Need your thoughts on doing the designs for customers before placing the order! - Page 2

I always do a sketch, It takes like 2 minutes. After they've explained what they want I can usually figure out in my head what they're looking for, and if they want something changed we can amend it there and then. I sometimes do them on the computer as well, 15 minute job.

I keep the sketch because I work from it. I don't think I would be able to do a cake without a guide, I draw sketches for fake cakes too.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZCouture 

Just though I'd drop this in here, so you can all marvel at my awesome drawing skilllllllllllllllz.

 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.404703616226710.100812.110414962322245&type=3

 

And yeah, even if I am chicken scratching, they're MY ideas, and they are definitely not walking out the door unless they've been paid for. Except the monkey cake, that wasn't really mine, I just moved some elements of another cake around a bit for that particular cake. But I've never lost a sale to a chicken scratch drawing. Usually people laugh and say they get it when I say something like "obviously the pink will be darker, but I don't have a hot pink pencil, so work with me"....

Oh thank you for this.

I think I almost sent a bride running for the hills, with the (lack of) quality of my sketches. 

People often say to me "but you must be artistic to do what you do?".

Erm....  no!!!!

I draw before I quote, that way I know exactly what I'm quoting. However I work almost exclusively with repeat/referral customers and rarely do they not place the order. Years ago I spent way to much time giving away drawings, but now days it's not an issue.

I use paint and inkscape, I can draw, but this is just faster and I don't have to scan it when I'm done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janani65 

I love all the ideas all of you have! I'm a still an beginner in this business. Sometimes I'm tempted to jump and give all the details out in good faith. Happened the worse once.(Took the design and ran away). So, determined to not to do that mistake again. 

Yeah I just wouldn't spend a whole lot of time drawing up something for a potential client.  Ultimately that's not why you are in business and, if you don't enjoy it that much to do it for free, then it's just not worth it.  

I draw stick cakes.  Always worked for me.

What a killer drawing AND cake--wow

are you kidding filligree, pearls, hearts & flowers plus zebra-esque rock & roll

what a blending of ideas  great design!!!

rock on angel wings!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pieceofcaketx 

 

Just an odd thought reading through this. I cant draw for toffee (i think that is the polite way to put it) but maybe basic basic 'stick' drawings could work to your advanage? If you do an elaborate, gorgeous drawing of someone's dream cake, surely they can nit pick and say this isn't exactly how I expected this or the lettering is different here... Have you had any problems like that? Maybe I'm trying to make myself feel better for when I actually start a proper business, you know, the type with clients!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janani65 

Hi, I'm doing a home based cake decorating business. I mostly do birthday cakes. Whenever a customer calls to inquire about an order, I design the cake and email them with the price. Most of them place the order, but some people don't. 

 

You start with ALL customers by asking the date, the event, the number of servings, allergies/special dietary needs. 

 

You should have a minimum order $$, a minimum time for advance notice, a minimum cutoff date for the deposit.  You discuss these details, and then you email them with a rough estimate of price.

 

When the customer accepts these terms by calling or emailing back, THEN you work on a design. Or you ask them to email you a picture.

 

You will NEVER have 100% orders from initial contacts.  In the long run you should be happy with 80%.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janani65 

 

My problem is when those people doesn't place an order with me I have already done a design for them for free. I need to avoid this. Coz I'm wasting my money and effort for nothing. 

So who is demanding that you do work for free? 

If you have never had a job in America, consider that you should get one even just part time.  Those skills will help you run your own business better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pieceofcaketx 

I draw before I quote, that way I know exactly what I'm quoting. However I work almost exclusively with repeat/referral customers and rarely do they not place the order. Years ago I spent way to much time giving away drawings, but now days it's not an issue.

 

I use paint and inkscape, I can draw, but this is just faster and I don't have to scan it when I'm done.

 

Oh snap I use inkscape too! My bro gave me his photoshop c6 or cs6 or something but I have no clue how to use it.