Adding to this list, 2 things. When someone makes you ask for the remaining balance on a cake. Just awkward! “Hey, can you pay me please?” Why do I even have to ask? Second is when a customer sends me a really cool, extensive design, but wants the smallest cake I make. Can’t fit all the decorations on there.
I've stopped feeling weird about asking for the balance. I now just send an email saying, "just a reminder that the $200 balance for the cake is due today. I attached payment info for you!" That keeps it from being too awkward!
I love the, “I just want a really simple design. I want a custom cake, three tier with the quilted look and pearls. I need it to feed 50. Can you do it for 100 dollars?” 😅😅😅
One of my in laws asked for a semi difficult cake. I told her the price and she went "it's just cake" lol. I feel like alot of people say it's just cake. Like forgetting its my art, time and effort also
@@victoriasmith2965yes! I am so tired of hearing that. It’s not just cake. I can hand them over “just cake”. That’s a lot different than what you are ordering.
One time I had someone ask me to decorate a cake that she would provide the cake and icing, basically all of the supplies. At first she made it seem like she had this special recipe for cake and icing and that's what she wanted and that's all the family would eat however after my many questions and her trying to talk me into it, It turned out that she thought that way she'd save money and when I asked her what she thought she'd pay she said about $30 to decorate it. 😁😁😂😂 it was going to be a tiered cake 😂😂
Number 10 spoke SO much to me! Crushing my soul lol. Also I get “it’s a simple cake” and they send a pic of something intricate. Just because it’s small doesn’t make it simple!
My favorite is when asked “how much does a cake cost?” Without giving any details of the size or what they are looking for. This happened yesterday, I replied with I need more details and gave some examples. And was told “well you’re the decorator”. I replied with “I still need to know how many servings and the style of the cake”
Love it !❤ Video suggestion… I just started my at home business and I am struggling to get clientele. Is there anyway you can possibly do a video on new ways to get business, advice, anything at all like that for new folks trying to start up?
Late pickups! I had one this past weekend. I have a detailed contract with pickup times. She was late and I left to continue on with my day. She had to come back late in the evening for her cake
Yes! I have talked about this in other videos. I give a strict pickup window and always say I have somewhere to be so I will not be home after a certain time. That creates a sense of urgency!
I thought it would create a sense of urgency as well but nope! I called and she said she had to drop somebody off and run some errands 🤦🏾♀️. Then had the nerve to say can someone meet her or can my husband bring the cake to work with him. Ummm no ma’am!
Adding to this, I had a lady late to a pick up. All day, “I will be there in an hour, I will be there in an hour. Sorry, got held up, will be there in an hour.” Finally I asked if she wanted me to deliver it. She agreed. When I knocked on the door, no answer. I stood there 10 minutes with the cake knocking at the door. Finally, as I was getting ready to take it back home, she answers the door (wtf?). She was “in the shower”. Did I not just text you to say I would be here with the cake in 15 minutes? 🤦♀️
One thing that drives me crazy is when a client send you a picture of a seriously ugly cake and says, “ I want you to make me a cake that looks just like this”. And I think in my head, I am not going to make that ugly cake and associate my name with it! 😅 So I tell them that I can do something in that theme and those colors but I don’t copy others work. I’ll add my own artistic style. I just had one like this.
I always start a conversation with I won’t copy anyone else work. I can incorporate elements of their design into your cake. Usually I follow this with, idk what tools or where they purchased those tools, are they discontinued…. This has helped with the I want it to look just like…. As soon as I see a cake with 3D figures I say, I’m a big believer that we all need to know our strengths and weaknesses. It’s what makes us all unique and special. I know that can do… but I also know what I can’t… I just flat turn it down. There are lots of opportunities to charge that annoyance fee lol
But, but, but RUclips and Insta show amazing cakes made in 2 minutes or less. 😂 social media is tweaking our perceptions. Also, recently did a last-minute custom birthday cake based on thinking Ihad one baked and frozen….I did not and had to start from scratch, including creating a logo replica because the pho😢os were such bad quality. Lesson learned: check freezer before saying yes!
