I agree, never share your recipes with locals. I will gladly give any recipe or tip to another cc'ers but am reluctant to give out this information locally. I made that mistake one time with my wonderful salsa recipe (I know it has nothing to do with cake, but it was the same breach of trust) and then the person began making it in a local Mexican restaurant.
By the way, asanchez. I would love to have a good tres leches recipe (hint-hint). Every one I have tried just doesn't cut it for me. My bakery is in a fairly predominant Hispanic community and I just don't have a good cake to offer. I'm nowhere close to you (I'm in Oklahoma); would you consider sharing?
Well after a year of making money with my recipe, they decided to take shortcuts and cheapen the ingredients. Now the taste has changed completely based on a relative that bought the product recently 2 see if it tasted the same, he says now it taste like cr%@@ 
I can see it to a point. If it is someone that you know won't be able to pull it off, give them the basics. Let them fail. Then they do call you when they want something because you did try to "help them". You actuallly look like the good guy.
I've got a pretty good relationship with most of the local bakers around here that it's sort of a mutual reciprocity if we get stuck (or need a pound of isomalt). OTOH, all's fair in love and competition, so it's also the ability to sort through the 
sometimes...
WHy feel guilty about not giving away instructions? Isn't the person requesting being really presumptuous? Unless you are known for selling your techniques - why would people ask for them? One thing that bugs me on CC is when someone posts a great cake and is flooded with "PM me with instructions on how to make this!" comments. It seems awfully "entitled" to me, but maybe I am looking at this wrong. I mean, I get it, if there is a cool new technique none of us has ever seen before and I do LOVE tutorials, but shouldn't we be super grateful for any additional insight rather than expect it?... guess that's off thread. Personally, I like the - "make cake, sculpt, cover with fondant" answer. You can always add "good luck"..
I'm with kitagirl ..... I don't HAVE written instructions.
I gotta admit I was astonished to find out that people actually wrote down step by steps on how they made a cake. I look at a cake and figure it out. Seriously, in 30 years, it's never crossed my mind to 'write down' how to do a cake. I wouldn't know where to start. In my little pea brain head, I have Nike philosophy: Just Do It.
But when people ask for recipes, it's easy to blow them off. Just start with "Oh sure! Write this down ...... start with 18 cups of flour. What? Oh, that about a 5-lb bag minus 2 cups. 14 eggs .... what? no, it WON'T fit in a home mixer bowl. Uh? No, sorry, I dont have a 'home version'. NEver mind? Are you sure? Ok, then! See ya!" 
I can understand not wanting to give out recipes or tips or something to potential customers. Or even other cake decorators for that matter! I would just tackfully tell them that information is priveleged and that while you thank her for the interest, you cannot give her the information. You can tell them to start at a local Michaels and take decorating classes or something like that. Or if its a specific technicque like a swag of fondant that is lace. Tell them that they can purchase the mold from you with the instructions for $$ price. Ofcourse you need to include your time, etc. so Im sure a $50 mold would cost them $100 for it and the instructions. Most people would just say thanks and walk away.
Wow... I guess I'm in the minority. I always try to help people when asked. I've been PMed on CC about techniques and recipes, and I am always more than happy to lend a hand in what ever capacity I can. I even started a cake club in my area so that local cake decorators (and whoever else that wants to join!) can learn more about baking and decorating.
I can't even count the number of times I've read about people here on CC emailing Marina Sousa/Elisa Strauss/Mary Maher/Bronwen Weber/etc. asking them for advice and the "how tos" of a particular cake. Hello!
Like someone said a page or so back, just because you give someone instructions doesn't mean they can do anything with them. Baking and decorating take a certain level of skill and talent. Yo-Yo Ma can give me all the free cello lessons in the world, but that doesn't mean I'll ever play like him. 
What goes around comes around. At least that's what my momma always taught me. 
Gee Whiz.....That is almost as bad as Mom's at the school asking me to borrow my cakepans and colors to make their kids cakes because they don't want to pay my prices....
Next......
Speechless...almost... 
DANG!!! Just when I think people can't get any more boorish they do things like this! I'm guessing you say, "Not only no, but HELL no," a lot???!!
I can see it to a point. If it is someone that you know won't be able to pull it off, give them the basics. Let them fail. Then they do call you when they want something because you did try to "help them". You actuallly look like the good guy.
I had an experience a few weeks ago that fits this.....I am a home baker, I have an acquaintance that actually owns a store front. (BUT neither she nor her decorator really have much experience) They took an order for a fondant covered wedding cake that was going to a very nice venue. She called asking me for help. I told her I would come and show her how I do it for $25./hour - she agreed. I showed them how to do it, and I now have an offer of a commercial kitchen use if I ever need it and a person who will be forever grateful for what I shared. The business is about 10 miles from me - could I possibly loose orders to them? Maybe, but doubtful. We are in two different arenas - they HAVE to sell cakes, they cannot be picky, whereas, I can be. At first I kind of struggled with it, but then I thought of how I would feel if put in that same predicament - I would hope that someone would be willing to help me out.
