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Entrepreneurship:  Running an idea past you guys  |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 06:33:39 AM
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I am an avid watcher of the Food Network lol and on one of Paula Deen's shows she talked about her first "food" business being a company called "The Bag Lady" She would make homemade lunches and sell them to people to bring to work or whatever. So I've been thinking....that would be something that I could really love doing! My husband has been out of work for quite some time. I am writing to get others opinions on if you think that it would work! Please let me know what you think!
Thank you!
Ida
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 06:44:00 AM
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Ida- Before you invest too much time or money into this, are you near an area where people routinely buy lunch? Do you have anyone who works in a large building that could possibly distribute flyers or initially a survey asking people what they would like to purchase in a bag lunch? I think knowing who your customer would be and knowing what they want for lunch would be the first step. I think it sounds like a great idea and after all, if "Pound of Butter Paula" could do it, so can you!
with a happy heart |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 06:47:19 AM
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That sounds so fun!! Sorta like a deli that delivers. Would it be special orders..say ahead of time?? I guess that is the way I picture it...maybe taking samples around and then taking orders for the next day??? I guess you would have to check into regulations. I used to make "breakfast burritos" for the guys my husband worked with (construction type work) years ago for a year or so..it was fun. It just started with them seeing his breakfast..he would always take it with him and eat it just before he started work while they were all still gathering. I think it sounds like a really fun business....you could get kinda creative and offer things that YOU like to make. Good luck!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 06:53:32 AM
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I was thinking that, to start out I would do it one day a week either a Wednesday or Friday. When I worked in an office we always ordered out on Friday. I would take orders either via phone or email and have everything ready the day before and start delivering that morning! I was thinking maybe a soup or chili and 1/2 sandwich, bread or biscuit depending, and then a desert...lemon bar or snickerdoodles? Thank you for the replies! Any more ideas would be great! Still in the thinking stages!
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 07:04:28 AM
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This sounds like a great idea. I know it works. What I would suggest is come up with a menu. Then deliver it to a few companies that would be interested. You might even consider making a few samples. You know a sample platter. Get right in their with their taste buds! Take the menu and the samples at the same time. I think that would work really well. Although I might start with only a few companies at first in case it really takes off. You don't want to be overloaded. Have fun with it. Its at least worth a try!
lilpunkin |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 07:09:52 AM
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yea I think so too!! thanks for your encouragement!
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 07:58:30 AM
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places that would probably be interested in this would be big real estate offices, banks, and big dr's clinics.
I think it's a good idea. I'd suggest you look into finding sealable styrofoam or plastic containers, napkins, plastic utensils and paper bags that either have your name stamped on them or come in a cheery memorable color. Something that says "here's something unique and classy/different and fun"
perhaps if you could include a "signature dessert" in each bag...like a special cookie that gets rave reviews..something like that.
Good luck.
Of course even with doing this sort of thing you will need a food license,business license, etc.
You'll also have to be aware of food allergies and note those things on your menus for folks.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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bybiddie
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
susan
upstate
ny
USA
267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 08:35:35 AM
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Ida, I started a catering business years ago (also in Ohio - near Cleveland) with the very same service. My husband at the time worked in a building that was not close to restaurants. I used to pack his lunch (more to try and keep him away from eating at a bar and drinking half his lunch...) and his coworkers kept asking for leftovers. I put together a small menu and then he would bring the lunches to work with him. It grew into a successful little catering business! Simplicity, freshness, and packaging - those were the keys for me. Good luck - it's a great idea!
susan
Lovin' my life |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 1:10:13 PM
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If I'd had someone available to bring a wonderful bagged lunch to me when I worked in an office I'd have been thrilled!
Be sure to make sure you have all the proper testing (water, septic for my license) and licenses before you start. I'd set up a website, mail flyers to offices announcing your business, and see what kind of interest there is. Good luck!
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 1:25:31 PM
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On a little larger scale, there is a fellow here that started "Dad's Soup & Sangies". It's a little storefront on a commuter route. He makes his own breads and offers good quality sandwiches, homemade soups and buns and small desserts. He opens early so folks can go in and purchase their lunches for the day and closes at 2. Some mornings they're lined up out the door. A resounding success.
Di |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 1:26:45 PM
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| Oh and like Robin, if someone would have brought me a healthy, bagged lunch everyday when I worked in an office building, I would have been thrilled...and paid well for it. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 5:08:43 PM
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I teach and school lunch is horrible! I live in a small town where there is NOTHING so if I don't pack I'm stuck with whatever weird concoction is being served that day. I would LOVE it if someone took orders and delivered my lunch to me even if it was only one day a week! I'd be willing to pay 8-10 bucks one a week of someone did this in my area!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 6:45:38 PM
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Hmmmm Julie! Both my kids are in high school....that might be a great place to start! Thank you all for the great advice! I do have a business license for selling my soy candles, would I have to get a seperate one for food? When I went to the farmers market I would bring muffins and stuff along with my candles and as long as i followed regulations for proper labeling I didn't really need anything else. Our church has a big kitchen if this ever gets out of the thinking stage would it be acceptable to use a kitchen that is already state inspected? You guys really got me thinking!! thank you thank you thank you!!
Ida
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 11:36:26 PM
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hey darlin' .. make sure that there aren't any 'health department' roooooools and regulations that you have to follow for preparing food for sale in a home-kitchen. might save you a lot of headaches if you check that one out first.
t'otherwise .. it sounds like a MARVELOUS idea! ha! you can provide lunch for me everyday!
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 04:35:28 AM
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Hey Frannie....I'm in Ohio...you're not that far! uhhhh maybe not everyday! hehe! thank you!
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2006 : 11:30:30 AM
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I like that idea:) hmmm the wheels are spinning for my lil town;)
"... to thine ownself be true." |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2006 : 7:03:49 PM
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bohemiangel.....let me know what you decide....i haven't decided anything yet...will be easier to get organized after the holidays...my folks live in nj and we travel back and forth alot this time of year! would love to know your thoughts though!
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 5:24:32 PM
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I totally think it would work. Just make sure to know if it would take off where you live. I know when I was at college the cafeteria offered bagged lunches.....its just so much easier and faster. What would you make? Menu idea? Advertising or word of mouth? ETC :) Love to hear more!
"... to thine ownself be true." |
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 6:51:16 PM
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Ida- we had a woman who did this in the town I used to live in, and it wasn't a big city or anything- just a regular old middle-sized town. She made a menu out and faxed either daily or weekly (I can't remember) and then she took orders from it. A company or individual got on her fax list just by asking, and she did bigger "meat and three" meals. I think hers were around $5.
I think a sandwich, soup or salad kind of thing would work great! You could do cold pastas or something like that as well.
I would sure buy a meal like that, if I still worked outside of the home! :) Sometimes it's a whole lot easier letting someone else do the fixing and delivering!
Kim in NC
PS- You might want to also consider the idea of offering to special cook meals for people to have at home, you know if mom gets home too late to cook or there's kids' acitivities and no time to cook. I think that might be worth thinking about too.
Good luck! |
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ida
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
ida
camden
ohio
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2006 : 5:27:55 PM
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I am going to have to give this some serious thought after the holidays. If I started it now I would be able to give it my complete attention with the holidays coming!! thanks for all the encouragement! I tend to be not very good at marketing myself and you guys are great for me!! thank you!
Ida
Mom's Makin' Scents |
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Entrepreneurship: Running an idea past you guys |
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Running an idea past you guys
