Home patisserie: pre-order cakes and pastries

Locals ordering for birthdays and gatherings, small cafes wanting a few specialty items, and shoppers at weekend markets.

Per item, box or cake, with set pre-order days. Custom celebration cakes and gift boxes usually earn more per hour than single pastries.

• Pastry and baking technique
• Precise, consistent baking
• Decorating and presentation
• Planning production and pre-orders

• Food business registration and food safety rules vary by state and council, so check what applies to home kitchens
• A food safety supervisor or food handler training may be required, check with your council
• Council approval may be needed to run a business from home
• Allergen labelling and handling, especially nuts, gluten and egg
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your baking equipment, packaging and what kitchen changes you need. Public liability and product liability insurance are also worth budgeting for.

Check what food business registration and food safety rules apply to home kitchens in your state and council. Also check whether council approval is needed to run a business from home, and whether a food safety supervisor or handler training is required.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many orders and markets you take on and your prices. You could start at about 10 hours a week. Allergen handling, especially nuts, gluten and egg, needs care.