I keep getting inquiries about cake decorating classes at my shop. I have not really taught before, but am starting to wonder if it might be a good idea. I mean, I have trained employees and stuff, but not taught "a class" of any type. I am not sure where to begin; how much to fit in a class, should it be a demo only or hands on type? What to charge for such a thing?
And really, would I offer some sort of certificate upon completion, or how the heck does that work? Can anyone be a school? What the heck?!
I'd be happy for anyone's random thoughts here, just dive in!
Thanks, all!

What type of shop do you have? Supplies or a bakery? If it's a bakery, I would say no, because each person you teach to decorate a cake is one less cake sold.

Theresa

What type of shop do you have? Supplies or a bakery? If it's a bakery, I would say no, because each person you teach to decorate a cake is one less cake sold.

Theresa

I'm honestly happy for you, but I can only go with what I see in my area. Here, they take the lessons and never buy a cake again.

Oh, well, it's our differences that make us interesting, right?

Theresa

I'm honestly happy for you, but I can only write according to what is happening where I live. Here, they take the lessons and never buy a cake again.

Oh, well, it's our differences that make us interesting, right?

Theresa

But they might come back to order supplies from you if you sold them ones that they couldn't get at the craft store....so in the long run, you'd earn more money from the sale of supplies versus the "once every few months" cake order.

The reason I shop at my local supplier, who is also a competitor, is because they have a better selection of items that Micheal's doesn't.

I think that if you want to hold cake classes that you should. And I think you can give out certificates if you want to. I don't see why you couldn't. It would be your cake school or cake class. And if you want to give them a certificate...do so.

If you want to give classes and be able to advertise for those classes, be sure you are in an area whose zoning allows that. I'm having that issue now as I look for a property for my shop. Nowhere that I'm looking will allow me to do classes. Some say I can apply for a permit and it MIGHT be conditionally allowed.

I'm looking in industrial areas, as it is what I can afford, so if you are in a retail area this is probably less of an issue--though some of the retail places around here also require a special use permit to allow classes in that zoning.

Hmmm, I never thought about zoning issues! But I am in a retail space, and so I doubt there will be a restriction. I will surely check first to be on the safe side!
As for losing customers, I don't think it would be an issue for me, personally, although I absolutely see your point!
Once people actually make and decorate a cake or two, they realize the time and money (ingredients, supplies, tools) involved. Not to mention that most folks are not talented right off the bat. So they may make a cake or two for home, but most will come back to me for special occasions. And those who a)have the time, and b) enjoy the craft enough, would probably not be my customers in the first place. To put it bluntly, many of my customers are so freaking fussy, they could never live up to their own standards! Hee hee hee!
And it would really be enjoyable to be around students who are so excited about the art; maybe it would help remind me why I got into this in the first place. And it would certainly be smart to sell supplies, I suppose. I hadn't even thought about that!
Any other words of advice?
This is wonderful; I certainly appreciate the brainstorming!!