FAQ'S
The Answers You Need
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I ORDER FOR MY EVENT?
I recommend booking as early as possible for your event, as popular dates tend to book up quickly. With that said, there is also limited availability surrounding all major holidays. In general, I have limited availability for cakes and typically only accept 1-3 orders per week (and sometimes none if my schedule doesn't permit it), alongside cookie and treat orders. Typically, I need at least 2 weeks lead time (subject to availability) to allow enough time to order any necessary supplies (such as customized paper/acrylic toppers, molds, specialty items, etc.) and to start on various elements of your cake design. If I am unable to accept your order, I'll do my best to provide a referral to another local cake artist/bakery.
HOW DO I GET A QUOTE AND PLACE AN ORDER?
To inquire about availability, please use the Order Inquiry forms, which may be found by clicking the Order Inquiries tab. If our schedules align, I am happy to provide a quote. I just need a few basic details including the event date and time, number of guests, flavors, and any info that you can provide regarding the styling that you had in mind.
Please note that I don't hold dates unless a deposit has been made. If you have simply contacted me regarding my availability or pricing, this doesn't mean that your date has been secured. I book up quickly, as I have limited capacity each week. So, please request your booking confirmation as early as possible to avoid missing out.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?
I require a 50% deposit for all custom orders, which is payable via Apple Pay or Venmo (@homebakedbyt). Deposit is due upon acceptance of your quote to confirm booking. Your booking is not confirmed until your deposit has been received. The remaining balance is due prior to pickup of your cake. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Cancellations made at least 7 (calendar) days prior to your scheduled pickup date will have the option of crediting the deposit to a future order. Credit must be used within 6 months of your original event date. Any additional cancellations or postponements for the re-scheduled order will forfeit deposit and require a new booking plus deposit.
Cancellations made within 7 (calendar) days of your pickup date will forfeit deposit altogether.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Home Baked by T is located in central Novato. Our street address is not published online for privacy reasons, as this is a home-based business. You will be provided with pickup address and instructions after your order has been accepted.
DO YOU PROVIDE DELIVERY?
No, I do not. I’m a one woman show here at Home Baked by T. That means I’m responsible for all baking, decorating, ordering, shopping, packaging, correspondence, social media, filming, photographing, editing, researching, dishwashing, accounting, and cleaning, among other things. In addition to that, I also manage my husband’s construction books and scheduling, as well as being a mom to my 3 wonderful kids.
HOW SHOULD I TRANSPORT MY CAKE?
Your cake will be on a sturdy cake base and boxed up for travel. It will be refrigerated right up until the time you pick it up, which means it will be as firm and sturdy as possible for transport. Cakes LOVE to be cold so please crank up the AC as cold as you can handle it. Be sure to keep the cake out of direct sunlight.
The safest place for your cake to ride is on a flat surface in your car where it won’t fall, preferably a passenger footwell or in the trunk. It should be placed on a towel or non-slip mat so as not to slide around during transport. Please don’t ever place your cake on a car seat! Any sudden stop will send your cake onto the floor and even if you are super careful and seatbelt the box in, with the tilted seat your cake may develop an unattractive lean.
Once your cake is in your possession, it is YOUR responsibility to take care of it. To ensure that your cake makes it to the event safely and in one piece, drive carefully, take corners slowly, accelerate gently and brake softly.
NO SUDDEN STOPS!
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY CAKE?
I recommend that all cakes are stored in the box supplied, in a fridge or cold room, right up until the start of your celebration. This ensures that your cake is strong & stable and will hold its shape when you move it into place for your event.
DO YOU OFFER FONDANT COVERED CAKES?
I specialize in buttercream cakes and normally do not offer fondant covered cakes; however, I will use fondant for embossed/imprinted and cutout embellishments and even to cover portions of a cake for certain designs. If a fondant covered cake is what you’re truly after, then let me know more about the design and I'll let you know if I can accommodate. If I can't, however, I’d be happy to provide a referral for a very talented local cake artist/bakery that works more with fondant.
HOW MANY FLAVORS CAN I CHOOSE FOR MY CUSTOM CAKE?
One flavor per single tier (4 layers of cake), unless you are adding 2 additional layers to make a tall cake, in which case you can choose 2 cake flavors (all frosted in the same flavor buttercream).
DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO?
I have included a sample gallery of my work, but you can see many more examples of my work on Instagram & Facebook. I specialize in buttercream creations (sorry, no fondant covered cakes here), with smooth, textured, stenciled or semi-naked finishes and various handmade embellishments. I love nothing more than surprising my customers with something that is truly unique. So, if you’ll give me artistic license here, I’ll be sure to do my thing! I love to incorporate your favorite colors, flowers and treats into your design - so let me know what you'd love to include, and I’ll make it happen!
CAN YOU COPY A CAKE IF I PROVIDE A PHOTO?
Inspiration may be found everywhere, and as such, I am more than happy to take inspiration from various avenues; however, I pride myself in making cakes and treats with unique designs. So, respectfully, I will never directly copy the work of another baker/bakery. I can make something similar, but please expect me to put my own spin on it. After all, isn’t that why you’re here in the first place?
ORDERS CLOSED FOR 2023
Unfortunately, I am not accepting any orders for 2023.