As some of you know, I have a diaper cake business that I do from home. I wanted too see if some of you can help me out please. I wan't to go to my local private own small business and sell my cakes. I have three baby butiques in mind that sell baby clothes. How would I start selling myself. I have some things in mind but I really would love more advices please. I wan't to make some samples for them too see but as far as talking and making business I am stuck at. Opinions, Advices would help.

Come up with a clear buisness plan for them- will they take a percentage of your sales or will you pay a fee from them to sell your cakes?  Making sure you have a clear rate to start negociations.  Have set retail price for your cakes.  Brand your buisness- Do you have a name/logo for your buisness?

Make your own portfoilio.  Have a number of cake pictures to show. have your own buisness cards and a display card to show your brand.  Do you sell cakes now maybe ask friends and relatives to give testimonies about your product. Prepare a few of these folders to give to the store owner.    

If I think of more I will let you know and BE YOURSELF! 

Great advice Susan!

just a few ideas that came to mind.  

 

*Walgreens offers business cards that can actually have pictures on them, its a sheet of 8. They are awesome and it would make an impression.

*I have a few friendes who have myspace pages dedicated to there businesses, and they are popular and get good orders.

*Offer to do a friends baby shower for free to show off your work. That way the people at the baby shower can give word of mouth about what you have done and remember to tell them how to contact you if they want you to do it for them or for there friends. Nothing beats word of mouth.

Businesses love it when they are the only ones in an area to carry to an item. Don't give anyone an exclusive right of the bat but be confident. Tell them as you go along, if they begin to do well, you would consider this option. I have made this mistake before and been stuck b/c the boutique did not preform as expected. NEVER leave anything with them (such as a sample) without a deposit at the least. It will be tough to get it back (if you ever do) Again, made that mistake.

If your items are custom made, offer a couple of different levels of displays. This way, they can get into it without it costing them a fortune. The larger companies like Vera Bradley can get away with charging a ton and requiring them to purchase a large amount of stock. You are coming in without them knowing if it will sell or not. Given the economy, it could be a hard sell. You want to make it look risk free. You could even offer to "loan" them 2-3, take a small deposit to cover your costs. Give them a 30 day trial period. If they sell, great, you get paid your prearranged amount and they will likely order more. This way it's hard for them to say no.

Sorry that was so long, I could go on and on! Let me know if you have more questions. I would be happy to help.

Jenifer  owner, In The Pink Designs 

Take a good picture of your diaper cakes and try setting up a website. I know some people who sell their services from their blog.