I Need To Vent...

Business By TPDC Updated 11 Feb 2007 , 2:04am by CoutureCake

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TPDC Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:28am
post #1 of 19

Thank you for letting me vent. I know that this is probably to the wrong group of people, but I need to get it out. I am in the process of becoming a licensed business (thought I was before, but recently found out from this wonderful place that I was not). I am renting a commercial kitchen from a local coffee shop and have to pay for shelf rental, hourly rental and (hopefully if he will let me) refrigerator rental space. Plus I pay for insurance, my license, a penalty fee (because I turned myself in) (DUMB I KNOW.... But I have a hard time not following the law (plus I am an awful liar)). Anyway, I have a bridal fair coming up and I am so upset that this woman is in it and not licensed. I will not turn her in, but it just gets my goat. I am so irritated because I have spent all this time and money to attempt to get licensed, and she is not. Not only does that make me irritated, she is able to charge less than me because she does not have the expenses! I know several of you are in her shoes and I do not want to offend anyone, I just had to vent. I know this is her main source of income, so there is not way I could turn her in or talk bad about her, but I get so irritated by the situation. Thank you for reading this, now my question is; Are there other people that feel the way I do? How do you cope with it without becoming a bitter or talking bad about the person at the fair.

18 replies
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mgdqueen Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:35am
post #2 of 19

I guess I'm surprised that she is in a bridal fair without being licensed. That is just opening yourself up for a health inspection, isn't it?! I understand your frustration as I'm going through things myself. I think you have to remember that you were once on that side of it and believe in Karma. Every week My Name is Earl hits a little closer to home! icon_wink.gif Hers is coming. When she is paying a fine, you'll be picking up all of her orders.

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morphis1208 Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:36am
post #3 of 19

I would have a hard time with this to. It's not fair that she is not "legal" and doesn't have to jump through the same hoops as you, but at the same time I would have a hard time turning her in to. Maybe you could display your license at your booth or something to show that you are licensed at least maybe it would prompt some people to ask her the same question.

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patticakesnc Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:39am
post #4 of 19

I think you are justified to feel that way. You are trying to do things by the book and see others not following the legal guidelines and it honestly costs you by them selling at a lower cost and taking what could be your business if you could afford to sell lower (if you did not have the overhead). Myself I am not legal but am not selling either. Right now it is only for family and friend and for free. I do plan to sell at a later date but will also do all things to legalize myself first. The penalties are just too high to take the chance and trust me if you knew my life you would know I would get caught.

I know others who sell and are not suppose to. I am not down on them for what they do. They are only trying to make a living and that is ok, but if they are going to set up at large events and pay the astronomical fees that you have to pay to do so they should be able to afford to do it legally.

I think it is wonderful that you are not going to turn them in. Many would.

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mkerton Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:48am
post #5 of 19

I cannot believe this other person is at a bridal show....I didnt think that was possible! Who runs a bridal show and doesnt make sure that the vendors are "real" licensed businesses!

I dont have a license.....but I have only "sold" cakes to family and friends and pretty much at cost (though a few have tipped me)......... and I certainly dont need to do this for income, this is just my fun. But I agree with what others have said...You don't know what the other person is going through and without walking in their shoes...I could never turn them in.

Good luck with your newly licensed business!

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BlakesCakes Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 3:59am
post #6 of 19

Well, this may draw flames, but to be honest, if she isn't licensed, she doesn' really have the "right" to be in a bridal fair/publically advertised forum--she either flies under the radar ALL THE WAY, or accepts the fire she draws for choosing to enter legal airspace. You, on the other hand, have "earned" the right to be there and you shouldn't have to "compete" against her lowered prices that don't include all of the costs you have to factor in to be in a business. No one can compete fairly on such an eneven playing field!

I don't even think the bridal fair producer should provide space for ANY business that isn't properly licensed and sanctioned by the local or state governing bodies. In effect, they are enabling someone to profit from CHOOSING not to follow the rules. They may even be making it easy for someone to conceal taxable income, etc. It's just plain wrong.

If this woman KNOWS that she should be licensed, and I assume that she does know, then she is CHOOSING to break the law---why tolerate or encourage such a person? If you don't want to/can't bring yourself to notify the proper authorities about this, then the least you can do is conspicuously display your license and deliberately explain that your prices may be "a bit higher than SOME others because you are licensed, and abide by the laws of the state, county, and city." Someone else may have the courage to get this lady to "do the right thing".

I live in OH, where one can be a cottage producer without need of a license. Even knowing that I'm abiding by the law, I wouldn't DARE go head to head with a licensed baker/bakery in a bridal show, etc. I think it would indeed disrespect all of the additional work and capital outlay that they've had to expend in order to BE LICENSED. I'm very happy working in my corner of the market and I want them to remain happy with me doing so.

