I know that if anyone would know.. it would be you guys. I am just starting out and I am wanting to keep my expenses down. Is there any other company out there that is making decorating supplies and the such other than Wilton?

Also.... any other suggestions on saving money would be greatly appreciated?

Try going on e-bay, just be careful. the price might be right but the shipping and handling can get you.

I've gotton a few good deals

Ateco makes cake supplies also. Don't know the price difference b/c I buy a lot of my stuff from Ebay (which is one money saving tip I highly suggest). I only buy new, but it's still cheaper than the stores (and if it isn't, I don't bid )

Another money saving tip...don't buy into the whole "you've got to have this specific cake decorating tool because nothing else will work for what you want to do." I think just about everyone on this board will agree that about 50% of the time (and often more) you can find other tools that will work the same way for a fraction of the cost. (for example: pottery tools for shaping and imprinting fondant, paper towel rolls cut in half for flower formers, el cheapo scissors for flower lifters, and on and on). Don't worry though if you want specific Wilton cake tools at first. When I first started, I went crazy buying Wilton's tools and wouldn't buy anything else nor would I try to substitute other items from around the house. I realized pretty quickly, though, that there are plenty of other options out there.

Hope that helps!

jekizer, if you have a smart and Final on your area, you can pick up a nice set of tips for less than $30.00 and pastry bags WAY cheaper than Wilton. If you have a cake decorating supply shop in your area, other than a chain store, try their prices as well. Shop the internet and compare prices and shipping. Some companys will give free shipping for purchasing so much. There are lots of ways around Wilton!

Debbi

See? This is why I love this board so much - everyone is so helpful and has such great ideas! THank you, cakesoncall, I would never have thought of pottery tools for fondant. I recently began modeling fondant and am hooked!

Hi jekizer!

When I got started, one of the things I was so happy to purchase was the Wilton tool kit full of a variety of supplies that is perfect for beginners. I bought mine from Michaels with one of their weekly 40% off coupons. I know that Jo-Ann's has the same thing there and they also put out a weekly 40% off coupon. The coupon saved me at least $20.
Hopefully you have one of these stores near you.
Other than that, I also got some free supplies from others that no longer decorate cakes. I found them from a website called Free Cycle www.freecycle.org.

Keep your eyes peeled for sales and coupons. It is pretty expensive to get started, but the satisfaction it brings is so worth it! You might even be able to make a little money at it.

Have fun!

If you enjoy modeling fondant, check out tools for Sculpey clay. They are the same thing, just in a different section of the store.
My BF's sister does sculpey clay and I do cakes, we have been back and forth between these two sections in stores, and some stuff she wants is cheaper in the cake area, and some stuff I want is cheaper in the clay area, of the same items-just different brands.
Also don't forget scrap booking area-I have found lots of neat things over there!

Saving money(sigh) that is something we all want.
Especially those just starting out. I know what you mean, Wilton can get pretty expensive.
Here are a few of my tips: Don't buy parchment paper bags. Those get VERY expensive. It's much more work, although much less expensive to use the plastic re-usable bags. You will have to buy couplers, but you can wash these and reuse them. Unlike parchment use ones and throw away.. (dollars right into the trash)
And if your anything like me and can't ever remember what tip I have at home and buy the same damn tip 3 times at wal mart LOL keep a notepad with you with all the supplies you have at home in your purse. That way you know what you have at home and won't buy it again.
Also if your not very concerned about vibrant colors, those liquid dyes (the ones at the super market) work just fine. At least until you can see your making a few extra bucks that you can spare to buy wilton or ameri color. Let me see what else do I DO.. Oh yeah, leave christmas list laying around at home or at close family members house LOL maybe someone will get you that expensive pan set from Wilton.. hehe
lat but not least CHARGE EVERYONE FAMILY OR NOT!!!!!! that is something I messed up on and I am doing free cakes.. NOT A GOOD THING!!

Well, the one thing I would say and I do have both types, is I would prefer the Wilton tips over the Ateco and for one reason. I find that the Ateco tips tend to discolour and some have been known to rust depending on where you get them and when they were made. Ateco does make some larger tips that you cannot get in Wilton so they are worth having.
Dollar stores, craft stores, Walmart, all sorts of stores have all sorts of things you can use in cake decorating.
Unless you are taking all of the Wilton courses, you do not need to buy the 101 piece tip set or anywhere near that number. Most decorators only use between 6-8 tips, but for the courses they will make you use several so you will need the sets.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

My Ateco tips rusted as well! They were brand new. I washed and put them on a dish towel to dry. The next day they had rusted out. It was only one or two of them, but still next time I'm getting Wilton brand.

So here's a thougt. Combining this thread and the "Least tool used' thread. Any chance some of the addict that have bought items and "hate" or do not use would be willing to share or "pay forward" some of the supplies? It would be especially helpful in regards to the items that some use and others refuse. This way maybe we could save a few bucks here and there. Or has anyone thought of passing around some tools? Or would it get to be like the snow blower you loaned to the neighbor and never saw again???? Just thinking out loud.

I know like the website www.makeupalley.com, they swap used products. The members also rate products too, which is incredibly valuable!

It's an amazing website, and one of my most favorites. (It's free to join if you want to look at the concept.)

That's a great concept and very helpful/useful......so when will you have the cake supply swap site up and running??!! lol. I'll join!

Thanks for the forewarning. (: