How to Start a Candy Buffet Business

One of the more unique business opportunities that is available today is a candy buffet business. This type of business will set up a wide array of candies at a public event or within your own shop where people can pick and choose their favorite items. You’ll find them today at charity events, weddings, birthdays, and even a business function.

Knowing how to start a candy buffet business begins with securing wholesale prices for the candies you’ll want to serve. You will also need to have a talent for arranging the colorful candies in specific ways that makes them aesthetically pleasing so people will want to eat them. Creating focal points with candy is going to be one of your most used job skills.

You’ll also want to be able to follow these additional steps to get your new business off the ground.

1. Research the Candy Buffet Market in your Community.

Most communities only have the ability to support one business of this type. If your area is more rural, then a candy buffet business may serve an entire country or region instead of one urban center. If there are already candy buffet businesses in operation, you’ll have a difficult time finding success. If there isn’t a business in place, then you may have the chance for an amazing business opportunity.

2. Speak with Local Event Planners and Suppliers.

You will be partnering your candy buffet business with wedding and party planners. You’ll want to make sure that your business fits in with what everyone else is doing so that all of you can work together. You may even wish to have your business listed as a vendor so you receive subcontracting money from the established planners in your community.

3. Make your Business Presence Official.

Before you order inventory, you’ll likely need to have established your business presence in an official manner. This means filing for business licenses and permits that are required based on your local jurisdiction. You will typically need a food service or distribution permit in addition to other business licenses. You and any staff you may plan to hire may also need to be certified in food handling. If you do hire employees, you’ll also need an EIN and a way to withhold taxes.

4. Contact Suppliers to Gain Access to the Candy you Want.

You could purchase the candy at retail prices, but that will give you razor thin margins with which to work. The best thing to do is to contact wholesale candy suppliers or distributors to see what costs are in this arena. They will typically be better than retail prices and you’ll be able to make real profits with every job that you’re able to take,

5. Create a Menu of Buffet Services That Make Purchasing your Services a Simplified Process.

You’ll want to have a list of several different buffets that you can setup for clients at different price points. Make sure that you clearly outline which candies are available at each price point to avoid confusion or possible litigation in the future. Be very clear about the services you’ll be providing and what happens to the leftover candies after an event concludes.

6. Find Display Containers That Will Give Your Business a Unique Look.

When most people think about a candy buffet, they picture the shelves of candy containers that are found in a bulk store. With better storage containers that give your business a unique look, you’ll find that prospects will be more attracted to wanting to do business with you. Try to have containers that are suitable for all of the various events that you may be asked to host. Think about tablecloths, scoops, and other complimentary tools and their looks as well.

7. Market Yourself a Little Bit Every Day.

If you spend just 30 minutes per day at the start of your day on your marketing, then you’ll be able to spend 10 hours per month prospecting. You need to have prospects available for your sales funnel to produce any revenues and most won’t just walk through your doors. Create brochures and flyers about your services. Consider producing a video and uploading it to YouTube or other hosting providers. Set a goal to make at least 5 phone calls per day to speak with local business owners. These efforts will eventually pay off in the long run.

Knowing how to start a candy buffet business will help you evolve your passion into a money-making opportunity. Use these steps to get your business venture started and you may find some sweet profits headed your way.