Some People Just Kill Me... Tsk, Tsk, Tsk

Decorating By Lazy_Susan Updated 19 Nov 2006 , 7:09pm by Heath

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Lazy_Susan Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 6:21pm
post #1 of 49

You know... you make a cake and put your heart and soul in to it, right? Well, you would think that people would do everything possible to protect their cake after they pick it up, right? Well twice now I have had somone come pick up their cake and shove it in to their trunk. No box or anything. Both times I told them that the cakes were too big for a cake box so if they had a bigger box to bring it or have someone hold it in the car. Never fails... in the trunk it goes! Should I be worried if it makes it to the destination in one piece??? Well, I am! Plus I told her that the little cake was just sitting on top of the other cake (this is my Barbie Doll Cake I just made). I don't know about you but I would never shove a cake I was planning on feeding to guests into a trunk. Sorry... had to vent.

Lazy_Susan

48 replies
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kjgjam22 Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 6:59pm
post #2 of 49

its not your problem once they pick it up and pay....you told them already....its on them to be carefull. if not oh well...they will learn.

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thems_my_kids Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 10:39pm
post #3 of 49

might be worth handing out little pieces of that grippy shelf liner for them to set hte cake on top of at least. That way you have the piece of mind that it won't be sliding around!

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Melvira Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 10:49pm
post #4 of 49

Hey, I'm with you Lazy... I wouldn't want to eat a cake that sitting in the trunk NOT in any container! You have all kinds of dust, dirt, hair, germs, etc rolling around back there... think of all the CRAP you put in your trunk! And the cake is a nice sticky surface to collect all that stuff. Ewwwww... now I feel queasy! Not even considering the 'duh' factor about going around a corner and it falling over or hitting something, putting it in the trunk like that is just a BAD idea!

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redpanda Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 10:51pm
post #5 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazy_Susan

Plus I told her that the little cake was just sitting on top of the other cake (this is my Barbie Doll Cake I just made).




Did you use cake boards/dowels? If not, I'd be more worried about that then the trunk. One quick corner, and Barbie is a goner. icon_eek.gif

RedPanda

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sweet_as_tisse Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 10:52pm
post #6 of 49

I agree about putting your heart and sole into a cake i do this with all mine, and thats part of the reason why i deliver mine so i at least know it got where it was meant to go in one piece....

But i dont know anyone who would be stupid enough to put a cake in the trunk... but obviously their are people that will...lol

kylie

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RisqueBusiness Posted 18 Nov 2006 , 11:00pm
post #7 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazy_Susan

You know... you make a cake and put your heart and soul in to it, right? Well, you would think that people would do everything possible to protect their cake after they pick it up, right? Well twice now I have had somone come pick up their cake and shove it in to their trunk. No box or anything. Both times I told them that the cakes were too big for a cake box so if they had a bigger box to bring it or have someone hold it in the car. Never fails... in the trunk it goes! Should I be worried if it makes it to the destination in one piece??? Well, I am! Plus I told her that the little cake was just sitting on top of the other cake (this is my Barbie Doll Cake I just made). I don't know about you but I would never shove a cake I was planning on feeding to guests into a trunk. Sorry... had to vent.

Lazy_Susan




when you have a cake like this, always tell them to bring someone with them so they can watch the cake.

and if I came to pick up a cake and the baker told me to bring my own box..sorry babe,...but I wouldn't hire you! Having boxes or containers large enough to at least cover the cake is the baker's responsibility NOT the clients!!!!

If I came to pick up a cake and they just handed me the cake, with no box or cover...I'd get back into my car and drive away!!! lol

You never just sit a cake on top of another cake, you should've staked a sharp dowel as a matter of fact 2 of them so the cake doesn't spin around he one dowel, to keep the cake secure.

But, we ALL learn from our mistakes!!! Hope the next customer that comes to pick up his or her cake won't give you palpitations!!! icon_lol.gif

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 7:39am
post #8 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by RisqueBusiness


when you have a cake like this, always tell them to bring someone with them so they can watch the cake.

and if I came to pick up a cake and the baker told me to bring my own box..sorry babe,...but I wouldn't hire you! Having boxes or containers large enough to at least cover the cake is the baker's responsibility NOT the clients!!!!

