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Lets get into it...I had a phone call a few weeks ago, and the customer had been let down by another baker. Sad times indeed. So naturally, the customer was shy, and mistrusting of our quality and reliability, due to already being let down. And it motivated me to talk about it, and see if I could you give some tips, on how to tell if your baker is what they say they are. And if they will follow through, on what they promise.
Point 1..
I get it there are some very suspect people out there. And when your hard earned money is involved it can feel risky. Especially in distance purchasing. Also because our line of work is very creative, so people can take an image off the internet and say I want thise one.
A baker can want the order, and over promise that they could make the cake, but it not be in their skills to do so, (as there are some incredibly talented cake artists and not every baker is able to make what they can) and so the cake wrecks can happen. Epic fail..
The truth is, you as a customer need to do your research. I know boring, but if you're concerned about the quality of the bakers goods, its an important step to take. to ease your mind and see if they, are as good as they say.
Point 2..
As I've said in a different blog post, about budget and so on, its not always just about the price point and money.
Can your baker deliver what is promised? Trading standards say, if you as a business say you can do x, y, and z, you have to be able to do that and deliver what you promised. A registered business can get in hot water if they over promise and under deliver.
Which is why some bakers say I can't make that I can make this. Or simply I'm fully booked.
Point 3..
Honestly the only way you will be able to tell if you can truly trust your baker, is by making a small order, with that baker and testing their goods. You could also follow them on socials for a while. look at the reviews they have, and see their pictures of what they make. But even then, the pictures can be taken from another bakers page, and not be an accurate account of your bakers skills. This is where some detective work comes in. Can you see any watermarks on the photo? are they in brand for your baker? Have they got a video of them making the cake? or showcasing it in real time in their kitchen? Do they have a website presence with updated pictures? are they registered with the council? or have a fsa food rating? Are they fully insured? These are the things to look out for as a low prices doesn't automatically mean they know what they're doing.
Point 4..
Often times, the cheaper bakers are the startups. Just opened business that dont know how to price their wares. Or that added into the price is money, to cover the overheads like public liability insurance. And that they have to be registered, and inspected before they make a sale. or they are a hobby baker that just covers their costs. but the gov, still class it as a business, if any money is being exchanged. Its still called a transaction no matter why you took it. If You're paying a cake biz low prices, and they're doing it for costs only, then they might not be registered amd should get/ be registered and insured and inspected by the local council authority. Otherwise the food may make somone ill and the biz can get into heaps of trouble think 2 grand fines..thats a lot for a small biz.
Point 5..
Chances are if a bakery biz have all those things, then they are honest, and trustworthy and have done the work to keep the law and produce a good or very good product.
Also if a bakery business has gone to the effort of getting all the legals done then they should also be aware of trading standards and be able to work within the law and give you the best customer service so they wont be ripping you off and not making your cake but taking your money.
Point 6..
They will also have had real customers, and reviews by real people.
Point 7..
They will/would know within reason what they are capable of making, and the standards they set as a business. They would also know where they are aiming for their clientèle. And their clientèle would be loyal customer's, that return time and again because that trust has been built.
I have known of bakers, sending their loyal customers Birthday cards, and even the customers celebrating the bakers birthdays ect. It can be a beautiful friendship/partnership.
Point 8..
So, your good hardworking business's will show you they are trustworthy. And they will go the extra mile for loyal customers, as you the customer is at the heart and centre of what they/we do. We help you celebrate some of your most precious moments and we help you make it memorable and special. Its an honour, not just a cake or product to make us money. And those of us that remember this, take it seriously.
Point 9..
Yes I know ...it doesn't cover ALL the eventualities, of what can happen, people are human and there are some very clever scammers. You've just got to know where to look to find if your baker is trustworthy or not. if the bakes are just cheap, and off fb and there's no website, no food rating, and they don't ask about food allergens twice when ordering or at all. then they might not be a proper, registered bakery business, and your cake and money may be at risk.
Point 10..
If they have those and can't fit you in it's a sign that their good at what they do and busy so please be patient. If your baker makes a mistake please please give them opportunities to try and correct the isue. Any Good baker, will want to build a rapport with you. it makes all the difference in the ordering process, if everyone gets on and no one on either side takes the mick then everything jist works better.
Point 11..
Bakers can be at risk from dodgy customers just the same as Customers can be at risk from dodgy Businesses. I know shock horror right!.
Independent small businesses can be a target for people who think they can claim full refunds under shady claims. And that the business can claim it back from the gov in tax on refunds, or that we can be hoaxed into a full refund. And then resell so we aren't out of pocket because its only cake right?! No it's not. And no we can't. When dodgy people play games with Businesses especially small independents they are taking money out of the biz's families bills, shopping ect. The money small independent business make are the very pennies that pay our bills and feeds our kids. This is why it matters so much to us.
but that's for another blog post I suspect lol đ ( how to get a refund the honest way, know your trading standards rules âď¸)
Anyway I hope this info helps. We're not all trying to rip you off. Just want to earn an honest living wage.
With love and cookies with sprinkles on.
Mrs Samantha Willetts
God bless x
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