Very smart move! Not only did you help out the acquaintance, but you made some money in the process and have solidified a new business relationship...and without "giving away" any of your expertise! Atta girl!
Wow... I guess I'm in the minority. I always try to help people when asked. I've been PMed on CC about techniques and recipes, and I am always more than happy to lend a hand in what ever capacity I can. I even started a cake club in my area so that local cake decorators (and whoever else that wants to join!) can learn more about baking and decorating.
I can't even count the number of times I've read about people here on CC emailing Marina Sousa/Elisa Strauss/Mary Maher/Bronwen Weber/etc. asking them for advice and the "how tos" of a particular cake. Hello!
Like someone said a page or so back, just because you give someone instructions doesn't mean they can do anything with them. Baking and decorating take a certain level of skill and talent. Yo-Yo Ma can give me all the free cello lessons in the world, but that doesn't mean I'll ever play like him.
What goes around comes around. At least that's what my momma always taught me.
CCers are exceptionally generous to their fellow cakers. I still am amazed by Indy's generosity with her business plan. My peeve is when people demand instructions in the comments section - without even a "please" or seem to expect them when most folks don't write down all their steps.
Wow... I guess I'm in the minority. I always try to help people when asked. I've been PMed on CC about techniques and recipes, and I am always more than happy to lend a hand in what ever capacity I can. I even started a cake club in my area so that local cake decorators (and whoever else that wants to join!) can learn more about baking and decorating.
I can't even count the number of times I've read about people here on CC emailing Marina Sousa/Elisa Strauss/Mary Maher/Bronwen Weber/etc. asking them for advice and the "how tos" of a particular cake. Hello!
What goes around comes around. At least that's what my momma always taught me.
I totally agree with helping out fellow cakers, CC members, etc. but my understanding from the OP was that she was getting calls from the public or from friends (or friends of friends), etc. who wanted her instructions and all the pertinent information so they could do the cakes themselves rather than pay for her cake.
I've shared instructions on a couple of my cakes with other CC folks and they've reciprocated which is fantastic and I'll continue to do so. However, if I get a call from one of hubby's co-workers or an acquaintance's sister who wants me to show them how I carved the armadillo cake so they can make it for their brother's groom's cake...ain't gonna happen.
I don't mind sharing techniques, my contract, I've even PM'd recipes . I just don't like the show me how to do EVERYTHING, from recipes though the completion of a wedding cake. That's a bit much.
Wow... I guess I'm in the minority. I always try to help people when asked. I've been PMed on CC about techniques and recipes, and I am always more than happy to lend a hand in what ever capacity I can. I even started a cake club in my area so that local cake decorators (and whoever else that wants to join!) can learn more about baking and decorating.
I can't even count the number of times I've read about people here on CC emailing Marina Sousa/Elisa Strauss/Mary Maher/Bronwen Weber/etc. asking them for advice and the "how tos" of a particular cake. Hello!
Like someone said a page or so back, just because you give someone instructions doesn't mean they can do anything with them. Baking and decorating take a certain level of skill and talent. Yo-Yo Ma can give me all the free cello lessons in the world, but that doesn't mean I'll ever play like him.
What goes around comes around. At least that's what my momma always taught me.
There's a little difference between telling someone on CC how to do something and giving instructions to someone who emails you and says, "I'd love to have that cake for my daughter's birthday, but my budget for the cake is $20 and I know you would charge me about $200, so could you please tell me how to make it." In the time it would take to type out instructions to tell a total novice how to bake, level, ice and decorate the cake, along with instructions on supports and recipes for icing and fondant, and a list of equipment they would need, someone running a business could get a lot of real work done.
If I call up a mechanic and say, "My car's air conditioning is broke but I can't afford to pay you to fix it, will you tell me how to fix it myself?" he's going to say no because it would probably take him an hour to tell me, and he could make $50 in that hour doing real work. If I called up a plumber and said, "My sink is clogged but I can't afford you. Can you tell me how to fix it?" he's going to say no too. And nobody would even blame them for saying no or think it was mean or unreasonable. After all, they had to learn those skills and those skills are how they support themselves and their families. Can I learn how to fix my air conditioner or unclog the drain myself? Sure I can. Am I going to learn it for free from my friendly local professionals? No. I'll have to read everything I can find on the internet, maybe get a book from the library, maybe go to Auto Zone or Home Depot and ask the guys there, etc...
I get your point, I just don't believe in hoarding information. That's all I'm sayin'.
