I got a call a couple of weeks ago from a local business asking about sheet cakes for an event they are having today. I went over prices with her and I told her that for the number of people they are expecting they would need three 12x18 sheet cakes. I offered to put their logo on one of the cakes and then the other two could be regular sheet cakes with the markings of where to cut the pieces. She needed to talk with her bosses and go over what I had said and the others she had called about cakes.
Well I got a call back from her and she asked if I would be able to do one cake with the logo. I told her that was fine, I'd be happy to do it and asked what she wanted for the other two cakes. Well, she just wanted the one cake now. No big deal, I just thought they were expecting less people now.
I JUST found out that I'm not the only one doing cakes. There is at least one other person doing a cake also. I'm FURIOUS!! I can understand that they are wanting to give business to other locals but if I would have known about this when she placed the order, I'm not so sure I would have done this cake for them.
Am I wrong to be so upset?? I have to deliver the cake later this morning and I'm hoping that the other cake is there so I can see it and I'm really hoping that my cake looks much nicer and is much tastier than the other one or MORE, too!! I could just scream right now!!
I'm sure that hurts but don't worry about it. It would be worse if she cancelled completely. If this is their first order from you and the other person, maybe they just want to compare. Think positive. They're giving you some business and this is an opportunity to get your name out there. Maybe this will even lead to bigger orders in the future.
That's just odd, it's like they want to see which is better tasting or something. What if the other cakes don't "match" your cake? Wouldn't that look odd? You don't want anyone to think you did the other cake/cakes. That could hurt you, if they don't like the other cake/cakes and they thing you did all of them.
Sorry I'm not any help, I just don't know why this business would do some thing like this. I think you do have the right to be upset over this. If you can make sure your cake is labeled where everyone can see you made the cake. What I have done before is made a little sign (a little smaller than a business card) saying what kind of cake is was and who it was made by and taped it to a toothpick and put it in the top left hand corner of the cake.
I would take this as a compliment. I think they really liked your talent, and wanted to have your logo cake, but couldn't afford the other two. They probably went with the other baker to get a better price. At least they were willing to pay for quality and talent, rather than going with the cheaper person for all of them. Once they taste your cake they will come back to you for more. Keep a smile on your face, as that will help too.
I know your feelings are hurt, but your client owes you nothing and that includes an explanation.
How many times have you gone from this store for napkins, another store for the balloons, another store for party favors to get the right prices, just so everyone can have a wonderful time?
You did get the best cake to do though didn't you? Kuddos for that one!
I understand why you're upset, I think. There was a post a while back about not having the only cake at an event. If the others suck, then you might get the "credit" for that too.
I know your feelings are hurt, but your client owes you nothing and that includes an explanation.
How many times have you gone from this store for napkins, another store for the balloons, another store for party favors to get the right prices, just so everyone can have a wonderful time?
You did get the best cake to do though didn't you? Kuddos for that one!
I agree completely. I would be content getting a cake order. The customer can do what they please and go to five vendors if they wish. Take it as a compliment that you're getting the "good" cake.
Thanks everyone! I completely agree with all of you and I never thought of it the way you pointed out tiptop57. There are many times that I go to mutliple stores to purchase things.
This cake was for a ribbon cutting for this business and since I'm an ambassador for the local chamber, I attended the ribbon cutting. I was able to see the other cake and taste it, too!! When I first got there I was feeling bad because nobody was eating my cake but the lady that ordered it asked if it was okay that they use mine as the centerpiece/focal point and they are having a business gathering this evening, too so they will eat my cake then. I took that as a big compliment that they wanted to save mine.
My husband told me that I was being "catty" and now that I look back, I don't really blame them for wanting to give two of us business. My biggest concern was that someone would find a hair or her cake wouldn't taste very good but it did and it was hair free so now I'm happy!!
Thanks for letting me vent!
The competitor's cake was a regular sheet cake with the markings of where to cut and small rosebuds in the center of each piece. The cake tasted good, moist and the frosting was good, too. I like to think that mine tastes better though!!
I understand the comment about buying some things at one store and some things at another store but in this case, I think we're talking apples and oranges....
A cake decorator has her own recipes, style, etc.
For instance, I did a cake last summer at a wedding reception. As I was finishing the wedding cake table, I noticed the family bringing in sheet cakes from the local grocery store. I was talking with the bride's mother before I left and she mentioned how they would probably not serve the wedding cake but take it into the back and then serve the grocery store cakes. At that point, I decided that I would NOT ask to leave my business cards on the bar as I didn't want anyone to think I had made the cake they were eating. I've had that grocery store's cake and it's dry and the icing is completely different from mine. I now discuss this situation with the bride, groom, MOB, etc. when they order their cake and it is a stipulation in my contract that I my cake is the only cake present at the wedding reception. It's my reputation that I'm protecting. I am very proud of not only my decorating skills but also the taste/recipes I use and I don't want anyone tasting their cakes and saying "oh wow, it's really pretty but it tastes like crap"......
Oh and by the way, when that bride returned the plastic plates, pillars, etc., she mentioned how they only gave my cake to "the people that we really like".....can you imagine?????
Oh and by the way, when that bride returned the plastic plates, pillars, etc., she mentioned how they only gave my cake to "the people that we really like".....can you imagine?????
Unfortunately, there's not much I can't imagine anymore. WHO teaches these young ladies manners??? It just burns me up... 
I did a graduation open house last year that these 2 girls were doing the reception together, I did the girl I knew and some one else did the other girls. I was just glad I got to do one of them! Sandy
I wouldnt worry about it either. You just dont have control over what people want to purchase for their affair. They either couldnt afford 3 of your cakes, wanted to try out multiple decorators, or had some other reason for doing so. I do get what Irish245 is saying though. If it were a wedding especially I would be a little concerned that people wouldnt know where the cake they are eating came from. I would only think they are assuming that they are eating the displayed wedding cake. I would be a little leary of that.
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