I have a order for a WEdding cake in April. She wants three heart shaped cakes but only in single layers on the floating teirs. I am using the Pricing Matrix but how do I charge for the extra little things that I didn't see on the matrix?

For instance she wants decorations like this but her cake will look similar to this Hopefully you know what I am trying to say

Any idea's on how much to charge for the buttercream ruffles and beaded borders?

what size are the tiers going to be and what flavour cake is it?

I am still waiting to hear back from her on that one. More than likely it will be 6",8" and 12" layers the flavor will probably be Devil's food or French Vanilla. She is a pretty simple person.

I'd say about $100, but then I know very little about US pricing! If the cakes are only going to be single layer, are they going to be deep enough to do that kind of side work ?!

I hope so. The heart pans that I have are 2" deep. I am going to do a single layer practice cake this week in a 8" heart pan and see what happens. Depending on her final sizes, I was going to charge $145 and up.

I just don't want to under charge or over charge by too much. I want it to be fair.

With all that detail, $145 would be a steal in my (humble) opinion! I would think that a 3" tall layer would be easier to do all those decorations. Please post a pic when you are done!

deb

I was thinking about that too. I may purchase the 3" Heart pans. I am pretty sure that the reason she is going for three single layers is because the wedding is for a small party. Depending on my trial layer this week, I may try pursuading her to go with two double layers. If not, we will figure something out.

According to the pricing Matrix, I would be charging $5.41 per slice that is for the 8" keeper, 10" and 14" 2inch deep heart pans decorated like she requests. Wow, that is some expensive cake.

I will definitely post pics. The Wedding is on April 8th.

See - I told you I know nothing when it comes to US pricing (and probably way under value my own work!) - get as much as you can, I don't think it'll be an easy job whatever! I agree with the 3in depth though - you can always charge a little more to cover the extra batter and decoration costs!

Where can I find this pricing matrix?

There is one here in the business section posted as a sticky thread.

Oh, duh! Thanks!

I have found the price matrix isn't great for all areas. In Chicago they run from $4 to $10 a slice In my area it's more like$1.00 to $5 at the extreme most anyone would pay. I called many grociers and baker stores to ask their prices before setting mine. I qouted a wedding cake order @ $2.25 a slice a few weeks ago then she called to cancel saying it was a problem with the groom getting off work???? Okay I bought that, yeah right Anyway, I felt bad for a few days for feeling like I priced myself out of job, but looking closer, it would have cost me around $20 plus in supplies, plus umpteen hours of my time, so I'm okay with it. I heard she got a couple sheet cakes from Wal-mart/Sams. You get what you pay for sometimes. She had ask for very detailed stacked cake from me.
So, short story made long, Check you local stores for comparison prices, and don't forget to price for your time!

IMHO, I would reccomend to the bride to go ahead and have 2 layers, put icing in between them. It makes the entire cake look so much better!!!! If that's too much cake for her, maybe you could use a dummy.

How many people will this cake be feeding?

Find out what local bakeries charge in your area and you'll be able to find a price range better after hearing what others make.

I love the design of the roses, etc. So, keep in mind that you'll be making a batch of icing just for them, if they will be made from royal icing. Just sit down and figure everything up a few times on paper.

Good Luck!!

Thanks everyone.

I have adjusted the pricing matrix according to our area and how much things cost me here. It worked out to about $3.75 a slice, two layers, buttercream icing, white cake, fudge filling. They want to feed about 60/75 people. Between the Grooms cake and the Brides cake, they should have enough to feed 75/100.

I'm still a little nervous but I am doing a demo this week for her, only one layer that is. I will have to post a pic when I get finished and get some honest opinions and suggestions.

I HIT THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON FOR THE PRICE MATRIX AND IT OPENED FINE BUT I'M NOT QUITE SURE IF IT'S NOW SAVED ON MY SYSTEM OR NOT-ANYONE KNOW IF I NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE? I'D HATE TO GET OFF-INE AND NOT HAVE IT.

I live in a Canadian town of approx. 75,000 people and around here, if your cake has a lot of detail, you are looking at $100.00 a layer.

My basic price is $2 per serving. Add for fondant. Add for gumpaste. Add for any roses. Deposit for plates, fountain, etc. Add for topper. Add for fillings. Rural community in Southern KS..............