How to Start Selling Baked Goods Using Facebook

If you're wondering how to start selling baked goods from home, you've come to the right place. I'll show you why Facebook is a great place to kickstart your home-based bakery!

In this post, I'll cover everything you need to know about how to get started selling baked goods using Facebook. First, we'll go over the legal requirements you need to know. Then, we'll discuss a few important steps to take before you begin. Finally, I'll share my best tips for having a successful Facebook sale.

For a more in-depth guide on how to start selling baked goods from home, check out my detailed blog post here. It covers all the basics and more to help you launch your own home bakery business.

Don't forget to join my email list for more tips and advice on starting and growing your baking business. Get valuable tips and recipes straight to your inbox!

Legal Requirements You Need to Know

The first thing you need to know is your state's requirements for selling homemade food that's prepared in your home kitchen. These are called cottage food laws.

Every state has different cottage food laws when it comes to selling baked goods from home. This post includes links for each state in the United States, where you can check your state laws to see if you need a cottage food permit.

How to Start Selling Baked Goods Successfully on Facebook

When it comes to selling home-baked goods, Facebook is the best place to make quick sales. Here’s why:

• Audience Reach: Facebook has a broad user base that includes a wide range of ages, helping you reach more new customers.
• Local Groups and Online Marketplace: Facebook has many local buy, sell, and trade groups, as well as the Facebook Marketplace. These features allow you to target your local community easily.
• Detailed Posts: Facebook allows for longer, more detailed posts compared to Instagram. You can include more information about your baked goods, which helps answer potential customers' questions right away.

This is why Facebook is better than other social media platforms for people who are getting started with home-based food businesses.

Start with Friends and Family

To start selling baked goods successfully on Facebook, begin with friends and family on your personal Facebook page.

When you're just getting started, you don't need a dedicated business page or business name yet. The goal is to make a few sales and test the waters first.

Just focus on sharing photos or a product list of your delicious baked goods and let your friends and family know that you’re now selling them.

Stay Engaged

It's important to stay connected with your audience. Reply to comments and messages quickly to show that you appreciate their interest. Share updates about new treats you’re baking and ask for their opinions to keep them involved.

Use Facebook Stories and Live videos to show behind-the-scenes looks at your baking process. This helps build a strong connection with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Finding Your Niche as a Home Baker

Deciding what to sell is a difficult task for people who love to bake! You can ask your friends and co-workers which of your baked goods they like best, bake something that you're known for, or try something new.

Just remember that you can't be all things to all people. Once you find a few baked goods that sell well, and that you enjoy and make a profit on, you can specialize in those treats.

Invest in Bakery Packaging and Branding

Start with a simple box that can hold a variety of treats. The more types of products you can fit in one container, the less you will spend on packaging. Adding personal touches, such as business cards with your phone number and contact information, helps build your brand and customer base.

Price Your Products Correctly

This is the most important step and one that lots of people skip. It will set good habits for any future baking that you do, so take the time to learn to cost your recipes and make sure that you are charging enough.

Consider factors like fixed costs (ingredients, packaging), variable costs (overhead like delivery mileage), and your desired profit margin.

For a detailed guide on pricing, check out my full article on Pricing Your Baked Goods.

Set Up Payment Options

Offer as many payment options as possible to make it convenient for your potential customers. You can start with free services like Venmo, PayPal, or Facebook Pay. Down the road, you may want to look into more advanced options like Square for taking credit cards.

Using Facebook to Sell Your Home-Baked Goods

When you're ready to start selling, Facebook is a great way to reach potential customers. Here are few things to know:

Personal Page vs. Business Page

When you're just starting, the good news is that you don't need a business page. You can start selling to your Facebook friends on your personal page. This allows you to tap into an existing customer base without the need to set up a new online presence. As your business grows, you can consider creating a business page to reach more potential customers and to establish a more professional online presence.

