Home tamale maker (pre-orders)

Families, neighbors, coworkers, church and community groups, and people hosting parties who want homemade tamales without making them.

Price per dozen or half dozen, with sampler boxes and party trays at a higher price. Taking deposits on holiday pre-orders helps you plan how much masa and filling to buy.

• Making masa and fillings consistently
• Batch cooking and steaming
• Taking orders and managing pickup times

• Many states' cottage food laws exclude meat, cheese or other foods that need refrigeration, so tamales may not qualify. Check your state and county rules before selling
• Some places offer home kitchen permits (for example, California's MEHKO in participating counties). Check whether yours does
• Food handler card, labeling and allergen rules may apply
• Check your home occupation rules, HOA and lease terms
• General liability insurance and a food safety plan for holding and delivering hot food

Estimated startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on pots, steamers, ingredients, packaging and any insurance or permits you need locally.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many dozens you sell and your pricing. Demand peaks around Christmas, New Year and Día de los Muertos.

Many states' cottage food laws exclude meat, cheese or other foods needing refrigeration, so tamales may not qualify. Check your state and county rules, home kitchen permit options, food handler and labeling rules, and HOA or lease terms.