GIRL!!! You just compiled my last MONTH in to a 15 minute video! I do have something to add...when you have a wedding cake order for November to do an estimate on and the mother of the bride is texting you instead of the bride herself. You get the inspo pic then finally get on a group chat and the bride says "I think 2 tiers to feed +/-100 ppl would be fine if we do thin slices" and the inspo pic is of a 3 tier cake; then says she wants sunflowers and greenery instead of the fondant fall leaves-which was on the inspo pic. I got an estimate for the inspo pic, then she says she wants a different cake basically, which means I have to work up a completely different estimate. Also, wanting an estimate for a groom's cake in this same group message-all taking place over 15 minutes on a Sunday. Then on Tuesday, I receive a text "how's the estimate going?"...I'm sorry, I have 2 boys- 5 and 3 y/o- who are in school, along with 3 large orders for this weekend, NO I haven't had time to work on your estimate that was completely changed 2 1/2 days ago! Am I wrong? Please correct me if I am! Geez, people def be people'n!!! Sorry, I had to rant a little LOL
Yes! I get this a lot where people with orders that are over 6 months away want immediate replies. I totally understand where they are coming from. However, there are other orders that take precedence! I usually try to tell people about my schedule and let them know when they can expect to hear back from me. But this whole thing you got with the group text and changing the order...I've been there! I try to redirect people to message through email saying that texts get lost in the mix and I don't want to forget any details. I don't mind a few texts here and there, but it will drive you nuts if your phone is constantly buzzing!
I've said it before, and I will say it again. I HATE when someone tells me "I told you I need it to feed this many people, and there's no way THAT is going to feed that many" I have been doing this for 11 years, and I know what I'm doing! Here is the serving chart showing how to cut to feed up to more than what you need.
I hate when people downplay everything in order to have a lower price and once they think the price is “locked in”, start making demands for more elaborated details, seemingly oblivious to the fact that there might be a price change. And I’m the one stressing and sweating, not knowing how to say that it’s much more work, which means higher price. Also, showing up to pickup the cake without paying the remainder of the balance, waiting for me to ask for it. It’s like they are doing ME a service and I have to beg for the money I earned. 😢
I've had both of these happen! Recently, I emailed someone with all of the info and she added in 2 more details that we didn't discuss. I did tell her that it would be an extra charge as that will take longer to complete. And, to avoid the awkward conversations at pickup, I require my cakes to be paid in full 10 days prior to pickup. I do hate having to ask though, I would never do that to someone!
I don't bake or anything else for a living but I have gotten highly annoyed with the uptick in people needing rush testing. In my head I'm like "Seriously?!"
The fondant issue! I have had customers cringe at the word and be adamant about no fondant on the cake. I explain that it can be important in the design if you want certain elements. One can always take it off before cutting or just not eat the fondant on the slice. Just like not eating the buttercream that many find is too sweet or too thickly applied. They eat the cake and leave the buttercream, no comments. Just do that with the fondant.
Had a similar conversation with my almost 6 year old grandson. He saw a pic of a castle cake I did for his mom 43 years ago. (We had a big family party ). He will be with us for his 6 birthday and not at home where all his friends are. Talking him through the fact that that is a Lot of cake we were able to lower his expectations since we will only be 5 or 6 people. So a kid not yet 6 can understand this concept.
Girl you is so right about all 10, Some people just don't understand and you can try to explain until you turn blue in the face they still dont get it and i dont like dealing with clients like that at all
I mostly make wedding cakes and the number of people getting tastings and then never reaching out again is insane. I know the cake and buttercream are delicious and moist, so it's not that. Tempted to charge $50 for a tasting that will be taken out of your total if you book with me. Or $100 🤣 Anything to stop the lookie-lous!
Interesting. When my sister got married, her baker had her sign a contract that included all the details of the cake, artwork, and total cost. She could cancel within 60 days to get her deposit returned. However, the baker did not do tastings until after he had a signed contract for the cake. I thought that was very smart of him.
I have 2 tastings this week. One cake is already booked, the other they are waiting for the tasting. I ALWAYS charge for the tasting. I used to credit it towards the cake and I stopped doing that. I make cupcake tester boxes and they take a long time to make! Not to mention the cost of supplies. One box I made this week was $40, the other was $80. So I definitely recommend charging for the testers!
BTW - Love your videos!! Learn a lot each time. I had knee surgery a couple of months ago so while I was more dormant, I spent days going through your cake videos. One issue I had recently is a customer who was so undecisive about her design. She finally submitted 3 pictures she found online and wanted the "least elegant" one.
