Online Spice Business

[UnshakenNeedsStirring]

Hi, Just wanted some advice from fellow mumsnetters. I am thinking of starting an online business of selling dry spice mixes to create dishes at home. I will also have a website and video tutorials on youtube. I plan to print out the ingredients list and paste at the back of the packaging(eco friendly) with a link to the website where you can see how to create a dish. Think butter chicken, butter paneer, sag aloo, bombay potatoes etc. I plan to have a good mix of vegan, vegetarian dishes as well. Something for everyone. Plan to sell via etsy or Amazon or Ebay as well as my website. What do you think of this? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

Do your research.
Simply cook don't send out the whole ingredients list. Just the spices and oils that you need - you buy the rest.

Have you factored in the insurances/health and safety/food inspection requirements and what costs they may bring?

I use The Spicery a lot. I have all of their cookbooks and a subscription for their vegetarian box, I also regularly buy their spice blends. It's definitely worth the money compared to buying unusual spices from Asian shops and trying to make my own mix. The spices are so much fresher and very well blended. I think they started with a market stall and built up the company from there.

As pp said, try local markets first.

@Pinkflipflop85 Yes I am getting the hygiene certificates sorted via council. Dont have money for insurance as its a good few hundred pounds. But will be able to it by spring next year.

Thanks! I do love their website as well.

Just to add to what others have put, all very good advice:
Do not make health claims in anyway shape or form. This is illegal.
You need to have insurance. If someone has an allergic reaction to something or even gets food poisoning it will cost you far more than a few hundred pounds.
You are catering for a very niche market. You say it's not to make a lot of money, but the reality is it will cost you money. People who like cooking in such a way will tend to search out individual herbs and spices or use the well known companies.

Hi, no no health claims what so ever.

It just concerned me when you put "All these herbs are not only delicious they are also essential to maintain a healthy body and have many ayurvedic uses as well." You can't say that in your sales patter or descriptions because it isn't scientifically proven.

Hi, They are beneficial to us and hence added to curries. Fennel, celery seed cinnamon asafoetida turmeric and cumin not only add wholesome flavour but also prevent several diseases by fighting free radicals and increasing your body’s immunity. They are also rich in anti oxidants. I wouldn't be posting any such claims on my website though. ITs all about flavour, any added benefits are a plus

Do it on Instagram and tiktok. Maybe worth speaking to a content creator...

Obviously you need insurance. These people thinking they can start businesses without having the first clue about basic things like insurance never ceases to amaze me. So if someone sues you if they get sick from eating one of these spices how will you pay compensatin? If you don't even have the money for something as basic as insurance then don't bother even starting a business

Give us an update then. Has this badly thought out doomed to fail business gone bust yet?

Obviously it went bust. What a shock.

Hi, have you Managed to start you spice business? I am very keen to start mine also and was wondering how you got on.