Will You Do Samples For Party Cakes??
Business By ButtercupMama Updated 27 Jul 2007 , 3:08am by Tomoore
I am amazed at how many people call me and demand a sample/taste of the cake before ordering a sheet or round cake for a birthday party or some other simple occasion.
Right now I say no; I meet and bring samples to brides only.
But our own retail storefront will be completed in a month or so, so I will be more willing to accomodate these folks... What do YOU offer at your shop?
I figure I could give a simple cupcake from the bakery case, but if they bring their family, that turns onto six cupcakes. (ie,$12) I don't want to come off like a cheapskate, but where do you draw the line?
Opinions?
Don't finance their snack, if you want to do samples maybe take scraps and give a tiny piece with a little icing in a small cup. If you are set on cupcakes have a clearly stated policy hanging somewhere in your shop about one cupcake sample for orders under a certain amount.
I only sample for a large cake. If you have a store front, you could offer the bride/buyer one free taste, or just let them buy the cupcakes.
And certainly, the family doesn't all need a tastefor free. Just my opinon.
If they place the order for a cake from you, you could credit the cost of the samples back to them, if hey save the receipt.
I would suggest an open house a couple of times a year with free samples like mini cupcakes. Otherwise, I do sample cakes for brides only. If you are going to have a bakery fresh case and they are so concerned with whether or not they are going to like your cake, let them purchase a cupcake. It's just not worth it otherwise, you will have every yo-yo in the neighborhood coming in for their afternoon sugar fix!
-Lori
I do tastings/consultations for cakes serving 100+ only (wedding or all occasion). Other than that I offer a "to-go tasting package" at a nominal cost or a full consultation at an additional cost.
I would tell them that if they are worried about paying for the whole thing and not knowing what it tastes like, they could buy a cupcake for 2.00.
And explain that you only give free samples to large cake buyers.
Could you just save the part of the cake you leveled off and cut it into bite size pieces and stick them in a little free sample container?
That way you aren't handing out $2 cupcakes to everyone (once word gets out you do this EVERYONE wants a free sample) but those wanting a sample get one.
I offer a tasting for any two layer cake that serves more than 100 people. Even with my base price that is still over a $200 cake so I feel a few cupcakes or small cakes are worth it. I figure it on servings b/c if I do a 3D cake for under 100 servings my price might still be over $200. It works right now, but well see if I ever need to change it.
You know, I have to wonder just how these people were raised. I mean, it would NEVER cross my mind to go into a bakery and get a free sample of their cake before I ordered a birthday cake! When they plan their children's parties at McDonald's, do they request a free cheeseburger first?
Where in the WORLD does this thinking come from??? 
When they plan their children's parties at McDonald's, do they request a free cheeseburger first?
I'm going to try that today... Yes I'd like a # 2, a happy meal with a cheeseburger on an... and can I sample a bite of your apple pie before I decide to buy one? 
To me, it's like asking Pizza Hut for a free slice before ordering the 16". It just isn't done. The people who expect a "sampling" for a birthday cake watch too many Style Network shows!
Oh so true! I only offer tastings to brides. I think it's absurd (sp?) to request a sample for a party cake!
I only offer tastings to brides. I think it's absurd (sp?) to request a sample for a party cake!
Normally I would agree with this however I have had some request for cakes as large as a wedding cake for other events (reunions, businesses, or any other event) This is one reason I have decided to go with a serving amount. Otherwise they can order a small cake from me.
Just another perspective
I only offer tastings to brides. I think it's absurd (sp?) to request a sample for a party cake!
Normally I would agree with this however I have had some request for cakes as large as a wedding cake for other events (reunions, businesses, or any other event) This is one reason I have decided to go with a serving amount. Otherwise they can order a small cake from me.
Just another perspective
Very true! However, if they want to sample my cakes, they can order one if it's not for a wedding!
Edited to say: I guess what I mean is that it may not be absurd to want to sample the cake if it's a large order and for a very special occasion....but certainly not for free!
Could you just save the part of the cake you leveled off and cut it into bite size pieces and stick them in a little free sample container?
That way you aren't handing out $2 cupcakes to everyone (once word gets out you do this EVERYONE wants a free sample) but those wanting a sample get one.
Uh...Heck yeah! I'd come everyday for a FREE tasting. It's funny how word gets about free or cheap stuff. Have you heard about the KA Artisan mixer for $150?
I like the idea of ONE free sample for large serving orders.
At our town's local cake shop, they do tastings for weddings and large party cakes (1oo+ servings) ONLY.
In the front case, they sell cake-by-the-slice of 2 of the most popular flavors, then one other flavor. If people want to taste the cake, they can buy it! There are also cupcakes that are filled with buttercream, so either way, someone can get a good idea what the cake will taste like.
I think it's a great idea.
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