Things Not To Ask/say To A Baker!

Decorating By step0nmi Updated 20 Oct 2016 , 2:28pm by ch5964

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-K8memphis Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:26pm
post #61 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by FromScratchSF 

Haha - yeah I hate the word "moist".  Ug.

 

"We love clean and modern.  Here's some photos (insert clean, minimalist 3-4 tier cakes here), can I get a clean and modern cake that has a stork, mailbox, some zoo animals, a really big pink bow because she loves pink bows, polka dots, pinstripes, and maybe a teddy bear or two?  Oh and can you put my favorite sports team logo on the teddy bear because I want me represented somewhere in the cake.  Maybe you can make a small teddy bear standing next to a stork holding a baby boy next to a mailbox only instead of letters in the mailbox maybe you can have tiny books that are all her favorite children stories?  Oh and the zoo animals need to be a zebra, lion, tiger and a few monkeys.  She also loves to shop so maybe you can make a few small shoes, shoe boxes and maybe some shopping bags?  The bags should be from Neimans because she loves Neimans.  Everything should be edible, especially chocolate.  That would be so cool!  I obviously have no idea about cakes but we really want clean and modern.  Oh and it's only for 4 people and we need it in 3 days."

 

Brilliant, Scratch SF!!!

 

And the ever popular variation:

 

So the customer thinks that's too much money and they say--well half of us don't like cake anyway it's so sweet so we'll just do it for two servings and half the price...

 

edited to say--they might not can multiply but they can divide!

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jason_kraft Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:35pm
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A

Original message sent by -K8memphis

In my experience the reason they ask that is that they are not processing the facts because they are overwhelmed in a foreign situation or they want a better deal if they have done the math or they are comparing prices as intelligently as possible.

That can certainly be true as well. I've had customers who have misstated the prices listed on our website, whether this was done intentionally or not the error somehow always works in the customer's favor. When I confirm the correct price they usually accept it without question.

I may be unusual in that I find these types of inquiries amusing, I can't recall a single instance where I would put an inquiry on a "never ask again" list. Dealing with customers was one of my favorite parts of the job, this made my wife very happy since she could focus on the baking and decorating.

Even asking about less sweet icing is not that big a deal, we've had several customers from other countries ask about this because they are used to icing that's not as sweet as the American BC we use, and we have (unadvertised) alternative recipes to meet this requirement.

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Rosie2 Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:39pm
post #63 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiddiekakes 

Mine is....."Can you not make the icing so sweet!! "

 

such idiots....icon_rolleyes.gif

Ditto!!!  icon_mad.gif

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-K8memphis Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:43pm
post #64 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 


...I may be unusual in that I find these types of inquiries amusing, I can't recall a single instance where I would put an inquiry on a "never ask again" list. Dealing with customers was one of my favorite parts of the job, this made my wife very happy since she could focus on the baking and decorating.

 

I think that's true. You fulfilled such an important and underdeveloped market that I think you would generate a very grateful clientele. Happy to get what is normally not only unavailable to them but could also make them very ill. I think you'd encounter less riff raff. I'm sure there were a few but there's more out there in the masses.

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vgcea Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:50pm
post #65 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 


There could be good reasons to ask this question. For example, depending on the number and size of tiers it may not be possible to get exactly 100 servings. Also, some bakeries charge different per-serving prices depending on the size of the cake.

Jason, get out of here with your reasonable self. This thread is supposed to be FUN! OUT before I MOISTEN your keyboard with simple syrup!

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Apti Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:53pm
post #66 of 3221

Oh Crud!  I just saw the photo of the Eye of Sauron cake!  (Couldn't make the link work earlier.)    It's WAAAAAY funnier now that I've seen the cake! 

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2418022/lord-of-the-rings

 

That cake was so impressive I did some research online.  It was made by Jason Reaves of Market Salamander in Virginia.  Their wedding cakes start at $6 a serving, so how much do you think that huge, artistic & architecturally sound Eye of Sauron cake masterpiece cost? 

 

sbrehill~~I'm fascinated that you actually quoted a price for that cake.  I would've collapsed on the floor in fits of hysterical giggles.  Welcome to the forum!  [LOVED your alligator "bride" groom's cake!]

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vgcea Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:55pm
post #67 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Apti 

Oh Crud!  I just saw the photo of the Eye of Sauron cake!  (Couldn't make the link work earlier.)    It's WAAAAAY funnier now that I've seen the cake! 

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2418022/lord-of-the-rings

 

That cake was so impressive I did some research online.  It was made by Jason Reaves of Market Salamander in Virginia.  Their wedding cakes start at $6 a serving, so how much do you think that huge, artistic & architecturally sound Eye of Sauron cake masterpiece cost? 

