Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
I like the idea of frappucinos.. even if there is a starbucks a block away.. cheap and easy item to offer, thanks !
Forum Activity for @Stephane Laviolette
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Hi,
I would try to differentiate a bit from the candy store. I would remove or relocate those superman and the beatles frames and add some chocolate/cacao ambientation. I would add an expresso machine and serve consistently great (fair trade) coffee. If that's a freezer... I would also make fruit shakes from frozen fruits sprinkled with cacao nibs, dark chocolate or white chocolate. You may do "frappucinos" also... Just some ideas... good luck to you!
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
The space looks much better now. Perhaps you could add some signage showing how you can make custom bars. Or a big sign showing the flavors. I mean big enough to put across the red desk. All that frontage is being wasted. Is there a question or something you could put on a sign to draw people in?As far a bar coding your products be sure to do some homework on buying your bar codes and being sure you own them universally. This will make it easier to expand into other stores. Not having to staff all the time would really help with cash flows
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Hi,
I have a very small base but I moved cities so i can't really count on them, i have to build from the ground up. I was hoping the foot traffic of the candy store would give me a boost, now obviously it helps but still.. i do have limited space to work with and yes, i can use the window.
I am looking into getting a 4ft display case for truffles but will need to be crafty to fit it in there, but god are those units expensive..
the rest of the store has nothing in chocolate, apart from the regular store chocolate bars ( kit kats, etc )
Now they propose an interesting option, if I barcode everything the will make my sales, minus a kickback, for periods I have no one on site.
So right now I am trying to think about some marketing ideas to draw traffic in, i have a sidewalk sign promoting my custom chocolate bars, but its not enough I think..
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
It takes a bit of time to build up a customer base. Did you have customers before moving? Do they know where to find you? Are you sampling? Is the rest of the store at the same price point as you? Is the rest of the store competing with you? Can you use the window? Can you make something with an aroma to draw customers to you?
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
by the way the initial photo is before I moved in, here is a photo of what the space looks like with my stock. 
Need some help for my new shop
Posted in: Tasting Notes
hi,
I got a great opportunity, an opportunity that one just can't refuse.. I was offered space within a very well established candy store on a very busy street, were talking about a store with an average of 110 paying transactions per day and probably 3 times more individuals coming in the store.
So I rent out about 150sq ft, I do not have much display space, I have attached a photo of the space. I do not have a refrigerated display case so i am limited as far as truffles.
I moved in saturday, built up the inventory including chocolate bars, pops, 9 truffle selections, truffle pops, various dipped candies, fudges, various barks, etc
Now sales are not great so far, I know I cannot expected miracles but with the foot traffic I was expecting more, maybe I do not have the proper inventory, this is why I am posting, to seek some ideas on what I can put up for sale.
I never had a store before, the rent is great and I love the place, but sales have to go up and I feel I am missing something. One thisng I do offer is custom chocolate bars, people can bring whatever they bought in the store to me and I craft a custom, people love it but by itself it cannot support the whole operation.
I am looking for product ideas.. any suggestions even on the setup ?
any input would be greatly appreciated !
thank you
updated by @Stephane Laviolette: 04/14/15 07:27:09
% of emulsifier in dark ,milk,white chocolate
Posted in: Tasting Notes
that's a very complicated question mate - different emulsifiers do different things, and how they work is hugely dependent upon many variables. Very generally speaking, E442 at 0.4-0.6% and E476 at 0.l%-0.3%. E442 will impact something called apparent viscosity while E476's main impact is on something called yield value. If you're uncertain of what those things mean, i'd suggest you consider the more conventional E332 at 0.5%..
% of emulsifier in dark ,milk,white chocolate
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Please guide me on, in what percentage should emulsifiers E-442,476 be added ?e.g % in 1 kg of dark,milk, white compound chocalate
updated by @kamlesh s: 05/16/15 04:20:24
Help - streaks in my chocolate
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi Sabrina,
This is a pretty common problem that most of us have had at one time or another. There are a bunch of discussions about this here on the Chocolate Life. If you do a search for streaks, you'll find a lot of good info about how to avoid them.
Good luck!
Ben
Help - streaks in my chocolate
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi there,
I've recently started making chocolate from bean and I'm struggling to get the tempering right. I am getting steaks in my chocolate and I'm not sure if it's because I am not cooling it enough or reheating it too much. Or some other reason.
I'm currently heating my milk chocolate to 46C, cooling it to 28C, (using a cool water bath, not seed chocolate) and then reheating to 30C. I've tried to cool it lower that 28C, but then it start to get too solid, and can't be molded properly, unless I heat it way over 30C.
Also, I do not get steaks in my whole batch. About 30% of the molded bars will streak, but the rest are fine. And the ones with streaks come from my early, mid and late molds, so it's not a factor of time.
Any ideas on how to resolve this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
updated by @Sabrina M: 04/11/25 09:27:36
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hilliard 80 lbs unit on craigslist $3100
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
i am a cocoa farmer from east africa, and i am able to supply any quantity of cocoa bean requested Contact me soonest if interested lopezmariam3@gmail.com
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Dear sabrina we offer u best price and new machine 15 kgs plus warranty think about us regards
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Thanks Larry
Sorry I have not responded sooner, a few life delays occurred in the last month.
