Wilton Instructors

Comment by cakedarla on July 15, 2011 at 9:30am

Hi Sue,

This isn't the first time Michaels has cut our pay. First, they initiated the 4 student minimum with no exceptions a couple of years ago, then a few months later they decided that we could teach with fewer than 4, just at a reduced rate. Around the same time, they changed the mandatory demos, reducing the time, our pay, and doing away with the supplies they would "store use" us to do the demos.

As for what I think about these shenanigans, I'm not at all happy, but what can we do? If we refuse to teach, then we make nothing. I watch students leave the store after the first class of Decorating Basics with hundreds of dollars worth of Wilton products in their shopping carts that they only bought because I convinced them they needed. Yet we receive NO commission nor bonuses based on increased sales of Wilton product. A lot of times, I don't even get the "class bonus" because I just have 2 or 3 students, so I'm only earning my hourly rate, which basically covers my expenses plus a few bucks. So yeah, Michaels could definitely do better by us.

However, I also teach at Hobby Lobby, where they're more strict about their 4 student minimum, are reluctant to let me put out signs and displays, and there are NO paid demos. 

Comment by sue on July 15, 2011 at 9:53am

I have a Kakes for Kids class scheduled for this Saturday.  The class was requested by many moms and grandmas who have taken the method courses.  This will be my last Kakes for Kids class that I will teach since Michaels has decided to play with my pay.  I will also make it known as to WHY I refuse to offer that class again.  Since we are so short on staff some days it takes me added time to get OUT of the store.  I find myself trying to help people who can't find things in the store.  I try my best to treat people the way I want to be treated, so I won't just blow them off with "I don't really work here, I'm an instructor for Wilton".   My store manager will hear about the way I feel today.  Since it is impossible some days to get anything accomplished when I am wearing the Michaels dress code, I will be going into the store with my every day shorts and t shirt on, so I can hang fliers and update my Wilton book.  Again, I will not be clocking in and out for my time. 

I have heard Hobby Lobby is not easy to work for.  Its no wonder they never offer any classes at my local store.  No one will probably work for them around here!! 

Comment by Adele Butler on July 15, 2011 at 9:59am

I am an instructor in Markham and I was wondering what everyone thought of the Cake Pops class? Also if anyone has tips on how to get them perfect without them falling of sticks and being flatened on one side. I have seen them being done really well but mine don't seem to come out like the book.

Comment by diana nishimoto on July 15, 2011 at 11:21am

Hello everybody,

 

I have been a Wilton instructor for five years, having first worked at a independent store where I didn't get paid for demos or displays, so when I started at Michaels it was actually heaven because I was paid for all this extra work.  It looks as though some people are unhappy with Michaels.  I have to say, over all I like working for Michaels over other accounts I've taught at.  My manager actually pays me for the extra time I spend before class and after class besides my regular pay....so maybe it's the managment where you work.  I also have set ground rules, where I will NOT teach less than four students, mainly because by the time you put in gas money to get to the store, your time put in before class to prep for the very first class, etc.  I end up teaching for nothing.   I now have picked up an extra account at Jo-Anns where they do not pay you for demos, but want you there anyway!  And of course they don't pay for the displays!  But I am with everyone else on the fact that if they do keep lowering pay/and or making us teach with less than 4 students, which Wilton encourages, I will have to re-evaluate my teaching, which I hope it doesn't come to because I love teaching!

Comment by sue on July 15, 2011 at 2:48pm

 

By no means am I bashing the Michaels store I work in.  The store manager is a wonderful cooperative woman.  I enjoy working with the other store employees and I love teaching there.  However, I think it is wrong for Corporate to change a name of a class and then reduce our pay for it.  We spend a lot of our own money on supplies and often must share/give supplies to customers.  Things like disposable pastry bags, tips, paper towels, wax paper, plastic wrap, Crisco and powder sugar may not seem like much to give/loan but they all add up.  I would never not share with a student/Michaels customer.  Also, I cannot stop class so someone can run out and purchase an item they are in need of.  So when Michaels Corporate gets CHEAP with me and wants to start reducing my pay, it makes me wonder if that is the type of company I want to work for. 

 

Comment by debbie catanese on July 18, 2011 at 5:29pm

I love this, I am a new wilton instructor with joann in Idaho still working on figuring out how everything goes.  Everything is changing so much that my head is spinning.  since I have been there the EC has been changed 3 times.  The manager of the store has also been changed.  I am having problems with getting paid on time.  And I am very concerned about keeping to the wilton plan explictly  am I getting worried for nothing?  Any hints I should know about?

Comment by Evette Fernandez on July 19, 2011 at 8:55am

I am a wilton instructor for Hobby Lobby in Jacksonville, FL. I have never worked in a place where cashier still can't sign up students and where a office manager make everything impossible. I love teaching and interacting with the public. I have done many free demos, walk arounds, I print my own flyers, make all my calls to potential students, send out emails, etc...

Yet when people go to sign up the store employees tell them there is no classes, or just don;t sign them  up because they can't find the information that is updated weekly.

Comment by cakedarla on July 19, 2011 at 11:07am

Hi Evette,

 

I feel your frustration because I'm experiencing similar issues with the Hobby Lobby store where I teach. I also feel as though I'm doing all I can, and I'm just not getting students.

I left a stack of my business cards in the registration binder for the cashiers to give to ANYONE who inquires about cake decorating classes. When I get calls, I tell them to ask for the CSM or assistant manager to register for the class. Even then, it's very challenging to get the 4 student minimum, especially when I'm not permitted to put up anything other than 1 sign in the Wilton aisle. I haven't had a class make since May. I intend to do a demo or two this month to try and get things going again.

Good luck, and please let us know if you find anything that works!

Comment by sue on July 19, 2011 at 11:21am

After much searching on the internet I was able to locate the person who is ultimately in charge of the Wilton classes at Michaels.  Yesterday I sent her an email requesting a reply as to WHY they have decided to cut our pay for Kakes for Kids/Super Cakes for Kids.  When I hear back from her I will post an update.

Comment by Bonnie Moses on August 4, 2011 at 2:33pm

Hi all, I taught at JoAnn's in Sanford, Florida from Oct. 2009 thru Feb. 2011. I LOVED teaching! But, it seemed, Ed. Coords came and went (4 total), and it only takes one to want her own people in their and your gone. I still miss it, but am teaching on my own. Very hard tho' getting new students and also, I have no place to teach but my home. And God knows, I don't want to keep it that spotless! LOL. Glad to join your group and can't wait to read everything!

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