When you get a call for a cake, how do you get all the info you need without pounding the client with questions? Do you have an order form? Would you share it? I really need to know how to zero in on the theme. Thanks for any help! becky

Well these are the things I ask.

What date and time is the cake needed?
Do you have a cake budget?
How many people does it need to feed?
What did you have in mind?

Filling?
Buttercream or fondant?
What flavor buttercream?
Pickup or delivery?
What occasion is the cake for?
What shape do you want the cake to be?
What flavor of cake?
What is the theme or color scheme?
Do you have any specific things you'd like to see on the cake?
Will there be a message?
Are there any known food allergies?

The first 4 questions will give you someplace to start in terms of pricing and let you and the customer know if they can afford you before you waste your time getting into the specifics. HTH!

The first thing out of my mouth is, "When do you need it?"

Then you can go from there:

How many servings?
What style? (as in sheet or otherwise. I do tons of 11X15s.)
"OK, the cost for that size starts at $XX."
What flavor?
Any fillings?
What icing?
Any special decorations or theme?
Do you have a picture of one that you like or shall I send you a sketch?
Do you need it delivered and where?

That's kind of how it goes for birthday cakes and the like.

For weddings or more complicated orders, there would be more questions obviously. I do have a form that I use for those types.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. I'd rather ask then, then to have to call them back later and make sure we were on the same page.