How To Handle This Question Correctly...
Business By cakemeasIam Updated 14 Nov 2009 , 1:51am by CakestyleIN
I only bake from scratch and I make my own fondant. BUT if I bought pre-made fondant and a client asked, I would tell them it was pre-made and bought. Once again, I feel everyone is missing the point. No, you don't have to advertise your a mix baker, but if your client asked, why can't you just tell them you start with a base mix. That doesn't have nothing to to do with trade secrets or anything you guys are trying to say. And we're not talking Coca-cola. That's just silly. I'm sorry, but you are talking about lieing. This is not the same thing as buying soda, a Big Mac, or a Cadillac, or anything else. Like the OP said, the lady was upset about paying for a boxed mix cake when she wanted a scratch cake. If your client ask, they are asking for a reason. If it's just as good, then tell the truth. If it's what you don't do & it's what they want, then don't take the order and lie to get their money. Leah_s had the perfect answer, period.
I'm a scratch baker... of bread. *lol* I even mill my own wheat for that. I can tell the difference in breads!
Cake-wise, I prefer mixes. I'm a home baker/ friends only baker... no selling of cakes. Even with that I won't use a boxed red velvet cake. I did once, and it was terrible. I have a great recipe for red velvet that works every time and tastes divine, so red velvet is always from scratch.
The box red velvet just tasted like... well, the box. I'm guessing this customer has tried the same boxed red velvet cake I did, and if you use that one, I bet she will be unhappy.
...just my 2 cents.
Many brides come in and ask this, along with when is the cake baked, is it frozen, how long before the reception is it set up, etc. They get this list from bridal magazines or sites like the knot of what they should ask their baker. Imagine if they went to their favorite restaurant with this list when ordering their food - is this made from scratch, was it made 10 minutes ago fresh from the chef, etc.
When asked this question, I tell them I have my own recipes. I doctor my mixes and for over 20 years, customers have raved about how good the cakes are. The one thing I get asked for the most is my frosting recipe. People are so used to getting "bettercream" that when they get a cake from me frosted with buttercream they always comment on how good the frosting is. Again, I just tell them it is my own recipe, which it is, and I do not give it out.
Here's a thought...
How many people only "bake from scratch" and then use commercial fondant?
I LOVE that one. 
Not getting into the "details" - if you do the above and take the advice of most "scratch" bakers, you cannot LIE, you have to say no, it is not from "scratch". 
I personally doctor mixes and make my own fondant.......that already made stuff just doesn't taste right to me, it tastes like it has additives to me.
Here is an idea - make your doctored mix one, and a scratch one, then do a tasting for the bride - let HER decide which one is which. 
(and just and FYI - when I have done this experiment - HANDS DOWN they have picked the doctored mix- which is why I don't bother with "scratch" anymore.)
I only bake from scratch and I make my own fondant. BUT if I bought pre-made fondant and a client asked, I would tell them it was pre-made and bought. Once again, I feel everyone is missing the point. No, you don't have to advertise your a mix baker, but if your client asked, why can't you just tell them you start with a base mix. That doesn't have nothing to to do with trade secrets or anything you guys are trying to say. And we're not talking Coca-cola. That's just silly. I'm sorry, but you are talking about lieing. This is not the same thing as buying soda, a Big Mac, or a Cadillac, or anything else. Like the OP said, the lady was upset about paying for a boxed mix cake when she wanted a scratch cake. If your client ask, they are asking for a reason. If it's just as good, then tell the truth. If it's what you don't do & it's what they want, then don't take the order and lie to get their money. Leah_s had the perfect answer, period.
I feel these comments are ugly and are hitting below the belt.
If you feel it is lying then don't do it.
Reiterating that others are indeed liars is not what this discussion is about.
I think that is what I said. If they asked if my fondant was premade, I would say yes, I bought it pre-made.
I think that the best thing to do is to be honest. Personally, I'm not a fan of eating boxed mixes. It's not the taste (and I know some of you use doctored mixes to create cakes that taste AMAZING!) though. I just prefer not to eat a lot of preservatives. (Yes, I'm one of those "all natural" weirdos, lol!) I buy a lot of organic/free range foods and I try to limit going to restaurants that don't bake from scratch (very hard to do, hence the 'try'!!).
