This list is a basic compilation of things people should know when ordering a bakery store cake.
1. This is not Burger King.
-There are limitations to what a bakery can do so you may want your cake to look a certain way with elaborate pipping, but be forewarned it will cost you. With small bakeries such as those found in stores, they are required by company policy to spend a certain amount of time on each cake due to labor costs. Some decorators have as little as 10 minutes finish a cake. If your cake takes more then the allotted time, from then on you will be paying the labor costs of the cake. Be smart, stay simple, and you will get a nice, clean, finished cake that won't break your wallet.
2. Don't procrastinate.
-The center piece of most events, be it a birthday or BBQ, is usually the cake. Always order ahead of time. Minimum, give the bakery a 24 hour notice. Better if you order three days or even a week ahead of time. This not only gives the bakery time to plan and organize, but it guarantees you a cake in the event of a rush. Do not go to the store expecting to be able to get a custom cake made for you on the spot. 90% of the time you will be forced to choose a cake from their case and run the risk of having to settle for a cake you aren't happy with. Do the leg work and make sure you have your cake ordered. Everyone will be thankful you did.
3. Whipped Icing.
-When I was little, I would scrape off half the icing off my slice of cake. The icing was too sweet for my tastes and would overpower the cake itself. Many people I have come to learn have the same problem. That is where the whipped icing comes in. It's a wonderful icing for those who don't want their cakes overly sweet to the point where all they taste is sugar. But with whipped icing come limitations and conditions. It melts, the colors bleed out, and it does not have the same range of color as the traditional buttercream.
4. Not everyone can be Walmart.
-It is a common complaint I hear on a near daily basis. "These cakes are so expensive! Walmart's cakes are so much cheaper!" Unfortunately, the economy is forcing many people to keep very close watch on their wallets and as a consumer I completely understand. However, I do recognize the difference between being thrifty and being frugal. Complaining about overpriced cakes in an attempt to get a discount is not only futile, it is insulting to the bakery workers. I will say that Walmart's cakes are cheap for a reason and leave it at that.
5. We will work with you.
-Most decorators will work with you to come up with a cake design that not only pleases you, but it something that they can actually make. It is best, however, that you have some semblance of an idea. Bring in pictures or patterns you like, give the decorator ideas. Because, believe it or not, cake decorators are artists and like most artists, inspiration helps in the creating of any work.
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