What if nobody in Gisborne does this?
Then the honest answer is that it comes from out of the region, and the quote should say so with the travel in it. NovaPay asks locally first and widens rather than pretending the choice is bigger than it is.
How far ahead do I need to order?
A few weeks for most celebration cakes, and months for a wedding in summer. Tiered and heavily decorated cakes need the most notice, so put the date in your request.
How is a cake priced?
Mostly on servings and decoration rather than flavour. A simple cake for fifty and an intricate one for twenty can cost the same, which is why a picture of what you have in mind is worth more than a description.
Can they do allergies properly?
Many can, and a few are dedicated gluten free kitchens. If it is an allergy rather than a preference, say so plainly, because that decides which bakeries should be asked at all.
Delivery or pick-up?
Both are usually offered, and tiered cakes are often delivered and assembled on site because they do not travel well. Ask which is included in the quote.