I have a lot of people lately do this. . . They come to me wanting some kind of extravagant cake such as a chandalier cake or a gravity defying cake and I get so excited about doing it. We'll discuss the details of the cake and Ill be sketching while we're talking and all the while my excitement is growing at the thought of endless artistic oportunity and how wonderful it will look in my portfolio. After an hour and a half of my time the customer asks for a price and a look of absolute horror floods her face along with what looks like an attempt to set fire to my soul with her eyes when I tell her $1400. She wants a four tier wedding cake with each tier being a different flavor and filling as well as a separate 5 inch bride and groom cake, she wants it purple and pearl white with gold leaf and an estimated 45 sugar flowers, pearl borders, all buttercream, a vintage touch in the form of intricate piping and string work which means making royal icing as well, and she wanted all of this in the form of a reverse chandalier with stationary tealight candles around each tier AND wanted me to deliver it 45 minutes south of me. I guess its my fault as I usually ask for a budget from the jump but she literally walked up to me while saying something loud and obnoxious like "Giiiiiiiirrrrrl, I want it big, beautiful and busty and dont worry about the price, I got you", which to me means exactly what she said, right? She and her two friends were obnoxious and loud through the whole appointment which I chalked up to excitement and endured out of respect and of course in the bright and beautiful light of an order that would be amazing for me. But when I told her the price, her behaviour turned from annoying positivity to damn near calling the cops - full blown HATRED that had me considering grabbing my gun ACTUALLY. She really thought that wedding cakes cost around $500 at the max and was expecting to pay around $300 but willing to pay up to $500, she told me I should do it for even less because Id "get soooo much business" out of it and even offered to post me on her tik tok which I later found out had a whopping 34 followers. It was INSANE! The problem was that she screamed all of this whilst walking circles around me and pointed her fingers in my face and stood mere inches from my nose, occasionally nudging me with her shoulders and calling me names while accusing me of being racist and having a problem with seeing anyone who wasnt white having a "come up". Thankfully her friends were able to remove her. The funniest thing was the next day her mother called me to apologize to me and ask me to cancel the order (I think she lied to people by sending pics of the sketch and telling them she just spent $1400 on it), and while venting tells me that her and her fiance had gotten in a huge argument and by the end of the evening not only had they canceled the wedding and broke up, but she was fully moved out of his house. Absolute insanity! So I do appoinments free if they were scheduled and could be done in 30 minutes. I rarely charge unless its out of the blue and last minute and its interrupting other things or if its an unecessarily long and drawn out appointment, however, this woman and other customers like her cause a very real internal struggle and serious anxiety with whether i should charge for appointments or should even take in person appointments and just rely on video calls and emails. Sorry this was so long. All of this to say that customer expectations sometimes have me wondering how they are functioning members of society.
Okay, this is a crazy story! I don't even know what I would do if I experienced that. I think it's important to keep your composure and just try to get away from that situation. I don't take in person appointments. In this day and age, you can definitely do something virtually!
@@Childfree334 I appreciate your comment. If I did the math just for the sake of knowing, I'd estimate at leat half of my customers are black and I've never ever had a problem. Infact, the few similar problems I've had have all been from uppity white people lol. I think it boils down to bad pernting honestly, but her Mom seemed fed up with her too. Not my business at that point I guess.
@@KarolynsKakes I think I'm going to try doing in person appointments only in special circumstances. I'm so afraid this change is going to take some of my business away and I'm still such a small time home baker that every person matters. I guess I'll see.
AH! I love the phrase "what do you like about this cake..." in narrowing down ideas of pictures clients send us!!! Love it!! Those pesky last minute orders... i have only ONE client I will do them for if time allows. I always remind my clients I have a day job, I am not a bakery where items and ideas are mass produced. My coworkers all comes to me and say "so how far in advance do you need an order?" I saw usually two weeks. Then they proceed to say, "so not two days?" No sir... I am here working with you. Baking is not my full time gig and it takes time to brainstorm and gather ingredients etc. I feel fortunate my clients are usually repeat and give me full control based on an idea. The hardest is for sure the sizing and getting them to understand that they don't need an 8" cake and a 6 or 7" will be sufficient. I do my majority in double barrel so I can get serving sizes and design all incorporated.
It really works because people usually like a certain aspect of the cake, not necessarily the entire design! And I think that people can't understand that a custom cake can't be made in two days until they try for themselves. (Yes, it can be done if you don't have another job or any other cakes you're working on. However, that's rarely the case!)
That's why we have an obesity problem in this country. Serving suggestions on food labels are written by nutritionist. 12 chips is plenty because it's 150 calories!!!!! Something more healthy, however, you could eat more of.
Word! Yes, girl, yes! I work in a grocery store that does one tier buttercream cakes and people come in with an Instagram image of a multi-tiered fondant cake and want me to make an identical one for them for 24.99. And when someone else takes the order, I have to call them to explain how impossible it is...give me strength! I love it Karolyn, sometimes you just need to release the pressure and let it all out. It makes me laugh and helps me to know I am not the only one.
