Date: December 4th, 1998 10:48:25
From: Claudia
e-mail: cakeshop@galstar.com
Subject: Re: Insurance
I have a businessowner's policy for my home-based bakery. It took my
insurance agent a little time to find a policy to insure a home-based
bakery, but he did. I have liability and medical coverage as well as
coverage on the contents. The hotels and caterers are only interested
in whether you have liabilty coverage. My premium has remained the same
for several years because I haven't had a claim. I also have a high
deductible to keep the premiums down. When I decided to go legal I
wanted EVERYTHING to be legal. With everyone so "lawsuit happy" these
days,I didn't want to take a chance on my assets being wiped out by
someone suing me because they broke a tooth by biting on a royal icing
flower or some other stupid reason. Your premium is deductible as a
business expense. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Date: December 4th, 1998 06:42:32
From: Dee
e-mail:
Subject: Copyright - again!!!!!!!
My daughter suggested - you only sell the cake, not the decoration. You charge the same for a "character cake" as you do for one of your own creations, so you charge only for the cake. The decorations, character or otherwise, is free. Food for thought????????Just kidding, I truly feel it is an infringement, but it really is hard convincing the customers that it is actually illegal to do what they request. I do find that most people have never thought of copying a character as being illegal. We all learn something everyday.

Date: December 4th, 1998 10:33:36
From: Jody
e-mail: RunyanFmly@aol.com
Subject: Re: Insurance
Hi, I don't know what your situation is, but one of the things I found
out is that unless you're "legal", you can get insurance and pay on it
for years and when and if you ever needed to collect on a claim, it
would be denied unless you are completely legal. Insurance adjusters
and salespeople will sell you any kind of policy you want - it's not
their "responsibility" to see if you actually need it or can use it.

Unfortunately, that's one of the downsides of working out of your home.
My husband and I weigh the costs every day... Can't afford a commercial
kitchen... can't afford to get sued... can't afford an addition on the
home... can't afford to get fined by the health department. If I had it
my way, I'd have had my kitchen a long time ago and I keep telling my
husband, "If we can't afford the kitchen, how on earth will we be able
to afford the fines?"

We tell people not to do character cakes because it's illegal -- so is
selling any type of cake out of your home without a license in most
states and counties. We have to weigh our options, make our choices and
then live with the consequences. Good luck. (btw... nice web site!)

Date: December 4th, 1998 07:39:26
From: BKeith
e-mail: bkeith@netcom.com
Subject: Insurance
Up till now I've been a pretty small-change operation, but the wedding
cake inquiries are now coming a little more frequently. A couple days
ago, I got a call from a wedding coordinator who wants to use me (and
we've set up an appointment with a bride for a tasting), but she said
that one of the requirements of the reception hall is proof of
insurance.

I knew the day would come when I'd have to think about this stuff, but I
really don't know what sort of coverage I need or how much to expect to
pay for it. I'm now waiting for a quote from my insurance agent, but in
the meantime, I thought I'd toss the subject out to the board to get a
feel for what sorts of coverage people have for doing cakes out of their
homes.

Any pointers out there?

Thanks.

Date: December 5th, 1998 05:39:19
From: Steph
e-mail: nagol@gte.net
Subject: copyright?????answers
My brother-in-law works in copyright and publishing for the
entertainment industry (he is not a lawyer, he is a representative for
a major studio). He now heads the department, but his previous
position in the company was to scout for other companys using his
companys music in commercials, tv shows and movies. If he heard one of
their songs (or something that sounded similar), he'd immediately check
if the song was used with his companys permission (meaning the other
company paid to use the song). If it was not, it immediately went to
the legal department.
I asked him many questions (most have been listed on this message
board) about why a major corporation would care if I copied a character
and pursue legal action against a little ole cake decorator working
from her home?
All of the answers to my questions were summed up in his response:
First go to this website and learn a little about copyright law--
http://freeadvice.com/law/570us.htm (great site, easy to read)
Second, he said, this is an extremely profitable business (we have no
concept of how profitable)for these corporations, copyrighting their
characters is a large expense, hiring lawyers, having employees to
actually ensure the characters are not used without permission($), and
most importantly the prospect of losing ANY money made from the use of
the characters is enough incentive to spend the money to pursue legal
action.
He said there are no tricks, no way around copyright law. If the
character is copyrighted you cannot profit from it without permission
from the corp. Making them as gifts is fine. I remember reading a
message about decorating the cake without a character, selling it to
your customer, then giving (as a gift) the copyrighted character on
wafer or buttercream transfer for them to place on the cake. He said,
you'd probably get away with that once, but more than that would be a
red flag and the law will protect the copyright, not the person trying
to get around it.
Why Us? His response: "We get EVERYONE, if we let a little mom and
pop organization get away with it, everyone will try. If we make sure
no one gets away with it, everyone will be afraid to try!" There you
go folks---the fear we all have is legitimate.
His best advice is---DONT do it, the chances of getting caught are too
great and the corporations WILL WIN! Yikes!!!!!!
Hope this helps
Sincerely, Cake decorator who NEVER sells character cakes!

