Need Some Advice...

Decorating By PixiRose Updated 2 Aug 2013 , 5:59pm by BatterUpCake

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PixiRose Posted 14 Jun 2013 , 11:44pm
post #1 of 15

Hi :)

I am 17 years old and i just love making cakes and cake pops!!! Problem is,i don't have much to spend on proper icing tips, turntable or even a proper round cake pan!! I don't have the right tools or workspace to work on my skills. But i am planning to sell cakes during the summer for a few extra $$. I have been told by friends and relatives that my cakes are good and my cake pops sold out during a bake sale for charity week. My problem is: how can i make good cakes that can actually sell when i can't spend/invest in good tools?? I really want to improve my baking and decorating skills but i don't have the resources i need!!!

14 replies
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DeliciousDesserts Posted 14 Jun 2013 , 11:52pm
post #2 of 15

AReminds me of the old saying you have to spend money to make money.

Whenever someone asks what you want for birthday, graduation, etc. tell them supplies. Any extra cash? Supplies.

Remember to check (& abide by) your local DHEC laws before selling any cakes.

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manddi Posted 14 Jun 2013 , 11:52pm
post #3 of 15

AYou obviously can't sell cakes without cake pans so you're going to have to drop a few bucks. Just start with the basics. A few pans, tips, and piping bags. Hit up garage sales for a lazy Susan.

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wildflowercakes Posted 15 Jun 2013 , 12:25am
post #4 of 15

I don't know what your decorating level is but have you applied at any bakeries. You could build both your skills and your funds until you can afford more equipment. 

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Franluvsfrosting Posted 16 Jun 2013 , 9:46pm
post #5 of 15

You are going to have to buy some supplies but that doesn't mean they all have to be brand new. When I first started out I got quite a bit of stuff off craigslist. Many people will start a hobby, buy a bunch of stuff and then realize they don't want to pursue it. I got a set of 5 hexagon pans, tips, spatulas, bags and an assortment of random cutters and decorating items for $40 one time. I've picked up quite a few things that way. I don't always need everything in the lot but you can resell or give away what you don't need. 

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PixiRose Posted 27 Jun 2013 , 4:36pm
post #6 of 15

i want to say thank you to all those who replied..im actually on the hunt for a summer job so that should solve that :)

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kakeladi Posted 27 Jun 2013 , 8:46pm
post #7 of 15

If you have the time and inclination one can find amazing things at yard sales :)

I recently found an 8 and 10" round for 75 cents each.  And yes, there were good quality, good condition.

Turntables also can get gotten for around a $. 

It takes getting up very early on a Thurs, Fri, &/or Sat mornings and driving around town.

I always ck out the newspaper and Craigslist for postings to find locations.

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bct806 Posted 28 Jun 2013 , 3:46am
post #8 of 15

Check Craigslist and Facebook. Most areas have garage sale websites these days. Just write an ISO on there and see if anyone has what you are looking for. Also, Micheal's, Joann's Fabrics, and AC Moore usually have a 40-50% off coupon on their websites which would come in handy for more expensive items like tip sets, etc.

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brendajarmusz Posted 28 Jun 2013 , 6:41am
post #9 of 15

AHi i just wanted to say that you can find pans really cheap at thrift stores, i have found so many wilton cake pans at different stores and never paid more than 2 bucks for one. Also there are you tube videos that show you how to use a ziploc bag for decorating and by cutting the corner in certain ways you can make leaves, blossoms, stars etc. I tried it when i saw it to see if it works and it did. So i told my daughter inlaw About it and that's how she decorated my grandson cake that year. They were living 12 hours from me so it was kinda hard for me to do it for her lol. One video that teaches it is so amazing. It's called. How to cook that.net on you tube also my cupcake addiction on you tube are both very good and very helpful. Hope this helps. Also the telling people to get cake supplies for Birthday gifts is a great idea. Just buy something small a little along. You will get there. Good luck.

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LeslieBruckman Posted 28 Jun 2013 , 8:11am
post #10 of 15

My area has several "Garage Sale" Groups on Facebook... there is so much stuff listed on them! I love it. I have found a lot of my supplies second hand. I've traded cakes for some of my supplies and it was so worth it. I made about $40 (retail cost) of cake and cake pops for this one lady who gave me a ton of tips, nails, and SO many pans. A 14 inch, three 12's, a 1/2 sheet and a few shaped pans... one cross, one book... useful ones. I don't like to do a lot of shaped pans because you pay too much and they are rarely ordered. However, the cross and book have come in handy for Easter and Church related events.
Good luck!

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Sidney1958 Posted 28 Jun 2013 , 7:26pm
post #11 of 15

I take it you must have a few supplies??? Or you wouldn't be able to even do the cake pops.  I would maybe borrow a couple of cake pans from anybody you may know. You'd be surprised how many people have them. Start off selling maybe a couple orders of cake pops and with the money you make buy more supplies. You can make a lot of different cake designs with just a round set of cake pans and a star tip. Go online and watch the videos on you tube. You can learn just about anything on there. Start small and then just collect. Tips are a great way to make a lot of different designs without a lot of money. Good luck!

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PixiRose Posted 29 Jun 2013 , 1:00am
post #12 of 15

i do have SOME supplies but they are not that great (about 6 years old) and i didnt need any shape or cake pops because they get crumbled anyway and then shaped by hand :) but  thanks for the suggestions :)

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Norasmom Posted 29 Jun 2013 , 1:08am
post #13 of 15

Get 50% off coupons for Michaels and ACMoore.  Sell one cake... set of decorating tips is one cake's worth.  icon_biggrin.gif  Think of it that way!

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LeslieBruckman Posted 2 Aug 2013 , 5:51pm
post #14 of 15

Michaels, Joann's and Hobby Lobby all have coupons. You can find them online and on apps, also. I've never paid full price for pans.

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BatterUpCake Posted 2 Aug 2013 , 5:59pm
post #15 of 15

Don't forget Ebay

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