6 helpful tips for home-based food business start-ups

Know your target market so you can narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers

If you’ve also been thinking of starting your own food business, let Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, guide you and help you. The trusted LPG gas of many business owners, Solane helps guarantee safety and weighs your LPG with its “Timbang Challenge service” which is essential for food business owners who want to get the best value for their money. 

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine is that they gave way to many delicious food home business start-ups. However, while majority of the start-ups continue to thrive today, home-based food businesses take a lot of work and require thorough research and planning to survive the ever-changing market.

Solane also offers these practical tips to succeed: 

Know your target market. Identify which group your business will target: Is it the health buff or dessert lover? Millennials or moms? By knowing your target market, you will be able to narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers.

Conduct market research. Since the food industry is very competitive, it’s important to do your research before opening your own food business. Join online seminars, safe business networking events, and interview people who run small business to know what works and what doesn’t. You can also test your food recipes on your family and friends and ask for their feedback so you can make any necessary changes for the best product possible.

Prepare licenses and permits. Check with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and your local government unit to familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits when opening a business. These documents are required to protect public health and safety, keep track of your finances for tax purposes, and help keep you accountable for your company’s actions, while simultaneously gaining the trust of new customers.

  

Use quality equipment. Aside from the ingredients, the kitchen equipment that you use are just as essential in running a food business. Make sure to invest in durable kitchen equipment, such as an oven if your business is baked goods, or a quality stove range to keep up with the demands of your food business.

Prioritize safety. In any food business, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and sanitation to ensure food safety. Restaurant owners should provide adequate hand sanitizing solutions, require employees to regularly wash their hands, and clean all kitchen tools and surfaces. Food business owners should also use high quality and safe LPG tanks, such as Solane, which conducts a free 7-Point Safety Check upon delivery to your home to help ensure that the LPG tanks are safely installed. 

Promote your business. Get your family and friends involved in helping you spread the word. Consider spending a little money to advertise your business in your online community groups and social media. Maximize the social media platforms and e-commerce business sites by creating your own business page to help your start-up reach a bigger market.

Starting your own home-based food business may be a risk and an uphill battle, but with hard work, ample preparation, the right equipment, and these tips from Solane, you can begin this new venture with more confidence. To know more about Solane, visit www.solane.com.ph.