Date: December 5th, 1998 10:55:14
From:
e-mail:
Subject: Examples, please
Has anyone actually had an experience with the copyright cops?? I mean
have any of you ever had more than "suspicions" about a checker? If
so, what did they do,admit to being a checker? threaten? take you to
court? demand you cease and desist?

Date: December 6th, 1998 01:31:04
From: HeatherLee
e-mail: heatherlee@shaw.wave.ca
Subject: Thanks
Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the help and advice. I have learned so much, just by
following the messages everyday:-) I have met so many wonderful,
sharing people since I first logged on to this site. It is now my home
page, meaning when I start my computer this is the site it starts on.
Thanks again for all you continue to do.
HeatherLee

Date: December 7th, 1998 10:18:46
From: Selina
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
I'm wondering if she's offering you a job because you already have a clientele. If you work for her then you will no longer be her competition and you probably wont have time to make your own cakes. Though it might be interesting to do it for a while and see just how a bakery is run (for future reference should you ever decide to open your own cake shop). Good luck which ever way you chose to go.

Date: December 7th, 1998 05:20:21
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
hi terri;

this is another one of those things that it's going to depend somewhat
on where you live.
with the high level of knowledge you have i'd say $10 hr is a good
starting wage.
lynne

Date: December 7th, 1998 05:19:34
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
I have never worked in a bakery and do not consider myself as a bakery. I am more of a specialty shop and doing it from my home. However, my daughter does most of my baking and I pay her $6 an hour. She does not do any decorating. She does the baking and the cleanup of the kitchen from her work as well as from most of my decorating. This probably would vary from area to area - big city probably pays more because they probably can get higher prices than a small town. I am 30 miles north of Kansas City in a rural area.

Date: December 7th, 1998 01:48:15
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Salary for Decorator
I have been offered a job in a local bakery. She asked what my starting
salary request would be. I have never worked in a bakery. I have had
one beginners class, the rest I have taught myself. I have been
decorating cakes for ten years, I can decorate cupcakes to wedding
cakes. Anything I don't know how to do I can learn quick. She knows
how many cakes I decorate in a week because I buy my supplies from her.
My question is: How much do decorators start out making in a private
bakery? What is a reasonable request? any help would be greatly
appreciated.

Terri

Date: December 8th, 1998 09:59:50
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
Can you be licensed to work out of your home? If I had a choice of
working out of my home or owning a bakery I sure would opt to work out
of my home. We work out of our home and until recently when I had
spinal surgery and decided I wanted to cut back we were doing 8 and 10
weddings a week and none of the responsibilities of owning a bakery.

Date: December 8th, 1998 09:39:50
From: Cassie
e-mail: cwesterd@pressenter.com
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
I presently work in a bakery I have only worked there for about 4 months
and before I started I was the same as you I learned myself yet I never
took any classes I also do cakes out of my home not very big yet I get
full time hours and this supermarket is not union I live in Wisconsin
Minimum wage here is $5.15per hour. I didnt know what to request so I
left the starting wage up to them and they gave me $7.50p/hr to start
and I recently told them I wanted a raise so now I make $8.50p/hr I am
the assistant cake decorator and the head decorator makes the same as I
do now and she has worked there for 4 years! shsh dont tell her. ha ha
but I think $8.50 is a reasonable rate. I do still do cakes at home and
I have two small children and so I do the cakes that I have orders for
when the kids go to bed.

everything works out, hope this will help you out
P.S. working in a bakery has helped a great deal to see how they do
things and what I will do and not do when I open my own shop someday

Cassie

Date: December 8th, 1998 05:15:59
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
Lynne,

Thanks for your advice. I work forty hours a week as a office manager
now. I wanted to make a change starting in the new year. I thought
about opening a shop of my own but I'm still unsure if I could make
enough to keep the doors open and keep making my salary that I make now.
I make cakes on the side, average of 6-8 a week, weddings/large special
event cakes at least once a month. The way I work I can't fit any
more than eight. I have turned some people down for this month. All of
my business is by word of mouth, no advertising, and growing everyweek.
Thanksgiving and Christmas is my busiest time of the year--with no
breaks ( I stop decorating cakes on Dec 23 and pick back up on Dec 26).
How many cakes a week would someone need to decorate before you would
suggest that they start a business.

Thanks again!
Terri

Date: December 8th, 1998 03:28:20
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
yes, that would make a difference as your 'standard of living' is lower
than say new york city etc.

i'd say then for your area maybe $8.
the problem here is you have experience. most places don't want to pay
for that. they want to train you they way they want you to decorate
and don't want previous knowledge to get in the way.
this lady knows you are working at home and how much you are doing.
don't let her get away w/low balling you on pay.
around here if you work in a supermarket they are union. no matter
what! when you go to work for them you have to start at miminum wage
for a certain amount of hours (averages 3 yrs of full time hrs) before
you get a raise then you go to about $9; after another # of hours
(about 2 yrs) you top out at $12-15. plus of course there is union
dues! i refused to do that -- mostly because you cannot work full
time! therefore it would take forever to work up to the required # of
hrs before you can get a raise.

also as someone said, you can't work at home anymore -- that may or may
not be a problem for you. when i went to work in a bakery i just told
people who called me they would have to order thru the bakery and most
did. keep that in mind.

if you talk w/this gal, be sure you both agree on all aspects before
you start. get it in writing.
that's about all i can think of right now. goood luck and please let
us know how you make out.
lynne

Date: December 8th, 1998 02:49:36
From: Theresa
e-mail:
Subject: Another copyright ?
If you sell the generic shaped pans from wilton is that a copy right
infringment? And if you purchase plastic cake figures/toppers from
Wilton, Deco Pac, other cake suppliers that are license characters and
place them on a cake is this one? I see the grocery stores do this all
the time but I haven't seen but one bakery sell a deco pac kit on a
cake.