I know this doesn't really apply in this case, but I just wanted to give another perspective. If I asked someone if they baked from scratch I would really prefer an honest answer. I wouldn't be doubting your abilities to make something that tastes delicious!
a client inquiring about a future order wanted to know if i make my cakes from scratch- specifically red velvet. she proceeded to say that she had paid a lot of money once for a cake a and it tasted like it came from a box...
help me answer diplomatically...i use doctored cake mixes...
The huger problem is that perhaps some can but most people cannot detect which method is used. If a cake sucks the person just assumes it's the method they like least. EVEN MANY PROS can't tell.
This is always tough...but in the end, if you don't tell the truth, it may come back to haunt you. I do the same thing with doctored cake mixes--I would say something like, "I generally start with a box mix, but make additions to it to give it my own flavor/touches--I like the smooth texture they bring to the cake. I would be happy to set up a tasting with you if you would like to do that."
Good luck!
This answer to the op is the first to mention not telling the truth and the consequences.
Pretty sure most of us get that lying is wrong but thank you for the heads up.
I did a blind taste test at a sampling not too long ago...I made a scratch cake (and my scratch cakes are really good) and a doctored mix cake in French vanilla & Dark Chocolate cakes. In both instances the clients preferred the box mix as opposed to the scratch. The funny thing was I asked them to tell me which one was from scratch and which one was a box mix THEN asked them which one they preferred based on taste, texture, and moistness. ALL of them thought the doctored cake mix was from scratch and that the doctored cake mix tasted the best. It was very eye opening for them. I use doctored cake mixes for the speed as my time is very limited, and to me they do have a much nicer texture than a scratch cake.
From scratch does NOT equal better tasting or better quality! That is a myth.
Oh and FYI grocery stores and Walmart have their cakes already baked & shipped in from a large mass production bakery that starts from scratch with their ingredients not a box mix.
I only bake from scratch and I make my own fondant. BUT if I bought pre-made fondant and a client asked, I would tell them it was pre-made and bought. Once again, I feel everyone is missing the point. No, you don't have to advertise your a mix baker, but if your client asked, why can't you just tell them you start with a base mix. That doesn't have nothing to to do with trade secrets or anything you guys are trying to say. And we're not talking Coca-cola. That's just silly. I'm sorry, but you are talking about lieing. This is not the same thing as buying soda, a Big Mac, or a Cadillac, or anything else. Like the OP said, the lady was upset about paying for a boxed mix cake when she wanted a scratch cake. If your client ask, they are asking for a reason. If it's just as good, then tell the truth. If it's what you don't do & it's what they want, then don't take the order and lie to get their money. Leah_s had the perfect answer, period.
I feel these comments are ugly and are hitting below the belt.
If you feel it is lying then don't do it.
Reiterating that others are indeed liars is not what this discussion is about.
If thats how you feel, that is your perogaitive. I stand by what I say. I think it's wrong to encourage people to tip toe around the question of scratch or mix when a client ask. Tell them yes, it's scratch or no, I start with a base mix that I then add ingredients. It's like when you find out someone lies to you and you ask,"Why did you lie to me?" and they answer with,"I didn't lie. You didn't ask me" or "I just didn't tell you". The OP said the lady was upset she got a boxed cake when she wanted scratch. Heck, even Coca Cola tells you what's in their soda. It's on the can.
This topic reminded me of a commercial I saw on AOL earlier this week: 
I bake from "scratch" all the time.....just not cakes. I do artisan breads.....how many of you would ask if your bread was made from a mix or not? Jeesh.
(and another FYI, I have only been doing cakes for sale for about 4 years now, and have NEVER been asked that question)
Now, as far as the pre-made fondant/scrach cake thing, again, why go into the details? IF they ask if it is all scratch, taking the advice of some on here - you would have to answer no. (There are some here that don't want us to go into the "details" of I start with a mix) just the FACTS - in which case, those who use premade fondant would have to HONESTLY answer NO - it isn't all from "scratch". Double standard?