The Phillies one is so cute! haha. I can understand though. A friend asked me to make a shark cake for her child's birthday, and for some reason, I couldn't capture the design just how she wanted it, because it was outside how I would normally design it. I think it would be easier if they said, hey here are some inspo pics, can you just make it? and trust us to make it look great.
I bake cakes for friends and family only and one time I was asked by my daughter’s friend’s mother to make a cake at the last minute. She micro managed every step of the way and when she picked it up, hardly even said thank you. So all I can say about that is - never again!!!!
Whenever someone asks for a discount, i break down my costs and tell them they are asking me to work for less than minimum wage, they usually backtrack and pay what I ask. They don’t even realize!
Oh and another thing, the person who ordered the cake is never the one who picks it up, they send their brother or uncle who has no idea what they are picking up and how to handle it!
I always have two charts; a wedding serving size chart and a party size chart. Wedding size are tiny; party size are more realistic. I dunno how you can get 16 servings out of a 6" (even two layers) cake, at a party.
I was at a party before and we got almost 20 servings from a 6" cake, I couldn't believe it! If there are a lot of kids at the party, then you'll get more servings. That's why I always give a serving range.
People don’t think of decorated cakes as a work of custom art. Part of the problem is it’s not permanent. From the time the customer gets the cake until it’s gone is really short. As far as the short time is concerned I suspect people are used to picking one up at the store where you don’t need as long a run up time. Your work really is amazing especially the smooth buttercream. If anyone in Philadelphia needs/wants a custom cake you’re definitely the person to go too!
I get that all the time! My reply: "I can't guarantee an exact replica as artistic expression always varies. It's difficult for me to replicate my own designs exactly as the picture, let alone someone else's! I can do something similar though."
I get that sooooooo much and every single time the picture they send me my Cake will Always look better and I don't make it exactly how the picture is I change a few things and they love the Cake every single time!!
Amen to all of this! On point 9 - I don't think people realize how much heart and soul goes into making a custom cake! Bad MOJO can really affect a cake, and I don't think there is anything wrong with us wanting to enjoy what we do - job satisfaction is desired in any job! Thank you for sharing what so many of us feel 🤍
Adding to this list, 2 things. When someone makes you ask for the remaining balance on a cake. Just awkward! “Hey, can you pay me please?” Why do I even have to ask? Second is when a customer sends me a really cool, extensive design, but wants the smallest cake I make. Can’t fit all the decorations on there.
I've stopped feeling weird about asking for the balance. I now just send an email saying, "just a reminder that the $200 balance for the cake is due today. I attached payment info for you!" That keeps it from being too awkward!
I was just gonna say, anyone whose profession involves dealing with the public can sooooo relate.😊😊😊😊
I love the, “I just want a really simple design. I want a custom cake, three tier with the quilted look and pearls. I need it to feed 50. Can you do it for 100 dollars?” 😅😅😅
We're on to the jedi mind tricks! 😂
Yes!!!!!! Or when you ask what they’re budget is and they say $70-$80…….. 😐😐😐
One of my in laws asked for a semi difficult cake. I told her the price and she went "it's just cake" lol. I feel like alot of people say it's just cake. Like forgetting its my art, time and effort also
@@victoriasmith2965yes! I am so tired of hearing that. It’s not just cake. I can hand them over “just cake”. That’s a lot different than what you are ordering.
@@faithcraig9195 yes!!
One time I had someone ask me to decorate a cake that she would provide the cake and icing, basically all of the supplies. At first she made it seem like she had this special recipe for cake and icing and that's what she wanted and that's all the family would eat however after my many questions and her trying to talk me into it, It turned out that she thought that way she'd save money and when I asked her what she thought she'd pay she said about $30 to decorate it. 😁😁😂😂 it was going to be a tiered cake 😂😂
Ruth! 😂😂. Again, people believe that the cake is what is expensive. We can bake and frost a cake in no time!
That's ridiculous. She can just make her own cake then.
Number 10 spoke SO much to me! Crushing my soul lol. Also I get “it’s a simple cake” and they send a pic of something intricate. Just because it’s small doesn’t make it simple!
It's that Jedi Mind trick they try to play on us! I've seen a "simple" cake that the decorator said took over 12 hours to decorate!
My favorite is when asked “how much does a cake cost?” Without giving any details of the size or what they are looking for. This happened yesterday, I replied with I need more details and gave some examples. And was told “well you’re the decorator”. I replied with “I still need to know how many servings and the style of the cake”
Right?! It's almost like you want to reply with some ridiculous number to answer the ridiculous question!
