The Business of Artisan Chocolate

The podcast is back in the face of industry shakeup from a major artisan chocolatier closing shop and the renewed sense urgency to help others get profitable!My name is Konstantin Zsigo, I'm a professional chocolatier with a shop in Michigan. I've been making chocolates for a living since 2016 and as a hobby in 2010. I have a lot of insights to share.Follow my new Instagram account dedicated to this podcast and interactions with fellow chocolatiers, tips, advice, resources, etc. @ProChocolatierEmail me at Konny@MastersOfConfection.comOnline Storefront: KonstantinZsigo.com

In this episode we look at my formula for earning $100,000 in net take-home pay. I'll show you how I did it in 2021, how I adjusted my strategy from previous years, and exactly how it impacted the bottom line. I will also line out the various business stages that most typical chocolatiers work through over a multi-year time horizon and what's happening financially at each stage.To donate a few dollars to the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigoQuestions & Comments: Konny@MastersOfConfection.comTheme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.comProduction by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com

In this episode we'll do deep dive into the intricacies of product packaging -- not only the types of packaging but also the trade-offs and financial ramifications of competing packaging tactics.  We'll talk through just-in-time packaging vs retail packaging, packaging for shipping, packaging for pop-ups and the nuances of each along the challenges you'll eventually face.  I'll also try to give you some practical advice. As ever, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Email if you want to expand on the conversation. I'm here for you. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com Production by Chris Sweeley: https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com

This is the bonus material for Episode 4, How to sell chocolates online.  In this short section I walk through two different orders to illustrate the profitability of an online order.  I also consider a "free shipping" policy, if you're interested in offering that to customers. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Show production: Chris Sweeley at https://Chris-Sweeley.squarespace.com Theme Music: Phil Denny at https://PhilDenny.com

In this episode I address the burning question, and the elephant in the room...Can you make ANY money doing this?  And if so, how hard do you need to work for it?  I'll take you through 2 examples with numbers and analysis so you understand the framework and apply it to your own business. Email me to get a copy of the spreadsheet I used to make this analysis, but please don't share it on the Internet. Questions & comments:  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com Show site at:  https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music: https://PhilDenny.com

In this first episode, Konstantin outlines some of the challenges of owning an artisan chocolate business and the various topics that will be addressed in the podcast. He also gives his background and story and invites you reach out and make contact. Konstantin has been a chocolatier for over 10 years and owns a retail shop in Bath, Michigan, USA.  See it at ParkLakeCreamery.com  To contact Konstantin J. Zsigo, Chocolatier,  Konny@MastersOfConfection.com To directly support the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo Theme Music, Brio Bounce by https://PhilDenny.com