Date: December 8th, 1998 03:15:44
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Another copyright ?
the genaric pans are no problem. using plastic figures are ok
**except** the ones from wilton! most, if not all, of wilton's carry
as warning that they are for home use only (means no selling).
from what dolores has said in past posts, they price the plastics and
cake each seperately so there is no ? that the plastics (and edible
images) have been purchaced (and not sold as part of the cake).
lynne

Date: December 8th, 1998 11:35:09
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
I live in Alabama, if this helps. Thanks !...Terri

Date: December 8th, 1998 09:43:04
From: Nancy
e-mail: morgan0818@aol.com
Subject: Re: Examples, please
Yes. There is a shop in Northern California who did Disney characters
FREE-HANDfor many years. One day a Disney "cop" came in and told her
to cease and desist and confiscated pictures of her cakes. She stood
her ground stating they were done free-hand and not copied or traced.
She has gone to court several times trying to "fight city hall."
Disney Corporation is very serious about their copyrights. I have not
talked with her for quite a while to find out the outcome of her battle.

Date: December 9th, 1998 06:11:51
From: Lorrie
e-mail: Nadrie2@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
I work at Costco and the pay is the same nationwide an average decorator makes $11 with experience comming in off the street The top out rate is currently at$15.16 which is what I make now and I do wedding cakes on the side. he he he LOL

average employee at costco begins at$8.25 currently

Date: December 9th, 1998 01:44:55
From: Selina
e-mail:
Subject: Re: English Christmas Cake
What is it you'd like to know?

Date: December 9th, 1998 03:25:09
From: Kay
e-mail: cakesavvy@aol.com
Subject: Re: Salary for Decorator
Hi, I know that the Vons chain of supermarkets here in So. Calif. pay $12 per hour for experienced cake decorators. They have had a sign up in their bakery dept. for months looking for help as they can't get enough help in this area.

Date: December 9th, 1998 01:15:25
From: Maimee
e-mail: peleo@gte.net
Subject: English Christmas Cake

Date: December 10th, 1998 12:12:19
From: Judy
e-mail: cakewhiz@ap.net
Subject: Re: Insurance
Bkeith: During my past 22 years as a cake decorator, I have worked out
of my home, built out a bakery and had employees, and four years ago, I
built a commercial kitchen in my home. Yes I carry insurance. My
insurance covers my equipment and everything up to the inside walls of
my kitchen plus I have a million dollar policy for liability. Cost is
$400.00 per year. But I must tell you in all the years I have been
doing cakes, and I average 200 wedding cakes a year...no one has ever
asked me for proof of insurance. I live in northern California.

Date: December 9th, 1998 09:45:45
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
Hi, Teri: I am licensed by the State of Virginia, am required to charge
a state sales tax and I am home-based. I did not have to have any
special equipment or change my kitchen at all. I feel like I have been
granted an enormous privilege to be able to do wedding cakes from my
home. I did, however, move from a home in Arlington County, Virginia to
a home in Fairfax County, Virginia in order to be legal. It was
important to me that I be legal if I was going to be recommended by many
of the hotels in the Dulles Airport area and some even wrote me in their
contracts. We built our home in Arlington and lived in that house for
over 30 years. I dearly loved it. This was a hard decision for us to
make but we have never regretted it.

Date: December 9th, 1998 10:44:51
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
I have contacted the health department and they said I have to have a
separate kitchen & septic tank from my family's use. How is your
business set up at your home? Thanks for your advice.

Date: December 10th, 1998 08:16:54
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Insurance
I don't have it and only had one experience where it was asked for and
that was in a bridal show at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. So, I
decided not to take cake for 4,000 people and I was glad!! I knew a lot
of decorators who took cakes in there and they were not insured but I
didn't want to lie about it and got a lot of orders by having more time
to talk to people. $400.00 a year for a good size operation does not
seem like to high a price to pay to be covered. I talked with my
insurance agent and he was going to check it out but thought it would be
about $700.00. I just never pursued it. By the way, I have done a lot
of bridal shows in my time and the Patriot Center is the only one that
had that stipulation in their contract.

Date: December 11th, 1998 12:23:50
From: HeatherLee
e-mail: heatherlee@shaw.wave.ca
Subject: IT IS ALL RATHER CONFUSING!!
Laura,

Thought I may be able to help you understand, just a little. When
Wilton bought the rights to make the character pans, that's all they
bought. Meaning the pans are meant for Mrs. Susey Homemaker, who makes
a Birthday cake once a year for each of her kids. They didn't buy the
rights for bakeries, to make one, sell it and then make and sell some
more. If it makes you feel any better I happen to know that some
bakeries do it anyway. However, if they ever got caught, they would
inevitably lose everything. But so would you :0( I think, from what
Lynn said that the same thing goes for the plastic ornaments. If you
draw something yourself and make it look similar to but not eactly like
a Disney character, you are entering a gray area of copyright laws.
Something similar you hear about all the time is music. Someone says
you stole my song or used portions of it. It can get messy and drag on
for a long time (in court). Hope this helps. I think it is a risk,
just as doing a business from your home is.

