Cotton candy business manual

Permitting will most likely determine how and where you sell your cotton candy. For example, one county in the my state requires no permitting at all to cater at private events, while another county not only requires a permit to cater private events, but also requires that your cotton candy cart be stored in a food commissary. More about food commissaries in a very future post!

If you plan to sell at public events such as a farmers market or street fairs, again, permitting will vary between counties. Some counties will have a permit that allows you to sell prepackaged cotton candy and fresh spun cones, while another county may require different permits for each or a higher cost permit to do both prepackaged and fresh spun.

It is important to call your county environmental health department or better yet, go down there and physically speak to someone! Explain what you plan to do with cotton candy, i. There are so many variations on how to sell the cotton candy and the environmental health department will want to know every detail of your plans and set up.

Be prepared to draw out your set up as well: cart, tent, supplies, etc. The costs of your permits again will vary depending on your state and county. Some permitting is higher when making cotton candy on site as opposed to selling prepackaged only. Before you do anything else with your cotton candy business, I highly recommend becoming well educated on your local laws. When just starting out these things definitely matter! A business plan will help you get organized and informed on what your business should look like.

Some basic steps to take while writing your business plan are:. Summary- Overview of your cotton candy business idea and your plans for this business in your community, etc. Opportunity- Decide on the opportunity in your area. Is there ton of competition in your area for cotton candy? Are there events, companies, and communities in your area that will want your product and services?

Implementation- How are you going to market your company? How are the logistics of operating going to run? Structure- Are you going to work alone or do you plan to build a team? What is the legal structure going to look like for your company corporation, sole proprietor, LLC, etc?

Finances- This is when you want to document all of your costs, including time, so you can make accurate decisions on what your actual profit will be. What are your costs and time involved for this company? Is your profit high enough to make this worth your time?

Always be sure that your business plan reflects realistic goals for the company. Continue to revise and refine your business plan over time as your company grows. Purchase Necessary Equipment and Supplies. I am so excited for you! Here are the absolute basics for equipment when starting out:. Cotton Candy Cart- If you plan to spin cotton candy live at public events or cater private events, a cart makes the process so much easier.

Our carts are custom made, get creative and design something of your own, and then find a great carpenter in your area to build it if you cannot build it yourself. Cotton candy machine- Find my recommendations here. Vistaprint is a good place to buy all your branding. How will you give change to your customers and keep your earnings safe as you work?

Remember you can take electronic payment with an app like Square. The cotton candy business can be a fun way to earn money and interact with others in an enjoyable atmosphere. Each city and state has its own permit and license rules for businesses such as cotton candy sellers.

Before you start selling your cotton candy, your city or state may also require you to have business and liability insurance. Buying the necessary supplies and setting up your business is one part of the process. You also have to market your cotton candy business for it to be successful. Partner with a local or national charity. One of the best ways to spread the word about your business is to partner with charities. Offer schools and organizations fundraisers.

Advertise in print and online. You can advertise in both areas to increase the views. Get a website and your own social media pages. Brand your cotton candy. Offer unique or gourmet flavors. By going beyond the standard cotton candy flavors, you can find more customers. Make your packaging stand out.

Instead of selling in plain plastic bags, you can use decorative and unique packages. This will attract more customers. Offer frequent customer rewards. Customers love getting rewards and prizes. You can make your own cotton candy club and offer rewards for buying more products or bringing friends to buy treats.

Give out unique business cards. Include a business card with your product — again, Vistaprint or Staples are good places to source these. Attend local small business events.

Your local chamber of commerce and other organizations may have frequent small business events. Read on to find out how to start a cotton candy business yourself! Here's the list:. This is Real London Dry Gin. Business rank: 2. Business rank: 3. Business rank: 4. To find your next idea, join Starter Story Premium! Find your next idea - 6, business ideas. Go Premium. Premium Plus. Access to hundreds of successful founders.