A Bit Irritated

Baking By platinumlady Updated 3 Oct 2011 , 9:41pm by platinumlady

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platinumlady Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 4:55pm
post #1 of 39

Ok I just got a call today for 60 cupcakes for tomorrow no biggie..However, She wanted just the cupcakes no icing icon_confused.gif ... ummm NO! 1st off I have it posted on my website that I meet with customers by appointment only & need a least 2 weeks notice for regular occasions & at least 3 months for weddings or large engagements. I don't have a store front yet so my customers pick up their orders right there at the commercial kitchen. So occasionally I get those next day order calls, Even though it says on website I cook to order. But asking me just to make cupcakes but not decorate them....is out of the question. I'm not a food chain...& most around here won't even do that...but a few will.

To me it's like making a custom cake & let someone else put their name on it. No! Not now not ever! I called her back & let her know I only sell fully decorated cupcakes & she sound like I hurt her feelings....sorry NO CAN DO!

Okay sorry but I had to vent. That just struck me the wrong way!

38 replies
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diane Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 5:01pm
post #2 of 39

Well done. What in the world was she thinking? I think she cannot bake, so she wanted you to do that and she was probably going to just simply ice them and take the credit for the whole thing, or she was going to have someone else do the decorating.

I wouldn't send any cake of mine out the door undecorated.

Good for you! thumbs_up.gif

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jason_kraft Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 5:53pm
post #3 of 39

We've sold undecorated cupcakes before, a customer was having a cupcake decorating party for her daughter (who was allergic to dairy) so we made some dairy-free cupcakes without frosting and provided a few tubs of dairy-free frosting. Of course the price was the same as if the cupcakes had been decorated.

I don't see what the big deal is...if the customer wants to decorate it themselves, let them. It's not like there will be a sign in front of the cupcakes saying they were decorated by you.

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btrsktch Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 6:16pm
post #4 of 39

^
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ITA.

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Mammadukes Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 6:41pm
post #5 of 39

I'm going to have to agree very much with what jason_kraft stated
and say whats the big deal make them and charge the same as you always would

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cakestyles Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 6:48pm
post #6 of 39

I sell "decorate your own" cupcakes for kid's parties all the time. It's a very common theme for kids parties lately.

I do also provide a few icing bags with buttercream and a few little plastic containers with different sprinkles.


I have a 3 doz minimum and they're $36 a dozen.

If someone wants to pay me $118 to bake them 3 dozen cupcakes that I don't have to decorate but still get paid as if I'm icing them...I'm completely fine with that.

I wouldn't send an un-iced cake out the door but cupcakes or cookies, sure why not?

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lilmissbakesalot Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 7:03pm
post #7 of 39

complete ditto to the other responses.

I see it as money in the bank for a TON less work than usual. Kid's *love* to decorate their own cupcakes/cakes.

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artscallion Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 7:13pm
post #8 of 39

Yes, what is it that you're objecting to. If she wants to claim she baked them, let her. It doesn't effect you. And it will make her very happy.

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lilmissbakesalot Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 7:18pm
post #9 of 39

The truth is, that we have no idea what happens after we deliver a cake. If someone wants to say that they made it they will no matter what you do. Nekkid cupcakes are the least of your concern... at least the decorating will reflect her skills and not yours... LOL.

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lilmissbakesalot Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 7:19pm
post #10 of 39

artscallion... I love the tag line... LOL!!!

I hate housework AND when people mispell things too.

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CWR41 Posted 29 Sep 2011 , 9:42pm
post #11 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by lilmissbakesalot

artscallion... I love the tag line... LOL!!!

I hate housework AND when people mispell things too.




misspell.

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platinumlady Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 5:29am
post #12 of 39

I have a problem with it because I'm not a huge business. I still in the process of getting my name out. I have not been in business for years & I am hitting the pavement hard. So yes it is a big deal for me to do the work & have someone else take the credit.

I don't make a special dairy-free, gluten free etc type of cakes so there was not an allergy or anything like that in play.

For those that has been in business for a while & has a regular stream of business & people know who you are...this may seem petty to you. However, when you are in the building stages of your business it's important for people to know that I did the baking. So I really didn't care about her being happy I'm not doing it. Just like when I asked a grocery store to print off an edible image for a cake I was making for a friend ... (not in the business & wasn't thinking about being in business at the time) she told me yes for this time only ... but she wouldn't do it again because that was like supplying her competition. I understood that & I didn't even think about that when I ask her. So I was very much appreciative when she did that for me.

So for those of you that are big enough to do that good for you. But I'm not & it irritated me. It's kinda funny that a person doesn't have the right to feel the way they do. I was venting & if you can't understand why I felt that way it's cool...but don't condemn me for the way I felt. {I'm only human...think back to when you 1st got started & things that may have bothered you then that you can brush off now...Remember everyone started somewhere & weren't always experts ijs}

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scp1127 Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 5:51am
post #13 of 39

Any client can tell anyone that she baked the cake. You have no control over whether the client chooses to tell anyone where she got a cake. So it really isn't important to your business. You sell it and you hope for word-of-mouth advertising. We all get compliments on things we own, but we don't have to go beyond a "thank you" to include where we got it.