If I came to pick up a cake and they just handed me the cake, with no box or cover...I'd get back into my car and drive away!!! lol

You never just sit a cake on top of another cake, you should've staked a sharp dowel as a matter of fact 2 of them so the cake doesn't spin around he one dowel, to keep the cake secure.

But, we ALL learn from our mistakes!!! Hope the next customer that comes to pick up his or her cake won't give you palpitations!!! icon_lol.gif




My Response:
1. I DID tell her to bring someone with her! It was written in the post. Didn't you read it? "... have someone hold it in the car."
2. "Sorry BABE" Such attitude behind your words. What did I do to you?? My customer is a nurse at a hospital where I also work as a Respiratory Therapist. Her cake was a short notice very detailed cake. She quite understands that I do not make cakes for a living and do not have a full on Bakery fully stocked with everything!
3. The cake on top was so small that I didn't see a need for a dowel. It was very secure just like it was. I don't tell you how to do cake decorating so unless I ask please don't tell me how to do it.
4. I didn't consider this a mistake for me to learn from. Nor did it give me "palpitations".

I can appreciate your opinion. However, maybe next time you could be a little nicer with it. Just remember, "we ALL learn from our mistakes".

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RisqueBusiness Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 2:40pm
post #9 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazy_Susan

Quote:
Originally Posted by RisqueBusiness


when you have a cake like this, always tell them to bring someone with them so they can watch the cake.

and if I came to pick up a cake and the baker told me to bring my own box..sorry babe,...but I wouldn't hire you! Having boxes or containers large enough to at least cover the cake is the baker's responsibility NOT the clients!!!!

If I came to pick up a cake and they just handed me the cake, with no box or cover...I'd get back into my car and drive away!!! lol

You never just sit a cake on top of another cake, you should've staked a sharp dowel as a matter of fact 2 of them so the cake doesn't spin around he one dowel, to keep the cake secure.

But, we ALL learn from our mistakes!!! Hope the next customer that comes to pick up his or her cake won't give you palpitations!!! icon_lol.gif



My Response:
1. I DID tell her to bring someone with her! It was written in the post. Didn't you read it? "... have someone hold it in the car."
2. "Sorry BABE" Such attitude behind your words. What did I do to you?? My customer is a nurse at a hospital where I also work as a Respiratory Therapist. Her cake was a short notice very detailed cake. She quite understands that I do not make cakes for a living and do not have a full on Bakery fully stocked with everything!
3. The cake on top was so small that I didn't see a need for a dowel. It was very secure just like it was. I don't tell you how to do cake decorating so unless I ask please don't tell me how to do it.
4. I didn't consider this a mistake for me to learn from. Nor did it give me "palpitations".

I can appreciate your opinion. However, maybe next time you could be a little nicer with it. Just remember, "we ALL learn from our mistakes".




First off, I'm very sorry if you read a NEGATIVE attitude behind my words...that was NOT my intention...I'm just quite rough around the edges.

Second...You posted YOUR concern about your cake, and I offered what I thought to be CONSTRUCTIVE CRITISISM, I don't feel that I was telling you how to run YOUR business!

It BURNS my shorts..and I will go to MY GRAVE...pulling my hair when people don't realize that if they sell....just ONE CAKE...they are now a professional cake decorator/designer.

You MUST treat your customer accordingly, no matter if it's your Auntie June or a stranger from the next town.

You DON'T need to have 20 million supplies in your home, but you should have some basics, and BOXES are a BASIC NEED for ANY cake decorator. I have a very tiny space and I also do not have room for 20 million boxes and boards, I have 3 sizes of boxes and board that I keep in my shop. 1/4 sheet, 1/2 sheet box and boards and 10" round boxes and boards. I make those sizes work.

Many of my cakes are too high for a regular bakery box, so guess what? Not only do I cover the cake with plastic wrap ( since they are fondant, they don't get hurt...buttter cream cakes get some coffee sticks to tent the wrap....) I then cut another box and put it on top.