To answer your question, I plan to create truffles a variety of fillings for now.
I'm hoping to make at least a 100 a day at the moment. I'm in the process of sourcing chocolate , in particular Guittard.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hi
After re-thinking and researching different types of tempering machines, any thoughts on the Chocovision Revolation X3210 (Rev X) ? I'm also interested in refurbished or used machines anyone know of the Chocolatetemperingmachines.com ? Are they a reliable company online?
I really would appreciate any suggestions you may have for starting with the right tempering machine for my small business, I'm very much a beginner!
Thank you
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Levi,
I apologize for the delay. I spent last week out camping with the boy scouts. I'm just now getting back in the swing of things.
The classifieds section of this site is probably your best bet on getting a less expensive but high quality enrober. I'm not fond of the chocovision enrober. Yes, even with buying the whole setup new, they don't havea good way to get chocolates off the belt yet. i.e. paper take off belt. Nor does their machine havea blower or detailer. I spoke to one of their guys last spring about posting a video of the machine in action. - it was 'coming' but still isn't on their site yet.
I don't have an enrober yet, but through learning on TheChocolateLife and a training session with an amazing local chocolatier, I've learned that it will be remarkably valuable.
I've toyed with the idea of building an enrober to fit our Rev 3210, but I think the problem would become running out of chocolate too quickly. Even with a holey baffle. Besides, that may not be worth reinventing the wheel.
Perfect Equipment and Bakon have some smaller machines. They come up used on here every so often. Clay is a distributor for FBM machines. He can get you pricing on their smaller equipment. From what I recall, they are priced right in there with Perfect and Bakon's entry level machines, but offer continuous tempering.
As far as mobility goes, could a machine that would roll up a ramp and onto a box truck be deemed mobile? or is this a carry up the stairs and around corners kind of mobile?
There was another true table top machine, but I cannot remember the brand. Hmmm.
I looked into mixing and matching brands of equipment. However I was encouraged to keep things simple by staying with one brand. This would reduce the number of areas for difficulty and reduce the troubleshooting challenges.
Welcome to TheChocolateLife
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hi Larry,
I'm new to this forum and pretty new to the chocolate world. I just purchased the Revolution Delta and am looking for an enrober to go with it [a local Chocolate 'maker' advised me to purchase the Revolution). From the limited research I've done online, I have not been successful in finding a "small" enrober that would work with the Revolution Delta. I was wondering whether you can provide some advice where I can pick up an enrober similar to Chocovison's version (the enrober by Chocovision will not work with the Revolution (link to Chocovision enrober: http://www.chocovision.com/index.php?cPath=37&id=384&name=E... ). I'm not limited to the Revolution, it's just that I need a tempering machine that's somewhat mobile..
Feel free to message me directly: levi@jcrafts.org
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Levi
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Maroun:
I have to counsel you again here on the way you represent your machines and business. You have a particular type of batch tempering machine - one with a wheel. You do not have the best machine for all startup businesses.
:: Clay
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Maroun:
Your English here is not correct. Your recommendation to Sabrina is just that, a recommendation - it is not that she "must" buy from you the machine you advise her on. Also, other people in the future may be interested in what you recommend to Sabrina, so I would appreciate your keeping the answers public - and not asking members to email you privately.
:: Clay
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hi Larry, If the Little Dipper is still available could you please contact me at melanieparkcity@msn.com. Thanks!
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Those prices are especially for chocolate life .com
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Dear sabrina I have the best machine for startup business and lowest price you could start with 15 kgs with agitator as semi automatic one and can be used for tempering and moulding and neef separate vibrator to remove bubbles and latet you could buy 30 kgs with enrober if you start with me will support you by best price you will never find it no where I found more than 100 small businesses worldwide for the vibrator and moulder 15 kgs will cost you 2600 plus 700 usd warranted and free shipping door to nearest airport new one if need 30 kgs with vibrator onboard 4000 fob new ine also two years warranty market p r ice 7500 usd reply me within this week if u r Interested regards
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hi Sabrina,
You might want to try Andy Greenberg" at unionstandard@unionmachinery.com
They usually specialize in larger usedequipment, but may have some smaller items around.
Good Luck,
John R.
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
send me your email to advice you which machine you must buy and will link you to picture dessertshouse@live.com
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Sabrina,Please tell us more about your plans. Will you be dipping or molding. How much per day will you be doing.What will you be dipping. The more information you share the better advise you'll get.Here is a conversation about the benefits and disadvantages of the chocovision x3210 & Delta compared to the Hilliard Little Dipper. http://www.thechocolatelife.com/forum/topics/hilliard-vs-chocovision-newby-here Are you looking for an enrober?What is your budget?Thanks & welcome to The Chocolate Life. You will love it here.Larry
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
I have a Hilliards Little Dipper for sale. $700. Free shipping.Please message me.
looking for a decent tempering machine ASAP
Posted in: Opinion
Hi I'm starting a small home business and would like to by a good used tempering machine! Not looking for any particular kind just a good one to start. Any recommendations are accepted.