Buy it from me and do what you want with it. It's my job to have a marketing plan, not my clients'. I certainly don't rely on this situation to reach potential customers. If it happens, good.

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platinumlady Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 5:56am
post #14 of 39

So I guess I'm wrong for feeling that way... 90% of my business has been word of mouth. I do have marketing it place. But again it's not huge. Not at a profit yet.

Sorry for being irritated

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scp1127 Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 6:19am
post #15 of 39

It's not wrong, but also not a marketing plan. If you want to increase your business, a plan, just like any business in any industry, must be in place. Word-of-mouth is nice, but it's only a bonus that you can't rely on. A plan involves identifying your target market, making sure that your business is suited to that market through your branding, and a method to successfully reach that market. I consider it the most vital part of my business. Waiting for people to come to you is only a viable method if you have a retail location in a high traffic area with that traffic representative of your target market.

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platinumlady Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 6:28am
post #16 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by scp1127

It's not wrong, but also not a marketing plan. If you want to increase your business, a plan, just like any business in any industry, must be in place. Word-of-mouth is nice, but it's only a bonus that you can't rely on. A plan involves identifying your target market, making sure that your business is suited to that market through your branding, and a method to successfully reach that market. I consider it the most vital part of my business. Waiting for people to come to you is only a viable method if you have a retail location in a high traffic area with that traffic representative of your target market.




Like I said in the previous statement...I do have marketing. I have my logos & branding. I have advertisement in different media outlets. It's not a lot because of budget.

So I can't expect anyone to understand. If I knew how I would just delete the post.

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scp1127 Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 6:43am
post #17 of 39

Platinum, I based my reply on the information given by you. I also don't consider my answer to be personal. This thread has already had 631 views, and my information is very important to those who may be starting a business or in a planning stage. The information was also pertinant to anyone who relies on word-of-mouth. I get volumes of pm's about these subjects, so it is important to answer the question based on the information given.

I personally do not rely on ads or listings either. In the beginnings of a business, this just puts you out there with all the rest. Taking full advantage of social media, your website, and one-on-one marketing are all great places to start.

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sharon24 Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 9:03am
post #18 of 39

I understand, i would not be happy to do that, unless it was just a family member, my son doesnt like icing so always has his plain.

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artscallion Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 11:00am
post #19 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by platinumlady

...
So for those of you that are big enough to do that good for you. But I'm not & it irritated me. It's kinda funny that a person doesn't have the right to feel the way they do. I was venting & if you can't understand why I felt that way it's cool...but don't condemn me for the way I felt. {I'm only human...think back to when you 1st got started & things that may have bothered you then that you can brush off now...Remember everyone started somewhere & weren't always experts..




Sorry, but I'm missing where any of this supposed judgement of you happened. Nobody even went close to telling you that you were wrong for feeling the way you felt. Of course you're entitled to their feelings and reactions to things. And going back through the posts, not a single one even hints at "condemning" you. Yes, you posted a rant. We're responding with our opinions and advice. Please don't take it so personally. icon_smile.gif

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MimiFix Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 11:36am
post #20 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by platinumlady

Ok I just got a call today for 60 cupcakes for tomorrow no biggie..However, She wanted just the cupcakes no icing




platinumlady, you can certainly turn down any order that doesn't seem right to you. This is your business!

However, if a client or student mentioned this to me, I would offer my opinion: 60 cupcakes is a nice order. Charge as if they were fully iced, and ask the customer if they would like to have the icing in a tub. I've been in the food business for more than 30 years and now write, teach, and consult. When I post a reply on cc, it is my business experience talking.

When you post anything on this site you will receive comments that support how you feel, and comments that are business-oriented. If we only want supportive comments, our friends and families can do that for us. But the business posts here are meant to help guide new business owners who don't have as much experience as us older experienced folks who want to help others succeed.

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cakestyles Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 12:08pm
post #21 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by platinumlady

It's kinda funny that a person doesn't have the right to feel the way they do.




icon_confused.gif Aren't you doing the same thing? Those of us that are offering our opinion that happens to differ from yours are being shot down by you.

You may not agree with us and that's fine, but the "right to feel the way we do" works both ways.


If you step back and think about this from our point of view I think you'd realize that an order for 5 dozen undecorated cupcakes (but charge her the iced cupcake price) is a pretty decent sized order for a new business to turn away.

This order could lead to many future orders.

I hope you don't take these responses personally.