 

sbrehill~~I'm fascinated that you actually quoted a price for that cake.  I would've collapsed on the floor in fits of hysterical giggles.  Welcome to the forum!  [LOVED your alligator "bride" groom's cake!]

Darn! I couldn't get the other link to work either. THAT is what he wanted for free from a virtual stranger he just 'friended' on facebook? icon_eek.gif #slain Oh-freaking-wow!

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Apti Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:57pm
post #68 of 3221

vgcea~~I TOLD you to stop!

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vgcea Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 5:59pm
post #69 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Apti 

vgcea~~I TOLD you to stop!

Okay fine. I'll just be CLEAN AND MODERN then. Hmph! icon_evil.gif

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FromScratchSF Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 6:09pm
post #70 of 3221

HAHAHA Yes, I forgot that bit!  

 

And yes, he told me it was too much money and was irritated because I edited it WAY down.  He's like, but why can't I have ALL THE THINGS on my cake?  I WANT ALL THE THINGS!"

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BakingIrene Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 6:10pm
post #71 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gefion 

Whaaaat? Please tell me you made them buy you a new copy. Oh there would have been blood, if that happened to me.

I kept asking for it back and every time I got a different story about who had it in which small town (I don't own a car).  I gave up in disgust and refused to ever have anything to do with the instigator ever again.  She was mad at hell because she had wanted me to introduce her to a different group of MY friends and I just refused.

 

I replaced the Lambeth from ebay UK for a reasonable price by watching carefully.  You can get them occasionally when a  charity lists them without any clue to their real value.

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sbrehill Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 6:17pm
post #72 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by Apti 

Oh Crud!  I just saw the photo of the Eye of Sauron cake!  (Couldn't make the link work earlier.)    It's WAAAAAY funnier now that I've seen the cake! 

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2418022/lord-of-the-rings

 

That cake was so impressive I did some research online.  It was made by Jason Reaves of Market Salamander in Virginia.  Their wedding cakes start at $6 a serving, so how much do you think that huge, artistic & architecturally sound Eye of Sauron cake masterpiece cost? 

 

sbrehill~~I'm fascinated that you actually quoted a price for that cake.  I would've collapsed on the floor in fits of hysterical giggles.  Welcome to the forum!  [LOVED your alligator "bride" groom's cake!]

Apti~ Thank you for fixing my link.  I'm a newb at this forum thing so thanks too for the welcome and praise for my groom's cake :)

 

I was actually excited to get to make it as I'm a huge geek and absolutely love anything LOTR, although I'm sure it wouldn't have been nearly as good as the original!  I was going to give it my best shot! And lmy quote was WAY not $6 per serving! 

 

I too get all those requests for "everything but the kitchen sink" cakes and cringe every time!  We make them as per request but most of those pics don't get posted anywhere!  haha!  I just don't want people to think they were our designs!  I have posted a few of them and always find myself explaining the "why" behind the design.
 

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kazita Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:09pm
post #73 of 3221

AVgcea please pour simple syrup over Jason....he needs to loosen up on all the business mumbo jumbo and let us have have alittle fun

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shanter Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:21pm
post #74 of 3221

*shanter hands Jason an umbrella*

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jason_kraft Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:24pm
post #75 of 3221

AThanks, but my existing umbrella is rated for Grade B maple syrup so I think it can handle simple syrup.

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-K8memphis Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:27pm
post #76 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by shanter 

*shanter hands Jason an umbrella*

 

Omg--what are you doing? Is this a gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, flavor-free, texture-free umbrella???

Produced in a bubble by peeps in hazmat suits???

RUN FOR THE EPI PEN

 

icon_biggrin.gif

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shanter Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:37pm
post #77 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by -K8memphis 

 

Omg--what are you doing? Is this a gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, flavor-free, texture-free umbrella???

Produced in a bubble by peeps in hazmat suits???

 

No, but it is CLEAN AND MODERN!

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-K8memphis Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:43pm
post #78 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by shanter 

 

No, but it is CLEAN AND MODERN!

 

hahahahahaha

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jenmat Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 7:49pm
post #79 of 3221

oooh ooh:

 

Heard multiple times when I'm having couples over for wedding cake tastings (at my house, at my kitchen table, with me sitting there staring at them...)

 

"So, we're looking for something really simple, and even though there are going to be 40000 guests we think about 100 servings should work, because you know, no one really eats cake these days." (um, you may not eat cake, but I know a heck of a lot of people who do, and that's fine, but you do know you're at my home, right?)

 

"We don't want to spend a whole lot of money on our cake because after all it's just cake, and it's really not one of those important things. You understand..." (sure, I understand, you are taking up my time to tell me that what I do doesn't matter to you. You couldn't do that in a phone call?)

 

"We LOVE this fondant cake, and we want to it to look EXACTLY like this picture, but we don't want to waste the money on fondant, so can you do it in buttercream?" (sure, no problem, I'll work twice as hard to make it look like fondant but with buttercream so that you can save fifty bucks...)

