How To Order - FAQ’s
If you'd like to book a cake with me, here are some helpful hints to make your booking go smoothly.
* The date - this is the first step of our conversation. Once I know when your occasion is, I can check my availability. This saves us both time.
* The occasion - the most important element of our conversation
* Portions needed - if you know the exact size you need, that's perfect. If not, the best way for me to work out the size you require is to know how many people you are catering for.
* Flavours - This is something that can be decided in time, I don't need to know on day one. However your choices may have an impact on the price of your cake.
* Design - this is where I put my expertise into play. My part is to create a great centrepiece for your special occasion. Something to keep in mind - I don't copy other cake makers work. So please don't ask me to copy their cakes, as unfortunately the answer will be no. However I am happy to create a design of my own, which may be similar
* What type of cakes do I make? - I use buttercream or ganache, not fondant. Fondant is an icing mainly used for carved cakes, which again is something I don't do. If you send me an inspiration picture of a fondant covered cake, sadly I will let you know I'm not the cake maker for you
* Do I make dairy/egg/gluten/nut free cakes? Sorry, the answer is no. No allergies are catered for.
* How much notice do I need to make your cake? - as much as possible please. I get booked up months in advance, so getting a date in my diary is a priority. When I am fully booked, my diary is closed.
* Do I take deposits? - Yes, however your order needs to be at least 2 weeks in advance. If not the full price is needed. Your deposit saves your date in my diary and the design of the cake discussed. If the design is changed, the price may too.
* How do I place an order? - if you are having a bespoke cake, I will create 2 orders for you. I will send them via email, at the same time.The first order is for your deposit and the second is for the final balance. A deposit can only be made if your cake is over £35.00 in total. The deposit order will contain all the information regarding your cake, date, collection etc, so should be kept safe for reference. The final balance email gives you the source to pay from, therefore needs to be kept for the future to ensure payment can be made. If payments are not made on the specified dates, your cake may not be made. All deposits are non-refundable. A deposit is 50% of the cost of your cake. Of course, you can also pay in full.
If you are ordering one of my previously made cakes, you can order directly from my website, in full.
* Are my prices negotiable? - no, sorry. My prices are based on a number of elements, not just ingredients. Please remember you are paying for my time, expertise, sundries, decorations and tools too. If you are working within a budget that's great. However I may inform you your budget doesn't cover my costs.
* Can I deliver? - If you live within 10 miles of Bearsted and have ordered a celebration cake, I will check my diary to see if I'm able to deliver. Unfortunately as my diary is normally full, it may mean that I cannot fit a delivery in. However I will always try.
If you are ordering a wedding cake, I will deliver and set up your cake for you. This will be included in your quote.
* Can my cakes be posted? - Simply the answer is no. A cake will not remain intact if sent through the post.
PLEASE BE AWARE IF YOU WRONGLY ORDER ITEMS FROM MY WEBSITE FOR POSTAGE, I WILL NEED TO DEDUCT ADMIN COSTS FROM YOUR REFUND
* When can you collect your cake? - I will give you a time to collect your cake. My collection times are very specific as I may be working and unavailable. Please collect your cake on time, as I will be putting aside my personal time for you. If you are late, I may not be available for collection. Collection times are within working hours only. I do not offer late night/early morning collections.
* If we've had a conversation, does that mean I've booked in your cake? - I'm afraid that a conversation does not book your place in my diary, only a deposit or full payment does.
* How do you get in touch with me? - by message or email. I do not answer my phone when I am working, so a message is the best way. Please feel free to send me a message when it’s convenient to you. However, please be aware that I may not respond immediately, especially if it’s out of hours but I will always get back to you.
* Do my cakes need to be chilled? - yes, this is VERY important. As your cake will be made of buttercream, it can melt in warm & humid conditions.
* How do you transport your cake? - in the footwell or boot of your car. The car must be cool, with air-con if possible. It MUST NOT be put on the seat or held.
* Do I make cake tasters? - for wedding cakes yes. These will be either cupcakes or mini-cakes. You can have either 4 or 6 cupcakes, which are charged individually. When we discuss your wedding, you can request tasters.
* Do I use real or silk flowers on my cakes? - Both. However I will always recommend silk flowers as they are safer as many real flowers are toxic. We will discuss this when designing your cake.
* Do my cakes come boxed? - yes
* How long will the bake keep? Blondies and Brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 7-10 days. You can refrigerate them and they will keep for up to 14 days. I would recommend removing them from the fridge and leave at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before eating. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Cookies will keep in an airtight container for 3-5 days, as they are baked to order and have no preservatives. You can warm them in the oven for 6-8 minutes or a few seconds in the microwave will do. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. If you have chosen cookies with a soft centre, they may not be as crispy as they were before freezing, as the centre may hold more moisture after freezing.
If you are ordering a celebration cake I will always discuss the shelf life, storage and serving options with you on collection/delivery.
I would suggest keeping strong flavours separately.
* What if I need to cancel or change my order?
I will do my best to support your changes, however if I have already made your order, this may not be possible. Please let me know as soon as you can and I’ll see what I can do. Not all changes will be possible, therefore refunds will not be always be available. Please note: deposits are non-refundable.
I hope these FAQ’s help with your cake journey.
I will always try my best to help you, in a professional and courteous manner.
I love creating cakes for special occasions, particularly pretty ones, that’s why I’m here. Tracey x
