Currently we offer quite a few flavors (cakes and fillings), and like it that way. However, it is causing a few problems regarding tastings. Most people just want vanilla or chocolate- maybe a red velvet or carrot cake somewhere in there, but not often. We do tastings pretty much any time. I know I've read on here where some do them on certain days only. I am hesitant to do this because we're new and don't want to lose any potential business. BUT- it's driving me nuts. We ask them to give us 2 days notice so that we may prepare their choices, and for the most part they do. But I can't really make only a small portion of the recipe, so all of these extra cakes and fillings are really a waste. Also, it seems like we're spending a lot of money and wasting most of it. I know you have to spend money to make money, and that's all fine and well, but I'm not all about wasting it!

How do you conduct your tastings when you are just starting out? We don't have an actual bakery, so it's not like we could sell leftover cake by the slice or anything. Also, I like Antonia74's cupcake idea, but I find that cupcakes aren't usually as good as cake (too much of the crusty part!). Are there any tricks there?

TIA for any suggestions, ideas, solutions, etc.,
Suz

I haven't done any. But when I went for tastings when I got married I really liked what this one decorator who worked from home did. She made, what looked like a couple of sheet cakes. We got two large slices of cakes each had three layers of different cakes and 2 layers of different fillings. So we were able to taste all the flavor combos that she offered. Maybe you could do this sort of thing and make up half recipes? Or try to schedule a few cake tastings in the same week and just use the same cakes for each tasting. Or maybe you could freeze the cakes in slices and just pull out the amount you need and kind of make a little mini cake?

Just some ideas!

I make mini-muffins - 1 per person at the tasting - that way they can try many flavors but not a lot of cake - I almost always have IMBC around for my frosting - I freeze the muffins and take them out the night before the tasting - While I don't freeze cakes at all - I do let people know that the samples have been frozen and that this is the most economical way for me to be abel to give free tastings......

Just a suggestion....I have seen where some people charge for tastings (anywhere from $15-$25) and if they book their wedding w/you...then the price is deducted from the order.

Not sure what to do w/the wasted cake, b/c I have the same problem. I've just cooked the additional batter and made cake truffles (balls) or bread pudding w/it.

I've only had a few inquiries about wedding cakes so far and I require a 3 days notice...no exceptions!!

sorry couldn't be of more help!!

I would make jumbo cup cake but if you do not like that then I would make 4 inch or 6 inch cakes. You can freeze cakes for three months. this way you can pull out a single layer, frost it and let them try. You should have set days and times. they can schedule their name and you will know how many samples to put out for everyone. This will save you time and headaches. So if someone calls for a tasting you can say "our next tasting is Tuesday night 5pm to 7pm or Saturday afternoon, can I put you down and what type of cake would like to see" . this way you can have your stuff planned, and you are not rushing around.

good luck

I wouldn't worry about turning away potential business. Have them on the same day. Remember, it isn't all about them. Your trying to run a business here. Just say, " I have all my tastings on one day so I can offer you fresh cake and not waste" If they are planning a wedding, they are use to having to schedule appointments with lots of people, photographers, caterers, clergy,etc. I think doing them on one day a week makes a lot of sense. I think it seems professional also.

Thanks for all of your advice and suggestions. I think we will be switching to cupcakes, it just makes sense and working our way to the one day a week format. We are in process of opening a shop so things are super hectic and when I get crazed, things don't generally go well!

Now I just have to perfect the art of baking a cupcake. For some reason I can bake a cake, but the cupcakes just don't turn out as well for me!