Selling just the topper??

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sandy Sparks on September 25, 2012 at 9:12am

I would say all or nothing. Unless its a very special person asking. And I mean VERY special! Like my sweet neice asked if she could have the left over buttercream that Im decorating her hubby's cake with, so she can make matching cupcakes.  For her, yes. anyone else...no.

Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on September 25, 2012 at 9:20am

Joann, I'm inclined to agree with Sandy.  My feeling is that they are trying to get a really good looking cake for a fraction of the cost.  The potential problem is that the topper is wonderful, the cake itself not so great, the guests think the whole thing was done by you, your reputation is damaged.................... Or guests think you are not that good a baker, which is why you were not asked to make the cake, your reputation is still damaged.

Permalink Reply by art deco cakes by galidink on September 25, 2012 at 9:20am

i agree ! no way i would do that ! crazy pep's

Permalink Reply by Joann Gottermeyer on September 25, 2012 at 9:45am

Thanks everybody! Didn't really think that I was way off base, but it's nice to have back-up!! The bakery that they are ordering the cake from was the only one in the area for about 20 years (small town!!) and everyone bought from there or the local grocer as they were the only option. I cannot tell you how many converstaions I have had that started "I only bought from ____________ but so-and-so had your cake at their party and now I will only get my cakes from you!" so I know it isn't my cake. My guess?? $$$$$$ I know their prices are extreme and I think she wants a cheap topper. It's a weird situation - the bakery is owned by the family of one of my daughters freinds from school, and they are well aware of the 'competition'.....makes school functions that I have catered the sweet tables for just a tad bit awkward!

Permalink Reply by art deco cakes by galidink on September 25, 2012 at 9:57am

yvw ! all or nothing , stick to your gun's no matter whom it is ,

Permalink Reply by Sandy Sparks on September 25, 2012 at 10:12am

you must make awesome toppers!!!

Permalink Reply by maribel miller on September 25, 2012 at 10:25am

Hello joann I had the same thing happen to me. I just kindly said that I don't separate my work. If Someone asks who made th cake at the party and if the cake isn't good they might associate that with your work...if that makes any sense. I am sure she wil understand.

Permalink Reply by Joann Gottermeyer on September 25, 2012 at 10:32am

I did respond to her - and that is pretty much what I told her. She was dissapointed, but that's how the cookie (cake?!) crumbles. Thanks everyone!

Permalink Reply by Sandra I. Vazquez Lossiseroni on September 25, 2012 at 11:35am

I had a similar request. The bride was referred to me once she made a deposit for a cake, (at a grocery store) it was too late to get her deposit returned and she asked me to do the "big cascade rose".  How could I?  The place she is getting her cakes from will not be covered in fondant, will not be stacked and will have no decoration, except a ribbon as a border...so sad...but nothing I could do.   

Permalink Reply by Bettina Dwyer on September 25, 2012 at 4:38pm

I make cake toppers as a separate thing altogether. In the area I live there is a lot of lower socio econmonic families and although they would love the whole cake package, many simply cannot afford what I have to offer. I thought a lot about this and decided that in this case, I could still offer something for this customer.
Each time I have provided a topper the customers have made it clear to those who asked, that I hadn't made the cake - most times it was homemade by mum - just the topper. 9 times out of 10 these occasions aren't for a major event - usually it's for a child's birthday.

This is completely different to what Joann is talking about though. In this case I think it's just rude. I agree, all or nothing in this case.

Permalink Reply by Kiana Malvagno on September 25, 2012 at 7:32pm

I have to disagree with the masses If they want yor toppers they must be pretty special, I would sell them the most important part of a decorated cake The decorations, but charge them what they must think they're worth ALOT

Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on September 26, 2012 at 6:33am

What a great idea Bettina and what a nice person you are.  Clever girl

Bettina Dwyer said:

I make cake toppers as a separate thing altogether. In the area I live there is a lot of lower socio econmonic families and although they would love the whole cake package, many simply cannot afford what I have to offer. I thought a lot about this and decided that in this case, I could still offer something for this customer.
Each time I have provided a topper the customers have made it clear to those who asked, that I hadn't made the cake - most times it was homemade by mum - just the topper. 9 times out of 10 these occasions aren't for a major event - usually it's for a child's birthday.

This is completely different to what Joann is talking about though. In this case I think it's just rude. I agree, all or nothing in this case.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page