vinkandy
02-23-2015, 03:41 PM
Fellow boilers, I'm new to the forum and have some questions regarding selling Maple Syrup. I have a small farm in Western Michigan and have about 40 Maples on the property. Last year I tested the trees and made a few gallons of syrup using stainless buffet pans over a campfire. This year I decided to ramp things up.
I have three daughters and thought it would be a good learning experience for them to get involved in processing, marketing and selling something (Maple Syrup). I'm not out to make a fortune, but thought whatever profits they accrued, it could all be put toward their college accounts. In the process they would learn valuable skills about product development, engineering, marketing, sales etc...
I've fabricated a continuous flow 316 Stainless Steel evaporator and fire-box, purchased a refurbished GE E2 Series Reverse Osmosis machine and stocked up on collection containers and taps.
I have some question regarding legalities in selling our product at an 'average' farmers market. I was thinking it may be best to sit down with a small business attorney to draw up all the paperwork to become an LLC. Even though it's going to be an operation for my daughters to have fun with a make a few dollars, I'm unsure about the legalities that could come to bite us.
Do you recommend becoming an LLC?
Do I need to apply with the FDA even if our gross sales are under $15,000.00?
Any other pointers that could help us get started would be appreciated. We're not planning on selling syrup this year, as this is going to be our year to develop our processes and make lots of product to give away.
Thanks in avance!
I have three daughters and thought it would be a good learning experience for them to get involved in processing, marketing and selling something (Maple Syrup). I'm not out to make a fortune, but thought whatever profits they accrued, it could all be put toward their college accounts. In the process they would learn valuable skills about product development, engineering, marketing, sales etc...
I've fabricated a continuous flow 316 Stainless Steel evaporator and fire-box, purchased a refurbished GE E2 Series Reverse Osmosis machine and stocked up on collection containers and taps.
I have some question regarding legalities in selling our product at an 'average' farmers market. I was thinking it may be best to sit down with a small business attorney to draw up all the paperwork to become an LLC. Even though it's going to be an operation for my daughters to have fun with a make a few dollars, I'm unsure about the legalities that could come to bite us.
Do you recommend becoming an LLC?
Do I need to apply with the FDA even if our gross sales are under $15,000.00?
Any other pointers that could help us get started would be appreciated. We're not planning on selling syrup this year, as this is going to be our year to develop our processes and make lots of product to give away.
Thanks in avance!