Shipping a decorated cake - has anyone ever done this?

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Permalink Reply by Eileen S on February 16, 2012 at 8:37am

I believe there was another thread on here a while back about this same topic.  I think the general consensus was "Don't do it!!!"   Here's the discussion:

http://www.cakeswebake.com/forum/topics/shipping-cakes?commentId=46...

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Permalink Reply by Amusing Treats on February 16, 2012 at 8:44am

Thank you so much for sending this!!

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Permalink Reply by shuswapcakes on February 16, 2012 at 11:32am

This is always a tough question.  I've had a few people ask me to "ship" my cakes, so I actually tested it out on my mom, she lives quite far away from me so I iced a simple cake, put on some decorations and packaged it like I would with a real cake that was going to be delivered.  I was soooo anxious to see how it would get there.  I put fragile stickers EVERYWHERE, up arrows, told the deliver man what was in it, you name it I did it!  When my mom received it she said it looked like it had gone through a blender!!  So... that pretty much closed that idea.   I wouldn't do it, just because you will put a lot of time, money and effort into this cake and then it's completely out of your hands on what's happening to it.  I would hate to see it arrive like mine did.  Anyways, that's just my personal experience and thoughts :)  Good luck! 

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Permalink Reply by Amusing Treats on February 16, 2012 at 11:36am

Oh my - I would not want that!  I did reply to my customer saying basically all the research is not good for shipping cakes and she hasn't responded to me yet:( I hate to disappoint people but think she would be far more disappointed when the blended cake arrived:) 

Thank you very much for telling me your experience!!!

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Permalink Reply by Tiffany Whitson York on February 16, 2012 at 1:38pm

http://www.ehow.com/how_5065521_ship-decorated-cake.html

Shipping a cake is possible, especially when using fondant since it is not mushy frosting. But be careful not to use too many decorations.anything that sticks out or sits on top is likely to break.So you should consider simply making the base cake with the icing and fondant, maybe simply ribbon border etc, and let them add their toppings. Then wrap your work, unstacked of course, in a seran wrap.Then use the foam sheets you see many packing companies use, tape that, then place it in an appropriate box and fill with packing peanuts etc to ensure no movement.apply fragile, perishible, this end up stickers and Overnight or Same Day that box! It will likely arrive just fine.usually problems occur if not properly wrapped inside the box or placed in a box where the corners are not built in(say with foam pieces to restrict movement) or not properly labeled or shipped in a standard time frame.Of course, there is still a higher risk than delivering it yourself,but with proper prep work, it should be fine.you may also consider getting it to her a couple days in advance so if it does arrive damaged she can run out and purchase a replacement one from a bakery if she feels she needs to.(may need a contract where even if this happens you are reimbursed at cost only or something)

Of course it is your call.If you really want to make it for her then give it a try, if it fails, it fails and just make sure she understands the risks and has a backup plan if needed.If you don't wan the added work or stress thats fine too.Many people prefer not to try this because of that chance of something going wrong and it being out of their control.

Good luck with your decision!

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Permalink Reply by Amusing Treats on February 16, 2012 at 5:39pm

This is so helpful, thank you!!  Have you ever tried this method?  It does seem possible but like you said, still risky...not sure if I am up for this - thank you all so much for your help!!

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Permalink Reply by Tiffany Whitson York on February 16, 2012 at 8:19pm

I have not personally tried it yet, will be shipping cakes from indiana to texas soon though.But people do it all the time some with problems and some without.Just depends on how well you package it.As a reference, for me to ship from indiana to texas overnight it is going to be about $37.so not too bad but the customer may not want that added price. Good luck

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Permalink Reply by Amusing Treats on February 17, 2012 at 7:40am

wow - to me that's not too bad to ship a cake overnight, please let me know how it goes.  My client still hasn't responded so I am not sure what she is thinking - will keep you posted as well.  Thank you SO much for your help - all of you!

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