Does anybody or has anybody ever paid somebody else to bake your cakes? If so...how much do you charge?

THe reason why Im asking is number 1. I have four cakes due on the same day, and number 2. I dont exactly LOVE baking cakes. I barely LIKE baking cakes. I just like the fun decorating part

THe person baking my cake is my cousin and she is very good at baking cakes - shes 17 and just looking for a few extra dollars and something to do.

So...does anybody have any suggestions?

No suggestions. The idea of someone else baking my cakes sounds both scary and terrific at the same time.
scary because you can't control that aspect of your cake.
terrific, especially if they're doing it at their place, because you wouldn't have that MESS to clean up.

THat was kind of my thought -

SHe would be doing it at her house. Shes only going to be baking 2 of the 4 cakes for me. THe ones shes doing are for family which i wont be paid for...theyre just gifts from me. (I do cakes as gifts for everyone in my family) while the other 2 ill be doing myself will be paid cakes.

I guess it would be on a trial basis and see how it goes.

I'd say - she's your cousin and you already know she's good, and she loves it. To me that's an acceptable risk. I'd ask her what price she thinks is fair, have an idea in mind about what YOU think is fair, and use that to negotiate. Try it and see how it goes.

I've always baked for myself but there was a time when I had an accident at the last minute and had to call a local bakery I use for supplies too, and they gave me one of theirs I brought home and decorated.

Maybe this could be the beginning of a beautiful partnership!

Im just nevous is all I guess...

I usually just like to do everything myself, and then I know its done the way I want it to. It just seems that Ive also been so busy lately....im working full time and going to school full time - decorating cakes and baking cakes is the last thing I want to do. hehe when i come home I just want to get to it and not worring about having the cakes cooled, ect. So...I guess Im going to go for it and hope for the best

I would be dubious about using anyone (even trusted family) for a paid cake without test runs. But if she is going to do it for a non-paying project for family, then this might be a good time to test-drive this arrangement. Maybe ask her to provide a cupcake of each cake so that you can taste and observe the texture?? This could turn in to a great arrangement for both of you -- especially when you are over whelmed with orders. Good luck