How do you all handle donation requests? Right now I can't afford to give a monetary donation, but I can certainly swing a few free desserts for a good cause. I've donated things in the past and I've not asked for anything in return, but I'm wondering if that is the right approach. I'm talking about donating as part of a business, not me personally donating anything. What do you all do?

I am very involved in my community so I am asked quite often to donate. When I donate a cake or desserts, I give them a small table tent with my info to put beside it on the display table. I also ask if there is a program and ask to be put in it. Don't be shy, it's your business. My grandmother used to say... toot your own horn, nobody else knows the tune!

I used to sell Tastefully Simple (home based party business) what i would do is donate a small item (like $10-15 value) along with a gift certificate. that way, you are only out the GC if the person actually calls you to use it.

i would do that same thing with cakes. like if it is for an auction or raffle situation, make 6 nice cupcakes or a minicake to be auctioned off with a GC. word the GC to be $50 off of a purchase of $100, or something similar. maybe a gc for 12 cupcakes that match the next cake you order. that way you get a decent order out of it.

I agree with JustDucky. Donate the cake and ask for the advertising in return. Especially if there is a program for the event. Don't look at it as much as a donation as it is an advertising opportunity. Provide brochures or biz cards if you've got them. Then, make sure you do a 100% effort cake. Don't cheese out because it's free. In our business, taste and appearance are EVERYTHING, so make sure your cake screams "Order a cake from FlourChick!!"