Love it !❤ Video suggestion… I just started my at home business and I am struggling to get clientele. Is there anyway you can possibly do a video on new ways to get business, advice, anything at all like that for new folks trying to start up?
Late pickups! I had one this past weekend. I have a detailed contract with pickup times. She was late and I left to continue on with my day. She had to come back late in the evening for her cake
Yes! I have talked about this in other videos. I give a strict pickup window and always say I have somewhere to be so I will not be home after a certain time. That creates a sense of urgency!
I thought it would create a sense of urgency as well but nope! I called and she said she had to drop somebody off and run some errands 🤦🏾♀️. Then had the nerve to say can someone meet her or can my husband bring the cake to work with him. Ummm no ma’am!
Adding to this, I had a lady late to a pick up. All day, “I will be there in an hour, I will be there in an hour. Sorry, got held up, will be there in an hour.” Finally I asked if she wanted me to deliver it. She agreed. When I knocked on the door, no answer. I stood there 10 minutes with the cake knocking at the door. Finally, as I was getting ready to take it back home, she answers the door (wtf?). She was “in the shower”. Did I not just text you to say I would be here with the cake in 15 minutes? 🤦♀️
One thing that drives me crazy is when a client send you a picture of a seriously ugly cake and says, “ I want you to make me a cake that looks just like this”. And I think in my head, I am not going to make that ugly cake and associate my name with it! 😅 So I tell them that I can do something in that theme and those colors but I don’t copy others work. I’ll add my own artistic style. I just had one like this.
Yes! It happens all the time. And I reply in a similar way!
@@KarolynsKakes of course you do! I learned from you. 😆
Amén to this video my girl ❤thank you sending love and Blessings 🙏🏽💕
Thank you honey!🙏😊
I always start a conversation with I won’t copy anyone else work. I can incorporate elements of their design into your cake. Usually I follow this with, idk what tools or where they purchased those tools, are they discontinued…. This has helped with the I want it to look just like…. As soon as I see a cake with 3D figures I say, I’m a big believer that we all need to know our strengths and weaknesses. It’s what makes us all unique and special. I know that can do… but I also know what I can’t… I just flat turn it down.
There are lots of opportunities to charge that annoyance fee lol
I think people appreciate our honesty. I frequently refer orders to my cake friends who are able to do what they are requesting!
@@KarolynsKakes I know there are other cake people out here, but idk them. I just tell them I don’t think I’m the cake artist for you.
I want a two tier cake to feed 10 please, what? Omg
And on the flip side, I want a 6 tier cake to feed 4 😂😂😂
But, but, but RUclips and Insta show amazing cakes made in 2 minutes or less.
😂 social media is tweaking our perceptions.
Also, recently did a last-minute custom birthday cake based on thinking Ihad one baked and frozen….I did not and had to start from scratch, including creating a logo replica because the pho😢os were such bad quality. Lesson learned: check freezer before saying yes!
UGH! Lesson learned the hard way for sure! Also, now you know to ask for clear photos, that's happened to me before as well.
GIRL!!! You just compiled my last MONTH in to a 15 minute video! I do have something to add...when you have a wedding cake order for November to do an estimate on and the mother of the bride is texting you instead of the bride herself. You get the inspo pic then finally get on a group chat and the bride says "I think 2 tiers to feed +/-100 ppl would be fine if we do thin slices" and the inspo pic is of a 3 tier cake; then says she wants sunflowers and greenery instead of the fondant fall leaves-which was on the inspo pic. I got an estimate for the inspo pic, then she says she wants a different cake basically, which means I have to work up a completely different estimate. Also, wanting an estimate for a groom's cake in this same group message-all taking place over 15 minutes on a Sunday. Then on Tuesday, I receive a text "how's the estimate going?"...I'm sorry, I have 2 boys- 5 and 3 y/o- who are in school, along with 3 large orders for this weekend, NO I haven't had time to work on your estimate that was completely changed 2 1/2 days ago! Am I wrong? Please correct me if I am! Geez, people def be people'n!!! Sorry, I had to rant a little LOL
Yes! I get this a lot where people with orders that are over 6 months away want immediate replies. I totally understand where they are coming from. However, there are other orders that take precedence! I usually try to tell people about my schedule and let them know when they can expect to hear back from me. But this whole thing you got with the group text and changing the order...I've been there! I try to redirect people to message through email saying that texts get lost in the mix and I don't want to forget any details. I don't mind a few texts here and there, but it will drive you nuts if your phone is constantly buzzing!
