As a matter of fact we have had a family business since 1950 and we treat our customers like they are #1, which they are of course. Maybe some people in the bakery business get burned out? Any way you run your business as you see fit. I can make an observation and have an opinion too. Its not a Communist country YET!

The only reason the OP had a kid on her lap was b/c that spoiled kid was running around and woke the kid up! The dog is another story, quite possibly it was sitting in a corner unnoticed til it was bothered, don't know.

Oh there's one thing I can agree with ya about....yet!

Is it becoming common practice to sign up again using a different screen name to post things that are deliberately provocative, or am I just noticing it more? Not just in this thread, but in a lot of them...

I wouldn't do the different username thing (I just speak my mind period) but there is also software out there to stay anonymous. I can bounce my ip address and look like I'm in China if I wanted to. Google it: "hide my ip address"....look at all the service out there if you want to hide yourself.

I allow 2 people at my tasting appointments....usually the bride and groom. Everyone else will "taste" the cake on the wedding day.

I've never had anyone show up with extra tasters....I don't know maybe I've been lucky to not have to deal with this yet.

I can't think of one good reason for anyone to bring children to a business meeting....not one.

Now the other issue.............

As a consumer I'd definitely be put off if I saw children or pets roaming around during a business meeting with a prospective baker.

I think sometimes "we".....meaning *home based business owners* can become lax and assume that clients will think our children or pets are as cute as we think they are. Not the case.

We need to keep our business separate from our personal lives.....I'm selling cake not children and pets. Appearances are so important.

So to the OP....I think you have every right to place restrictions on who can and cannot attend your tastings.

I'm pretty sure we all know who "cakewhimsies" is!! WAY too obvious...

I wouldn't do the different username thing (I just speak my mind period) but there is also software out there to stay anonymous. I can bounce my ip address and look like I'm in China if I wanted to. Google it: "hide my ip address"....look at all the service out there if you want to hide yourself.

OK that's weird....why did Jamie's post repost again 30 minutes later?

Just to make us all sit there and go "Huh?"

Maybe the IP address is bouncing around and came back like a boomerang. Yes, I know that makes no sense...

No kidding...what the heck? Anyways, of course anyone can post anywhere. But Bella and newmansmom sure did nail it.

I don't usually get involved with these kinds of threads and I kinda feel like this is beating a dead horse, but I really feel like I have to chime in from a parents point of view.

We live over 5 hours from our nearest family and all of our friends work, anything that I have to do, my 3 year old has to come with me - hair appointment, doctor appointments, you name it - we don't have a sitter, AND my husband works 3 jobs so rarely can he keep her. I am always up front with whoever I make the appointment with and tell them that I have to bring her with me.

Two weeks ago we got audited by the IRS - YEP - I took her with me there too - I always pack a bag of toys and snacks for her and the most she ever interrupts is to go pee. If you want my business - you have to take my kid too.

NOW - on the side of a business owner - speak up - if you are in my house terrorizing MY dog or MY kid - I will say something.

Janelwaters you sound like an on the ball parent who understands the limitations of their child, and who has came up with ways to keep their child preoccupied, so you can take care of personal business. You are more then welcome to bring your child to a tasting. BUT, now a days and unfortunately, you are becoming the exception to the rule. And cause I don't know if I'm going to get that rare gem of a parent such as yourself, I just eliminate the problem right off top by not allowing any children. SOme people get VERY offended when you correct their child.

Some parents are worse than the kids! Of course you should tell them to not bring children to a tasting if thats your rule....

I remember about thirty years ago I was at someones home and they had cheese and crackers on the coffee table, and their large dog was sniffing and panting all over this platter, yet when a small 2 year old boy picked up a piece of cheese and offered it to the host, he was quick to tell the little boy he must not pick up the cheese and hand it to someone....but dog spit was fine ......give me a break

thats like these people who like to say a dogs mouth is cleaner than a persons hand, well I have to say I don't lick me own arse, and beg to differ lol

I guess I've been busy- haven't noticed the thread still going...
I have a new policy I will be adopting thanks to all of you, which will basically state in very nice terms that this is business meeting and I would suggest children under 10 be left at home, but if you must bring your cherub, please also bring a dvd for them to watch. That way, at least I know they will be occupied.
As far as parenting- honestly, I'm a mom of a 2 year old. This child was 3, and was just being 3. His parents didn't do anything wrong, except think that he would enjoy a cake tasting appointment that lasted until 9:30, and then blush when he pulled all the toys off my daughter's closet shelf.
As for the dog issue... let it go! He's 11 lbs! He was being chased, but at all other appointments, he lays on the couch in a corner and ignores everybody. Putting the dog away would just mean that instead of a quite dog on the couch, I will have a whining dog in the bedroom, scratching up my woodwork. It works for me, and seems to work for my clients. I can definitely see the point some of you have, but it is what it is.
I've never claimed to be completely professional at all times when I operate my home business, but I think that is why we are on this forum- some to share their wisdom, and some to gain it. I certainly did gain some thanks to all of you, and I hope I don't sound too grrrrby, its been a long day already.

lol

Well, I personally dislike long or distracting consultations. To help keep it all focused and short, regardless of the presence or non-presence of children, I do the following and it seems to work the majority of the time:

When I first come in contact with a bride, I send them everything they need in advance including but not limited to the design, price, contact info and contract. I answer any questions they have via phone or email ahead of time as often as possible. Then, on the day of the tasting, all they have to is TASTE! And for this, I simply place their desired 3-4 frosting, filling and cake combinations in a cute little 32 cent gift box. I'm usually done with the face to face part in about 15-20 minutes which is not quite enough time for a child to sabotage the whole meeting.

Also, in the event something comes up and they can't complete the tasting or the child is completely out of control, it's already boxed up with a fork and napkin so they can simply take it with them.

Hope this helps for next time.

I would have it said at the first phone conversation, website, etc. that no children are allowed...UNLESS it's a cake for them and they are picking it out. If you can't find SOMEBODY to watch your kid for an hour or two, then reschedule at a time when you can find somebody. It's as simple as that. You should have told that lady to control her child. That is still YOUR home not a daycare.