Could we agree that the op did not mention or hint or attempt to lie about anything? Could we delete those extreme comments from the rest of this thread?
It makes as much sense to say, please don't break any other of the other ten commandments if someone asks scratch or mix.
Please don't kill me because you might go to jail.
Please don't clean out my gargage again because stealing from me is wrong.
We mostly get the ten commandments.
Let's grow up this tiny little bit and stop preaching extremes--not that telling the truth ain't important--btw--yes I do look fat in these jeans--happy now?
If you're not getting it--when you say "Don't lie." You've preconcluded that the person does lie or is considering perpetrating a lie--breaking a moral code of honor and commiting a jailable offense.
I for one grant that our op was not even remotely contemplating lying about it.
I bake from "scratch" all the time.....just not cakes. I do artisan breads.....how many of you would ask if your bread was made from a mix or not? Jeesh.
(and another FYI, I have only been doing cakes for sale for about 4 years now, and have NEVER been asked that question)
Now, as far as the pre-made fondant/scrach cake thing, again, why go into the details? IF they ask if it is all scratch, taking the advice of some on here - you would have to answer no. (There are some here that don't want us to go into the "details" of I start with a mix) just the FACTS - in which case, those who use premade fondant would have to HONESTLY answer NO - it isn't all from "scratch". Double standard?
If someone asks if EVERYTHING you made was from scratch and it isn't, then say no. It's not about mix or scratch is better. It's about just answering the question truthfully. that's all I'm trying to say. I never said anything about taste, quality, or anything like that. Just answer the question truthfully. like Daily said,"This is a no brainer. Just answer the question".
I don't think I called the OP a liar. I think my point was you can answer in a round about way all you want, you'ld be lieing. What this has to do with stealing and murder is beyond me. That is just such a ridiculous point.
It's about just answering the question truthfully
Exactly.....only now, since the premade fondant thing is there, we can explain exactly which PARTS of the cake are not from scratch?
(whereas before that was brought up, it was NO, you HAVE to tell them the truth, don't skirt around it, don't try to sugar coat the fact it isn't from "scratch" - you have to just say NO it isn't)
Yep, double standard, if you ask me.
If someone asks if EVERYTHING you made was from scratch and it isn't, then say no. It's not about mix or scratch is better. It's about just answering the question truthfully. that's all I'm trying to say. I never said anything about taste, quality, or anything like that. Just answer the question truthfully. like Daily said,"This is a no brainer. Just answer the question".
I agree, and I especially like IndyDebi's way of including how many other businesses use mixes as well. Many times the brides are asking because of information they read or have a list of questions they memorized from a website to ask. Educate them on how the taste doesn't depend on whether it's made from scratch or built upon from a mix.
If you start with a mix, be proud of it! Simply telling the customer that use your own special recipe is deceiving! Like I said before, I prefer not to eat cake mixes not because of a taste difference, but because of the ingredients.
If your child was cross eyed or had a majorbreak out on their face and someone mentions it and says sincerely to you in front of the kid, "Oh I'm so sorry your poor child has such an unsightly skin problem."
Dude, just being honest. What's a matter with sincere emphathy and honesty?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'd say, I do not exclude any methods or ingredient you get the benefit of over 30 years of experience~~it all depends on the job at hand. I can provide you with an ingredients list when you place your order.
Of course we'd need to add a clause in our contracts that we are polygraph ready. Please initial and date it here ___________
Or you could say, "Yes I use toxic waste but I put some other ingredients in there so to kind of cover up the nasty taste. What date did you want to poison your friends & family at your party?
I'd say, I do not exclude any methods or ingredient you get the benefit of over 30 years of experience~~it all depends on the job at hand. I can provide you with an ingredients list when you place your order.
LOVE that one, I am saving it. (for if I am EVER asked the ridiculous question!)
Thanks K8!
Exactly.....only now, since the premade fondant thing is there, we can explain exactly which PARTS of the cake are not from scratch?
(whereas before that was brought up, it was NO, you HAVE to tell them the truth, don't skirt around it, don't try to sugar coat the fact it isn't from "scratch" - you have to just say NO it isn't)
Yep, double standard, if you ask me.