HeatherLee

Date: December 10th, 1998 07:45:22
From: laura
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Another copyright ?
OK everyone has me very confused...are you saying that if i bought a
winnie the pooh pan that i can not sell a cake i make from that pan??
Then what is the point?! The decorations that you buy in the store to
put on a plain cake such as a mickey mouse >>you would get in trouble
for that too...?!?! Then why sell them?? This is what else i don't
understand?? I do all of my cakes out of shapes and build them up
myself - so if i could make one that looked similar to a Disney
character that would be wrong too. Even if it is something i drew so
to say?! What is this world coming too?!?!

Date: December 10th, 1998 07:37:21
From: Catherine
e-mail: CATMAT1.aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Help in pricing
Have you ever precut your squares using a fine nylon fishing line??
The cuts don't show, and it makes for easy serving.

Date: December 10th, 1998 11:13:50
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: copyright?????answers
Thank you Steph...I sincerely thank you for putting this so well. I hope
it clears up some of the missunderstandings and allows some perspective
into WHY we don't want to infringe on someone else's copyrights in the
first place. Dolores

Date: December 10th, 1998 11:24:49
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Insurance
Hi BKieth....glad you are doing so well you need insurance! :)
When I did cakes at home, I was assured by my home owner's insurance
company that I would be covered by anyone hurting themselves on my
property. They didn't even try to sell me more coverage.

BUT - that was then! I think 4-800.00 is small payment nowdays, to feel
safe. If you can't cover a suit, they can sue for your home. The bigger
you get, the more detached and non-friends you will have for customers.
Just think...thats only about 2 wedding cakes and cheap compared to the
$3,000.00 I pay BESIDES insurance.

My insurance including my building and contents, plus liability is only
$900.00 per year. I have a low-risk policy as they described it.

If I was ever to have a claim, I'm sure it will double. About all that
can happen is that you provide a customer with a cake that is harmful to
them in some way. Be educated in what foods are gigh in allergy dangers
and that will help you there. We have NO glass in our kitchen so no one
can claim we got glass in their cake...and someone did that once. Paid
our lawyer $250.00 and that was that. She was demanding we pay for her
entire reception. She was a big liar and it was completely false.

Date: December 10th, 1998 10:34:19
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Salary for Decorator
Hi Marida... I wish I could be so lucky. Maybe one day. Thank for you
advice...Terri

Date: December 11th, 1998 03:23:27
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: HELP!! Charge for molded chocolate roses?
i've not done them that way but made candy choco in molds, long stem
w/fabric leaves for $1.50 ea.
don't know if that will help you or not.
lynne

Date: December 11th, 1998 01:38:52
From: Jennifer
e-mail: Cake4evry1
Subject: HELP!! Charge for molded chocolate roses?
Someone wants me to make them 3 white chocolate roses, two rose buds
and some dark chocolate leaves. I make them out of chocolate clay and
then dust the edges with dusting powder. The roses are about 3 inches
wide and 2 1/2 iches heigh. I don't have any idea of what to charge.
She wants them in 3 days. Need your input!
Thanks bunches, Jennifer

Date: December 14th, 1998 11:42:31
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: Re: cupcakes
Lisa, I live near Kansas City and I get $8 per dozen and thinking of going up. After all you can do a cake in less time than cupcakes especially if you are decorating the tops with piped Santas or something and you get less cupcakes out of a mix than a 9 x 13 cake. I get $18 for a 9 x 13 so I'd have to do more than 2 dozen cupcakes to get the same amount of money. Think about it and go up!!

Date: December 14th, 1998 11:29:31
From: LisaF
e-mail: lfleeman@mail.stlnet.com
Subject: Re: cupcakes
I live near the St. Louis area and have been charging 6.00 per dozen.
I've had serveral orders with no complaints about the price.

Date: December 14th, 1998 10:22:30
From: stacie
e-mail: mwh@sonet.net
Subject: cupcakes
I have been getting alot of orders for cupcakes for Christmas parties htis week. What is the going rate per dozen? I live in Alabama

Date: December 14th, 1998 09:12:21
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Re: copyright infringement????
Maybe that checker tried so hard because we have educated so many people
here that he has a harder time arresting anyone now. I sure would like
to think so!

I do think he had read that we do pictures for people from my web page
where I discribe the printer and where I offer that service.
Remember...he had it on a disk. Thats a real 'first'! People always just
bring in a photo.

DO also keep in mind that most photograhers now are copyrighting
portraits you have made. These would also be illegal to reproduce
without the written and signed permission of that photographer. I think
that if the phot. adds his name on it it is copyrighted.
Also, my grandson's senior pictures included a warning that they are
copyrighted and may not be reproduced...and named a few ways...like
scanning into computers.
SO...when you request a cake photo from the phot., be sure you also
get his/her permission to show it in your album for profit.

