Starting a home-based business in Singapore is one of the simplest ways to test a business idea without renting a shop. Many home bakers, cake makers and home cooks start with a few orders from friends and grow from there. This guide walks you through the steps, from choosing what to sell to getting your first customers online.
Quick note: this guide covers the practical side. For the rules, licences and registration, read our companion guide, Home-Based Business Licences in Singapore: What You Need.
Step 1: Choose what you want to sell
Start with something you already make well and enjoy making again and again. Popular home-based businesses in Singapore include:
- Home bakes: cookies, brownies, breads and tarts. See what other bakers offer in Home Bakes.
- Cakes: birthday, celebration and custom cakes. Browse Cakes for ideas.
- Local delights: kueh, sambal, kaya, achar and heritage recipes. See Local Delights.
- Non-food: handmade crafts, beauty services, tuition, sewing or freelance work.
Ask yourself three questions: can you make it consistently, can you make it in a normal home kitchen or room, and will people pay enough for it to be worth your time?
Step 2: Check that you can run it from home
Small-scale home businesses are allowed in both HDB flats and private homes, but there are conditions. For example, the home must stay a residence, you can’t put up signs or posters at your home, and you can’t bring in non-resident staff to work there. Food businesses also have extra rules, such as no catering.
We explain all of this, with links to the official HDB, URA and SFA pages, in our guide to home-based business licences and rules. Read it before you take your first order.
Step 3: Decide on your business name and register if needed
Pick a short, memorable name that’s easy to search on Instagram and Google. Check that the name and social handles are free. Depending on how you trade, you may need to register your business with ACRA; the licences guide explains when.
Step 4: Work out your costs and set your prices
Many new home businesses undercharge. Add up everything that goes into one order:
- Ingredients or materials
- Packaging, boxes, labels and ribbons
- Gas, electricity and equipment wear
- Your time, at an hourly rate you’d be happy with
- Delivery costs, if you include delivery
Then check what similar sellers charge. If your price is higher, make sure your listing explains why, for example premium ingredients, bigger portions or custom designs.
Step 5: Set up ordering, payment and collection
Keep it simple at the start:
- Orders: a WhatsApp Business account with a catalogue and quick replies saves a lot of typing.
- Payment: most Singapore customers are comfortable with PayNow. Ask for payment or a deposit before you start baking custom orders.
- Lead time: tell customers how many days’ notice you need, especially for cakes.
- Collection or delivery: decide whether buyers self-collect, or whether you deliver or use a courier, and what it costs.
Step 6: Get found online for free
You don’t need a big budget to market a home-based business. Start with free channels and use them consistently:
- Instagram: post clear, well-lit photos and short videos of your products, and put your ordering details in your bio.
- Telegram and WhatsApp groups: neighbourhood and estate groups are a big source of first orders for home bakers.
- Friends and family: ask happy customers to share a photo and tag you.
- Online marketplaces: list your products where shoppers already browse by category. On Shiokly you can get a free listing for your home-based business, with your first product listed at no cost.
Whatever channels you use, good photos matter most. Shoot near a window in daylight, on a clean background, and show the product up close.
Step 7: Keep records from day one
Track every sale and expense in a simple spreadsheet. It helps you see which products make money, and you’ll need these records when you file your income tax. The licences guide covers how tax works for home businesses.
Your home business launch checklist
- Product chosen and tested
- Home business rules checked for your HDB flat or private home
- Business name picked, and registered with ACRA if required
- Costs worked out and prices set
- Ordering, payment, lead time and collection decided
- Instagram set up and your first product listed online
- Sales and expenses spreadsheet ready
Ready to sell online?
List your first product free and let Singapore shoppers find your home business. See how selling on Shiokly works.