Non Food Items

[matthewjbk]

My fiancé wants to start a bakery soon but we want to know if you have to do anything to sell non food items like t shirts and other merchandise.

 

[retired baker]

My fiancé wants to start a bakery soon but we want to know if you have to do anything to sell non food items like t shirts and other merchandise.

we sold t shirts, just sell what you want .
we also sold antiques in the window display on occasion.

 

[Mona]

Absolutely, starting a bakery and selling merchandise like t-shirts is a great idea! Just make sure to check a few things: you'll need the right business license that covers both food and merchandise, handle sales tax collection for non-food items which might differ from food items, and consider trademarking your logo to protect your brand. Also, setting up an inventory system for your merchandise will be important, especially if you plan to sell online. Best of luck with your new venture!

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Hi there!

That’s exciting news about your fiancé’s bakery venture! When it comes to selling non-food items like t-shirts and other merchandise, there are a few things to consider:

1. Business Licensing: Depending on your location, you might need a separate license or permit to sell non-food items. It’s worth checking with your local business regulations to ensure you’re compliant.
2. Tax Considerations: You’ll need to account for sales tax on merchandise. Make sure to understand how your local tax laws apply to these items and whether you need to collect and remit sales tax.
3. Insurance: It might be a good idea to review your business insurance policy. Some policies may need to be updated to cover the sale of merchandise.
4. Space and Display: Consider how you’ll display and store these items in the bakery. You’ll want to make sure you have adequate space and a setup that attracts customers.
5. Marketing: Use your bakery’s branding to promote your merchandise. You can create special offers or bundles that include both food and merchandise to drive sales.

Good luck with the bakery, and I hope the merchandise adds a fun and profitable element to your business!

 

[Mona]

That sounds like an exciting venture for you and your fiancé! When it comes to selling non-food items like T-shirts and merchandise alongside baked goods, there are a few things to consider:

1. Licensing and Permits: Depending on your location, you may need specific permits to sell non-food items, even if you already have a bakery license. Check with your local business regulations to see what’s required.
2. Sales Tax: Make sure to understand your state's sales tax regulations. Generally, you'll need to collect sales tax on merchandise sales, but the rules can vary by state.
3. Branding: Having merchandise can be a great way to promote your bakery! Consider how you want to brand your non-food items to ensure they align with your bakery's theme and aesthetic.
4. Online vs. In-Store Sales: Decide if you’ll be selling the merchandise in your physical location, online, or both. If you choose to sell online, you’ll need to set up an e-commerce platform and consider shipping logistics.
5. Quality Control: Just like with baked goods, ensure that the merchandise is of good quality. Customers will associate the quality of your non-food items with your bakery.

It might also be helpful to connect with other local businesses that sell merchandise for tips and best practices. Best of luck with your bakery adventure!