I would NEVER...EVER allow ANY cake to leave my hands unless it was fully covered and protected...that's just the way I would like to receive a cake...that's the way I give people my cake.

Now, when I read posts...( NOT YOURS..lol) when people are concerned that they are not selling as many cakes as they hoped or business is very slow...I always say...go back to basics, step one! from start to finish...what are the things that you can improve on....

One of the things I find that people, while outstanding cake decorators/designer and or bakers....Have NO clue as to PRESENTATION!

Presentation is a key factor, always is, always will be...people EAT with their EYES first...it MUST be appealling or they WON'T come back....and a cake WITHOUT A BOX..............is unappealling...( as you can read in other threads...not just MY opinion...!!!)


If you find yourself in need of strange sized boxes, you can always go to your local moving company like...U-HAUL and such, they sell boxes that you may find useful, Michaels' and art supply stores also carry foam core boards that you may be able to use to support those larger and oddly shapped cakes.

HTH

( I apologize for the tone of my words, then...but not the content )

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lisascakes Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 2:51pm
post #10 of 49

The best place for a cake to ride is in the (clean) trunk. If someone holds the cake there is alot of movement between the person & the car movement. In the trunk it is sitting flat with only the movement of the car.

I always suggest that my cakes ride in the trunk or on the floor board where it is flat. When I deliver a cake it is on the floor in the back of the van. Sometimes in a box & sometimes with out depending on the size.

I've been doing cakes out of my house for 14 years & my mom was doing it for about 20 years with no problems sending cakes home this way. We have had a couple that had to be repaired because the cake was held during the drive home or sat on the seat that is not level.

Hope this will help calm your nerves some. I totally understand about putting your heart & soul into a cake.

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cocakedecorator Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 2:53pm
post #11 of 49

I have to agree with risque business. The 1st thing that I thought when I read your post was "No box?" I am certainly not a professional by any means, but I would never hand of a cake with out some kind of covering or protection. Yes, if you told the customer to bring someone along to help and they didn't then some responsibility does lean on them. However, we have to keep in mind that most people don't know the things that we know about a cakes etc. and would have no idea to what to do with a cake if it is just handed to them. Maybe the customer thought the trunk would be the safest place for the cake, as silly as that seems the customer has no idea how the cake is constructed etc. Just my opinion.

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peajay66 Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 2:55pm
post #12 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by RisqueBusiness


One of the things I find that people, while outstanding cake decorators/designer and or bakers....Have NO clue as to PRESENTATION!

Presentation is a key factor, always is, always will be...people EAT with their EYES first...it MUST be appealling or they WON'T come back....and a cake WITHOUT A BOX..............is unappealling...( as you can read in other threads...not just MY opinion...!!!)




This is so true!

I don't know how many pictures of BEAUTIFUL cakes I've seen that are sitting on cake boards poorly covered with ALUMINUM FOIL! While I don't advocate using any non food-safe material to cover cake boards with, it breaks my heart to see a wonderful creation sitting on a mound of crunched up foil that looks like it was just taken off yesterdays casserole in the fridge. icon_sad.gif

As for cake boxes, the lady I used to get cakes from (before I learned how to decorate myself) would use Rubbermaid or Sterlite plactic storage boxes to transport cakes. We live in a fairly small community (pop. 35,000) so getting them returned to her wasn't a hardship. She just did like with wedding cake accessories. You paid a deposit on the container which was returned to you when you returned the container. Never any risk of the box not being sturdy enough to keep from bending under the weight of the cake!

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bethola Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 2:59pm
post #13 of 49

Lazy Susan: I understand TOTALLY! What I do is usually have a couple of larger sheet cake boxes that I keep flat, covered in an underbed storage container, sometimes under the bed! LOL I also pick up shelf liner for a buck at the Dollar General. I put the cake on a little square of shelf liner in the box then triple wrap it in Saran (my profit goes out the window! LOL) If they want another little square of shelf liner I'm happy to provide that as well. BUT, once they pay me and take it.....it's THEIRS!! Not my problem. It took me a while to learn to let my cakes go....but....I finally did and it FEELS GREAT! LOL

PS To claify my box storage. I bake all my cakes at the church kitchen (licensed for catering) but I have to store my supplies at home, which is fine with our local authorities.

