Hi everyone!

I have seen several posts like this in the past and have always tried to give my input. Now that it is me...well, I am unsure! I am doing a cake next weekend for some really OLD friends. Neighbors that I grew up with when I was like 7! I am doing a 3 tier Dora cake similar to the one in my photos. Should I charge for this cake????

A little bit of background...there are certain people that I just never charge. Family members and very good friends...I am totally cool without charging them. In this case, I have not seen these people in years. They found out I was doing cakes from another family member of theirs that just happens to tutor my daughter. I am extremely good friends with the tutor and do not charge her for cakes! Now...because these people are related...do they fall into the non-charging category or give them a discount category??? Or do I just say the heck with it and charge them regular price???? I know there has to be a place to draw the line...but I really do not want to offend anyone.

Let me know what you guys would do!!! Thanks in advance!!!!

Traci

Oh boy, that's a toughie. Do you think they are expecting a free cake??

Did your tutor tell them she gets her cakes for free? -is that because she tutors in exchange or is a good friend?? I have a friend who cuts my hair in exchange for cakes...

I wouldn't think they should get a free cake at all personally. Someone you haven't seen since you were 7? There would be a lot of people I would owe free cakes too, LOL.

Have they actually called you? If they haven't called yet when they do just ask them what their budget is and that lets them know they are paying without being rude. : )

edited to add: I love your sheet cakes and cakes with edible images, they are just lovely! Love the way you do your borders too. I didn't see the dora cake you are referring to but will look again. If you wanted to give a discount I think that's great, but would I think they qualify for a free cake, not really. : )

I agree w/ much of what Amy said ..... I don't think that a free cake would be in order.

My question, however, is what have you told them already. You know what they want -- have you discussed the cake with them already? Flavors and colors and what not? If you have, and have agreed to make it, without discussing a cost, then you might be stuck.

I have only charged a few times, but if it isn't a VERY close friend or a family member, I don't agree to anything w/out discussing a cost. If I walk away saying I'll make it, but don't discuss cost, its assumed that its a free cake, and I can't do that all the time for people I dont' know well.

Not sure if that helps or not ... good luck and let us know what happens.

Well, I would charge them....You don't owe these people anything. If you feel like giving them a discount, that's your choice, but I wouldn't do it for free. I would also tell them the actual price, and then quote them their discount price.

HTH

Denise

Traci, your cakes are pieces of art...that being said.
unless you were personally invited as a guest to the party and then suggested that you could make the cake as a GIFT then it is a service you are providing...

ask for something! even if it is just to cover your costs.

I'm sure that they know you don't have a cake tree in the back yard, if they have any class at all they wouldn't be offended by your request for a bit of the green stuff to buy supplies.

of course that is just my .02 cents

mommachris

Hi Traci,
I think you should really do what you are comfortable with. For family and close friends I do the cakes for free, but sometimes for others(family friends, etc.) I will do the cake at a discounted price or just charge for my materials. The worst thing is doing a cake for free when you don't want to and feel like you have to.

I would say you have to charge something for a 3 tiered cake. Maybe figure out what you would charge a regular customer and give a discount.
I usually do 30%.

Let us know what you decide

I spoke to them yesterday. I did not give them a price...but I totally did NOT say I was doing it for free either. I do not always give prices right away...sometimes I need to figure out a price and get back with people anyway. I know for sure that they want the 3 tier Dora cake. I think if it were a small cake I might do it for free...but we are talking about a BIG cake!!! I was thinking about charging regular price as I have not seen them in years.

The relative that tutors my daughter is different...she has gone out of her way for me! And we talk all the time. I guess if she told them I do it for her at no cost...oh well!!!!

I know if it were me...I would not assume that someone would do it for me at no cost.

sounds to me like you have your answer ...

and i had forgotten originally that you were talking a 3 tier cake ...

definitely charge them something!!!

I appreciate all the input and compliments!

I guess another really cool thing is that I will not be home when they come to pick up the cake. My daughter and I will be at gymnastics so they will be picking it up fome my parents! I guess I can tell my parents how much the cake is and they can deal with it!

That's not a nice thing to do to your parents, especially if they are not happy about paying. I would settle all the details (price, etc) before the cake is picked up. You don't need any bad feelings from anyone.
Just a thought . . .
Leslie

I am actually kidding about putting my parents in an uncomfortable situation!
My parents know these people really well and have also told me that I should charge full price. I think I am the only one that felt funny about this in the first place. I guess I just get that way sometimes when it comes to pricing!

However, I appreciate your input.

Hi traci,

My family and friends know from the start that I do not do free cakes...bakery doesn't give it to them free

My immediate family gets a discount only.

Since you haven't seen these people in years, I wouldn't worry about giving it to them free.

Your cakes are your master-piece and you should be compensated for it.

Charge them!!!!

Stephanie's right , Your cakes are masterpieces!
and you should charge for them . Unless you offer to make it for free they should already assume they will be paying, I would!!

Absolutely charge them! If you happened to find out that these people ran their own business and had something you wanted...you wouldn't expect to get if for free would you? Of course not!

So, go ahead and give them your price and make them one of your beautiful cakes!!

Thank-you for all the advice! I am planning on charging full price for the cake. I will let you guys know what reaction I get from them! I will also post pics of the Dora cake that I will be making.

I just love this site....so many helpful people here!

Traci

I'm glad you decided to charge them. After reading all the posts I agree that you made the right decision.

That said I can't wait to see your cake.
The post about the cake tree in your backyard . . . very funny. Wish I had one of those trees sometimes.

Now...isn't that the truth!!!! We all need a cake tree!

If I am asked to do a cake then you are paying for it. If I offer to do a cake for someone then I don't except someone to pay for it.

My family also doesn't expect or ask for discounts on cakes.