ACADA CODE OF CONDUCT & MEMBERSHIP ACCREDITATION
ACADA sets the benchmark for industry standards through representation, education, research and business advisory support so members can concentrate on their core business or hobby of making beautiful cakes. All ACADA members agree to abide by the ACADA Code of Conduct, which is largely based around mutual respect and designed to help our industry grow and flourish
Professional Conduct
Maintain a high level of conduct: honesty, integrity, equity and social, corporate and community responsibility. Treat others including your clients, colleagues, suppliers and fellow ACADA members with respect. A smile, genuinely friendly approach, honesty and respect achieve wonders. You never achieve the required results using a big stick, however you can achieve miracles using honey! Never speak badly of your competitors work. focus on your own. We all have to start somewhere or on occasion have a bad day
Confidentiality & Privacy
Maintain confidentiality and privacy of information received in a professional manner
Honesty
Act honestly with your clients and when advertising and promoting your services. Don't make promises you can't fulfil or take the credit for other cake decorators work. Do not advertise or promote your services on any advertising medium including social media, using photographs of cakes that are not your own.
Business & Industry Relationships
Avoid relationships that would unfairly or unlawfully harm your client or colleague relationships. Ask yourself ''Is it fair to all concerned". Nice people who consider others and treat them with respect, win more work! Your motivation for joining ACADA should be because you want to better the Australian Cake Decorating Industry, be a vibrant part of it and benefit from a growth and educational perspective. We will do all within our power to promote you and your business. However you should not join ACADA to exploit or to personally capitalise from it.
Legal Compliance
Various states, territories and local governments have different laws in place. Endeavour to ensure your business is legally compliant and follow stringent food health and safety standards. ACADA's new private members resources will help you keep up to date and understand the food safety standards you are required to comply with if you are running a cake or cookie decorating, baking or sweet making business.
Pricing
Underpricing means you will not make a profit. If you under price you will damage our industry's long term sustainability. Price fairly, ensuring you price to make a profit. If you do not have strong experience explain to your client that your cakes are priced accordingly. This will give you room to increase your prices as your experience level grows. Please price fairly in a way that won't damage our industry
Order Deposits
Ensure you secure your cake order by requesting a deposit. 25% - 50% is industry standard. If your client is serious, they will be more than happy to pay a deposit. If they aren't prepared to pay a deposit, believe us when we tell you, you DON'T WANT their business. Asking for a deposit and having formal terms of business sends the message you run a professional business.
Certainty of Engagement
Do not solicit or accept cake orders you cannot deliver. In the event of sickness, endeavour to find a quality decorator to fill your order for you. ACADA may be able to refer local decorators in emergency situations. Never let your client down. Constant and honest communication is key to building a long term relationship.
Professional Training & Knowledge
Work to develop a satisfactory and up to date level of relevant professional knowledge. Research latest trends, experiment and develop your own style. Training isn't just for the beginning of your career, in order to succed and stand out above the crowd, you need continual training. If you are running a business, remember to keep your receipts. Training (and your ACADA membership) is 100% tax deductible.
Good Order & Complaints
Work towards the amicable resolution of complaints. Documentation, planning and communication will assist. In the ACADA Private Facebook Group, professional ACADA member Serdar Yener, will give you some great tips on taking a cake order brief.
ACADA Membership Accreditation
All ACADA members must agree to the ACADA Code of Conduct. It is a condition of membership and designed to raise standards within our industry.
Once you have joined ACADA and paid your online membership fee, you will be emailed your ACADA Accreditation Certification Logo. We recommend members proudly display their ACADA Certification Logo on all their business stationary and on their website to display that you and your business is committed to a high standards.
Please note:
Once you have joined ACADA and paid your online membership fee, you will be emailed your ACADA Accreditation Certification Logo. We recommend members proudly display their ACADA Certification Logo on all their business stationary and on their website to display that you and your business is committed to a high standards.
Please note:
- You are only permitted to use the logo provided which is specific to your category of membership.
- It is for your exclusive use. In the event the certification logo is passed on for the use of any other business or individual your membership will be cancelled and all ACADA membership benefits will cease.