Thanks
updated by @sabrina: 04/09/15 05:45:45
low % butter commercial callets?
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Call the fine folks at Cargill or Blommer and they can walk you through what their current offerings are..
low % butter commercial callets?
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Do you know which chocolate would be in that range?
low % butter commercial callets?
Posted in: Tasting Notes
most of your standard milk chocolate is going to have about 12% liquor by default. you want a milk chocolate that has 1/2 the fat of standard milk chocolate? if so, while it's technically feasible, you're simply not going to find any supplier who has the knowledge or desire to do such a thing i'm afraid. about the lowest commercially available milk chocolate - finished fat level - that your'e going to find (assuming you want to enrobe or mold with it) will be about 28% ish.
low % butter commercial callets?
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Ideally 12% mass lower or greater.. so around half the fat
low % butter commercial callets?
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Does anyone know where to get a few pounds of preferably milk callets, low fat? I'm trying the ethyl cellulose experiment to bring the melting point up. Please.. I'm a geek and I must try this no matter how horrifying it sounds to your pallet. Any hints? Thanks
updated by @Drew E: 05/21/15 05:29:31
Yabisi Kakaw : Rebooting Puerto Rico's cacao heritage. | Kickstarter Campaign | FINAL DAYS!
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Luis,
Saludos! Me encantara tener la oportunidad de conocerlo! Gracias! Ac a tus rdenes!
Jos
Yabisi Kakaw : Rebooting Puerto Rico's cacao heritage. | Kickstarter Campaign | FINAL DAYS!
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Hola Jose.
Hace 2 a-os atra yo abri una tienda en Milwaukee WI d chocolate (chocobella in bayview) cuando mi abuelo se entero me envio unas bainas d cacao d unos arboles qtiene en su patio d su casa en Bayamon PR. yo quede encantado mi abuelo a sido agricultor toda su vida el tiene 98 a-o s pero siguie sembrando auque no lo creas, yo creo q el t puede ayudar en el 2010 yo fuy a PR y el tenia secandos unas planta d tabaco q el no ve en PR asia 30 a-os como el masca tiraba las sobra en una parte del patio y se le dio la mata. estoy seguro q es el agricultor Puertorique-o mas viejo q queda en la isla y un consejo no vendria mal, espero q puedas sacar adelante esta gran cosecha, the life is better with CHOCOLATE !!
Yabisi Kakaw : Rebooting Puerto Rico's cacao heritage. | Kickstarter Campaign | FINAL DAYS!
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Hello everyone,
For quite some time now, Ive been in love and fascinated with theobroma cacao, the plant. Whose seed was once used as currency in pre-columbian civilizations in South America I live in Puerto Rico, one of the places the Spanish conquistadors brought seeds and and started commercial production in the 17th century. Historical records show that along with ginger, cacao was the main agricultural crop at that time.
In that same century, the archipelago was hit by a hurricane that affected the crops. Because of food shortages, farmers had to abandon cacao. Almost three centuries later, generations of those original trees, (some people speculate that some naturalized varieties are related to Venezuelas porcelanas), remain hidden at old farms.
It is a fascinating story, but not the one we would like to read on history books and remember with nostalgia. Together with other initiatives, we would like to be part of the resurgence of cacao production in Puerto Rico.
Not any cacao, but one of the finest, social and environmentally responsible in the world.
Ive setup a kickstarter campaign to help us accelerate the plans to bring back Puerto Ricos cacao heritage and reboot commercial production. In addition to the traditional ways of helping us we also are accepting the most popular cryptocurrencies.
We've set up a series of rewards for different pledge levels, including final artisan bars, dehydrated cacao pods (for souvenir or educational purposes) , adopt-a-tree program, and other items that you may find of your liking.
Were open to suggestions and any questions you may have.
You can find more details of the story and our plan at the official campaign clicking the image below :
updated by @José Crespo: 12/13/24 12:16:07
newby maybe stupid question
Posted in: Tasting Notes
I agree with Miguel about buying used equipment. Unless it's refurbished or I was planning on refurbishing it, I wouldn't buy used. This is the "rough service" stuff like a melangeur or conche/refiner. Basic chocolate equipment like tempering machines and such I believe it's OK (and have done so) to buy used.
For starter operations, Chocolate Alchemy has a decent array of equipment.
newby maybe stupid question
Posted in: Tasting Notes
What machines are you looking for specifically? What is the hourly or daily production you are expecting to get with it?
To tell the truth, buying used chocolate machinery is very tricky and you need to check very deeply on your purchase.
Right know I just know of two companies that would sell used equipment.
- MTE Bifaro in Italy.
- Union Machinery in the States.
newby maybe stupid question
Posted in: Tasting Notes
many thanks, Miguel
Hi thanks for the reply, I'm starting on this issue and I have many doubts. another question where I can get used machines?