single purchase and in bulk. Your prices need to include the cost of ingredients, preparation time, business overhead and your desired profit margin.
Step 2
Contact the state's occupational licensing board that regulates food sales to learn about the laws regarding food businesses operated from home. Some states may require you to have a separate kitchen with its own oven, refrigerator and other equipment. Other states only require that your kitchen tools and food ingredients be separate from your personal ones. A health department official may need to inspect your home business kitchen.
Step 3
Make your business official. Apply for food permits as required by your state. Obtain a business license from your city or county government office. Contact your state's comptrollers or taxation office about a sales tax permit if sales tax is collected on food in your state. If your business name will be different from your given name, file a doing-business-as statement with your county. Purchase business insurance to cover your home business.