From Hobby to Business: Selling Your Homemade Mixed Pickle
Turning a beloved hobby into a small business is thrilling. Start smart:
Regulations First: Research your local health department and food safety laws (cottage food laws). You'll likely need a licensed kitchen, proper labeling (ingredients, weight, allergen info), and pH testing to ensure safety.
Perfect Your Recipe & Scale: Ensure your recipe is consistent and can be reliably scaled up. Calculate your true cost (ingredients, jars, labels, labor, time).
Start Local & Small: Sell at farmers' markets, to local cafes, or via word-of-mouth. Get feedback.
Tell Your Story: Your brand is your story—family tradition, local ingredients, unique twist. Use this in marketing.
Price Fairly: Don't underprice your work. Factor in all costs and a reasonable profit.
It's hard work but deeply satisfying. As you enter the market, you join a community of craft producers, much like those featured in a respected mixed pickle collection.