 

Each of these phrases are fine over email, or when you're telling your girlfriends about your wedding plans, but they aren't things I'd recommend saying while sitting in front of your baker, who I GUARANTEE thinks cake is a big deal!

 

Filter, people, filter. 

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kazita Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 8:06pm
post #80 of 3221

ACome on after all "its just cake " as my customer says Not all Business

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kazita Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 8:13pm
post #81 of 3221

AJenmat there's that famous saying "after all its just cake" And hey there neighbor I too live in wiscosin

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kimmisue2009 Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 9:49pm
post #82 of 3221

Here's one, from a co-worker.  "Hey, I know you buy a lot of ingredients and stuff and I was wondering if you wanted to just make two or three dozen cupcakes for my neice's/niece's (hate that word) little girl.  She didn't really ask me, but I know she could use them because they don't have a lot of money.  Doesn't have to be any particular flavor - just whatever you already have - don't spend any money.  That way, everybody wins - you get to make cupcakes, because you love to so much, and no one will be out any money."

 

What a pal to do me such a favor.

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jgifford Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 10:26pm
post #83 of 3221

I just love the "and for the office dinner/party/get-together we'll let you bring a cake or cupcakes - whatever you want. But make sure it will feed all 52 employees and spouses and kids. And remember so-and-so is allergic to nuts, but the boss's favorite anything is peanut butter. And my little group likes chocolate so be sure there's a lot of that."

 

 

And "moist" is for armpits.

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FullHouse Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 10:36pm
post #84 of 3221

I have had a few ask me if my cakes taste good.  

 

I always reply "Well, of course, I'm going to say they do.  First of all, because they do taste fabulous, but you should really go check my Facebook page and read client feedback there for confirmation so you can see customers agree and it's not just me saying so."  

 

I do take the opportunity to use it as a sales pitch to describe my cakes, but I always wonder if a baker with nasty tasting cakes would be forthcoming with that information.

 

This one wasn't a customer, but a relative.  We were going to a family gathering for DH's family.  He called to see what we could bring and was very clear about the fact that I had my hands full with orders that week so he would be taking charge of whatever food we bring.  They lated texted asking him to bring a few dozen of the really detailed cake pops I had made for everyone the year before icon_eek.gif.  He replied saying he will bring a few bags of chips icon_twisted.gif.

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Claire138 Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 10:49pm
post #85 of 3221

I had a woman call me last week for a quote on a 12 inch rectangle cake, I asked what she wanted in regards to decorations etc and gave her a price. She ordered it and then called me back later saying she had just been talking to her sister in law who thinks she should go bigger so how about a 3 tier cake? so I tell her sure but you have to understand it will be more expensive. Her response? "Why"?  

Every time I think of that "why" I laugh - seriously!

 

After explaining to her that not only was it more ingredients in terms of cake but the work load and decorations are also taken into account she backed down and went with the original design.

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-K8memphis Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 10:56pm
post #86 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by FullHouse 

I have had a few ask me if my cakes taste good...

 

 

 

 

I mean sometimes I don't wanna play along and I just wanna smile and say,

 

"No some of them taste like hot sh__. Right this way for your tasting"

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hbquikcomjamesl Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 11:24pm
post #87 of 3221
Quote:

Now, this comes from my step-mom whom i know HATES fondant. i'm bringing a cake to a holiday gathering this weekend and she asks me in a text:

 

with buttercream frosting? 

 

dunce.gif

 

and she thought there was NOTHING wrong with asking that :p

Am I missing something here?

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kazita Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 11:25pm
post #88 of 3221

AI remember a thread on here where the couple were at a tasting and the bride to be asked if the baker ever froze cakes before hand, the baker replied after the tasting you tell me...I thought yeah how did that cake you just ate taste?

My wonderful mother in law works with several woman she has no second thoughts of calling me and inform me that she needs a birthday cake for such and such due the next day...ok let me drop everything just for you

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costumeczar Posted 11 Dec 2012 , 11:39pm
post #89 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenmat 

cute idea for a post. 

 

Mine was just last week about a carrot cake:

 

"Is it moist? Is it any good?" 

 

Umm, no, it's as dry as styrofoam and it totally sucks. That's why I'm in business. 

 

And the word moist always kinda creeps me out, I don't know why.

Because moist is an armpit or a crotch, not cake. Cake is soft, not moist. Apologies to those who are offended by the word "crotch." But now I said it twice.

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vgcea Posted 12 Dec 2012 , 12:53am
post #90 of 3221
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 

Thanks, but my existing umbrella is rated for Grade B maple syrup so I think it can handle simple syrup.

Faints! icon_eek.gifJason has a sense of humor?!!! OMG! OMG!! OMG!!!

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