Need feedback on a business idea.

United States
February 9, 2007 3:02pm CST
I'm thinking about starting a small business. I would like some feedback/thoughts on this idea to see if its a feasible one. First off, I live near a university and would like to start a cookie/brownie delivery service aimed at the unversity students. I'd make the items myself and possibly hire a student to help w/deliveries. I was watching Food Network and saw a similar business and thought it'd be great to start one in my city. What do y'all think about this idea?
3 people like this
11 responses
@mememama (3076)
• United States
18 Feb 07
I went to a university that had a student convenient store inside their student union. That store sold local baked goods, and when you are a college student on the run, that's really great! So maybe you should look into seeing if you can sell them at something like that.
2 people like this
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
10 Feb 07
First thing I would do in your situation is talk to the university to make certain they would have no problem with you targeting your business on campus, which should be fine in my opinion. Find soemthing unique about the service you can provide, whether it be gift packaging, brownie recipes with natural stimulants for increased concentration or memory for example peppermint essence, etc. Use this to draw in clients. Marketing and Promotion are one of the most important aspects to consider, so make sure you have a clear business plan drawn up. Think about competitors in the area and how you are going to make yourself stand out. Gosh, theres so much I could say to you. Do you have any specific questions? I have discussions/responses about marketing and promotion in great detail... if that helps at all.
• United States
10 Feb 07
I hadn't thought of natural stimulants-that's a really good idea. One unique thing I'd focus on is that I'd deliver until midnight or 1 am. I figure alot of students would up late studying. I will have to sit down and write out a plan.
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
10 Feb 07
Yup, the plan is definitely the first thing to do. When you said midnight to 1am, you gave me a good idea. Why dont you make them exam/study survival kits?? Have cookies/brownies with natural stimulants, scented candles again with stimulant essential oils or oils tha promote concentration or memory, plus a few other things like: ~ a spare pen or two ~ an energy drink ~ coffees/etc delivered hot to their door ~ a small plastic maassager ~ hand cream ~ breath mints The list of possibilities is endless... You could have different "packages" like a cookie/coffee package which is simply a hot drink of choice (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, iced coffee)plus a cookie or two. You could havedifferent packs for males/females, night/day, exams/ general study. The only limitations you are bound by are those you place on yourself...
1 person likes this
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
10 Feb 07
By the way if you need some help writing out a business plan just let me know. I know of some great online resources for starters, and would be able to help you out myself if you need it :) Offers there anyway. I always get excited out of helping someone start their own business. I wonder if I should go into business as a business consultant/advisor lol. Im about to start my third at home business and its gonna be tough having three on the go at the one time, but I enjoy it, and i enjoy the feeling you have when its successful :)
1 person likes this
@kparab (301)
• United States
17 Feb 07
its great idea you can start making cookie/brownie and as an advt start distributing it to student as sample so that they will come back again and u too can get experience and feedback about your preparation
1 person likes this
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
17 Feb 07
Sounds like a winner to me! A University is always a great place to target a business. You may be the next Martha Stewart. LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Feb 07
lol- I'd like to have half her money! She's so dang creative.
• United States
17 Feb 07
Dara, I don't want to be the one to pee in your Cheerios, BUT....if you are going to make any food products there is always the possibility that your kitchen may need to have to be inspected and "up to code" the same as any other commercial kitchen. That may vary from state to state; but I do know that is the reason one of my friends could not start a bed and breakfast in her home. It is one of those pesky things you would have to check into and make sure you are "legal" before anything gets ugly. I saw where someone suggested candle making. That is very simple and takes little start up cost. I also make scented wax potpourri tarts, which are VERY easy. I don't do them for sale; but I have a huge family and you know what kind of gifts that I give! There is also soap making. The molds for soaps and wax tarts are really inexpensive. If you are interested, please let me know and I can direct you to some great places. I totally understand you wanting to work from home and wish you god and goddess blessings in finding the right fit for you. ~Donna
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Feb 07
LOL-pee in my cheerios. I've never heard that before- cute! I hadn't thought about inspection, but it makes sense. I do like candles, but don't you need alot of equipment? Soaps are a nice idea as well.
• United States
10 Feb 07
I think that would be a good idea. Another idea that you might consider is to sell scented candles! Considering that most university students live in a dorm with room mates they might like them to keep it smelling fresh!! If you like this idea let me know I can get you hooked with more information and from there even get you stated if you decide to try this!
• United States
10 Feb 07
Candles are also a nice idea. Thanks for the idea. :)
• United States
10 Feb 07
Candles are also a nice idea. Thanks for the idea. :)
@beckyomg1 (6756)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I would say that yes it would be a good idea, if you live with alot of traffic like that i would think that it may work.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Feb 07
I live about 10 minutes away from the university, and a couple minutes away from the off campus housing. :)
@siddhinfo (1500)
• India
13 Feb 07
This business is really good to start with and you will have good earning if you really dedicate to it. I think you can make good profits if you are prompt on service and the taste the paeople want.
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Sounds like a very nice idea. Would you be able to keep up with the demand if you were making it all your self? Maybe you can expand on the idea and include breakfast pastries. I know college students are notorious for not eating breakfast and that could be an idea. However, i have not started a business so perhaps I am the wrong person to ask. But good luck to you anyways.
• United States
9 Feb 07
In the beginning I could keep up, but if business was good, I'd hire someone to help, either another sahm or college student. I was also thinking about making the dough ahead of time and freezing it, so I had a constant supply. Pastries are a good idea-I'd have to learn to make them though. ;)
@1983tyler (507)
• United States
9 Feb 07
It sounds like a good idea. I don't watch the Food Network, but if some one else is doing it, it must be a good idea.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Feb 07
I know it worked for someone else, so that's why I'm leaning towards this. I like to bake so that's another big plus!
@Michele21 (3093)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I think it would be really great!! I love baking myself so I wouldn't be a great customer, but for colleges I think it is awesome!! I saw the show you are talking about =) Go for it!!!
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Feb 07
Thank you for the encouragement! :)