Hey Mamas!
I have been told many times that my homemade stovetop popcorn is so delicious- delicious enough that I should sell it. I haven't really been interested in that until now. I have no clue as to where to start? I live in California so I imagine there are specific food rules I would need to abide by, licensee, etc. Can anyone provide direction? And possible ideas of places to start selling? I figure farmer's markets would be the best first place to start. I know the market is pretty heavy with sweet kettle popcorn but mine is just your regular old butter and salt flavor and it is totally organic to boot!
Well, in Oklahoma you can't sell anything made in your home without a health inspectors inspection into your home, it must follow each and every rule that any business has to go by. Like X number of doors to the outside, Exhaust ventilation system and extinguisher abilities, your house an codes must be up to the minimum standards. Before you ever cook your first batch to sell.
You should contact your local health agency. I'm not familiar with the laws in your state, unfortunately. I know here, you have to have specific kitchen spaced zoned as commercial, to sell any homemade food goods. (Meaning, this can't be the kitchen in your home, that you cook your meals at.) The kitchen must be inspected and licensed. Your food has to be tested for shelf life. There are food regulation and labeling laws to follow. You will probably need a business license and tax number. I'm not sure if you must charge sales tax on your goods, or not. Of course, it could be easier in California.
You *could* probably sell your items at craft fairs and such without doing anything official. However, if you're reported, or someone gets sick...you're in big trouble!! Anyway, start with your local business licensing and health department. You can google and find out what California requires.
Contact a commercial insurance agent and get a business quote. You may be surprised at how expensive it is and most places, even little Farmers Markets, will likely require you to be insured (minimum for 1 million) for you to sell at their location. Good luck.
Are you sure your friends weren't being polite?
The person who organizes the farmer's market might have that information.
Go to Etsy.com, you can sell products like this on that site...and they have their health guidelines for homebakers/ home buisnesses drawn up there. I'd also contact your local Department of Health website and/or contact person. You'll get your license and inspection(s) from them.
Actually I don't know a thing about it...but it just doesn't sound too exciting...cold buttered popcorn...not much of a money maker there. Sorry for my 2 cents. Seems like a lot of trouble for not much of a money maker. How much could you charge for a bag anyway!