But the customer isn't asking about the fondant. My buttercream is made from scratch, and I have been practicing making fondant from scratch as well.
However, at the moment, if a customer asked me, "Is everything made from scratch?" I would be honest. I would reply that while the cake and buttercream are, I am currently shipping in Satin Ice fondant. (and I would definitely be sure to explain that it doesn't taste like Wilton's! lol )
If your child was cross eyed or had a majorbreak out on their face and someone mentions it and says sincerely to you in front of the kid, "Oh I'm so sorry your poor child has such a horrible skin problem."
Dude, just being honest. What's a matter with sincere emphathy and honesty?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'd say, I do not exclude any methods or ingredient you get the benefit of over 30 years of experience~~it all depends on the job at hand. I can provide you with an ingredients list when you place your order.
Of course we'd need to add a clause in our contracts that we are polygraph ready. Please initial and date it here ___________
Or you could say, "Yes I use toxic waste but I put some other ingredients in there so to kind of cover up the nasty taste. What date did you want that?
Just when I thought you couldn't top steeling & murder. What does being rude & cruel to a child have to do with a client asking if the cake is from scratch? If you see those as the exact same thing, well, heck, I just don't know what to think of that.
Exactly.....only now, since the premade fondant thing is there, we can explain exactly which PARTS of the cake are not from scratch?
(whereas before that was brought up, it was NO, you HAVE to tell them the truth, don't skirt around it, don't try to sugar coat the fact it isn't from "scratch" - you have to just say NO it isn't)
Yep, double standard, if you ask me.
But the customer isn't asking about the fondant. My buttercream is made from scratch, and I have been practicing making fondant from scratch as well.
However, at the moment, if a customer asked me, "Is everything made from scratch?" I would be honest. I would reply that while the cake and buttercream are, I am currently shipping in fondant. (and I would definitely be sure to explain that it doesn't taste like Wilton's! lol
)
Do you make your vanilla? Check the ingredients on your flour bag lately?
I only bake from scratch and I make my own fondant. BUT if I bought pre-made fondant and a client asked, I would tell them it was pre-made and bought. Once again, I feel everyone is missing the point. No, you don't have to advertise your a mix baker, but if your client asked, why can't you just tell them you start with a base mix. That doesn't have nothing to to do with trade secrets or anything you guys are trying to say. And we're not talking Coca-cola. That's just silly. I'm sorry, but you are talking about lieing. This is not the same thing as buying soda, a Big Mac, or a Cadillac, or anything else. Like the OP said, the lady was upset about paying for a boxed mix cake when she wanted a scratch cake. If your client ask, they are asking for a reason. If it's just as good, then tell the truth. If it's what you don't do & it's what they want, then don't take the order and lie to get their money. Leah_s had the perfect answer, period.
is your high horse named "Trade Secret"
This topic reminded me of a commercial I saw on AOL earlier this week:
OMG! I never laughed so hard in all my life! This was too funny!
I only bake from scratch and I make my own fondant. BUT if I bought pre-made fondant and a client asked, I would tell them it was pre-made and bought. Once again, I feel everyone is missing the point. No, you don't have to advertise your a mix baker, but if your client asked, why can't you just tell them you start with a base mix. That doesn't have nothing to to do with trade secrets or anything you guys are trying to say. And we're not talking Coca-cola. That's just silly. I'm sorry, but you are talking about lieing. This is not the same thing as buying soda, a Big Mac, or a Cadillac, or anything else. Like the OP said, the lady was upset about paying for a boxed mix cake when she wanted a scratch cake. If your client ask, they are asking for a reason. If it's just as good, then tell the truth. If it's what you don't do & it's what they want, then don't take the order and lie to get their money. Leah_s had the perfect answer, period.
is your high horse named "Trade Secret"
No. By they, I have two and their called "Perfection" & "Know It All".
you guys have been busy while i was gone!
please know i was not intending to mix up a controversy... i wasn't trying to dodge the question...it was her comment on money that i was afraid of insulting.
i use cake mixes...i doctor them...i have made things from scratch too.
i simply took all's advice and said...i do start with a mix. but i don't finish with one.
happy monday!
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