You can always use edible images(c) the toy characters in a cute scene.
We don't 'make' those and we aren't infringing on someone else's rights.

Date: December 15th, 1998 04:41:18
From: Jennifer
e-mail:
Subject: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
Unfortunately, there is no "official" standards for sheet cake dimensions. A 1/4 sheet may be a 7x11, 8x12, or 9x13, depending upon the bakery. I'm in Kentucky and I charge $17 for a 7x11 (one mix), $23 for a 9x13 (1-1/2 mixes), and $33 for a 11x15 (2-1/2 mixes).

Date: December 15th, 1998 01:41:00
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
hi, Carolyn: I live in the DUlles Airport area and this is what I get
for my sheet cakes: 9 x 13 - $30.00; 11 x 15 - $45.00 and 12 x 18 -
$60.00. I charge $5.00 extra to fill them.

Date: December 15th, 1998 01:14:27
From: CarolynD
e-mail: themecakes@aol.com
Subject: sheet cakes - price and size
Hi,
Obvious newcomer question... I've seen several interpretations of what
actually constitutes a 1/4 sheet, 1/2 sheet and full sheet. What is
the 'official' size in inches for each and does anyone have suggestions
on pricing for the northeast??

Date: December 15th, 1998 12:45:13
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: cupcakes
I agree with Jody. Cupcakes can be much more work than a cake of the equivalent servings. Our Kroger charges 6o cents each for smallish, badly iced cupcakes with sprinkles, so I would figure on 75 cents for mine. I get about 18-20 nicely rounded cupcakes from one mix. I charge $17 for a one-mix cake, so I should charge at least that much for 18 decorated cupcakes. So, I charge 75 cents for simply iced with sprinkles, $1 ea for fairly simply decorated, and as much as $1.25 ea for some of the elaborate ones like you see in the wilton yearbooks.

Date: December 15th, 1998 10:20:50
From: Jody
e-mail: RunyanFmly@aol.com
Subject: Re: cupcakes
Hi Lisa,

I've been charging .75 per cupcake or $8.00/dozen (this gives a
dollar off for buying by the dozen. But I've definitely decided to go
up on that price. I agree with Carolyn, I decorated 3 dozen cupcakes
the other night and spent a lot more time on them than if I had done a
large sheet cake! From now on I'll charge the above price if the
cupcakes are just iced with sprinkles or something simple. But if they
want the poinsettias, trees, wreaths, reindeer, etc... they'll be $1.00
each or $11.00/dozen. I love decorating, but, after all, I am also
doing it for the money and if it's not cost effective something has to
change!

btw - I live in South Carolina and haven't had a hard time getting any
of my prices and most of my customers think I don't charge enough!

Date: December 16th, 1998 09:42:25
From: malaika
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: business beginner
Thanks Marida. I will definetly check it out.

Date: December 16th, 1998 10:29:28
From: terry
e-mail: tcowen@localaccess.net
Subject: Re: cupcakes
I charge $4.80 for a dozen with sprinkles and $6.00 if the are a bit
more eloborate. No complaints from customers. In fact, I did around 300
today for school parties coming up. I was just thinking I probably need
to raise my prices. By the way, I am from Alabama also. Where are you
located? - Terry

Date: December 16th, 1998 09:15:32
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: I think I'll relocate to Marida's area!!! LOL (nt)
I would welcome all of you with open arms. My prayer is that some day
we will all meet in heaven!! Believe it or not I even have cake
decorators in my area call me and tell me I need to raise my prices. My
answer to them is "lower yours." While I am at it, I want to tell all
of you how very much I love communicating with you. A lot of you have
sent me prayerful emails concerning my husband's illness and I and he
really appreciate all of your concern. I love all of you!!

Date: December 16th, 1998 09:10:22
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: business beginner
I live in Fairfax County which is a neighbor of your county. Check with
your local court house to see if they have a business and licensing
department to find out what you need to do to get licensed. Sometimes
they refer you to their zoning division to get a home occupancy permit.
Each county in the State of Virginia seems to have different rules and
regulations for home-based businesses. I lived in Arlington, Virginia
and could not get licensed to work from my home but I could get licensed
in Fairfax, Virginia.

Date: December 16th, 1998 05:48:47
From: malaika
e-mail: mscren@hotmail.com
Subject: business beginner
I recently moved to Loudon county, Virginia Does anyone know where I
should go to receive information regarding to home business's in Loudon
county? Any information would be helpful. Thanks:)

Date: December 16th, 1998 10:56:26
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Re: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
Your prices are close to mine here in Missouri, but you need to up that 9 x 13 - after all, just making a bigger cake isn't much more expense - you are doing almost as much decorating on that smaller cake as you are on the big one. I get $18 for the 9 x13 and thinking of going to $20, $22 for the 11 x 14 and thinking of going to $25, and then $32 for the 12 x 18 and thinking of going to $35. Yes, I think we should all move down to Marida's area!! Of course, living expenses probably make a difference, too, in that area.

