Home doughnut maker with weekend preorders

Neighbors, farmers market shoppers, and people ordering dozens for birthdays, office mornings and community events.

Price per doughnut or per box, with preorders cutting waste. Specialty flavors and gift boxes can bring higher prices.

• Baking and frying
• Recipe consistency
• Social media and local marketing
• Organizing orders

• Cottage food rules differ by state, including sales caps, where you can sell, labeling and which fillings are allowed
• Some states bar cream or custard fillings, and many do not allow shipping or sales to restaurants
• Check HOA or lease rules and whether you need a home occupation permit
• Product liability or general liability insurance, which markets often require
• Frying at home needs safe oil handling and fire precautions
• If you outgrow cottage limits, you may need a commissary or licensed commercial kitchen

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, packaging, labeling and insurance. You start in your home kitchen under your state's cottage food rules. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many preorders and market days you take on and your state's sales limits. This is revenue, not profit. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week.

Cottage food rules differ by state, so check sales caps, where you can sell, labeling and which fillings are allowed. Some states bar cream or custard fillings. Also check HOA or lease rules, any home occupation permit, and liability insurance that markets often require.