Would You Tell A Client Yuou Are Not Licensed?
Decorating By venecakes Updated 11 Sep 2007 , 1:26am by momvarden
If I were you, I would tell the truth. You won't have to worry about having lied. If she says no, it's better than losing self-respect by lying. And, if she found out later that you aren't, it could cause problems. Getting a cake at the cost of a lie, to me just isn't worth it.
Just my humble opinion.
S.
That's a tough one.
I'm not quite through getting licensed yet, so mostly the only wedding cakes I've done, I've done for free with the bride providing all the needed ingredients. All it costs me is my time. The brides always know I'm not licensed, but since they're getting one heck of a deal, none of them have minded. 
There have been a couple I've done baking in a licensed kitchen and those I did charge regular rates for.
I wouldn't do them and charge a fee without a license. It's just not the same as doing a birthday cake here and there and I don't feel comfortable dealing with all the issues that could come up.
That said, if I did choose to do one, I'd definitely make it clear I was not licensed.
I think you most definitely should tell the truth. Is it someone you know or maybe a friend of a friend? I am assuming that you don't advertise since you are not legal, so therefore I figure it may be someone you know. Chances are that they may already know.
If being licensed is an issue (required) where you live or where you're delivering a cake then I'd say make sure the bride knows your status. No cake is worth your getting into legal trouble for. I always go with the truth, it makes life easier, I think.
I have never seen or met the bride. She is my friend's co-worker. And I am in St. louis,MO where a license is required. I am so afraid in getting into trouble if I make this cake. I am a US resident (no citizen) and don't want anything to damage my status (legally married to an American).
Oh my God, whata headache. I better say no. And I told her I would charge $350 for a cake to serve 200 people. What a deal for her.
I always do my wedding tastings in my home, so the brides can see where their cake is being made. I do let them know I am not liscensed because there are some venues you can't go into. I have never been turned down by a venue.
For the first time today- on a sunday- I had to deliver a wedding cake to a local night club. The manager comes out just cussing his employees and come over to me and starts telling me all his employee drama. He then asks where my business is- I tell him I make cakes at my home. He asks me what the health department thinks of that. I just smiled and looked him right in the eye and told him I am just a mom making some cakes for friends. He then stuck his nasty fingers right into my extra icing and licked- He told me if the inside of the cake tasted as good as this then %#*( the health dept.
I was so grossed out- I told him have a blessed day and got out of there as quick as I could- wow and yuck!!!! I had never had any issues before. Hope I don't ever again.
He then stuck his nasty fingers right into my extra icing and licked- He told me if the inside of the cake tasted as good as this then %#*( the health dept.
I was so grossed out- I told him have a blessed day and got out of there as quick as I could- wow and yuck!!!! I had never had any issues before. Hope I don't ever again.
I know it's gross. BUT FUUUUNNNNNYYYYYYY
Seriously though, I would be honest with the bride. You might want to spin it a bit, since it's obvious you are giving her a generous deal.....let her know in a subtle way that if you were to be licensed, it would cost more
I tell all my clients I am not licensed and have never had one turn away. I advertised in the phone book earlier this year and when i realized I would not get my license or kitchen in time for the new book to come out I emailed them but they did not remove it from their book before print. I talked to an instructor at the college who teaches the class and also works for FDA and she told me that even though I am not "legal" and kept all the transactions via mail and email from the phone book company AND put into my contract that I was not licensed I would not into any trouble, plus I have evidence/proof that I am working on my license. If for any reason someone would try to turn me in I would not get into any trouble since they signed the contract.
I'm a believer of the saying "Honesty is the best policy"
Good Luck
Amy
I always tell people......I'm not licensed, I do it out of my home, and I have kids and pets (that I don't allow in the kitchen while I'm making cakes lol) anyhow......I've never had any issues.....and I had one almost order for a wedding cake and I just called the hall it was being held in and said.......I'm making a wedding cake for someone who's reception is at your hall...do I need a license??? they said no......but every place may have a different policy so be sure you check......chances are the bride couldn't care less if you're licensed or not if you're good at what you do and can give her the cake she's after LOL
Be honest, I doubt the bride cares! I have never ran into anyone who asked that question - they know where I do my cakes (here I can do it in my home - unadvertised). Basically I do cakes by word of mouth - which is technically legal?!?! (so says the health inspector). You situation may be different, but if the bride knows and the reception site doesn't care (and people don't get sick LOL) then you will be fine. Or yeah, I can't use perishable fillings like custard - health inspector says if he gets wind of that then I have trouble! Can you tell I am working on a license? LOL! So basically, stick to bc for fillings until you have a license with some liability insurance!!
I am so glad that i came and found this thread because i saw it the other day and became worried. I told my customer the other day that i was not licensed and then saw this thread. Well lets just say my mind works in mysterious ways!!!!! 
I am happy that you asked this question. I felt better telling her (the customer) that i wasn't licensed. I just wish she would call me and tell me how the cake went. Thanks again.
Also i hope you all don't mind but i wanted to show you the cake i did for her.
VENECAKES,
If I were you, I would tell the truth, This way you are being honest with her and most of all your self. sometimes is not the easiest thing to do but it is the right thing to do, 
Michelle
oh my goodness. I'm glad you're telling her. I hope you'll look into getting licensed or working in a licensed facility. My hubby is now a citizen of the US, but when he wasn't, I remember the constant worry about the little things - a speeding ticket or traffic violation, etc. All of those can effect the outcome of a citizenship hearing so please be careful and do everything by the books. Your hubby would be a sad guy if a bit of cake and icing got you in hot water with the INS.
Yes - always be honest and it can be their decision to use you or not.....I like to have my clients come to my home so they can see where the cake is coming from....
.I have only had one refusal, and it was not the bride but the reception hall it's self they only used licenced venders...
I have done cakes for a couple of people but i tell them that I am not licensed. One has told me that she didnt know you had to be licensed but she didnt care. She had tasted my cake before and she wanted one. She didnt wanna go to Walmart or whereever and get a cake. After the party she said that she would be ordering from me again and also be giving out my number to family and friends. Anyway, i think you should be honest and tell the customers. All they gonna do is say yes do my cake or no.
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