Hey all,

Just starting out with cake orders and I'm wondering what to do about either A, delivering cakes personally or B, having people come and collect them.

How on earth do I deliver cakes to clients? Up until now the only ones I've delivered have been to friends. I've used large plastic boxes upside down (cake on lid, box on top)... which I guess I could still do if I'm delivering to a venue. But if clients come to collect, how do I hand it to them?

Sorry to be dense. I live in Spain and there aren't many ways to get baking supplies. I've sourced boxes from the UK, but I need to order a ton of them, and I don't know what to do about ordering - I've no idea how many orders I'm likely to get, and they're bound to be different sizes. Would be different if I could just pop out and buy a cake box for each order.

Thanks!

Karen

There really isn't a way around using a box for a cake.  It's more professional and sanitary, and it also keeps the cake in place. I would say you need to order the boxes and pay the price for them, but include that in the cost of your cakes and pass it on to your customer.

I deliver my cakes (in boxes) and people love that.  I prefer to deliver because I can guarantee the cake will arrive in one piece.  I have a vehicle with a flat trunk, (an SUV.)

Dagnammit, I was afraid of that. I'll have to order them in 100s then... it's just a huge expense starting out, when I'm not sure I'll even get the business. Maybe I'll see if I can get a few boxes from somewhere to start off with, in just one size, and only make cakes that will fit the boxes for now!

Thanks!

Karen

Oh, just another question - I just realised they're not as expensive as I thought... and I need cupcake boxes too, so they can go into the same order and cut down on delivery...

What kind of boxes do I get though? Do I need corrugated boxes or can I buy folded boxes? I guess corrugated would be stronger...

My cakes though, no idea how tall they'll be. I only do single tier now, but always with figures on them, so they could be 6 inches tall - 6 inches is the tallest box my supplier has! What if it's two tiers? Do I then need to find a new supplier?

There's soooo much I haven't thought of yet!!! I was all about the cake. Now it's coming down to practicalities, I have more questions than answers. Thank goodness for here!!!

K

I order the tall boxes, but for some cakes with tall decorations, I deliver them with the box's top attached loosely.

AFor single tier cakes you don't really need corrugated boxes. Now for tiered cakes, yes, more likely. Try to multi-task your boxes. I only have 2 sizes of cake boxes: the 14x10x4 for cupcakes (I only offer these in increments of a dozen), when I do minis they go in the same size box with no inserts. I can fit 24. If you do quarter sheet cakes, this size works too.

For single tiers I have 12x12x6 for cakes 6-10 inches. Some people use 10x10x (variable heights) for single tiers 6-8 inches, and 6-packs of cupcakes (with the insert). I've seen someone also fit 1 dozen cupcakes in this size of box without an insert.

For tiered cakes I use corrugated boxes from Walmart: 14x14x14 or the 12x12x? (can't remember, I think it's 10). I don't stack more than 2 tiers to transport so that works.

A

In the packaging/postal supplies department. Next to the duct tape. They're usually folded up in the lower aisles. Someone also mentioned getting similar boxes at Staples.

ASelf-storage companies also sell boxes for cheap.

Karen,

I would buy boxes from a bakery in Spain or a supermarket that makes cakes until your orders increase because knowing the size of apartments in Madrid, Barcelona, etc, i doubt you have tons of space to store a bunch of boxes! and definitely take NoraCowen's advice and use the boxes that can also hold cupcakes inserts, that way you don't have to buy a million different sizes:) 

good luck!

PattyCakes

I've had problems finding boxes to fit my tiered cakes, and it sounds like many other bakers do too! I've submitted an idea on Quirky.com and would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Vote and comment here, and we can make this product a reality!

http://www.quirky.com/ideations/500270

Thank you!

Emily

--

The Cake Mom & Co.

www.thecakemom.com

ABakeabox.com has boxes specifically for tiered cakes.

AI have such weird sized cakes, so I create my own from regular cardboard boxes. There is a little time involved, but its super cheap, custom fit & very sturdy. Just seal all open edges w/tape, lay box on side, cut the side flaps in half & lay over the bottom flap then tape. For a window I use plastic wrap. I use packing tape because its sturdy and makes everything air tight. And sometimes I use rubber shelf liner for that extra sense of security to keep cake board from sliding. Works great! Hope that helps! Also instruct client to place cake on floor not seat and to be slower with starts/stops/turns while driving. [IMG]http://cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3015011/width/200/height/400[/IMG]

Athanks so much guys! love the make your own for the weird shapes and sizes... will see if i can buy just a few in shop here. will be more expensive short term, but at least will then now if i have any demand!

Cake Box really matter for delivery. Should be used

Box, that keep cake fresh whole day, and this can be decorated with beautiful colors and company logo. Like us many cake delivery service uses this polystyrene box.