I've said it before, and I will say it again. I HATE when someone tells me "I told you I need it to feed this many people, and there's no way THAT is going to feed that many" I have been doing this for 11 years, and I know what I'm doing! Here is the serving chart showing how to cut to feed up to more than what you need.
Like how big are you cutting the slices?! 😂😂
I hate when people downplay everything in order to have a lower price and once they think the price is “locked in”, start making demands for more elaborated details, seemingly oblivious to the fact that there might be a price change. And I’m the one stressing and sweating, not knowing how to say that it’s much more work, which means higher price. Also, showing up to pickup the cake without paying the remainder of the balance, waiting for me to ask for it. It’s like they are doing ME a service and I have to beg for the money I earned. 😢
I've had both of these happen! Recently, I emailed someone with all of the info and she added in 2 more details that we didn't discuss. I did tell her that it would be an extra charge as that will take longer to complete.
And, to avoid the awkward conversations at pickup, I require my cakes to be paid in full 10 days prior to pickup. I do hate having to ask though, I would never do that to someone!
I don't bake or anything else for a living but I have gotten highly annoyed with the uptick in people needing rush testing. In my head I'm like "Seriously?!"
The stress of rushing an order just isn't worth it!
The fondant issue! I have had customers cringe at the word and be adamant about no fondant on the cake. I explain that it can be important in the design if you want certain elements. One can always take it off before cutting or just not eat the fondant on the slice. Just like not eating the buttercream that many find is too sweet or too thickly applied. They eat the cake and leave the buttercream, no comments. Just do that with the fondant.
Right?! I don't understand the big deal about it.
Had a similar conversation with my almost 6 year old grandson. He saw a pic of a castle cake I did for his mom 43 years ago. (We had a big family party ). He will be with us for his 6 birthday and not at home where all his friends are. Talking him through the fact that that is a Lot of cake we were able to lower his expectations since we will only be 5 or 6 people. So a kid not yet 6 can understand this concept.
Exactly! I understand if you never ordered a cake before, but common sense should kick in at some point. 😂
FACTS... MIC DROPPED! LOVE YOUR NJ GIRL. 💜
💜💜
When people be peopling, an entire bag of Doritos is a 1 serving necessity 😜
You're right girl! Except now I'm not in pole shape, it sticks on the hips 😂
Girl you is so right about all 10, Some people just don't understand and you can try to explain until you turn blue in the face they still dont get it and i dont like dealing with clients like that at all
Like, c'mon...you gotta trust that I know what I'm doing here!
I mostly make wedding cakes and the number of people getting tastings and then never reaching out again is insane. I know the cake and buttercream are delicious and moist, so it's not that. Tempted to charge $50 for a tasting that will be taken out of your total if you book with me. Or $100 🤣 Anything to stop the lookie-lous!
Interesting. When my sister got married, her baker had her sign a contract that included all the details of the cake, artwork, and total cost. She could cancel within 60 days to get her deposit returned. However, the baker did not do tastings until after he had a signed contract for the cake. I thought that was very smart of him.
I have 2 tastings this week. One cake is already booked, the other they are waiting for the tasting. I ALWAYS charge for the tasting. I used to credit it towards the cake and I stopped doing that. I make cupcake tester boxes and they take a long time to make! Not to mention the cost of supplies. One box I made this week was $40, the other was $80. So I definitely recommend charging for the testers!
BTW - Love your videos!! Learn a lot each time. I had knee surgery a couple of months ago so while I was more dormant, I spent days going through your cake videos. One issue I had recently is a customer who was so undecisive about her design. She finally submitted 3 pictures she found online and wanted the "least elegant" one.
I hope you're feeling better! 💜 Ordering the "least elegant" one is a Jedi Mind Trick like I was talking about! 😂
People be doing stupid. I am so proud of you. The stress can be so real.
❤🎉❤🎉 Keep on shining like a star 🌟 😊
Carrie! Thank you love!
