I have been doing cakes since OCT 2004 (only about 6 months) And the only person I get regular cake orders from is my sister. She needs a cake about every month. All the others who have ordered either didn't call to say the cake was great or I have never talked to or seen again.

My sister says the cakes are GREAT! So sometimes I feel the cakes must be sub-par. Do most of you get feedback from your cakes?

Just wanted to know...
Mrsfish

I ask for them to give me feedback when I deliver the cake. I practically hound them but I do it in a non-annoying way! I have had one cake where I didn't get any feed back and that was my second wedding cake! I did get"it was really rich" but nothing back from the bride and groom. The feedback was from someone who attended the wedding. Don't feel too bad. Trust your instincts and your sister! She wouldn't lie to you. Just let the person know that you would appreciate any comments on the cake, i.e. decorations, taste...

Amy

Hey, I just took a look at your cakes again and you don't have anything to worry about! They look fabulous!!!!!!!


Amy

If you think back to before you made cakes...did you call the bakery/person who made your cake afterward and tell them how great it was? I didn't. Just didn't think to. I'd buy the cake, compliment it and thank them. Also, many people don't need decorated cakes all that often. Birthdays (once a year), Anniversaries (every 5-10 years maybe), Baby Showers (not all that often) and Wedding (hopefully once in a lifetime).

One thing you might want to do is to make a point of showing them the cake before they pay you. This gives them a chance to react and you can usually tell if they like it.

I think that's why a lot of us post our pics here. So we can get FB from each other. Now if only there was some way to taste-test them

I have started calling the people about a week after they get the cake. I just like to make sure they were happy!

I have a few steady customers that refer me to their friends, but majority of new ones I don't hear from, that's until they order another cake. I'm trying to get know as the lady to get 3D and shaped cakes from, not your average sheet cake. I don't fell right calling them to see if the cake was good. I trying to make a prouduct that keeps them coming back.

I've always gotten plenty of feedback from my cakes. I always deliver them myself and open the box to show the recipient. I do try not to be too showy though. I am basically a shy person when it comes to my creative nature. I've made a lot of baby shower cakes for my daughter's teacher friends, and since they were going to be consumed by the same people each time I went to great pains to make each one totally different. And it wasn't easy! I love seeing the first reaction to my cakes. I have turned down quite a few people wanting cakes but mostly because it was for something I just don't do or because I'm not hot on getting into making a lot of wedding cakes. I also have the freedom to be choosey about what I'm going to do. I love doing cakes and I want to keep it challenging yes, not at the risk of taking the fun out of it for me. I've directed individuals to a bakery and another individual when what they wanted was out of my range of skill or just waht I want to do. I feel that speaks well for me as I'm willing to point business to another decorator to get them what they want. I don't feel it's ever hurt my own "business".

You go CarolAnn!! You should always be happy with what you do & how you do it!! No questions asked!!! I'm proud of you!!!!!

I always get feed back from my cakes!! So far I've only made cakes for family & friends or friend of a friend. I usually know the people too so I'm not one bit afraid to ask them what they think!! I can tell if their lying too!! I'm good at that!

One of my friends scared me the other day... I called & asked her how the bday party & my cake was. She said everything was good BUT.... (I thought she was fixing to say the cake was horrible! I was scared!) Then she explained to me that she had left the cake at home & she had to go back home to get it! All the kids had to wait till she got back!! WOW... I'm so glad it wasn't my cake!!!

If your really wanting to have feedback on your cakes why not tape a questioner to the cake box with your email address on it or phone # & ask them to give you feedback. That just might work for your good!

Good luck & Keep on baking no matter if you get feed back or not!!
~TC~

I rarely get feed back but once in a while it suprises you like the country club that said they did not find any of my cake hidden in the plants The mother thought it was such a funny comment she had to share

And the grandfather that was a baker who made a special point to praise my cake( I was at the wedding) wanted to know if it was an old family recipe I said yes My uncle Duncan Hines he said well keep using it!

Recently a couple said they mentioned my name and the florist said you will not be dissapointed and get the almond cake it is to die for I did not know he had eaten my cake. Again Duncan hines with a little almond flavoring.

When they start to call back or give your name to a friend you will know they are happy.

There have been some feedback to me. But usually I dont hear anything. But sometimes I hear words from others that tells me of someone who had a great cake from me. And I think only one man called me back and told my husband (he did not speak my language well) the cake was super. Otherwise my sons and husband is my biggest fans, and my biggest judge of criticism.
Do not worry to much.
I dont think they meen bad, but are just not thinking in your way.
I also put my photos here to hear what others think. And maybe get some good feeling of what I can do.
I have seen your work, and it is really good for you short time of practise. Have belive in your self, becaurse you know these and are good at it.
I THINK YOU ARE GREAT.

I get feedback for my cakes. When I deliver the cake I show the customer the cake first then they also give me feedback after they and their guests have eaten it.

I guess I have an advantage though b/c 80% of my customers work for the same company that I work for. However, they do purchase cakes for events outside the company so hopefully this well add to my clientel.

I have to say yes...if someone sees me on the street in the BX or wherever they say that cake you did for such and such was great...loved it, and very tasty..... So I guess so!

Thanks for the compliments, suggestions and advice! And I will start showing the cakes first. The truth is I haven't even posted all my cakes...I keep forgetting to take pictures of them.

Funny thing I just got a call from someone who usually doesn't eat sweets. Well, she had seen the cake I made with the spiral flowers on it. (at that party) And decided to try it and loved it! So she was calling to place an order.

I always call within 2 days after the customer's event to ask if they were satisfied. Sometimes it takes courage (like when I'm not totally satisfied with the end product), but I find it good customer service to do so. So far, no complaints...only kind words!

Elin,
I just looked at your photo album and you do great work!! Keep it up!! I also like your quote.

Hi. I do like to get feedback on my cakes. I rarely like the finished product myself, so I depend on the feedback of clients. This last one I thought was disaster, but everyone else loved it. So I was feeling better for that. Feedback is just a very important thing. But I looked at your photos and your cakes are FAB!!! You should be very proud of yourself. You are a great decorator!!
Tanya

Elin,
I find it very refreshing to hear of the different flavor cakes....I am a true American, I love vanilla, choc, strawberry, red velvet, and yellow. I wish I was able to taste your flavors!

...that's the reason I call too! I think it is good customer service..that way you don't have to wonder one way or the other!

I don't get a lot of feedback except when they first see the cake too. And I always ask them to e-mail me and let me know what I could do to have made it better....nothing!!!! It is a little scary! But, then I think that mother who bought the cake for her 1 year old's b-day was not thinking about my feelings! She was concerned about her party and probably glad it's over!!! She is concerned about her baby having fun and making memories and that's about it! AS SHE SHOULD BE and I would be and have been too!!!

I get feedback but mostly because I've only done cakes for my boyfriend, family, friends and co-workers so I see them regularly and ask them what they thought. So far I've only had positive feedback so I hope to keep improving - I use the method of doctoring mixes with sour cream and love the texture this provides so this is what I use mainly. Still looking for that perfect buttercream for me though!