are all brands of decorating tips numbered tthe same....for example is a Wiltons tip # 104 the same as an off brand tip # 104? The reason I ask is I am very new to cake decorating and I have found that I need alot of stuff but I can't afford to go out and but all of Wilton's supplies....so I found a resteraunt bulk store called cash-n-carry and they have their own brand tips for less than half the price of Wilton's kit...and they look just as good.

Some are I think, but then I think there are some that are not the same. I could be wrong. I'm not sure there is a standard for numbering tips that all companies must go by.

Here's some info from Sugarcraft...

http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/misc/tip-info.htm

Numbers are the same shapes/sizes no matter who makes them. *EXCEPT* for very few. Wilton does make a #86 that IS different (I like it better). Some companies make some tips that other companies don't make too. I mean, the other company won't have that number nor shape, see.

I am told by our vendors, that all tips are made in the same factory overseas and dif. company names are imprinted according to which one has them order them.

I find no particular company to be better quality than another.

Thanks Lisa, I really appreciate the info......

Randa

Well, some of the Ateco writing tips are not the same size as the Wilton ones. I have some older Ateco and the holes are a different size than the same numbered Wilton tips.
Hugs Squirrelly

I would never assume that the tips would be the same just by the number. There isn't even a standardized 1/2 sheet pan size, for pete's sake! You could buy the less expensive set, compare them to the Wilton and return them if you aren't satisfied. That's what I'd do--but then again, I think I am now a tip collector and I'll take anything I can get my hands on!

I'd buy a few and compare them to the Wilton ones.

Joe