A Vancouver bakery owner has criticized a request from the family of former NBA player Metta World Peace for a complimentary birthday cake, saying social media exposure is not enough to sustain a small business.
Fanny Lam, owner of Oh Sweet Day! Bake Shop, said a representative of World Peace’s family approached her through Instagram about providing a cake for the birthday celebration of the former NBA star’s son.
Under the proposed arrangement, the bakery would provide the cake at no cost while receiving acknowledgment in the family’s social media posts.
Lam said she was disappointed by the request, particularly because the cake was intended for the family of a former professional athlete who has earned substantial income from his basketball career and business ventures.
She explained that her bakery has supported charitable groups and community organizations but generally declines requests from influencers and companies seeking free products in exchange for online promotion.
“It raises a question of why small businesses like us, who often have the least resources to spare, are being asked to constantly provide free products for people or organizations that can afford to pay for them,” Lam said.
According to Lam, the cake would have cost roughly $200.
The bakery owner said requests for complimentary products in exchange for publicity have become common as businesses are increasingly approached by influencers and other personalities seeking promotional partnerships.
While social media exposure can benefit a business, Lam said it cannot replace actual revenue.
“Our business relies on word of mouth and support from our paying customers,” she said. “Exposure isn’t our main focus. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills.”
World Peace, a former NBA champion and All-Star, spent 17 seasons in the league before ending his playing career in 2017. He later became involved in business ventures, including The Artest Management Group, which provides services to professional athletes.
The controversy centers not on the estimated price of the cake but on the expectation that a small business should provide it for free, according to Lam.
The request has since sparked discussion about the practice of seeking complimentary goods and services from small businesses in exchange for social media exposure. (Adrian Co)