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:02pm
post #14 of 49

Ok, I see the concensus here is that I should have had a box. I'm sorry I am not as great a Cake Decorator as I should be. I'm sorry for ever starting this thread. I didn't think I did anything wrong but obviously I was wrong. So what... I should now feel ashamed that I didn't have the cake in a cake box? Maybe I should refund her money to her because I didn't give her a box. Maybe I don't know the best way to be a cake decorator but I try my best. I haven't even been baking cakes for a full year now. I'm not going to know everything.

Ashamed and sadened,
Susan

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crisseyann Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:09pm
post #15 of 49

Of course you're not going to know EVERYTHING! Who does? We're all in this together, Susan. We learn from each other. Your cakes are knock-out wonderful. You have an amazing talent. I'm sorry this whole thing has got you so down. icon_sad.gif

Hugs to you,
Cris

P.S. (Your chocolate cakes still knock my socks off!) thumbs_up.gif

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:11pm
post #16 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by crisseyann

Of course you're not going to know EVERYTHING! Who does? We're all in this together, Susan. We learn from each other. Your cakes are knock-out wonderful. You have an amazing talent. I'm sorry this whole thing has got you so down. icon_sad.gif

Hugs to you,
Cris

P.S. (Your chocolate cakes still knock my socks off!) thumbs_up.gif




Thank you.

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cocakedecorator Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:11pm
post #17 of 49

susan dont feel ashamed or sad. I had no intention of making you feel bad, just giving my opinion. From you photos you do great work. I too have made mistakes along the way of my journey of cake decorating and have tried to learn from them. It is frustrating when things happen or people critize, I just try to take what I can from it and leave the rest. Keep plugging away and decorate those cakes!


By the way, just because people give their opinion doesn't make them right! It is just and opinion! icon_wink.gif

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:14pm
post #18 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by cocakedecorator

susan dont feel ashamed or sad. I had no intention of making you feel bad, just giving my opinion. From you photos you do great work. I too have made mistakes along the way of my journey of cake decorating and have tried to learn from them. It is frustrating when things happen or people critize, I just try to take what I can from it and leave the rest. Keep plugging away and decorate those cakes!


By the way, just because people give their opinion doesn't make them right! It is just and opinion! icon_wink.gif




Thank you but I'm just done

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peajay66 Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:15pm
post #19 of 49

Susan~You've done nothing to feel ashamed about. We all do things differently. Personally I don't feel there has to be a "right" or a "wrong" way, just "different". Seeing other's opinions on how they do things helps us see things a different way. Isn't it much better to see from a member here that some people might see not having a cake covered in some way as unsanitary? Some customers wouldn't give it a second thought, but there might be that one person that feels it's unsanitary or unprofessional and then tell all their friends that "I didn't even get a box to cover it with!" And Murphy's Law will have it be the one you least expect it from. LOL

I wouldn't worry about a refund in this instance. Opinons and advice here is just that....opinions and advice. Do what you feel is best for you and your business.

icon_biggrin.gif



(cocakedecorator.....get out of my head!!!! LOL Great minds think alike!)

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:19pm
post #20 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by peajay66


Do what you feel is best for you and your business.

icon_biggrin.gif



(cocakedecorator.....get out of my head!!!! LOL Great minds think alike!)





I will and as I stated before I'm done. My cake decorating high is gone. I guess I work too many hours at my reg. job to put in the extra effort that I should be with my cake decorating.

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bethola Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:20pm
post #21 of 49

NO! NO! NO! Ma'am! You certainly should NOT feel ashamed! Your cakes are GREAT! Hey! I've put my cakes in regular STORAGE BOXES! I'm not a professional baker either my dear! Not by a loooonnngg shot!

As a retired health care instructor I'll give you my "pat" speech.

