I am new at this cake decorating but have realized that it suits me. I, like so many others just am so unsure about the prices. I have downloaded the price matrix but haven't really been able to use it yet. My question is concerning the character cakes. I've been asked to do a Dora cake, but am afraid of charging too much or too little. How much would you charge for these cakes? Most all of the character pans are about the same size, so do you charge the same price? Please help!

Nothing.

I've read it's illegal or against copyright laws to sell those character pan cakes. The Disney Police will probably show up at your actual door and take you away...


(Many moons ago, before I knew this, I did an Elmo cake and charged $25.00--she provided the pan and the mix but just wanted to pay me to decorate for her because she wasn't capable...) --Did I say that out loud...?

homecook is right, illegal.
However, hypothetically, if a person was to ever break the law and risk being hauled away by the disney or sesame street police, $25 would be a good the price for the cake....much more for bail....

In order to sell cakes of any kind, Most states require a licensed kitchen. You can contact your county department of health for information. Bakeries are licenced by the state department of agriculture in many states.

As the others stated, it is not legal to sell character cakes. When you buy the pan, they are clearly marked "for home use only".

Well character pans are really time consuming, I personally think. I did a clown for my sons birthday and vowed never to do one again. It was really fun, but I was sooooo tired after finishing. If its the 1 mix pan, $25 starting sounds about right. Any bigger, than I would go higher with price.
Good luck......

OMG this thread is cracking me up!!! SO many many laws....which to break or follow first!!!


but I have to say.....the nickelodeon comment....takes the cake!!! I about peed my pants!!!



good luck with deciding what to do...!!

there was a post close to this one yesterday: http://CakeCentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=249922#249922 - that will give you some more insight to it and what my stance is on the copyright issue

I would charge about around 30 if it is just the character it self, only one layer and simple to decorate otherwise tack on a bit more

Goodluck
Diana

Whoops, where's my head? Of course, Dora...would not be the Disney police, but I bet they work in the same building as those Nickelodeon guys...and you know how persnickety THEY can be. LOL

I've been without TV too long...


Here's an interesting side note: I have a friend who was just telling me that way back when, she worked in a salon or something, and they used to have a little TV in the back for clients who brought their kids, and they'd just pop in a movie for the kids to watch while moms were getting their hair done or whatever. WELL. Someone took the time to call and turn them in to the....FBI? Movie police? Whoever...anyway, they got in trouble for it. I mean, come ON. Who has that kind of time on their hands?