Home dessert business with pre-orders

Local families, people planning birthdays and showers, and small businesses ordering for staff or clients.

Fixed prices per item, box or custom order, often with a deposit. Seasonal peaks such as holidays and graduations bring bigger orders.

• Baking and decorating
• Photographing your work
• Managing orders and deadlines
• Clear communication with customers

• Rules for selling food made at home differ widely by province and city, some require an approved or inspected kitchen, so check before selling
• Home-based business licence and zoning rules from your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance and checking your home insurance policy
• Allergen labelling and safe food handling, including any required food handler certificate
• Burnout during peak seasons, limit how many orders you accept

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, packaging and any insurance or licensing you need. Check your own province and municipality for rules that could add to this.

It depends where you live. Rules for selling food made at home differ widely by province and city, and some require an approved or inspected kitchen. Also check home-based business licence and zoning rules, allergen labelling, food handler certificates and insurance.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many orders you accept and your pricing. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week, and limit orders in peak seasons to avoid burnout.