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand the concept of being a person who tries very hard to be honest and do the right thing, and then not to have the right to expect others to do the same.

On one level, this woman is actually stealing from you and other's who are licensed. If she came over to you and stole $100 from your wallet, would you still have a "problem" in telling the appropriate authorities??

JMHO
Rae

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TPDC Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 6:09am
post #7 of 19

I thought several of these same things before I signed up for the fair. How can someone not be licensed. The people sponsoring it did not even ask for a license. Then when I asked them if they needed proof that I was licensed, they said "nope." So, that is why she is able to be in the fair. She obviously makes enough money because we have two fairs in the area and she is in both. I could not afford to be in both because I have other expenses and I am trying to do it legally.

Rae- you have a very valid point about her stealing money from me. Yes, I would turn her in. And I know this is contradicting, but for some reason I can not turn her in for baking illegally. I understand she is stealing from me indirectly, but does that mean I hurt her and her family? What if she has children at home that she is supporting with this income? That to me is more cruel than stealing. I figure it is between her and God.

And I LOVE the idea about displaying my license at the booth! I am going to do that and make sure that I talk to many people I can about it...

Thank you for making me feel justified in the way I feel. Every time I see or hear her name I get so irritated. My husband and all my family members said do not turn her in and to forget about it. What goes around comes around and because you are legal good things will happen to you.

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bethola Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 5:44pm
post #8 of 19

HAD to post a comment on this subject. When I FIRST started baking cakes, I called my local health department and asked for requirements. I found that I could use my church kitchen (licensed for catering) and be perfectly legal. I bake cakes for friends and family and a FEW ( and I mean a FEW) other people. I was surprised to get a phone call one day from the officer at the health department to inform me that someone had "annoymously" sp? turned me in! Since I am from a VERY SMALL town (only 2 others bake cakes; and only ONE knows my address and phone no.) I could figure out who it was. The sad thing is...he was actually a friend that I had used in the past for all my cake needs! Imagine HIS surprise to find I was TOTALLY legal! IMO let sleeping dogs lie. Your work will speak for itself and I think she is DEFINITELY opening herself up for ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE! You're legal.....and that's all that matters!

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jtb94 Posted 15 Oct 2006 , 5:58pm
post #9 of 19

If I were you I would ask the person putting on the event, if everyone who has a display is licensed. This way you aren't actually telling on the person who is not licensed but it is something the person in charge of the event may want to look into. They may have some responsibility in assuring that the exhibitors have the proper qualifications.

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alicegop Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 2:22am
post #10 of 19

You should definately put your licence up and make a point of saying you are licenced. I might not turn her into the health dept. but I would question the venue about it! It takes a lot of audacity to show up at a bridal show unlicenced!

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cupcake Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 8:20am
post #11 of 19

I know that there are alot of folks on this site that are flying under the radar, and this topic has been brought up a ton. Today my DH was at work and there was a new employee there. Since I have a business, alot of the workers were placing valentines orders(I have a pre-order form for them and that way they can just give it to DH. This new gal asked him how much I charged for a quarter sheet and without really knowing what she wanted gave her a price rance. She said oh... I get my cakes from this gal in....... which was 6 miles away for l2.50!! I almost had a stroke. This particular person I have heard of, in fact a friend told me her friend had ordered a cake from her sometime back and the girl would not even answer her door. She also has had some wedding cakes fall, news like that spreads pretty fast. Just kills me to know that someone is hiding, knowing that it is illegal in this state. I just keep going, but it does irk me. I know what you are going through. All I can say is what goes around comes around, and I just try to mind my own business, if I didn't, I would probably have an ulcer.

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Sugarbean Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 2:24pm
post #12 of 19

I have a sign of the "pros' to choosing a liscenced decorator. I pointed it out to people all the time.

I LOVE the bringing your license with you idea!! I wish I would have thought of that sooner!!

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notjustcake Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 2:33pm
post #13 of 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by morphis1208

I would have a hard time with this to. It's not fair that she is not "legal" and doesn't have to jump through the same hoops as you, but at the same time I would have a hard time turning her in to. Maybe you could display your license at your booth or something to show that you are licensed at least maybe it would prompt some people to ask her the same question.



that is good idea displaying youre licensed makes you look for professional, you are so lucky to be licensed!!

