First "meeting" Tomorrow... Any Suggestions?

Business By mommabuda Updated 13 Oct 2006 , 8:50pm by CakesBySandy

mommabuda Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mommabuda Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:05pm
post #1 of 7

I have my first meeting tomorrow with someone about their wedding cake. It's actually a friend of my old boss's. I'm not sure what to all have on hand. I have about 10 Wilton yearbooks that she can go through for ideas and then my price list and the serving chart. She mentioned on the phone she wanted a fake cake so I'm going to explain to her about how that won't be cheaper... what do I do if she wants a fountain? I don't have one but her wedding isn't until October '07 so I could buy one by then... also, do I ask for a deposit and write up some little receipt for it? What do you all do when you have a meeting with a client?

6 replies
mxpark Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mxpark Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:15pm
post #2 of 7

here's an awesome thread with really great info!

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-14134.html

JoAnnB Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
JoAnnB Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:21pm
post #3 of 7

10 books is probably too many, she will be overwhelmed. If you have abook of your work, that would be important.

I would take 3-4 wedding cake books, marking a few you know you can do (unless you can do them all) You may not have all the shaped pans available in the photos, so keep those in mind. Many cakes will adapt to a different shape of pans.

As for the fountain, you may be able to rent one. they cost about $50 to purchase. If you buy one to provide one for her cake, you would charge a deposit of the replacement cost- refund it when she returns the fountain, and whatever else you need back.

You may also want a calendar. You can write up the agreement at that meeting, or provide it later.

mommabuda Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mommabuda Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:25pm
post #4 of 7

okay, should i have a sample for her to try? i didn't plan on that so i'd have to bake tomorrow morning... also, i haven't done that many tiered cakes... only 2 tiers is the highest i've gone... should i have a list of flowers that i can do in case she was wondering that and is it okay that i tell her i won't put real flowers on it? if she wants that, she'll have to do it herself...

cakesbybert Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cakesbybert Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:34pm
post #5 of 7

..."should i have a list of flowers that i can do in case she was wondering that and is it okay that i tell her i won't put real flowers on it? if she wants that, she'll have to do it herself..."

I would definitly have a list of the flowers you feel comfortably doing. Just makes life easier for you and her.

I have no problem telling the bride that I will not put the "real" flowers on the cake. I tell them to either have their florist put them on or to do it themselves. I've had no problems. Also I tell them that it is up to them and their florist to determine if the flowers are safe to put on a cake. Not all flowers are.

Bert

mxpark Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mxpark Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:41pm
post #6 of 7

i never thought about the fresh flower issue! the things we have to do to cover our @$$!

CakesBySandy Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
CakesBySandy Posted 13 Oct 2006 , 8:50pm
post #7 of 7

I agree with narrowing down the books for her so she won't be overwhelmed. Also note the pages of the cakes that you are able to do. That would be alot better than saying to the bride, "No, I can't do this, No, can't do that", which would only frustrate her. Definately show her your own pic's of cakes that you have done.

Good luck.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%