Home cupcake baker for custom orders

Parents planning birthdays, people hosting showers or parties, offices and local community groups.

Price per dozen or half-dozen, with extra charges for custom decorating, themed toppers and delivery. Repeat orders from party hosts and offices help fill the calendar.

• Baking and basic decorating
• Careful food safety habits
• Organizing orders and pickup times
• Taking photos for social media

• Cottage food laws vary by state; some cap annual sales, require a permit or training, or limit where you can sell. Check with your state and county health department
• Some states do not allow cream cheese or other perishable frostings under cottage food rules, so check what is permitted
• Check home occupation rules, HOA or lease limits before taking customers
• Allergen labeling and ingredient lists, and consider general liability insurance
• Check whether you need to register for sales tax with your state

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on the baking equipment, packaging and ingredients you already have. These are estimates, and you may also need to budget for any permit or training your state requires.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on how many orders you take and your pricing. These are estimates, and your volume will depend on the hours you can put in each week.

Cottage food laws vary by state, and some cap annual sales, require a permit or training, or limit where you can sell. Check with your state and county health department, including which frostings are allowed, plus home occupation and HOA rules.