I get your point, I just don't believe in hoarding information. That's all I'm sayin'.
I dont think telling the general public that you wont give them help is hourding information. I give away information on here all the time on how I do things. And Ive also talked to Bronwen, and a few others about how they did certain things and they were happy to give me the information. So I dont think telling your husbands boss's wife how to carve a cake and let her borrow your pans is the same. Its one thing for a person that wants to further their career by taking classes and doing clubs from the pro's and another one that wants to pinch pennys and wants a cake for free! And believe me, Ive had so called "friends" that have asked me to help them with making decorated cookies. Said sure and had them come over with enough dough to make about 6 cookies and they need for 25 people. Then after you've used your ingredients, decorated them ALL but one and then have them leave and tell people its THEIR work? Well thats a user. So learning experience thumbs up, users thumbs down!
I don't categorize plumbers and mechanics with cake decorating for some reason!
txcupcake and newmansmom
I am a firm believer in sharing (and karma) I posted a gelatin bow a few months back - the very next day I had over 200 pm's asking how to do it. It was not my technique, so I got ahold of the person who is marketing it. She got on here and posted her how to for all of us. It took me 3 weeks, but I answered every one of those pm's. Did I grumble about it? Yep. I did. BUT - if I didn't want to share, I should NOT have posted the pics. IMO - it you don't want to share you ideas/ techniques - that is your deal. I personally feel that each person has talents, and they are all different - we all benefit if we all share. Those who don't want to share - do you still get on here and learn from others?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
I get your point, I just don't believe in hoarding information. That's all I'm sayin'.
I dont think telling the general public that you wont give them help is hourding information. I give away information on here all the time on how I do things. And Ive also talked to Bronwen, and a few others about how they did certain things and they were happy to give me the information. So I dont think telling your husbands boss's wife how to carve a cake and let her borrow your pans is the same. Its one thing for a person that wants to further their career by taking classes and doing clubs from the pro's and another one that wants to pinch pennys and wants a cake for free! And believe me, Ive had so called "friends" that have asked me to help them with making decorated cookies. Said sure and had them come over with enough dough to make about 6 cookies and they need for 25 people. Then after you've used your ingredients, decorated them ALL but one and then have them leave and tell people its THEIR work? Well thats a user. So learning experience thumbs up, users thumbs down!
Wow. You must have some truly terrible friends.
Well this was one of three friends that I did eventually get rid of. I was tired of people using me and whenever I needed help or just someone to talk to, they were never around. Thank God I have two really good friends now. One is across the world and the other is a half hour away. I met them both on here and glad I did!
I get your point, I just don't believe in hoarding information. That's all I'm sayin'.
I dont think telling the general public that you wont give them help is hourding information. I give away information on here all the time on how I do things. And Ive also talked to Bronwen, and a few others about how they did certain things and they were happy to give me the information. So I dont think telling your husbands boss's wife how to carve a cake and let her borrow your pans is the same. Its one thing for a person that wants to further their career by taking classes and doing clubs from the pro's and another one that wants to pinch pennys and wants a cake for free! And believe me, Ive had so called "friends" that have asked me to help them with making decorated cookies. Said sure and had them come over with enough dough to make about 6 cookies and they need for 25 people. Then after you've used your ingredients, decorated them ALL but one and then have them leave and tell people its THEIR work? Well thats a user. So learning experience thumbs up, users thumbs down!
Luckily, I've never had anyone use me for my cake knowledge. I've helped many friends (ironically enough, even my boss's wife! We're friends 
) make cakes. And you know, their cakes don't come out looking like mine. I've not lost any business yet. But hey, that's my experience. I've not found a reason to not help someone.
I was a cake civilian once, and if not for the help/instruction/advice of a very generous cake lady, I wouldn't be where I am today. I just believe in paying it forward.
weirkd, I'm sorry you were used. That really sucks.
I know but now I have people that dont use me. Like the lady that lives a half hour away from me. I helped her with a cake last month and she was very gracious. But I didnt feel like she was just using me for my cake knowledge. We've been friends now for about two years and never once have I felt she was using me. I had to live an learn I guess!
But I agree, if it wasnt for certain people giving me their knowledge, it would of taken me a lot longer to figure out things!!
Well this was one of three friends that I did eventually get rid of. I was tired of people using me and whenever I needed help or just someone to talk to, they were never around. Thank God I have two really good friends now. One is across the world and the other is a half hour away. I met them both on here and glad I did!
I am of the opinion that anyone who says they have more than two really good friends is either naive or lying.
Glad to hear you got rid of the "baggage".
Well this was one of three friends that I did eventually get rid of. I was tired of people using me and whenever I needed help or just someone to talk to, they were never around. Thank God I have two really good friends now. One is across the world and the other is a half hour away. I met them both on here and glad I did!