Everyone does things differently. It is because of that that we all can learn! Just because you do something differently than I do it (here is where I always added "Using the CORRECT technique; sterile, clean, etc.) doesn't mean your way is WRONG....just different.

Please do not misunderstand my previous post. Meant to be helpful, not critical.

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cncgirl00 Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:27pm
post #22 of 49

Coming from a newbie who doesn't always have the right box or the fancy board wrap-I feel for ya! I have sold cakes but I don't consider myself a professional. This is my hobby. I am a lab tech by profession. I've been doing cakes for less than a year, also.

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bethola Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:27pm
post #23 of 49

Okay, just read your "I'm done comment". Take a break. Put the pans away. Only use your Kitchen Aid to make cookies or bread or cheeseballs or something! I made the same statement a year ago when I was "turned in" to the local authorities by a prof. baker who I thought was my friend! Luckily I was legal (HA HA HA) but it hurt my feelings and I said "I'll NEVER bake another cake!!" But, if you look at my gallery you'll see, I DID bake more cakes! I hope you do too!

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kendraanne Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:33pm
post #24 of 49

Susan - don't let the opinions of others discourage you from doing something you love!!! Everyone is not alike (thank God), and therefore - as long as your customers (and you!) are happy, then who cares what others think!!!

You do lovely work, don't give up now!!!

I feel horrible that you had your feelings hurt, but don't let the attitudes of others change YOUR attitude!!! Chin up, girl! icon_smile.gif

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Lazy_Susan Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:34pm
post #25 of 49

The thing is, y'all have no idea what it does to me inside if I feel that I have done something wrong. It's my personality. Everyone is different. I get hurt very badly. I guess this hurt too badly. I wasn't looking for criticism when I started this thread and then it turned in to that and then it turned in to this. I was only wanting to comment on how she just stuffed it away in her trunk like it was a sack of potatoes. Something I put my heart and soul into.
I did give put it in the vehicle for her. I did give her the sticky shelf paper stuff to keep it from sliding. I did "think" that someone was coming with her to hold the cake. That is what I was told. Now I say I'm done because I already have too much heartache and stress in my life to worry about. Cakes took that away from me but evidently now cakes are becoming that. You all are very nice and I appreciate everything you have done for me. But I can't handle any more in my life.

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debsuewoo Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:39pm
post #26 of 49

Lazy, I can see your getting upset about someone not being appreciative enough of your srtistry to atleast do their best to preserve it before others saw it. While we all love to decorate, it is HARD work. Don't let other peoples carlessness get you down. Just take pictures so that you can appreciate all you do.

Debbi

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esskaym Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:41pm
post #27 of 49

I've had many an understanding over email/IM because someone misread the "tone" of my message. As a result, I make sure I read over everything I write that's being sent electronically to make sure that I sound neutral. It's one thing to give criticism. It's another to be patronizing. I don't take criticism well if I think the other person is talking down to me either...even if their comments are warranted.

Keep your chin up, Lazy Susan! Chalk it up to another lesson learned.

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Wendoger Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:44pm
post #28 of 49

Lazy_Susan...
In my opinion, (like ya need another one), this thread got outta hand.
I dont give boxes either. I only do this for fun. I dont charge what a bakery would because its just me doing it at my house. There will be imperfections.
Don't quit just beacuse of the negativity of this thread. Do what ya do, bake cakes and be happy!!!
xoxoxoxo

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justme Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 3:47pm
post #29 of 49

Lazy Susan, I hope you don't give up doing cakes just because someone tried to give you advice on what might work better or a different idea on how to do things. Risque is just giving you advice on what she does that might help you for next time. I think you need to look at it as more as advice than constructive critisim.

Anyways, I think it is hard to take critism but how else are we going to improve and get to be the best bakers. And maybe taking critism from people who have been there and done that, is the best we can get.

Also, Your cakes a great!

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tyty Posted 19 Nov 2006 , 4:23pm
post #30 of 49

Lazy Susan, keep your chin up, hang in there. If you love baking and decorating you will feel better and move on. You have to do what is best for you.

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