Flash Sale vs. Presale

A flash sale is a great way to start selling your baked goods. In a flash sale, you sell food items that are already baked, which is different from a presale where you take orders in advance and then bake the items. Flash sales are a good way to gauge interest and quickly generate sales.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Flash Sale on Facebook

1. Choose What You'd Like to Sell-Decide on the food products you want to sell. It could be cookies, bars, muffins, or even mini wedding cakes! Choose items that showcase your baking skills and are likely to appeal to your friends and local community.
2. Bake It and Take Pictures of It-Bake your chosen products in your home kitchen. Ensure you follow all food safety guidelines and local laws regarding cottage food operations. Once baked, take high-quality pictures of your products. Remember, people eat with their eyes first, so make your photos look as irresistible as possible.
3. Package It Up for Delivery-Package your baked goods professionally. Use boxes or bags that keep the items fresh and presentable. Adding business cards with your phone number and contact information is a good practice to build your brand.
4. Post It Online-Post the pictures and details of your baked goods on your Facebook page. Describe what you are selling, the price, and how people can purchase. Mention any specific requirements, such as pickup or delivery options. Be clear and concise in your post to avoid any confusion.
5. Engage with Interested Customers- Ask people to comment on the post if they're interested or to message you directly. Monitor the comments and messages to engage with potential customers. This interaction is crucial as it helps you understand the demand and builds your customer base.
6. Secure Payment and Make Your Delivery-Once you have interested customers, ask for payment before delivery. Offer multiple payment options, such as Venmo, PayPal, or Facebook Pay. After securing payment, arrange for the delivery. Whether you choose contact-free delivery or meet at a public place, ensure the safety of both you and your customers.

Other Important Aspects of Starting a Home Baking Business

When starting your own home-based baking business, it's important to consider various aspects to ensure success:

• Business Structure: Decide on the right business structure for your baking business, such as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). This will help protect your personal assets and meet legal requirements.
• Local Markets and Farmers Markets: Selling at local markets and farmers markets can be a good idea to reach more people in your community. These are great places to introduce your baked goods to new customers.
• Commercial Kitchens and Coffee Shops: If your home kitchen can't meet the demand, consider using a commercial kitchen. Partnering with local coffee shops to sell your baked goods can also increase your visibility.
• Marketing and Online Sales: Develop a marketing plan to promote your bakery. Utilize online platforms like Shopify to create your own online store and reach a wider audience. Offering online courses can also help establish your expertise and attract more customers.
• Business Plan and Mission Statement: Creating a detailed bakery business plan and a clear mission statement can guide your business growth and help you stay focused on your goals.

Conclusion: Is It Legal to Sell Food on Facebook?

As long as you understand and follow your local cottage food laws, it's perfectly legal to sell your home-baked goods online! Choose which items to bake, cost your recipes, invest in packaging, set up your payment method, bake, and photograph your product, and then announce your treats online. Be ready to make a sale and remember to get full payment before you deliver.

For a comprehensive guide on how to start selling baked goods from home, check out my detailed blog post here. It covers all the basics and more to help you launch your home-based bakery.

Join my free Facebook support group for more tips like this to help you get started selling your home-baked goods.

Let me know in the comments how you did!

Looking for some delicious and cottage food-friendly recipes to add to your menu? Here are some easy and popular treats that avoid commonly prohibited ingredients, making them perfect for your home-based bakery:

• The Best Make-Ahead Puppy Chow Snack Mix Recipe: A crowd-pleasing, shelf-stable option that’s easy to make in advance.
• Chocolate Covered Rice Crispy Treats: Always a hit, these treats are simple to make and loved by all.
• Strawberry Popcorn: Add a fruity twist with this sweet and unique snack that your customers will adore.
• Shelf Stable Buttercream Frosting: Perfect for topping your baked goods, this frosting stays fresh longer and tastes amazing.

These recipes will help you create irresistible products that your customers will keep coming back for!