Hallo Hallo. First on the samples. Do you charge for them? If so how do you calculate the price?


Second, my city is offering a bridal expo in September. I have yet to make any wedding cakes (I have one set up for July) and think this could be a good place to start business. I am thinking of building a portfolio of up to 32 (dummy) cakes between now and then. Has anyone ever done this? Is it recommendable? How else do you prepare for your first Bridal Show? I think I have a lot to offer because no one in my area uses MMF or Rolled Buttercream (two mediums I love) and people tend to not like fondant at all around here.....

Thanks!

-Sus

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-20599.html

here is a thread on the portfolio...hope it helps!!! Most people that I know of don't charge for the samples when bride comes in for a tasting, they usually make a cupcake of each flavor for the bride...there's a thread I'll see if I can find it.

try this for the tastings
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-14134-consultation.html+tasting


another for charging for tastings
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-10426-consultation.html+tasting


hope this helps you out!!!

Most bridal shows require a licensed kitchen. You have to provide proof before they let you participate.

I have a question about the bridal show.....

So you have a portfolio of your samples and you are at a bridal expo. What would you say if someone asked for a recommendation, since you only have sample cakes and had never made a wedding cake before besides your samples? I would be sooo afraid of being asked this! I guess an answer about doing birthday/celebration cakes for so long and that wedding cakes are just bigger, etc.

What would you do?

If you do a model for display, they can see your work. Most of them do not ask for references.

Ok, past the licensing issue, which will get dealt with, how do you prepare for it?


Thanks!

Sus

There are several long discussions about cake shows. but you need to find out
how many people generally attend.
how many other cake vendors
how much space are you provided, tables etc

Then decide how you want to do samples. some people pre-package bites cut from iced sheet cakes and put in little deli sauce cups-labeled with the decorators name. That way they can taste later.

Others think serving from a fresh cake is better. You need more equipment for serving, and you will probably need a helper. (napkins, forks, containers, large garbage cans may be required by the event) You can't discuss your work and serve cake easily.

Multiple copies of your photo album. If they have to wait to see the pictures, they will walk away.

Generally, you will not be permitted to charge for samples in these venues. But for brides searching for a decorator you can charge a small fee ($5-10) for a 4-6" sample-some use cupcakes- that can be credited if they purchase from you. Although, not everyone charges for samples, with limits. One taste, one flavor/filling.

Guess that's just me to notice that a portfolio didn't have any 'thank you's.' I'm a little weird that way. LOL!

i've never done a wedding expo before....but I would def. have a couple display cakes at the expo w/me. along w/your portfolio and samples. maybe two to three diff. display cake. each w/a diff. aspect showcasing different styles of cake!!!

i liked the suggestion someone made in a previous post (sorry don't remember who)....but they put their samples in a small clear boxes w/a sticker on top w/all the business info. that way the bride could take the sample w/them and try it later!! i thought this was such a great idea b/c brides try so much stuff at these things that they kinda start to taste the same after awhile!!! but doing it this way.....you get the lasting impression!! seems like it would a little extra work....but worth it in the end!!

also, if you decorate cookies or cake balls (what did the official CC name end up being)...you could probably bring some of those along to sample also!

I have done several wedding cake tastings and I haven't charged for them...they get 2 6" round cakes w/their choice of cake & filling. No to very little decorations.


not sure I helped much...but good luck!!

thanks for the link KH, I was wondering where these were

Ok. This all makes sense. I guess my question is more along the lines of how amateurish can you be before attempting your firts expo? To me, I can't get more experience unless I get clients but I can't get clients unless I just throw myself into it. This is why I thought of building 32 different cake choices to fit into a portfolio but wonder if brides will think that is just not "enough" I guess Im very worried about the experience factor....

Even getting one wedding cake order from an expo would be great, right? Word will spread after that. I know you are probably paying for a booth/table, but you have to start somewhere. Keep us updated if you do this.....I know I have a lot to learn!