Running a cupcake business is fun, interesting and trendy but like any other entrepreneurial effort it needs to be taken very seriously. Most gourmet food businesses like this actually need a great deal of money upfront for start-up costs and the more exotic your cupcakes are, the better they will sell in the store. The business is all about coming up with new types of cupcakes all the time. Gourmet treats are all about immediate gratification and making the customer feel like they are giving themselves or someone else a special treat that nobody else sells. If you do not have this inventive touch then you cannot justify charging a dollar or two more for the cupcake. People must have a reason to pay quite high for it or your business will not last.
The price point for each cupcake has to be quite high or you cannot make a living. This is a niche business and unlike a bakery you are not selling bread, muffins and other things. Your focus will be on making flavor, batters, fillings and icings as interesting and creative or possible.
One area of exploitation that is not fulfilled is the diet and special foods needs market. Overweight people, diabetics and those on paleo and gluten-free diets all need a treat to try every now and then. People are fascinated by the idea of eating treats that are somehow healing or good for them. If you are a great cook you might want to explore the possibility of making a sugar free or gluten free cupcake. There is also a big demined for organic, vegan and fiber rich cupcakes and icings.
One way of staying in business once you start is to expand your market outside the realm of a walk-in street affair and start selling your goods to local restaurants. Make batches of your gourmet specialties and take them around to local businesses that might be selling them. Grocery stores and restaurants are also good places to send samples. There are also catering businesses that will augment their menus with a selection of delicious cupcakes.
It also helps to have business cards ready to hand out and to make your presence known at local markets, craft fairs and bake sales. It also never hurts to bring your goods to every potluck that you have as well.
This is usually not a get rich quick business but it can bring you a lot of joy. Just selling them out of a small store may not be enough to sustain you over the long term. You may have to expand and have several outlets or places to sell them to before you can make a million selling cupcakes.