Date: December 16th, 1998 09:46:24
From: Jody
e-mail: RunyanFmly@aol.com
Subject: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
Hi Carolyn,

I consider a 1/4 sheet to be a 9x13; a half sheet to be a 12x18 and a
whole sheet to be 2 - 12x18s.

But... when someone calls asking specifically for a 1/4 sheet or 1/2
sheet -- I explain to them the size and the "approximate" servings per
a 2x2" piece. Then I let them decide if that's the size they really
want.

As for what I charge: I get $15.00 for a 9x13, $22.00 for an 11x15
and $30 for a 12x18. Now you see why I want to move to Marida's
area... she gets twice as much per cake!! LOL

btw - I'm in South Carolina

Date: December 16th, 1998 09:42:04
From: Jody
e-mail:
Subject: I think I'll relocate to Marida's area!!! LOL (nt)

Date: December 18th, 1998 12:15:30
From: Terry
e-mail: tcowen@localaccess.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: cupcakes
I live in Guntersville (North Alabama) and operate a bakery (Cake
Crumbs). I did operate from my home up until about 2 years ago but the
business got so large that it was time to go "legal"I knew from the
start that the Health Dept. would not approve my home unless I had a
kitchen and work area separate from our living quarters so I just
worked without any advertisement - just word of mouth. Never had any
problems with the Health Department. Of course I deal wwith them all
the time now but it is really not so bad. I made a 94 on our first
inspection and the next one was a 96. I expect them back to inspect
again any day. Hope this helps - Terry

Date: December 17th, 1998 12:13:42
From: Terri
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: cupcakes
Hi Terry,

Where in Alabama do you live and do you operate a business from your
home. I live in Mobile, AL and I am having a hard time with the Health
Dept. about letting me operate from my home.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Terri

Date: December 17th, 1998 10:52:00
From: CarolynD
e-mail: themecakes@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: I think I'll relocate to Marida's area!!! LOL (nt)
Thanks to all for the responses - they're all very helpful! I happen
to have a friend who lives near Marida (Sterling) and I KNOW she would
pay about that if not more (area has a high cost of living)... Since
I'm just starting out, I'll probably go a little lower. Sorry to hear
that your husband is ill. My prayers go out to you...

Date: December 19th, 1998 12:21:01
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Re: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!
Did I hear Marida calling my name??????

I received this last night and thought it was cute and I got permission to put it on here - however, somehow I couldn't do it the way Dolores told me so I am going to type the whole thing for you. Here goes and enjoy!

I JUST HAVE ONE LITTLE THING ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST THIS YEAR by Debra Ramos

Dear Santa,

I rarely ask for much. This year is no exception. I don't need diamond earrings, handy slicer-dicers or comfy slippers. I only want one little thing, and I want it deeply. I WANT TO SLAP MARTHA STEWART!

Now, hear me out, Santa. I won't scar her or draw blood or anything. Just one good smack, right across her smug little cheek. I get all cozy inside just thinking about it. Don't grant this wish just for me. Do it for thousands of women across the country.

Through sheer vicarious satisfaction, you'll be giving a gift to us all. Those of us leading average, garden variety lives aren't concerned with gracious living. We feel pretty good about ourselves if our paper plates match when we stack them on the counter, buffet-style for dinner. We're tired of Martha showing us how to make centerpieces from hollyhock dipped in 18 carat gold. We're plumb out of liquid gold! Unless it's of the furniture polish variety.

We can't whip up Martha's creamy holiday sauce, spiced with turmeric. Most of us can't even say turmeric, let alone figure out what to do with it.

OK, Santa, maybe you think I'm being a little harsh. But I'll bet with all the holiday rush you didn't catch that interview with Martha in last week's USA Weekend. I'm surprised there was enough room on the page for her ego. We discovered that not only does Martha avoid take-out pizza (she's only ordered it once), she refuses to eat it cold (No cold pizza? Is Martha Stewart Living?) When it was pointed out that she could microwave it, she replied, "I don't have a microwave." The reporter, Jeffrey Zaslow, noted that she said this "in a tone that suggests you shouldn't either." Well lah-dee-dah!

Imagine that Santa. That lovely microwave you brought me years ago, in which I've learned to make complicated dishes like popcorn and hot chocolate, has been declared undesirable by Queen Martha. What next? The coffee maker?

In the article, we learned that Martha has 40 sets of dishes adorning an entire wall in her home. FORTY SETS! Can you spell "overkill"? And neatly put away, no less. If my dishes make it to the dishwasher, that qualifies as "put away" in my house.

Martha tells us she's already making homemade holiday gifts for friends. "Last year, I made amazing silk-lined scarves for everyone," she boasts. Not just scarves, mind you. Amazing scarves. Martha's obviously not shy about giving herself a little pat on the back. In fact, she does so with such frequency that one has to wonder if her back is black and blue.

She goes on to tell us that "homemaking is glamour for the 90's" and says her most glamorous friends are "interested in stain removal, how to iron a monogram, how to fold a towel." I have one piece of advice, Martha: get new friends. Glamorous friends fly to Paris on a whim. They drift past the Greek Islands on yachts, sipping champagne from crystal goblets. They step out for the evening in shimmering satin gowns, whisked away by tuxedoed chauffeurs. They do not spend their days pondering the finer art of toilet bowl sanitation. Zaslow notes that Martha was named one of America's 25 most influential people by Time magazine (nosing out Mother Thersa, Madeline Allbright and Maya Angelou, no doubt!).

