Okay - I am probably going to get slammed for this, but I guess I can take it.

Anyway, as some of you know, I just opened my legal shop. And as most of us starting out, have been flying under the radar for a couple years testing the waters and seeing if I really wanted to do this as a business.

I was asked today if I would consider recommending someone else in town, who is not licensed, when I am too busy to take more orders. I was asked by her friend, not by the decorator. To my horror, I discovered I have become a "legal decorator snob". I guess because I worked hard to get all my ducks in a row, I kind of resented being asked. BUT I also know that lots of people don't even know you are supposed to be licensed.

So how do any of you handle referrals. I know many of you are in areas where there are lots of decorators. As far as I know I am the only legal one in my small rural town altho i do know several people who do cakes and I would never turn any of them in.

I do need to find a couple others in my area that can do work similar to mine in the event I was unable to do an order at the last minute. But like I say, I am kind of isolated from a larger town.

I know this was kind of rambling, but any thoughts?? or am alone feeling like this???

Follow your gut. It's the only way you'll be able to live with yourself.

If you feel strongly that you would rather refer people to a legal joint, but you're the only one in town (and you're sure), then perhaps you can refer people with a caveat. Tell your non-licensed friend that you only feel comfortable referring business to her if she discloses her non-licensedness (yes, I make up my own words ). And if the customers are fine with that, then so be it.

I'm just throwing out ideas here.

I would be agreeable-ish but noncommital to the friend of a friend.

Like, "Oh yeah that's an idea." like a light bulb just came on.

Din say I would exactly though.

I only refer folks to licensed decorators because I don't want to get anyone else in trouble--I'm not licensed myself and so I don't pass along any potential issues for others either.

You don't have to think twice about it kwim.

If your legal, I would recommend a legal baker. I have only met one person that I will recommend. They did my wedding cake, they bake simliar to me, and they are LEGAL. I feel fully confident in recommending them. And I guess that's what really matters. Ask yourself, would you order a cake from them?

I would love to have another legal baker to refer to and share with. anyone out there in SW Louisiana???