I first encountered Sugar Shaker Bakery at the Bridal Extravaganza. They had free samples in the form of mimi cupcakes set up that highlighted their offerings. The cake was moist and icing insatiable. I loved what I tasted, so grab a card with the intention of contacting them (at that point, I hadn't actually spoken with them because they were taking with another couple. And their booth was surrounded by people trying their samples).
I scheduled an appointment for a tasting. We arrive to the tasting 10 minutes early and the door to their location was locked. It appeared to be a test kitchen used by many small business bakery owners (nothing wrong with that). We waited by the door until someone came and opened it. It ended up being one of the ladies/owners. We were seated and samples were brought out. Each element of the cake (icing, cake and filing) was placed in a small bowl and each was marked to note the contents. Finally, both ladies sat at the table. Neither one introduced themselves. I still couldn't tell you their names or who was who.
The tasting went well. All the favors were absolutely delicious! Cake was moist and light. Icing was full of vanilla flavor and a thick substantial icing. Not that light whipped stuff. We discussed designs. My fiancé and I wanted scrolling similar to what was on our wedding invitations but the scrolling would be gray in color (our wedding colors were gray and plum) with plum colored ribbon on the base of each tier, which I was to supply. Also, one of them boasted about having their first cake, which had scrolling in it, featured in a magazine). We were so impressed with the quality of the cake, filling and icing that at the end of the tasting that we left a deposit of half the cost of the cake. I walked away from the tasting having felt confident in my choice and that we would have a bomb a@# tasting cake and a beautiful design to accompany it.
Well, Let me tell you. All the good things about the company ended after the tasting. After leaving a deposit of 50%, I was told we would receive a receipt via email. I left a message requesting a receipt because they did not pick up when I placed my call. Well, I never received a call back or my receipt. Called back three days later to inquire about said receipt. They actually answered the phone. I made my request and received my receipt. I was a little annoyed at their lack of responsiveness but I understand people get busy and mistakes happen. I let it slide.
I begin to receive emails stating my payment is due within days of sent email. Additionally, the email did not have the correct filling listed. Again we requested strawberry and it said vanilla. I call them up, inform them of the inaccuracy and to confirm due date of the final payment. They note that is a system error that they are working to get fixed and that my payment was not due on the date the email indicated. They acknowledged the mistake about the filling and vowed to correct it. Subsequent to the conversation, the filling info was correctly noted. Again, pretty annoying but I get it, things happen.
It is now a month out and I placed four calls and left 2 messages requesting a return call. My reason for calling this time was to inquire about that size cake stand I should purchase. I request a call back or email (at this point, I'm getting desperate). They finally email me back, instructing me on what size cake stand to purchase. Note: I pay in full a week later.
Fast forward to the week of the event. I am calling to confirmed payment because I have not heard from them. I wanted to make sure everything was okay and we were good to go for the event. I called them 3 days before the event. I also texted them on this text apparatus thing they have. No return call. Two days before the event, I call again. No return call. I call again 1 day before the event. No return call. The day of the event. You guessed it! NO RETURN CALL!! Their voicemail recording notes to text them, if you are calling and it is the day of your event and they would get back to you. I have no idea what kind of business they are running were they fail to be responsive to their paying customers. It is absolutely disgraceful!!
I get to my venue and the cake is delivered! Thank god! but guess what? They used a freaking stencil on the cake. Not scrolling (that must have been some magazine you were featured in). The stencil on the cake was lavender when it was suppose to be gray! It wasn't even plum it was lavender. Even if it had been plum, it still wouldn't have been right but at least it would have been close! Not to mention they did not even but the plum colored ribbon on the bases. Probably because the knew the screwed it up. Could also be why they weren't returning my calls and texts the day leading up to my event! You are forewarned. DO NOT USE THEM!! read more