Meredith
Colin McGee joined the group Condiments 8 years, 3 months ago
David replied to the topic shagbark hickory syrup in the forum Condiments 8 years, 5 months ago
I’d say it’s pretty doubtful they would allow it, but I’m not sure. You can contact the ag dept at 800-292-3939 or MDA-Info@michigan.gov.
David replied to the topic Baking Mixes in the forum Massachusetts 8 years, 6 months ago
In general, yes, you need to follow the same rules. But in this case, I haven’t confirmed that dry mixes are allowed under the cottage food law in Massachusetts, so it might be harder to start that type of business. You can contact the ag dept to determine what they will allow.
Eddie joined the group Massachusetts 8 years, 8 months ago
David Crabill created the group Condiments 8 years, 8 months ago
David replied to the topic Marketplace for Cottage Foods in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 1 month ago
Over the past few years, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs try to establish an online marketplace for local foods — virtually all of them with limited or no success, myself included. So just by that fact alone, it’s clear that there are some serious barriers to entry in this space. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what those barriers are.
David replied to the topic beverages in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 1 month ago
It would probably be allowed under the cottage food law, but really, if your health inspector is okay with it with fewer requirements, then I’d say you’re good to go. They are the ones that regulate the laws, and their word about what’s allowed is final.
David replied to the topic Labeling of items in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 7 months ago
I don’t think there’s any exemption — perhaps the ag dept will allow you to hand out labels separately from the item, or possibly hand out the ingredient list separately.
If you look at some products in stores (like candy bars), you can see that a lot of info can be fit onto a small package. It’s also possible to use some creativity to attach…[Read more]
David replied to the topic hispanic foods in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 10 months ago
No, you need a commercial kitchen for that. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial
David replied to the topic Tax number, insurance… in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 11 months ago
You probably need a business license (you don’t need to be incorporated)… not sure if you need a tax number. Here’s some info on insurance: http://forrager.com/faq/#insurance
It all depends on where you live. I’d recommend that as a first step, you call your county’s planning division.
Yoyo started the topic Tax number, insurance… in the forum Massachusetts 9 years, 11 months ago
Hi David, Hi everyone!
I will have my authorization for a retail residential kitchen soon and I was wondering if I needed a tax number, a legal denomination (LLC, sole proprietor…) and a specific type of insurance?
Thanks a lot for you help!Yoyo joined the group Massachusetts 9 years, 11 months ago
David replied to the topic Businesses or Individuals in the forum Massachusetts 10 years ago
Usually restaurants and grocery stores are more lucrative if you can get them to carry your products. Most startups just do whatever they can get their hands on, or whatever they have the time for. Selling to individuals takes less time and effort, and can be more rewarding because you develop relationships with your customers. But it just depends…[Read more]
Stephanie Borns joined the group Massachusetts 10 years, 3 months ago
David joined the group Massachusetts 10 years, 4 months ago
David Crabill created the group Massachusetts 10 years, 10 months ago
Hey Dave,
Im having a heck of a time figuring out how to open a home bus. selling fruit pies.
I want to make in my home and sell local only. Can you help me navigate and possible create a check list for me for steps to take to get it moving? Thanks
Eddie, this is the closest thing to a checklist I have: http://forrager.com/law/massachusetts/#business
This might also help: http://forrager.com/faq/#starting
In addition to the health dept, you could try contacting the ag dept and see if they can help you.