Home-Baked dessert orders

Neighbors, local families and people ordering for birthdays, showers, holidays and small parties.

Price per dessert, box or custom order, with deposits for larger event orders. Seasonal menus can lift sales around holidays.

• Baking and dessert making
• Photographing your products
• Organizing orders and deadlines
• Pricing for ingredients and time

• Cottage food laws vary a lot by state and often limit what you can sell, where and how much, so check yours
• Some items, such as cream or custard desserts, may not be allowed from a home kitchen
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules may apply
• Labeling and allergen rules, and general liability insurance
• If your state does not allow home sales of your products, you may need a licensed commercial or shared kitchen

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your equipment, packaging and insurance. These are estimates. If your state does not allow home sales of your products, you may also need a licensed commercial or shared kitchen.

Cottage food laws vary a lot by state and often limit what you can sell, where and how much, so check yours. Some items, such as cream or custard desserts, may not be allowed. Also check permit, HOA or lease rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many orders you take and what you charge. These are estimates of revenue, so remember to price for ingredients, packaging and your time.