I recently posted a picture on my Facebook page of some cupcakes I did this week and used Disco Dust in making them. I always try to answer anyone that posts on my page so that it makes me more personal and keep everyone engaged, but this random person says something along the lines of "Those are so pretty, where can I buy the glitter"? Umm yeah, cause I WANT to share my secrets with you so you don't have to order them from me?? Now I don't know what to say.... :-/ 

i mean disco dust is not exactly a secret and not to mention it is not edible either--

 

i would just answer vaguely--"most any cake decorating store carries it"

 

or delete the comment so you don't have to reveal anything

ADisco dust isn't a trade secret. :???:

I'd help and answer the question. How is it any different than people asking here? It's just a different forum.

How is it different? Because essentially she is asking "where can I buy that so I don't have to pay you to do it", or "can I have your recipe so I don't have to pay you to do it". I would never think of asking on Walmarts facebook page where they purchase their products and expect them to tell me so I can save myself a couple bucks. Even if it isn't a "secret" so to speak. 

 

I don't think this person meant any harm...it was just a poorly thought out question. And now I have to find a political answer.

 

I don't run a forum for tips and trick, I'm running a business. 

AThat's just silly, I'm sorry. And what may happen is someone else just answers it anyways.

ABut she's not asking for a recipe. I think you're overthinking it.

AShe's asking for information on an obviously pre-made decoration. I see nothing wrong or out of line about that.

A

There are plenty of people here that also run successful businesses, but that doesn't stop them answering other peoples questions. And it doesn't necessarily mean that she wants to know so she doesn't have to pay you, it could be that she just wants to bake at home as a hobby- I bake at home ( very nice cakes I might add ;-) ) but that doesn't stop me from buying from elsewhere. I agree that you're overthinking it.

While I completely understand where you are coming from, a few points:

1. This person may be a baker and is following you. You never know where new relationships can come from. 

2. If they are asking you where to get supplies, it is very clear that even if you don't answer, they were not going to be your customer.

3. BUT if you answer and are helpful, maybe this DIY person will remember you the next time they realize they need a "more important" cake or when in a conversation with a friend looking for a "wow" cake. This has happened to me several times. A person has emailed with questions or calls and I answer nicely and then 2 months down the road I realized they've sent me customers because of that encounter. 

4. Disco Dust is not a trade secret and not a recipe. Is is also not edible. (but that's not really relevant in this discussion.)

A

Very well said.

AWow, someone sure needs a reality check.

AYup agree with majority. Private message her the answer to her question. Disco dust doesn't make a great looking cake, it make a great looking cake sparkle. Therefore, if she is making her own chances are they won't be as good as a professional. Also, anyone that does this as a hobby or business knows about disco dust/lustre/ where to get stuff from etc. she is no threat. Also, if she is asking where to buy stuff she prob has little intention of placing an order. I would never buy a cake from the decorator in my local shop (cause I make my own) but I buy all my supplies from her, even though they are dearer than the internet, because she gives great advice. Be nice, it'll benefit you in the long run when she places an order for a cake she can't execute and tries to hide mistakes with disco dust which won't work x x x x x

I tell people where to get things all the time. I have mostly cake decorators on my facebook page, and even today someone asked what color I'd used on some flowers. I told them and linked to where they could buy it. Who cares? If they asked for a recipe that's a different issue, but disco dust isn't secret, and it shouldn't be on cupcakes anyway unless it's on some type of decoration that can be removed and not eaten.

A"Any cake supply store"

I often see cool things on Facebook and wonder how they did that - but I don't have the guts to post and ask them. But guaranteed someone else will. You can just respond by saying that 'edible glitter is available from all good cake decorating stores'. At least that way you're still engaging and polite while answering her questions. I've often taken a picture to my cake decorating store and asked how to achieve something I've seen online and they're always happy to help.

A

Ditto to all. If you want to be taken seriously around here, just go around and quote Kara on everything, and you'll be a genius, with only a bit of effort.

A

There's something in the water today. Where should I send the check?

Thank you so much for the well thought out replies! I respectfully think many of your missed my point, but not worth my time debating. 

 

I took the advice of private messaging her. I agree, she would be someone to help out in hopes of developing a relationship. 

 

Thanks!

AMissed what point?

She wasn't asking for a recipe...heck Edna de la Cruz makes YouTube videos with her recipes yet she is still in business.

It's disco dust not a family recipe. Of you're that worried of losing money, order some disco dust and tell her you sell it and mark it up, as a cake supply store would do.

Telling someone what disco dust is will not make or break you.

A

Well said