I’ve absolutely adore cake decorating and I’m learning as much as I can. It’s a lot harder than it looks on paper, I tell ya. I have the utmost respect for anyone that can produce perfect, flawless fondant, consistent icing colors, and smooth-as-silk buttercream … and do it with original style. Kudos to all the pros out there who do it day after day.
In light of my recent foray into the world of cake design, I have a list of questions to ask any cake baker you may be considering. Some of the questions are pretty obvious while some of them have come from things I’ve learned about the cake design business.
1. Are you a full-time or part-time baker?
2. Do you work out of your home or in a commercial kitchen?
3. If you work from your home, are you licensed to do so? [Many states have strict rules about running (or even prohibiting) home bakeries.]
4. Do you personally bake and decorate each cake or do you have help?
5. Are your cakes baked from scratch or from boxed mixes? (I was shocked to learn that many small and home-based bakers use boxed mixes!)
6. What are your cake flavor and filling options?
7. Do you create 100% custom designs or do you offer a selection of stock/standard designs?
8. How far in advance is the cake made? Will it ever be frozen prior to it being served?
9. How many people may I bring with me to a tasting?
10. How many flavors (and which ones) will be available at the tasting?
11. Do you have a price list? Are there any charges not on the price list such as cutting and delivery fees?
12. Do you have a portfolio?
13. May I check your references?
14. How much is the deposit and when is it due? When is final payment due?
15. Is the cost of pillars, cake stand, support pieces included in the cake price or are these separate rentals?
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