Cupcake War in reality. Need opiniton please.
I am just starting home-based cupcake business. I understand beginnings are hard and competition is big enough for small county where I live, but I was really surprised because...we had festival in our city, I was selling for first time my cupcakes in one store. There was this other lady doing same thing. This was not my idea, I was invited to do so.
To make long story short...I love to try different cupcakes from different places. So I went to other store to buy me some because I did not have a chance to do it before. She knew who I was. She asked me if I am selling cupcakes in other store. I was nice to her, I did not say anything ugly and was customer just like any other. I bought some of her cupcakes while I was experiencing their hateful looks between cupcake lady and store owner. Then I heard comment " I guess one is not enough (cupcake)." When I left, I felt really disappointed over their reaction. Is there any secret rule which means that when I bake cupcakes, I cannot buy from others? I would never treat her that way. But that is just me.
I am looking a way how to get over it. It was very naive to think we would have something in common because we share same passion for cupcakes.
What would you do?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Eileen S on
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I don't think you are over-reacting. She was pretty rude considering you were polite to her. Don't let it get you down. Just hold your head high, smile and be the bigger person. :)
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Permalink Reply by Theresa Happe on
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She should have taken it as a compliment that you would even fork money over for her cupcakes. Think of Bobby Flay in his throw downs. They always taste one another's food and they do so graciously.
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Permalink Reply by Tracy Lynn Buttermore on
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If that is the way she treats customers, she won't be in business very long, keep your head up, you are the better person.
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Permalink Reply by Majka Hianik on
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Thank you very much all of you. I will keep what I am doing because I love to do so and I won't bother my mind with her anymore. Thanks again!!! :)
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Permalink Reply by Janet M. Hall on
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People can be really ugly like this, especially if you are good at your work....and even more so if you are better than them. I had a situation not too long ago where an area cake decorator came to a baby shower I had provided the cake for. She made no comments about the cake prior to it being cut and then proceeded to tell people not to eat the fondant because it is not good. So, here is a room full of ladies, most of whom are new to fondant, now all peeling it off and a few even asked, "will it make you sick if you eat it?" I was very upset but in an upbeat and nonchalant way I proceeded to say, "Oh, some fondant does taste bad but mine is home made and does not taste bad at all. In fact, it tastes just like the butter cream on the cake so feel free to try it and see if you like it." The cake decorator lady had the nerve to "hmmmmph" and curl her lip and push hers aside even more forcefully. Like you, I would never ever treat anyone else that way.
You just have to feel sorry for people like that. All I can figure is it is jealousy or a lack of confidence in ability or the like that is at the root of others acting that way. Hold your head high and know, you acted as a lady unlike the other female who is no lady if she acts like that!
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Kmonk on
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Some people are determined to go through life bitter and miserable. Hold your head up high and continue baking. If she can't handle a little competition she won't be in business very long. She should have been honored that you stopped by.
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Permalink Reply by jeri c on
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Keep your chin up and be the better person. If she treats all of her customers like that she won't be in business long. She was probably feeling threatened that you were trying to take her flavors.
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Zoesch on
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Majka, greetings from a fellow Tennessean! So sorry for your experience with the nasty woman. It is simply a fact that some people are nicer than others, I agree she should have been flattered that you bought from her!
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Janet, what type of recipe do you use for your fondant? I use mm and I like the taste, but something like what you describe sounds even better, would you care to share a recipe?
Janet M. Hall said:People can be really ugly like this, especially if you are good at your work....and even more so if you are better than them. I had a situation not too long ago where an area cake decorator came to a baby shower I had provided the cake for. She made no comments about the cake prior to it being cut and then proceeded to tell people not to eat the fondant because it is not good. So, here is a room full of ladies, most of whom are new to fondant, now all peeling it off and a few even asked, "will it make you sick if you eat it?" I was very upset but in an upbeat and nonchalant way I proceeded to say, "Oh, some fondant does taste bad but mine is home made and does not taste bad at all. In fact, it tastes just like the butter cream on the cake so feel free to try it and see if you like it." The cake decorator lady had the nerve to "hmmmmph" and curl her lip and push hers aside even more forcefully. Like you, I would never ever treat anyone else that way.
You just have to feel sorry for people like that. All I can figure is it is jealousy or a lack of confidence in ability or the like that is at the root of others acting that way. Hold your head high and know, you acted as a lady unlike the other female who is no lady if she acts like that!
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Permalink Reply by JJ Becker on
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Many baker's don't understand that healthy competition is a good thing. It raises awareness about the goods we all sell, and drives us to constantly improve our products and methods to insure we are offering the highest quality item available. It is a great idea to go to other bakeries and see what they are selling because it allows you to identify products that your customers may want and it helps you to better evaluate your market position.
The fact that these people knew who you were and regarded you with such disdain says to me that they probably have heard your cup cakes are better than theirs and feel threatened by you. I would not condone such treatment in my own store, but I would walk away from such a confrontation with great pride suspecting that I am offering a better product and absolutely sure that I am offering a superior level of customer service and a better overall experience.
You're doing great! Keep up the good work, and be glad your competition is afraid of you!
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Permalink Reply by Heather Griffin on
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That's too bad. I have a little hobby/that is turning into a business. I think it is only natural curiousity to try a competitors cupcakes. Do you not also look at other peoples ideas on the internet for inspiration or a challenge? I do not see this as anything different. You did not go in their "undercover" or try to pass yourself off as anyone other than who you actually are. You paid for the product with your own money and conducted yourself with class and dignity. Keep your head held up high. You did nothing wrong and acted professionally.
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I am very grateful for your "keep you head high" comments :).
I am trying my best but it is very hard sometimes. She has FB page just like me. I did see some comments over her new pic of cupcakes in ice cream cons which said" I wonder how long until one of the other bakers in town starts copying this. Ya know, they might make it look similar, but they'll never taste as good as your sweets!"
After that, I was just wondering how can anybody says this, if he/she never tried cupcakes from those "other bakers"So fair....
I guess, I have to learn a lot. But I will never be mean or rude to other bakers just because they are my competition. I am satisfy when my customers are. And based on what I hear - they are :) and I will keep doing my best. Thanks again!
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