I just make them myself and to be honest even if I didn't I probably wouldn't be bothered enough to order them in advance. And I would guess from the prices charged for these sorts of things (lasagne for instance) in the local butcher shops and market stalls that they would have to be expensive if you wanted to make a profit. But that would be for you to decide after a little more research I imagine. Best of luck anyway :-)

True, for dishes like Lasagne it would be expensive timewise -if they're to be made properly as I don't think they are here.

But scones and the like could be more profitable, I think. Of course I would need to sell enough. If only I could get the Swiss to try something different.

If i didnt make my own things, then i would certanly buy them 

I also make my own items, but then we are retired so have more time than most!

You don't think lasagna is made "properly" here because you grew up on Italian American lasagna. That's not what they like here. So I imagine your efforts will be in vain. 

Cupcakes, scones, muffins, carrot cake are everywhere. And things like lasagna, shepards/cottage pie and brownies are really very easy to make at home. Plus these are not the type of meals people would order in advance. People would want to grab them 'last minute' because they don't feel like cooking or don't have time to cook/run to the supermarket. 

Now, if you made me a Boston Cream pie I'd love you for life. Will I buy enough of them to keep you in business? Highly unlikely. 

Not that I want to discourage you. Even though I guess it does sound discouraging.  You want to have realistic advice right? 

Keep thinking!!! 

No i wouldn't say I grew up on American Lasagna as both my mother and grandfather were chefs. And my grandfather was Greek, so it wasn't typical cooking. Further, I find the Lasagna here tastes like it came from an American hospital. But if thats what "they" (who?) like, god bless 'em.

But I see your point about having enough business. I was thinking about traditional recepies as well. But it seems most people enjoy making it themselves.

But the Swiss people could be another avenue, as some of my wifes colleagues have tried some of my oatmeal bars/ scones and loved them as they are not familiar with these sorts of sweets.

Thanks for the input!

Hey Greg,

I lived in HK and there was a French guy there who used to import sausages and cheese (he was known as Mr Sausage among the ex-pat community but don't tell him I said that).

He was very active and dialled in with ex-pats and used to do a weekly delivery. I think how you market it is as important as what you're selling.

We always bought when he came around and it wasn't because we needed it but rather because he was there and the stuff looked good.

I think your idea could work but I think a market stall here wouldn't be the right way of doing it.

I didn't mean you _literally_ grew up on it. What I'm saying is that American lasgne is just different, and by extention what I'm trying to say is that Americans have different tastes to Europeans who have different tastes from Asian, etc. based on what we are used to eating. 

Now.... about that Boston cream pie?! ;)

Have you checked with Jim's and the Brit Shop and MyExpatShop to see if this market is already served?

Right, for the pie I could make either a 9" or 11". Prices would be 45 and 60.

Let me know if you're interested...

Ohhh! I was sort of joking about the BCP. lol.

I mean I didn't know you already had your business up and running. Can you PM me your website (if it's not allowed to post it here?). And I will definately order one when I have a dinner party. If I order a whole cake now I'll only eat it all myself. :o 

Here's another idea, how about salsa's and chutneys? You could make those in batches and they are not as quickly perishable.