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Looking to sell decorated cakes from your home in New York? Here’s what you need to know in order to stay within the state’s regulations.
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Introduction
There are many myths and misunderstandings about what types of food businesses can operate from home. This guide is designed to clear up some of the confusion about operating a home-based food business in New York State.
The first myth is that it is not legal to sell food that is prepared in a home kitchen. This is simply not true. It is perfectly legal to sell food that is prepared in a home kitchen, as long as the food meets certain safety standards.
The second myth is that you can only sell certain types of food from your home kitchen. This too is not true. You can sell almost any type of food from your home kitchen, as long as it meets certain safety standards.
One type of food that you cannot sell from your home kitchen is decorated cakes. Decorated cakes are considered to be a “specialty food”, and as such, they are subject to different safety regulations than other types of foods. In order to sell decorated cakes from your home in New York, you must have a commercial kitchen that meets all of the requirements set forth by the NYS Department of Health (DOH).
What You Need to Know About Selling Cakes in New York
If you’re a baker in New York, you may be wondering if you can sell your decorated cakes from home. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know first.
In order to sell your cakes from home, you’ll need to have a food handlers license. You can apply for this license through your local county health department. Once you have your license, you’ll need to make sure your kitchen meets all of the necessary health and safety standards.
You’ll also need to get liability insurance for your business. This will protect you in case someone gets sick from eating one of your cakes.
Once you have all of the necessary licenses and permits, you’ll be able to start selling your cakes from home!
The Basics of Cake Decorating
Cake decorating is a fun and creative way to show your personality and style. Whether you’re decorating a cake for a birthday, wedding, or other special event, there are a few basic things you need to know before you get started.
The first thing you need to do is choose the right cake. There are many different types of cake, from chocolate to vanilla to red velvet, so it’s important to choose one that will complement your decorations. If you’re not sure what kind of cake to choose, ask your local bakery for their recommendation.
Once you’ve chosen your cake, it’s time to start decorating! The sky’s the limit when it comes to cake decorations, but there are a few basics you should keep in mind. First, always start with a crumb coat: a thin layer of frosting that will help keep your Cake Decorations in place. Next, use piping bags and tips to create borders, write messages, or make other designs on your cake. And finally, don’t forget the finishing touches! Sprinkles, edible flowers, and other small details can really make your cake stand out.
If you’re selling decorated cakes from your home in New York, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. First of all, you need to have a food handler’s permit from the New York State Department of Health. You can apply for this permit online or in person at your local county clerk’s office. Once you have your permit, make sure you follow all of the rules and regulations for preparing and selling food from home businesses in New York state. For more information on this topic, check out our blog post “Cake Decorating: The Basics of Cake Decorating.
Tips for Getting Started in Cake Decorating
Whether you’re just getting started in cake decorating or you’re looking to take your business to the next level, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, if you want to sell decorated cakes from your home in New York, you will need to obtain a food handler’s license from the state. Once you have your license, you will also need to register your business with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
In addition to the above requirements, there are a few other things to keep in mind when starting a cake decorating business. For instance, you will need to make sure your kitchen is clean and up to code. You should also have liability insurance in case something goes wrong with one of your cakes. Finally, it’s always a good idea to create a portfolio of your work so potential customers can see what you’re capable of.
How to Make Your Cakes Stand Out
When it comes to cake decoration, the sky is the limit. You can use your imagination and creativity to make your cakes stand out from the rest. However, if you want to sell decorated cakes from your home in New York, there are some important things you need to know.
First of all, you need to have a food handling license. This license will allow you to sell food items that you have prepared in your home kitchen. You can apply for this license through your local health department.
Second, you need to make sure that your kitchen is clean and organized. This is important because potential customers will be coming into your home and looking at your work area. If they see a messy and unorganized kitchen, they may not want to purchase any of your cakes.
Third, you need to have a portfolio of cake designs that you can show potential customers. This will give them an idea of your level of expertise and what kind of cakes you are capable of making. If you do not have a portfolio, you may want to consider taking some cake decorating classes so that you can learn how to create different designs.
Fourth, pricing is always an important consideration when selling anything, and this is especially true for decorated cakes. You need to make sure that you are charging enough money for your cakes so that you are making a profit, but not so much that people will not want to purchase them. Fifth, promoting your business is key to selling decorated cakes from your home in New York. There are many ways that you can promote your business, such as through word-of-mouth marketing, flyers, or even by setting up a website or blog dedicated to cake decorating.
The Business Side of Selling Cakes
In the state of New York, you are allowed to sell decorated cakes from your home kitchen without having to obtain a food license or permit. However, there are some requirements that must be met in order for you to legally sell your cakes. First, your home kitchen must pass a sanitation inspection by the local health department. Once your kitchen has been deemed safe and clean, you will be given a Certificate of Sanitation. This certificate must be displayed prominently in your home kitchen.
In addition to having a clean and safe kitchen, you must also take some business-related steps in order to legally sell your cakes. First, you need to obtain a business license from the city or county in which you live. You will also need to get liability insurance to protect yourself and your business in case someone gets sick from eating one of your cakes. Finally, you should consider creating a food safety plan that outlines how you will prevent food poisoning and other food-related illnesses. By taking these steps, you can legally sell decorated cakes from your home in New York state.
Marketing Your Cake Business
It is legal to sell decorated cakes from your home in the state of New York, as long as you adhere to the guidelines set forth by the state’s Cottage Food Law. To be able to sell your cakes, you must first register your business with the state. You will need to provide proof of food safety training, and your kitchen will need to be inspected by a representative from the Department of Health. Once you have been registered, you will be able to sell your cakes at farmers markets, community events, and directly from your home.
Pricing Your Cakes
You can charge for the cake itself, as well as for your time and labor in creating the masterpiece. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding how to price your cakes. You may want to consider these factors:
-How long did it take you to make the cake?
-How much do you typically charge per hour for other services?
-What is the cost of your ingredients?
-Do you have a portfolio of cakes to show potential customers?
Tips for Growing Your Cake Business
There are many factors to consider when starting a cake business. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
-Research your local competition and find out what they’re offering. What makes your cakes unique?
-Create a detailed business plan that includes your marketing strategy, price points, and target audience.
-Get your kitchen certified by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. This will allow you to sell your cakes to the public.
-Make sure you have the proper insurance in place to protect your business.
-Create a professional website and social media accounts to promote your cakes.
-Consider joining a professional organization such as the Retail Bakers of America or the Society of Sugar Artists.
Conclusion
After much research and consideration, we have come to the conclusion that it is not legal to sell decorated cakes from your home in New York State. While there are some grey areas and exceptions to the rule, it is generally not worth the risk to try to sell cakes without a commercial kitchen. If you are serious about selling cakes, you will need to invest in a commercial space.
