Most People Like Cookies - Will A Cookie Businesses Succeed?

You May Be a Great Cookie Business Owner

Everyone loves fresh, homemade cookies. Many Americans work full time and they find that there isn't a lot of time left over at the end of the day to bake delicious treats for the family.  This is where you come in.  As the owner of a cookie business, you can supply cookies and comfort to people of all ages, income brackets, and job types. 

The skills required to own a cookie business include good business sense, as well as:

• Great baking skills (your cookies have to taste better than what people can make at home)
• Ability to accurately estimate amount of ingredients needed
• Ability to multiply recipes
• Ability to offer original or “special” products

Owning a cookie business may sound like a dream job and it does have many benefits.

• People spend billions of dollars in the United States on baked goods
• There is a great market for cookies
• Ideal for at-home parents
• Low startup costs

There are drawbacks to any business.  Take a look at the disadvantages of trying to start a cookie business:

• A lot of competition, including giant companies
• People can make their own cookies and may cut down on baked goods when money gets tight
• You will be busiest on holidays, when demand soars
• May be hard to market your products

The equipment you need to start your cookie business is fairly minimal, and you may already have a lot of the items you need.

• Mixing bowls
• Utensils
• Cookie sheets
• Cooling racks
• Great recipes - Grandma's secret recipe is good!
• Vehicle to deliver cookies to stores or customers
• Food ingredients
• Website
• A good oven
• Packaging for cookies

You will probably need a business license to run your cookie business, depending on the state or county in which you plan to start it.  If you are working out of your home, check the zoning regulations to make sure you can do business there.  Also, you'll need to registers with the Department of Health as a baker. 

There are some different options as far as professional associations, but each offers members information and tips on successful business operation.  Check out:

• American Bakers Association
• Home Baking Association
• American Cookie Jar Association

If you are interested in starting a cookie business, chances are that you already enjoy baking and your cookies win the approval of friends and relatives.  However, if you'd like a little more training, check out the culinary schools in your area.  Baking classes can be a good way to learn more.  Also, consider apprenticing with an established baker in your area.

Starting a cookie business is appealing to a lot of people because it require minimal investment capital.  You probably already have most of the equipment.  You may need to buy additional bowls, mixing tools, or cookie sheets.  Also, spend some money on advertising.  Business cards, fliers, or fee samples are always good promotional tools.

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