This information is for inspirational purposes only. To learn more about Frost Artisan Bakery’s current menu and custom baked goods, please contact us.
When you shop around for a custom baker, it’s important to find one that meets your expectations for quality, creativity, and reliability. Having a conversation with a few bakers before committing to one allows you to make a more informed decision. Asking the right questions can help you determine if a particular baker and their bakery is a good fit for your dessert concept, whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, or corporate event.
Questions to Ask a Baker Before Ordering Custom Desserts
Questions concerning pricing, payment, and timeline are likely already top of mind when shopping for a custom baker. There are a few more questions you should ask before you choose a baker to work with.
1. Do You Specialize In Any Desserts?
Bakers are highly skilled in a range of desserts. However, some bakers might have expertise in certain areas of pastry, such as cake design. If you have a specific dessert in mind, such as a cake with a complex design or flavor profile, you’ll ideally want to work with a baker whose skillset aligns with your concept.
2. Do You Have a Portfolio?
A lot of bakeries proudly showcase their creations on either their website or social media. You can also ask if they have a portfolio they can show you. Seeing a baker’s work is important so you can see their work matches your expectations.
3. What’s Your Design Process Like?
It’s important to have an idea of a baker’s custom consultation process. Since you’ll be working closely with them to create something unique for a special occasion, you should know how a baker plans to gain your input and translate your vision into the actual dessert.
4. Do You Offer Tastings Or Samples?
Your custom dessert should look good, but it should ideally taste even better. Though tastings are more common for events like weddings, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you can taste or sample the bakery’s goods to see how their desserts stack up. That way, you can be sure you’re paying for something that suits your tastes or those of your guests.
5. Do You Deliver?
If you’re only ordering a dozen custom cookies, you’re probably not too concerned about whether or not a bakery delivers. But for larger creations like a tiered cake, you’ll almost certainly want to work with a baker who can handle transport for you.
6. Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
If you need vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free desserts, you’ll need to ask if a baker can accommodate these dietary restrictions, especially if they don’t specialize in these kinds of desserts.
7. Do You Provide Setup or Display Services?
Depending on your event, such as a wedding, this might be a necessity. Some bakeries may handle displays themselves or work with other companies, like a caterer, to manage setup and tear-down services for you.
8. How Do You Handle Last-Minute Changes or Emergencies?
It’s a good idea to gauge how flexible or responsive a baker can be when it comes to last-minute changes or emergencies. See if they have plans in place to address situations that are no fault of the customer.
9. Do You Have a Cancellation or Refund Policy?
Some bakeries may already have this detailed on their website or in a sample contract. If they don’t, it doesn’t hurt to ask. No one ever plans for things to go awry, but plans sometimes change. Know where a baker stands on these policies so you know before entering your own contract.
Create With Frost
At Frost, we love the chance to help customers create beautiful, delicious desserts for their special day. Our menu includes everything from custom cakes and cookies to an assortment of readily available pastries. Stop by or contact us today to talk about your custom request.
