Читать книгу Start & Run a Home-Based Food Business - Mimi Shotland Fix - Страница 32

When you’re just starting your business, it’s best to limit the number of products you sell. If you have one thing that you already make very well, start by capitalizing on that. Until you have more experience, this will help you concentrate on learning the business. Especially if you’re doing it part time to supplement your income, start with a small number (e.g., two or three at the most); if you’re aiming for a full-scale business, try starting with fewer items and add on slowly as you get a sense of how much you can handle and what products sell better. If you produce fewer items, you will naturally limit the number of different ingredients, packaging materials, and labels you’ll need.

If you want to offer variety, make a line extension. A line extension is a slight variation on what you already produce. Sugar cookies can become snickerdoodles by adding a cinnamon and sugar topping, or a plain muffin batter can yield both blueberry and chocolate chip muffins. Even plain pickles with the addition of spices can help you offer several choices. Providing choice for the customer is also a good sales tool. The customer asks, “Which one do I want?” which encourages a more positive thought process than, “Do I want this or not?”

Don’t discard an idea because it seems too simple. Everyone makes impulse purchases for items that are convenient or that they don’t make for themselves, such as coffee and Rice Krispies® bars.