I am of the opinion that anyone who says they have more than two really good friends is either naive or lying.
Glad to hear you got rid of the "baggage".
I have more then two good friends and they have done so much for me. We have always been there for each other. And no high school back stabbing or any of that other crazy stuff. And no, I'm not naive. I find it to be sad when feel that way. I say you just haven't met the right people. I know I've been blessed. 
I don't categorize plumbers and mechanics with cake decorating for some reason!
It's a skill they learned and they've made a business of it. That's just what our OP has done...learned skills and made a business of it. Plumbers and mechanics have to buy tools, so do we. The more they know, the more complicated stuff they can do...same with cake decorators. We take plumbers and mechanics seriously, respect them because they have a set of skills that we don't have...we need to take our skills seriously too. If someone wants to learn and they're reading everything they can find, that's one thing...but if they just want you to tell them everything you've learned over 10 years of study and practice in one email so they can do it too, that's a little different.
Now, I'm not running a business and when I figure out some new little trick, the first thing I do is usually to come running to CC and blab it to everyone who will listen for a second or two...but I can understand why the OP doesn't want to. Personally, I will gladly share a recipe that I got on the internet...but if I've spent a while tinkering with a recipe and got a unique flavor, I sometimes don't share that. And for the most part, if you've made some cakes, it's not too hard to tell how most things are done.
There's always a limit to sharing knowledge. Think of the several very talented people here who sell DVD's...if one person bought the DVD and shared the knowledge they got from it with everyone here, no one would buy the DVD. But none of us are giving those people who sell DVDs a hard time, because everyone has to make a living somehow.
It's funny that some ppl. said they have no problem sharing w/ppl. on here but not to locals.
What happens when you tell this look to do research and end up here asking the same question. Being a fellow CC'r you hand out the information. hmm.... just something to think about.
I have no problem sharing cake info w/certain fellow cakers and cake civilians. However, I know of some fellow local cakers I would not feel comfortable sharing information with b/c 1. they are my competition and 2. they would use it against me. I think to me it just comes down to whether or not I like the person.
Well this was one of three friends that I did eventually get rid of. I was tired of people using me and whenever I needed help or just someone to talk to, they were never around. Thank God I have two really good friends now. One is across the world and the other is a half hour away. I met them both on here and glad I did!
I am of the opinion that anyone who says they have more than two really good friends is either naive or lying.
Glad to hear you got rid of the "baggage".
I had a group of friends who used me until I had almost nothing...I've always been the kind of person who would give the food out of my cupboards or the clothes off my back to a friend in need, and these people figured it out and really took advantage of my family. And when I got to the point where I couldn't help anyone (because someone stole DH's identity and emptied our bank account), that group of "friends" threw a rock at my front door and keyed our car.
I still haven't recovered to the point where I can make friends. It's been two years and my first thought when I meet someone is still, what are they going to ask me for and am I going to be strong enough to say no? It sounds terrible, but my inability to say no to "friends" in need almost ruined my marriage.
SERIOUSLY?!?!?
Did she ask for your social security number as well??
No, someone stole our rent check from the property drop box, printed checks and got DH's license number, made a fake license and went all over the state writing checks. As far as I know they never got the SSN but believe me, what they got was bad enough. My husband had warrants, we spent $500 getting things notarized and faxed and sending certified letters, we had the state anti-terrorism unit and the secret service show up at our door on different occasions. It's not something you can imagine unless it happens to you.
And while all of that was going on, my neighbors were borrowing food, asking for kids clothes or for me to buy shoes for their kids, borrowing money to take their kid to the doctor, asking me to babysit for free, showing up at dinnertime with their whole family, asking for school supplies, asking me to buy uniform pants for their new job, etc.
I love sharing on CC and I love learning from others on CC and other cakies in general, it's a shared interest and it's something to talk about.
I'm talking about a random non-caker wanting a list of supplies, ingrediants, recipes and step-by-step instructions on how to make a cake I have for sale on my website...because they don't want to pay my prices.
Does'nt that defeat the purpose of me learning this skill and turning it into a business?
I want to make and sell custom cakes not how-to books on custom cakes.
I share with friends, family other cakers and yes when a mom emails me at 3am because the cake she made for her daughter has collapsed and she did'nt know what else to do other then ask for help from a local bakery I help her (turns out she stacked 3 Sam's cakes just like Sandra Lee told her, but forgot to dowel,lmao!)
I even suggested a local cake store for some replacement pieces and better quality supplies (she was using Wilton Fondant).
So I'm not some mean unsharing evil cake troll, I help when I can.
Although I will admit I'm very slow with returning the PM'S, sorry about that 
I also know that I could give them the instructions and the cake probably would'nt turn out very good anyways but the point is they feel entitled to my knowledge just because they want it.
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