I've been told (lightheartedly) that the thing I make for myself/family, I should sell.

[NotSquash]

I laughed it off and thanked him but it's got me thinking..could I?
I've no business mind. I'm not very smart either. (I'm more of a sleeves up, get things done kind of person). I'm also shy and social inept. A bit weird really.

So, I've made a cordial for years. Took a generic recipe, adapted it to my and husbands taste, changed the prep and made it organic and I've made it that way ever since.

To sell publicly - what do I need to do in order to be allowed to?

I'm funny about eating (homemade) foods from people that I don't know or from people I've seen be a bit grim (not covering mouth while sneezing, double dipping and similar) so how would I get someone to trust that MY (homemade) cordial is cleanly made..? DYSWIM? I do have good hygiene habits, I promise!

I anticipate that if I follow through with this idea, it'll be a hard nut to crack.

Do I get a financial advisor? A Business advisor?

I'm an almost middle aged woman. Should I even bother?

What do you think?

You need to speak to the council and trading standards about food hygiene and labelling as a first port of call.
You can do it, but it will require some leg work. You will need insurance as well as approval from the above. Selling at local fairs and markets would be an inexpensive way to test the waters.

So cordial isn't a big deal to start - its a product that needs packaging and bottles.
It is easy enough to start and so many people earn a good income on food businesses.

Council will do a quick check of premises and write you a certificate or rent somewhere to start it out.
Trade shows for food business is where you will take off.
Sounds like a great niche - organic cordial. Im thinking kids drinks, cocktail mixers around 3.50 for a small bottle.
Get in touch with some business forums and enterprise nation. If your in scotland I can help a fair bit.

I think it sounds like a cracking idea. I work with start ups myself and have had numerous businesses in the past - go for it. All you need to do is know your product and get to some of your local food fairs/school fairs etc to TEST THE MARKET!!

Do sample tastes and make up a small amount of bottles. Your clients will tell you all you need to know - if it's not selling it could be too expensive, a twist to the taste - get out there and ask people.

Perhaps you could take a stand at a fair and not sell, just ask people to taste? Get the kids to hand them out. Feedback is golden.

I am a practising artist and for each business I have had in the past, I test test test then get online. When you need a website, talk to me - I have lots of knowledge and you don't have to spend alot.

Best of luck and do it!!

There's a lot to be said for being a sleeves up get things done person. I think being willing to put in some hard work is half the battle.
There's also a lot to be said for a good plan. I'm terrible at maths but a good spread sheet with a worst, best and medium senario really helps before you invest money. Looking at what similar businesses are doing is also really useful.
Having your own business is so exciting I say go for it