Neighborhood baking supply store

Home bakers, cake makers, parents baking for parties, schools, and small cottage food businesses nearby.

Retail markup on products sold in store, plus extra income from workshops, bulk ingredient sales and local pickup orders.

• Retail and customer service
• Baking and decorating knowledge
• Buying stock and managing inventory

• Rent and stock tie up cash, so plan your opening inventory carefully
• Check your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and sales tax registration with your state
• If you repackage bulk ingredients, check health department rules and labeling requirements
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Perishable stock such as chocolate, butter or fillings needs careful storage and rotation

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises and opening inventory. Rent and stock tie up cash, so plan your opening inventory carefully before you commit to a lease.

Check your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and sales tax registration with your state. If you repackage bulk ingredients, also check health department rules and labeling requirements, and look into insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, stock and extras like classes or custom cake toppers. Plan for at least about 35 hours a week.