The proof of Martha's influence: after she bought white-fleshed peaches in the supermarket, Martha says, "People saw me buy them. In an instant, they were all gone." I hope Martha never decides to jump off a bridge!

A guest in Martha's home told Zaslow how Martha gets up early to rollerblade with her dogs to pick fresh wild blackberries for breakfast. This confirms what I've suspected about Martha all along: She's obviously got too much time on her hands. Teaching the dogs to rollerblade! What a show off.

If you think the dogs are spoiled, listen to how Martha treats her friends: She gave one friend all 272 books from the Knopf Everyman Library. It didn't cost much. Pocket change, really. Just $5,000. But what price for friendship, right?

When asked if others should envy her, Martha replies, "Don't envy me. I'm doing this because I'm a natural teacher. You shouldn't envy teachers. You should listen to them." Zaslow much have slit a seam in Martha's ego at this point, because once the hot air came hissing out, it couldn't be held back.

"Being an overachiever is nothing despicable. It is only admirable. Never lower your standards," says Martha. And of her Web Page on the Internet, Martha declares herself an "important presence" as she graciously helps people organize their sad, tacky little lives.

There you have it, Santa. If there was ever someone who deserved a good smack, it's Martha Stewart. But I bet I won't get my gift this year. You probably want to smack her yourself!!!

Date: December 18th, 1998 11:29:55
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!
Earth to Carolyn!!!

Date: December 18th, 1998 08:59:14
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Re: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!
Well, so far, it didn't work. Dolores what did I do wrong? Sorry!!

Date: December 18th, 1998 08:58:02
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Just for Fun!! I had pers

Date: December 18th, 1998 08:58:06
From: Carolyn
e-mail: bridal1
Subject: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!

Date: December 19th, 1998 10:43:29
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
The Angels certainly must be rejoicing in Heaven with your Dad, Lynne. It is never easy losing someone and especially during the greatest holiday season of all. Every year this will certainly be hard during this season especially. I just pray that you are doing o.k. Lynne and we missed you while you were gone.

Date: December 19th, 1998 10:49:36
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
No, Lynne and I are not sisters. That was a typographical error on my
part. I meant to say "her" Dad. Actually Lynne and I have never met we
have only corresponded via this board and email. That's what I get for
not checking my typing.

Date: December 19th, 1998 06:58:54
From: Barbara R
e-mail: sambar63@ctesc.net
Subject: Re: Re: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!
What a hoot!! I'm forwarding it to my daughters!

Date: December 19th, 1998 06:57:35
From: Barbara R
e-mail: sambar63@ctesc.net
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
Marida, are you and Lynn sisters? I guess that could be considered a
"stupid" question since you said "our" Dad. My condolences to you
both. I hope all the best memories of him stay with you both and thank
you both for all the wonderful, thoughtful advice and recipes you share
with us all. Your Dad raised a couple of great daughters!

Date: December 19th, 1998 07:29:24
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Condolences to Lynne
I couldn't find the perfect spot for this message so I chose the first
one. Our condolences to Lynne on the passing of our Dad a couple of
nights ago. His funeral will be on December 22nd. Lynne, we appreciate
all the good advice that you give to us and our thoughts and prayers are
with you at this time. Come back to us soon.

Date: December 20th, 1998 10:56:19
From: Shirley C.
e-mail:
Subject: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
I live in Las Vegas, NV.

I've not been decorating for too long so I started asking low prices,
but now I think they are too low. These are 3" cakes that have been
torted and filled usally with some kind of fruit filling.

9 x 13 $20.00
12 x 18 $40.00

Plus I charge extra for some things, like basket weaves. Some Royal
flowers that take me alot of time. And special color flows items. Etc.

In this area they are a great bargain.

Merry Christmas every one!

Shirley C.

Date: December 20th, 1998 09:15:35
From: Lisa
e-mail: /
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
My prayers go out to you Lynne

Date: December 20th, 1998 10:46:02
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: copyright infringement????
When a magazine did an article on my cakes and used a picture from my
book I had to get permission from the photographer for the picture to be
used. The photographers I know would gladly give permission because
they are always given credit beside the picture of my cake.

Date: December 20th, 1998 06:47:34
From: Terry
e-mail: tcowe@localaccess.net
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
You are in our prayers Lynne.

Date: December 20th, 1998 11:56:06
From: Millie
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
Lynne,

I never know what to say at times like this. I'm sorry for your loss.
God Bless you and your family. Our prayers and good thoughts are with you

Millie D. and family

Date: December 21st, 1998 11:21:38
From: Dora
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
I just wanted to add to the condolences for Lynne. I lost my mother on New Year's Day more than 30 years ago. The holidays always bring back memories - most of them the good times we had with our family when we were young. Time does help, but you will always remember. God bless you and take care of you in your time of need.

Date: December 21st, 1998 10:10:53
From: dee
e-mail: ChefNana1@aol.com
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
lynne...
words are never enough at times like this.
no one ever really dies as long as someone remembers them. i lost my dad when i was 9 yrs old. it's the quality time that you shared you will always cherish. my prayers are with you and your family.

dee...

