Demystifying the Ordering Process
Happy New Year everyone! I figured since it's the start of the new year we will start off with the basics. Many bakers assume that their customers know how to place an order for a cake. Seems easy right?? Well I have learned that's not the case, you all have a lot of questions, and I'd love to help answer them. So here we go!
How do I place a cake order? How much will it cost?
Many of my inquiries for cake orders start out like this-
Customer- "Hey, I need a train themed cake for my kids 3rd birthday, how much will that cost?"
It is impossible for me to give a price with such little information. One of the most important things I need to know is how much cake does the client need? How many people do they want to serve? Often I'm sent a picture of a 3 tier cake when the customer only needs to serve 30pp. Those 3 tier cakes are beautiful and show stopping and can often be redesigned to a smaller size, however most people don't want to pay for 30 servings of extra cake.
If price is not a factor and you just want a show stopping cake I can always make that for you as well! Another trick (so that you aren’t leftover with a ton of cake) is to use a dummy cake as one of the tiers. A dummy cake is a piece of styrofoam shaped like a cake tier. For example, say you want that 3 tier cake but you only need to serve 30pp, we can recreate the largest bottom tier out of a “dummy” tier. This dummy cake is decorated exactly the same, you just don't need to cut that tier.
Another helpful piece of information is the design or theme of the cake. I am often sent pictures of cakes that the client likes, which is very helpful. Often I will take those ideas and come up with something a unique design that incorporates everything that you (the client ) likes. Many times I'm sent a picture of a cake that the client wants me to replicate exactly. If you are not sure what you want that is fine too, I can work with you to come up with the exact custom design you want to wow your guest at your event.
*After receiving all of the above relevant information I can give you a price quote!!
When sending an inquiry I will also need to know the date of your event/party. Certain times of the year get booked up very quickly and I have to make sure I can accommodate your order. This is why I always recommend contacting me as soon as you know the date of your party. Two months advance notice is usually a safe bet, however I do sometimes have last minute availability also so it never hurts to ask.
“So what happens now, how do we place the order?”
After our initial contact and you decide you would like to place your order with me, I first will send you an invoice to collect a deposit. The deposit is usually 100$ or half of the price of your cake order whichever is greater. The invoice will include any relevant information that pertains to the cake order as we discussed (by phone, email, or Facebook messages). After the invoice is sent and I have received your deposit, I will work on and send you a sketch of the design (if needed) and I can order any special materials I may need for your order. I like to have all details for the cake order (such as filling, flavors, exact colors, delivery, etc..) 3 weeks in advance of the party date. I am always available to answer any questions related to the cake by email or phone throughout the process. The balance of the cake is due 1 week prior to the party/event.
Do you deliver?
Yes I do deliver! I deliver for free to my local area of Smithown, St. James, and Nesconset. Anything outside of that area has a fee. Delivery fees are based on mileage with a minimum of 30$.
What if I want to pick up my cake?
Many of my customers do pick up their cake orders. I make the cakes structurally sound so they can be delivered safely. They are boxed in sturdy cake boxes.
You must understand that I am not responsible for the cake once it is picked up. I will advise you if I think its better for me to deliver the cake.
Single tiers, even smaller 2 tier cakes, cupcakes, cake jars are more easily transported. 3 tier cakes are a little more tricky. You need a flat even surface, where the cake will not be able to move around or slide in the car. You need to drive carefully! No sharp turns or short stops ( trust me, I learned this the hard way!)
*one trick I learned and now do every time I deliver my cakes, is to line the trunk with shelf liner. The rubbery, tacky kind. This way when I put the large cake box back there it doesn't slide around on the carpet. It works perfectly!!
I hope this information was helpful!! Please comment or reply with any other questions you may have and I will respond with another post soon.