Cookie Business Startup Checklist: 14 Steps to First Order
By FoodDropr Editorial··7 min read
If you've been wanting to start a cookie business for months, the only thing missing is a checklist. Here's the exact one — most home bakers finish it in 30 days.
Phase 1: Legal (Days 1-5)
Quick wins:
- Confirm your state's cottage food law allows baked goods
- Take food handler course if required ($10)
- Register business name or DBA
- Open a separate business bank account
Phase 2: Product (Days 6-14)
Lock down what you're selling:
- Choose 3-4 cookie SKUs (drop + decorated set + box)
- Cost out food cost per unit
- Set prices using the 3-4x formula
- Build a label template with disclosure statement
Phase 3: Visual (Days 15-21)
The work that doubles your conversion rate:
- Shoot 5 photos of each product (natural light, white plate)
- Buy or order branded boxes (50-100 to start)
- Print custom round stickers
- Set up Instagram with your products as the first 9 posts
Phase 4: Storefront (Days 22-26)
Stop planning, start selling:
- Set up FoodDropr storefront (15 minutes)
- Upload menu with photos and prices
- Set pickup window (Saturday 11am-1pm is standard)
- Set order cutoff (Wednesday 8pm)
Phase 5: Launch (Days 27-30)
First customers, real money:
- Post storefront link to 2 local Facebook groups
- Tell 20 people directly via DM and text
- Open your first drop
- Hand a thank-you card with link at every pickup