Date: December 21st, 1998 03:42:40
From: Lena
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: I need some good advice!
HI, Maimee,
Why not seek 'legal' advice from a lawyer in your area that is familiar
with that area of the law. From what I understand, some people who
have their own business, would have a legal counsel for their company
to seek legal advice, in case, something occurs or have an interest in
doing more in their business & don't have a clue as to do things the
legal way. Just like having insurance for the property they use, so
they don't get 'sued'. I think this is a great opportunity for you &
you should protect yourself. You don't want to be burned in any way.
Let us know what you have decided to do. It would nice to know what to
do. Good Luck!! Lena

Date: December 21st, 1998 05:12:35
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
I charge $5.00 extra to use a filling in my cakes. Dulles Airport is
about 30 miles northwest of Washington, D. C. We live about 3 miles
from the airport and there are lots of hotels in this area who recommend
us for wedding cakes. We have more than enough business.

Date: December 21st, 1998 03:34:48
From: Cathy
e-mail: Thinkchoc
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne

Dear Lynne,

My sincere condolences of the loss of your Dad. We miss you and hope you'll be back soon.

Date: December 21st, 1998 12:17:42
From: Jennifer
e-mail:
Subject: Re: I need some good advice!
I would not give them all rights if it were me, which would mean they would get the recipe and you wouldn't be able to use it in the future. Rather, you develop and keep the recipe, but agree to make it exclusively for them and not give the recipe to anyone else for a certain period of time and for a certain fee. This way, they can't take the recipe and prepare it themselves or find someone else to do it cheaper, and you would still be able to sell it to others or publish the recipe in the future if you wanted. That way, when the exclusive arrangment is over, you have options - renew it as is, sell them the recipe, or use the recipe as you wish.

Date: December 21st, 1998 09:52:04
From: Diane
e-mail: DLB1962@juno.com
Subject: Condolences
My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your
father. It is always hard to lose someone close to you especially at
this time of year...I lost my 56 yr old mother to cancer 2 years ago on
Flag day and my 97 yr old grandmother 3 years ago on December 21. As
time passes, you will look back at the holidays and especially this
time of year and remember all the good times you have shared together,
and in time, it will be easier to put up the tree and get through the
holidays with a smile; you will remember him as he lived, and the joy
he brought to your life. I feel for you, and my thoughts and prayers
are with you and your entire family.. God Bless you,
Diane Bruder, Michigan

Date: December 21st, 1998 10:08:24
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: I need some good advice!
Congratulations! If you already have a good dessert that is your own
and give it a name then you should have no trouble selling it to the
restaurant. If not, you could do some research, i.e., would he like
some kind of good pastry, pie or cake and come up with one. Unless it
is something you feel you can make good money at, I would be very
careful that you don't get yourself tied up physically where you would
not have time to do other things if they were important to you. Hey,
maybe you will be another Mrs. Fields and you won't have to do anything
else. Good luck to you and have a great Holiday. Let us know what you
come up with.

Date: December 21st, 1998 09:59:14
From: maimee
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
May God be with you and your family during this difficult time and
always. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Maimee

Date: December 21st, 1998 09:59:09
From: Diane
e-mail: DLB1962@juno.com
Subject: Re: Re: sheet cakes - price and size
Thanks for the info Marida.. Are those double layered cakes? Where is
Dulles Airport? I am from MI.
Diane

Date: December 21st, 1998 09:53:14
From: maimee
e-mail: peleo@gte.net
Subject: I need some good advice!
Hi Everyone!

A restaurant I do business with has asked if I would come up with a
dessert that they will be known for. I would have to agree not to sell
this particular dessert to anyone else. Is this something that I
should do? I wonder if I need to charge a 1 time fee (besides the
weekly charge for their dessert order)for basically giving them the
rights to a dessert I develop. What,if anything, should I charge here
in California? I am excited but I want to do this the right way. The
owner needs an answer, so any advice or opinions will be very much
appreciated! Thanks!!!!

Maimee

Date: December 22nd, 1998 09:56:23
From: Jody
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Condolences to Lynne
There's not much that I can say that hasn't already been said... just
know that you are loved and in our prayers through this difficult time.

Date: December 23rd, 1998 05:10:43
From:
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Just for Fun!! I had permission to do this!
How mean spirited! I love Martha Stewart. I wish I had her energy
and drive. I really believe she's a teacher at heart,and that she
simply likes to share her knowledge and ideas. Just my opinion, but I
honestly have learned a lot from her over the years.

Date: December 23rd, 1998 02:29:17
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: thank you *everyone* for your prayers
i am overwhelmed by your love shown at this time.
we got thru the furneral much better than i could ever have guessed. i
know it was all the prayer support we have recieved.
yes, it was a very, very long trying day, but i am very comforted that
dad is no longer suffering as he had for several yrs. also mom is a
very strong lady and will do fine.
thank you is not much of a response, but words can never express the
feelings in our hearts.
lynne and terry

Date: December 24th, 1998 11:17:41
From: Millie D.
e-mail:
Subject: Merry Christmas everyone, God Bless (NT)