I'm thinking of selling homemade treats at my job. What do I need to know?

[Anonymous]

Looking to earn a little extra cash so why not sell some cupcakes to my coworkers and then hopefully their friends or families.
Is this something I can do? I know there are a lot of lawyers on here so tell me what I need to know.

Im most concerned about what happens if someone has an allergic reaction or something.
Thanks

Oh, and how should I price items? What would you pay?

Im thinking of doing some of these:

soups and stews (1 qt)
salads
cupcakes (each or by the dozen)
pies
cakes

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Don't.

[Anonymous]

why not?

[Anonymous]

Not sure the type of environment you work in - but my employer would never allow this. Have you checked with anyone To make sure this is acceptable?

No one Wants to be pressured into buying your baked goods.

[Anonymous]

It sets up an awkward dynamic for your colleagues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sets up an awkward dynamic for your colleagues.

This.

[Anonymous]

I would frown on a staffer doing what you suggest. It is not the mission of my workplace.
If you get approval, you will need insurance.

[Anonymous]

ugh dont do this. its like that one co worker who is always selling her kids girl scout cookies or mary kay or thirty-one or whatever. people feel obligated to buy. i had one lady who sold her "famous" pumpkin rolls every fall and we all felt like we had to buy them. t

[Anonymous]

That would be even weirder than people selling crap for their kids. Don't do it. You'll alienate your coworkers.

[Anonymous]

OP, are you really that clueless?

If you are, here is why you should never do this:

You are putting your colleagues in a very awkward social situation, where they will feel pressured to buy because they know you and their first impulse is to be polite, but resentment will build because they will not really want to buy from you.

Also, as PPs have said, this might not even be legal in your workplace, particularly if you are anyone's supervisor and sell to your subordinates (although I suppose this does not apply to you), who might feel coerced into buying because you are their boss.

For future occasions, selling someone else's stuff to friends or coworkers is also tasteless and rude. Think Stella and Dot pyramid schemes, or even Girl Scout cookies (I know many like them, but still).

Really, OP, you should know better. If you want a side business, open a side business but don't mix them up.

[Anonymous]

HR Bitch here: There's no soliciting in our offices. You could wind up fired if you did this at my company.

[Anonymous]

OP- also know that selling homemade food runs you into health inspection territory for food vendors. Are you licensed? Do you have a kitchen that meets food safety standards?

[Anonymous]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Terrible, terrible, terrible idea. People will hate you. Hate you. And your boss will hate you too.

[Anonymous]

Where do you work OP--I don't mean specifically, but generally?

[Anonymous]

OP - Is there some other way you can sell home made food to raise more income. How about at a flea market? You may have to get your kitchen approved to do this, but think that would be a better route than risking offending boss and/or work colleagues.