Ask:
So I have been told that my salsa is "to die for" and everyone tells me that I need to sell it. So I was thinking it might be fun to start a mini salsa business but have no idea where to start! I made a sample and took it to work with me last week and I have 14 orders already! =) But I don't know where to go from there.
Also, does anyone know where to find better prices on canning jars??
Thanks in advance for any advice!!
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Before I moved I lived in a small community that had 1 little country store. For a small commision the owner sold things such as canned goods and bakery items for the people who made them.
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Try asking on Freecycle for jars- you never know how many you may get!
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My uncle sells salsa and he has to have a company make it because there are a lot of rules and regulations. You can't just make it in your own kitchen and sell it. You have to meet certain requirements, I am not sure where you find all that out, but I would look into that.
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When we lived in MN every summer in downtown Buffalo, there was this awesome fair. People sold homemade stuff. Do you have anything like that in your area?
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Do you have a Farmer's Market in your area? Often times they will let someone with homemade goods sell along with the farmers. I'm going to second looking into rules and regulations. My aunt makes jams and jellies and had to get inspected and certified through the state health department to make them in her home. Maybe google "Arizona state health department" and call someone. even if they can't help you, they probably know who can. Make sure you're state-certified; if you already have this many orders, then you know it's a great product and will definitely sell. Protect yourself and your business, and go through the state. Oh, and for jars, I'd price different stores and even online. If you apply for a small business license in your state, you can often get business wholesale pricing for products. Once your biz gets big enough, taking advantage of wholesale will really boost your profit, but unless you have mass hysteria of orders at the getgo, I'd go with a dept store or outlet store to start. BigLots has canning jars for pretty cheap (I think I paid like $6 for a dozen at Christmas time). I'd have more than one size jar available, and price your stuff out in comparison to other similar products in the area. Also, if you can, I'd print up a small brochure or half page advertisement and run off 100 copies at OfficeMax. (you'd be out probably $5) Get your name out there. Talk to small shop owners to see if you can sell on commission. Check your local chamber of commerce for any events where you could set up a booth/table. It might be wise to eventually join the chamber if you start getting enough business; they're great for networking and you get discounts on event booths when you go through them. Good luck!
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I was also going to suggest a farmer's market. I'm not sure if there are regulations for something like this? I see lots of little old ladies selling baked goods and jams at these and I'm pretty certain that they don't have any license. If things go well there, then you could look into the regulations and requirements in your state. Good luck!!