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notjustcake Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 2:59pm
post #14 of 19

I think you are a very kind person not to turn her in, I would not. Do daycares go around turning in all those fliers and signs for home daycares I'm sure they are not all licensed just because the have lower fees and might loose some business. I think if you are talented and honest and are legal you have nothing to worry about now her being at the bridal as the same time as you YES that might get you to loose some wedding cake orders over her low prices so display that you are licensed, poster like thing like creativecakesbylinsday suggested about the pros of being licensed and to some brides that might be very important or realize how important it is. I suggest you talk to the bridal show people and bring that up so next time you do a bridal show this doesn't happen again, I don't mean to insult anyone who sells cakes without a license but if I was that lady I would not display myself at a bridal show and face some trouble!!! Just worry about your show and pray that you have some good orders and God bless her and you, good luck at the show

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alicegop Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 4:52pm
post #15 of 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by creativecakesbylindsay

I have a sign of the "pros' to choosing a liscenced decorator. I pointed it out to people all the time.

I LOVE the bringing your license with you idea!! I wish I would have thought of that sooner!!



What do you have on the sign?

In addition to displaying the licence and what advantages there are to having a licenced decorator, I would put a sign that says INSURED and inspected by the health department....... (don't use the bad grammar phrasing I just used, clearly the health dept. doesn't insure you icon_smile.gif )

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RisqueBusiness Posted 7 Feb 2007 , 10:12pm
post #16 of 19

everyone has a valid point and you are being too kind to not turn her in. I know I wouldn't also in your shoes, but then again...she is stealing the food from your family's mouth also.

and like previous posters have said...if she can make enough money to get into a high ticket even like a bridal fair..then she should get all her ducks in a row legal wise also.

You can have your business card also printed with the fact that you are a lic and inspected baker! and frame your lic and display that sucker prominently!

YEAH BABY!

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Cindy-loo Posted 8 Feb 2007 , 3:26am
post #17 of 19

Are you in this business to make money? Most people are.
Really- I understand the passion, the want, the need, the time and expense you put into a labour of love (anything food)- but do you want to make money or do you want to think about the money you are not making?
Put up your license, display it proudly and EDUCATE your customers on why it is important. Teach them what it represents. Show them your examples and be proud of what you can do! The buyers are the ones who rule the industry. Their money speaks louder than any fine ever could because without it, no business can survive.
SELL YOUR CAKES!
Stop worrying about the what someone else is or isn't doing and focus on your skills and experience. If having a license is going to set you apart from Joe-blow Cakemaker, then use that piece of paper as a prop to do so.

If this other person is underpricing- teach your customers why yours cost more. Show your experience and act professional. Show them the value of your goods! There is a reason why there is a market for decorated cakes: demand. If a customer had the desire and knowledge to bake, knew how to decorate, had the time, had the money, the education, had the space, knew how to organize, AND knew how to shop- they would probably do it themselves. But they don't. And because they don't- you are a valuable resource to them. Put on your apron and focus your time and energy on other issues- like taking better photographs of your freshly decorated stunning cakes for outstanding websites, slideshows and portfolios!

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smashcakes Posted 8 Feb 2007 , 3:41am
post #18 of 19

i can imagine it getting your goat- especially since you're paying a penalty for turning yourself in. i'm not licensed, nor do i do big events like weddings, i'm your local "cake lady" who will make your kid's bday cake, or a shower cake etc for 30 bucks. i've done two weddings, one because the people were in a pickle, and then a bride and groom at that wedding wanted me to do theirs, they were all part of the same family. that being said, i would NEVER put myself out at a bridal show, i think she is just asking for trouble, i think you are right to step back, let the trouble come to her. i'm sure there's enough business to go around. i would have a copy of my license and maybe even contracts so the brides to be can see that kind of thing that this other lady may not have.

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CoutureCake Posted 11 Feb 2007 , 2:04am
post #19 of 19

The worst is that this time of year brings them out the most to the bridal shows. I just wish the health/Ag dept. would have a few people circulate at these things because of this fact because here we are with our licenses walking on egg-shells to do everything exactly how the state says we can do it, not how it runs the most efficiently, and there they are not paying attention or even following the "rules of engagement"..

I know several home-bakers, but the ones I don't have a problem with AT ALL are the ones who keep their butts squeeky clean along with their kitchens and follow the rules "as if" except for the three sinks. I had a problem a few weeks back with an unlicensed baker who did the same thing at a bridal show I attended. The best thing you can do is if you're giving out a brochure, state clearly that you are licensed by the state. Maybe even give the line in your advertising that says the state statute that cakes need to be made in a licensed facility. When people know your licensed, they know they're dealing with a reputable business. I also suspect that the caterer next to my booth was going to turn her in because she was also touting catering but when it came to her food handling at the bridal show, she had the hair flying EVERYWHERE, no hand socks, etc. etc. etc. then she had the nerve to get cocky whenever any of the licensed food handlers did the courtesy "Hi!" ... Ugh...

I don't know if I'd go the extra step in displaying your license, but having it on your materials that you are licensed is a good thing.

Good luck with everything.

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