I have a lot of people lately do this. . . They come to me wanting some kind of extravagant cake such as a chandalier cake or a gravity defying cake and I get so excited about doing it. We'll discuss the details of the cake and Ill be sketching while we're talking and all the while my excitement is growing at the thought of endless artistic oportunity and how wonderful it will look in my portfolio. After an hour and a half of my time the customer asks for a price and a look of absolute horror floods her face along with what looks like an attempt to set fire to my soul with her eyes when I tell her $1400. She wants a four tier wedding cake with each tier being a different flavor and filling as well as a separate 5 inch bride and groom cake, she wants it purple and pearl white with gold leaf and an estimated 45 sugar flowers, pearl borders, all buttercream, a vintage touch in the form of intricate piping and string work which means making royal icing as well, and she wanted all of this in the form of a reverse chandalier with stationary tealight candles around each tier AND wanted me to deliver it 45 minutes south of me. I guess its my fault as I usually ask for a budget from the jump but she literally walked up to me while saying something loud and obnoxious like "Giiiiiiiirrrrrl, I want it big, beautiful and busty and dont worry about the price, I got you", which to me means exactly what she said, right? She and her two friends were obnoxious and loud through the whole appointment which I chalked up to excitement and endured out of respect and of course in the bright and beautiful light of an order that would be amazing for me. But when I told her the price, her behaviour turned from annoying positivity to damn near calling the cops - full blown HATRED that had me considering grabbing my gun ACTUALLY. She really thought that wedding cakes cost around $500 at the max and was expecting to pay around $300 but willing to pay up to $500, she told me I should do it for even less because Id "get soooo much business" out of it and even offered to post me on her tik tok which I later found out had a whopping 34 followers. It was INSANE! The problem was that she screamed all of this whilst walking circles around me and pointed her fingers in my face and stood mere inches from my nose, occasionally nudging me with her shoulders and calling me names while accusing me of being racist and having a problem with seeing anyone who wasnt white having a "come up". Thankfully her friends were able to remove her. The funniest thing was the next day her mother called me to apologize to me and ask me to cancel the order (I think she lied to people by sending pics of the sketch and telling them she just spent $1400 on it), and while venting tells me that her and her fiance had gotten in a huge argument and by the end of the evening not only had they canceled the wedding and broke up, but she was fully moved out of his house. Absolute insanity! So I do appoinments free if they were scheduled and could be done in 30 minutes. I rarely charge unless its out of the blue and last minute and its interrupting other things or if its an unecessarily long and drawn out appointment, however, this woman and other customers like her cause a very real internal struggle and serious anxiety with whether i should charge for appointments or should even take in person appointments and just rely on video calls and emails. Sorry this was so long. All of this to say that customer expectations sometimes have me wondering how they are functioning members of society.
As a black woman myself, I feel your pain. My people are something else. 34 followers 😂😂😂
Okay, this is a crazy story! I don't even know what I would do if I experienced that. I think it's important to keep your composure and just try to get away from that situation. I don't take in person appointments. In this day and age, you can definitely do something virtually!
@@Childfree334 I appreciate your comment. If I did the math just for the sake of knowing, I'd estimate at leat half of my customers are black and I've never ever had a problem. Infact, the few similar problems I've had have all been from uppity white people lol. I think it boils down to bad pernting honestly, but her Mom seemed fed up with her too. Not my business at that point I guess.
@@KarolynsKakes I think I'm going to try doing in person appointments only in special circumstances. I'm so afraid this change is going to take some of my business away and I'm still such a small time home baker that every person matters. I guess I'll see.
AH! I love the phrase "what do you like about this cake..." in narrowing down ideas of pictures clients send us!!! Love it!! Those pesky last minute orders... i have only ONE client I will do them for if time allows. I always remind my clients I have a day job, I am not a bakery where items and ideas are mass produced. My coworkers all comes to me and say "so how far in advance do you need an order?" I saw usually two weeks. Then they proceed to say, "so not two days?" No sir... I am here working with you. Baking is not my full time gig and it takes time to brainstorm and gather ingredients etc. I feel fortunate my clients are usually repeat and give me full control based on an idea. The hardest is for sure the sizing and getting them to understand that they don't need an 8" cake and a 6 or 7" will be sufficient. I do my majority in double barrel so I can get serving sizes and design all incorporated.
It really works because people usually like a certain aspect of the cake, not necessarily the entire design! And I think that people can't understand that a custom cake can't be made in two days until they try for themselves. (Yes, it can be done if you don't have another job or any other cakes you're working on. However, that's rarely the case!)
Thank you.
I agree with every single point you made there haha
Thhhhhank youuu!!😂
Everything you said is spot on. Thank you
Ooow! The long senteces on the cake .....😖😖😖🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️😅 I mean write it on a bday card...
Seriously! No more writing on cakes!
Gracias por tus consejos y recomendaciones ❤
That's why we have an obesity problem in this country. Serving suggestions on food labels are written by nutritionist. 12 chips is plenty because it's 150 calories!!!!! Something more healthy, however, you could eat more of.
Exactly!!