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southerncross Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 1:14pm
post #22 of 39

You certainly can't control what happens to the cake after it leaves your hands. I made a trio of birthday cakes for a woman in the next town over. One was stenciled on buttercream with damask print around the sides and a monogram on top; the second was glazed with ganache and decorated with sugar paste Adirondack chair and white chocolate seashells that were hand coloured; the third was a fondant covered cake with fondant eyelet trim and topped with sugarpaste roses. The day after the birthday party, pictures of the cakes were posted by the customer with captions that she baked them herself!

I just had to laugh. My customers are by word of mouth and I do no advertising at all. I'm not worried that I'll lose any business to this customer because she couldn't begin to replicate my cakes if she were asked. If that customer believes taking credit is going to make her path through life easier then namaste. I still get more than my share of orders. Life is much more pleasurable if you at the smooth rock in the rushing river....just go with the flow

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Jennifer353 Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 1:47pm
post #23 of 39

We all have our own opinions and are entitled to feel how we want.

I would be inclined to have done like the lady with the printed image in the supermarket. Tell them that you dont normally do it but will this once for her but it will not become a trend. If I had that told to me and then wanted a decorated cake/cupcakes I would be inclined to go to get it from "the nice lady/man who went out of her way to make something for me that wasn't really available from her"

Not 100% relevant but I once bought some cufflinks from a jeweller as part of a jewellery set (who had made them himself). A couple of months later I lost one cufflink and rang to see if I could buy another set because they were not still on his website. He made one for me and sent it free of charge. I told loads and loads of people about how nice he was and that he had made it for me, even when he was just about to go on vacation. I have since gone back to the store and a friend went and bought a jewellery set and commissioned him to make another necklace for her. In his case instead of saying the cufflinks weren't available he got valuable word of mouth advertising from it.

Sorry if my opinion upsets anyone.

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kmstreepey Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 1:49pm
post #24 of 39

Did you ask her why she wanted them undecorated? Perhaps she wanted a certain type of icing and assumed you wouldn't be able to accomodate her. Or wanted less icing than some bakeries normally put on their cupcakes (maybe she doesn't like the piled-high icing). Or something else like that. If it was something like that, you could have worked with her, saved the order, and established a lot of goodwill with her that would have translated to glowing reviews.

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olleharr Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 2:16pm
post #25 of 39

If cupcake decorating party themes are so popular right now like some of you have said, wouldn't it be a great marketing strategy to offer a party package for it? I like that idea of providing the icing and even the bags and a few toppings and then charging regular price for the cupcakes.

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cakestyles Posted 30 Sep 2011 , 6:53pm
post #26 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by olleharr

If cupcake decorating party themes are so popular right now like some of you have said, wouldn't it be a great marketing strategy to offer a party package for it? I like that idea of providing the icing and even the bags and a few toppings and then charging regular price for the cupcakes.




That's exactly what I do...I started doing it last year and once one kid goes to a party that has it than they want it too.

I do have a minimum 3 doz as I said earlier, and I only offer the packages in chocolate or vanilla bean.

It's the easiest 100 bucks I make.

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Osgirl Posted 1 Oct 2011 , 2:00am
post #27 of 39

If you don't want to hear others' opinions, then don't vent! Everyone on here was very respectful when stating their opinion (something you don't often see on these forums). I guess I don't understand why you were so deeply offended. If what they do or would've done doesn't work for you, then that's fine. You are entitled to run your business however you'd like. icon_smile.gif

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Kitagrl Posted 1 Oct 2011 , 2:18am
post #28 of 39

You certainly aren't required to accept orders you do not feel like you can fill. I turn down orders like that quite often. I have a $200 minimum.

However I do not get upset or offended when people call me asking for a small cake that I do not offer! They do not know! They are looking for a good baker...they say, "Oh look, she is a good baker" and they call me. Unfortunately, I cannot accept their order (or won't) but that is no reason for me to get upset, irritated, or let it ruin my day. I just very kindly explain that I'm sorry, I'm booked...Or I'm sorry, I have a $200 minimum order, etc...and that's that.

Just say "I'm sorry ma'am, I'm not able to offer that" and go on with your day. Some people are used to calling bakeries who can fill a cupcake order overnight so she just didn't realize you're not that type. Be happy she thought you would be a good choice for her baker....

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lilmissbakesalot Posted 1 Oct 2011 , 5:13am
post #29 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by CWR41

Quote:
Originally Posted by lilmissbakesalot

artscallion... I love the tag line... LOL!!!

I hate housework AND when people mispell things too.



misspell.




Son of a....

LOL!

Figures my fingers didn't click all the way down when I was complaining about spelling.

D'oh!

That's what happens when you are running on 4 hours of sleep in a 3 day period and quickly trying to catch some cake reading in between batches of buttercream.

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platinumlady Posted 1 Oct 2011 , 6:51am
post #30 of 39

Thank you for the feedback most of the post was very useful. Yesterday started out bad & got worse as time went by. I know what I need to do next time.

Thanks again

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