Do any of these sound like you:
- You don’t think you book “big enough” clients to take a deposit
- You don’t “feel” successful enough to ask for a deposit
- You don’t think your cake business has enough potential to be taken seriously
If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, that tells me that you probably don’t have a cake contract in place! Let’s start with the most important step – making a deposit to book a cake.
Especially if you’re a wedding cake designer, taking a deposit is essential for securing both your time and your business. The wedding cake industry can be unpredictable, and it’s important to set up safeguards that protect both you and your clients.
Why do you need a deposit? Here are my 3 reasons:
Securing the Order
When a couple places an order and puts down a deposit, it locks in the date and secures the order. A deposit ensures that the couple is committed to the cake order, rather than casually inquiring without serious intent.
As a result, they’re much more likely to follow through with the order because they’ve already invested in it. This commitment is vital in a wedding business where timelines and schedules are strict.
Think of the deposit as the “engagement” for your cake—no ring, no cake! 😉 It’s the official commitment before the big day!
Protecting Your Time and Effort
Planning and preparing a wedding cake involves significant time, effort, and skill. From consultations to design work, ingredient sourcing, baking, and decorating, the process takes time and energy.
By asking for a deposit upfront, you ensure that you’re compensated for all the planning and work you’ve already put into the order. Without a deposit, you risk spending hours working on a cake, only to have the couple cancel last minute without paying for your time.
I’ve had clients in the past who would book a cake and cancel close to the date, leaving me with nothing but wasted time and resources. Deposits prevent this by making sure that even if someone cancels last minute, you are still compensated for the work you’ve done.
Providing Clarity with a Written Contract
Any deposit must be accompanied by a clear, written contract. The contract should outline how much the deposit is, when it’s due, and when the final payment is due. It should also specify the terms under which the deposit is non-refundable, and that can vary depending on your business and policies.
For example, some cake makers make the deposit nonrefundable two weeks before the wedding date, while others may give more flexibility. The key is to ensure that both you and the client are on the same page.
A clear contract helps avoid misunderstandings and sets expectations early in the process, which ultimately leads to better relationships and smoother transactions.
Here is how to add this to your contract
DEPOSIT:
50% is due to secure your order and date. Upon receiving of this contract, the deposit and signed contract is due within 7 business days. Reservation of your date is secured upon payment of the deposit as listed on the invoice.
FINAL PAYMENT:
The total amount is due 30 days before your event date. If payment of the final balance has not been received by the final payment due date, we reserve the right to terminate the agreement. In such event, we will have no further obligation, and any deposits made to date will not be refunded.
Should you rent out Cake Stands?
In addition to the cake deposit, I also offer couples the option to purchase cake stands for their wedding day. This has been a great way to provide added value to the couple and generate extra revenue.
The unique thing about my approach is that I “sell” the cake stand to the couple, but they can return it after the event for a refund. This ensures the cake stand is still with them for the big day, but they don’t have to worry about its return once the celebration is over.
It’s important to mention the terms of the stand rental in your contract as well, outlining when they can return the cake stand and how they will be refunded.
Final Thoughts
Taking a deposit for your wedding cakes is essential to protect both your time and your business. It locks in the order, ensures your hard work is compensated, and provides clarity through a clear written contract. The added benefit of offering cake stands with a refundable deposit also gives couples extra convenience while boosting your business.
Remember, every cake designer is different, so be sure to customize your deposit and contract policies to fit your unique needs. And most importantly—make sure that everything is communicated clearly with your clients to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both of you.
If you are looking to streamline your cake business and book your dream wedding cakes, then my Cake Business Blueprint is the perfect toolkit for you. It’s created for home bakers and cake designers looking to grow and scale with confidence, and it includes:
- Cake Portfolio Template: Attract clients with a stunning, pre-designed portfolio.
- Wedding Cake Contract Forms: Ready-to-use templates for contracts, invoices, and more.
- Wedding Cake Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to guide you from inquiry to delivery.
- BONUS Email Sales Scripts & No Plan Business Plan: Tools to help you book high-end clients and grow your business.
I hope this post helps you understand the importance of wedding cake deposits and how they can benefit your business. If you’re not already collecting deposits, it’s time to start! Let me know if you have any questions or want more tips on growing your cake business.