Oh my gosh, this list is absolutely on point. #11 last minute cupcakes. And they say it’s only cupcakes. But I have 10 more orders for the day
Oh yeah, people do the "it's just a small" thing so they try to make us feel like it's not a big deal! We see right through that 😂
This video ! 🙌🏻 preach please !
Word! Yes, girl, yes! I work in a grocery store that does one tier buttercream cakes and people come in with an Instagram image of a multi-tiered fondant cake and want me to make an identical one for them for 24.99. And when someone else takes the order, I have to call them to explain how impossible it is...give me strength! I love it Karolyn, sometimes you just need to release the pressure and let it all out. It makes me laugh and helps me to know I am not the only one.
It's comforting to know that we aren't alone in our struggles! 💜🙏
The Phillies one is so cute! haha. I can understand though. A friend asked me to make a shark cake for her child's birthday, and for some reason, I couldn't capture the design just how she wanted it, because it was outside how I would normally design it. I think it would be easier if they said, hey here are some inspo pics, can you just make it? and trust us to make it look great.
It's always easier when they give you some kind of creative control because you are able to do what you're comfortable with!
I bake cakes for friends and family only and one time I was asked by my daughter’s friend’s mother to make a cake at the last minute. She micro managed every step of the way and when she picked it up, hardly even said thank you. So all I can say about that is - never again!!!!
UGH! Sometimes it's the people we know who are our worst customers! I would never do that to someone, I don't understand how people are like that.
Omg cakezilla😩🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🫤 they get on my nerves🤪
Right?! Like, calm down, it's CAKE!😂
Those flowers were buttercream? You made those? 😮
Yep! 😊
@@KarolynsKakes I thought you said you weren’t good at piping? That it isn’t your thing? These are beautiful 🤩
When someone ask you to design something that they thought of or made up or seen and they tell you that it is easy to do.
This happens a lot! Mostly because they don't understand what goes into decorating a cake and how it has to be built so everything doesn't collapse!
Whenever someone asks for a discount, i break down my costs and tell them they are asking me to work for less than minimum wage, they usually backtrack and pay what I ask. They don’t even realize!
Oh and another thing, the person who ordered the cake is never the one who picks it up, they send their brother or uncle who has no idea what they are picking up and how to handle it!
That's a good point!
Yes! They grab it on the sides and squish the box into the cake! We gotta show them how to properly handle it! 😂
OMG!! 100% agree with you. I face the same issues day to day.
I don't eat fondant either 😂😂😂😂 I just eat around it.
And it's not a big deal! 😂
I always have two charts; a wedding serving size chart and a party size chart. Wedding size are tiny; party size are more realistic. I dunno how you can get 16 servings out of a 6" (even two layers) cake, at a party.
I was at a party before and we got almost 20 servings from a 6" cake, I couldn't believe it! If there are a lot of kids at the party, then you'll get more servings. That's why I always give a serving range.
Great video. I can relate to several of your points. Thank you for sharing this video Karolyn. Always stay blessed. ❤️🥰
Thank you! You too!🙏💜
People don’t think of decorated cakes as a work of custom art. Part of the problem is it’s not permanent. From the time the customer gets the cake until it’s gone is really short. As far as the short time is concerned I suspect people are used to picking one up at the store where you don’t need as long a run up time.
Your work really is amazing especially the smooth buttercream. If anyone in Philadelphia needs/wants a custom cake you’re definitely the person to go too!
Thank you! 🙏
Loved your enthusiasm❤❤
Thanks boo! 💜
Same. I work as a cake decorator at a grocery store. These are spot on!
It makes me sad that we all experience this! 😂😂
Love the cakezillas reference 😂😂😂
It's sad that everyone can relate! 😂
How about “I want my cake to look EXACTLY like the picture.” 🙄
I get that all the time! My reply:
"I can't guarantee an exact replica as artistic expression always varies. It's difficult for me to replicate my own designs exactly as the picture, let alone someone else's! I can do something similar though."
@@KarolynsKakes that’s great! Thank you!
I get that sooooooo much and every single time the picture they send me my Cake will Always look better and I don't make it exactly how the picture is I change a few things and they love the Cake every single time!!
@@juqettalawson4354 yea it’s so hard to try and replicate an ugly cake knowing you could make it so much cuter. They need to trust lol
Amen to all of this!
On point 9 - I don't think people realize how much heart and soul goes into making a custom cake! Bad MOJO can really affect a cake, and I don't think there is anything wrong with us wanting to enjoy what we do - job satisfaction is desired in any job!
Thank you for sharing what so many of us feel 🤍
It's crazy that we all experience the same thing, but comforting to know we aren't alone. 💜🙏