Dumb question, but are modeling chocolate and molding chocolate the same?
When I think about the things I pay top dollar for, I keep in mind that to ME, that service is well worth it, as I could not imagine doing it myself. Look at artists, and what THEY charge for some of their artwork. I think his cakes are worth the asking price. For people who can't even bake a cake from a mix, the price is worth it. In big cities, I am sure many of us could get those big prices too!
Oh really c'mon on everyone. Give me a break, if you could get 2 or 3 thou for your cake you would charge it. If you could do business by appointment only you would do it! (If ya want to toast me - go for it.)
Exactly what I was thinking as I was reading this thread. I could not believe all the hypocritical comments from fellow cake designers. The comments I read in this thread are comments I would expect from a person that does not have a clue about cake decorating.
Doug thank goodness for your breakdown of Duff's expenses (even though you are guessing) maybe it will help some people to see why he needs to charge what he charges.
I still cannot see justifying these expenses. When you start a child out having a party planner and $100+ 1st birthday cakes, what are they going to expect for their 16th birthday?
Diane
Ever see that MTV show My Sweet 16? Makes me ILL.
Yea, Sweet 16 opened my eyes. I never imagined it to be such a "blingfestival". Hey, their parents can afford it and have no qualms about the costs, sooo.... I can't judge them for it.
That show 'Sweet 16' is dispicable.... those people were spending 40K on a party... not even a wedding! And some of those girls were hideous and none of the parents looked loaded!
there are a lot of "downlow" millionaires. You wouldn't know by looking at them. And it's easy for the costs to rack up for a party like that. First you have to secure the venue, DJ, cake, food, drinks, security, wardrobe. Before you know it that is about $10000 -15000 already.
Depending on the area you live, which it seems a lot of them profiled live in NY, Atlanta, Las Vegas, California and Miami where the costs are probably higher for those types of events. Then, there is the "got to be the best party of the century" thing and you know parents are competitive too. The only time I really didn't care for some of the teens was that girl Sophie who kinda barked at her mom and her mom let her get away with it. Oh but the uh uh, nevah woulda happened.
I remember seeing some from small towns also. They made it a big deal because it would be the party of the century and it was in a small town.
No I really do not like the show and the kids even less. I do feel better that they could not really survive without the money which makes them who they are--Spoiled!
they're spoiled maybe, but it's not their fault. Right? Then again, some kids I mean kinda earn the right to have a party like that. Good grades, good kids, clean, sober, all that. It's nothing for their parent to throw that type of money. Would it be me if I had the funds. I doubt it but then again I have extravagant tastes even when I try my best to be frugal. LOL.
I guess that's true... if you have more money than God and a kid who actually appreciates their parents, does their homework and chores, brings home good grades and isn't drinking, etc...
It's still tremendously hard for me to imagine $40,000 on a party for a 16 year old... what will that girls wedding end up costing? 1/4 of a million?
I may be the minority but I would choose a down payment on a house over the wedding any day!!
I think that a parent raises their child to be what they would want them to be. There was an episode of Oprah where it was very clear that the teens involved knew full well how good they had it. At some point the child realizes that they use the situation to there advantage. They can choose to do good or choose to be spoiled--Just my opinion!
If they kick and scream enough the parents will cave-I think it is a two way street.
I think that show is just so sad in a way. IMO, the parents are teaching these kids to be egocentric. These kids grow up in a world where all they have to do is demand and throw a temper tamtrum and voila! the silver spoon hands them what ever they desire. What's going to happen when Mommy and Daddy and can't provide lil' Gianna with another Mercedes because Daddy was thrown in jail for embezzelment or Mommy gets deathly ill because her implants leaked and threw toxins into her body? Yes, it sounds harsh but it sickens me to know that this society consists of so many self centered, "appearance and money mean everything" people. 
The above was not intended to insult or upset anyone.
back to duff - Back To Duff - BACK TO DUFF!
cheerleader with microphone...
Yes, we have gotten off the subject but it is parents like this doing these things for these 16 year olds, that makes customers who purchase $3000 birthday cakes...............
More power to Duff or whoever else can charge these prices. All I have tried to say in this forum is that I'm not one of them that could afford it and I am not one who could justify spending that kind of money.
Diane
[quote="Doug"]Quick little "guesstamate" game
lets say these are the expenses for duff's business on a monthly basis:
rent.........................$2,000.00
employees..............$12,000.00 (6*$2K/month or $24k/yr)
utlities......................$1,000.00
duff pays self............$2,000.00
insurance..................$1,000.00
equip loans...............$2,000.00
supplies....................$2,000.00
employment taxes.....$2,100.00
MONTHLY expenses..$24,100.00
OR per week..............$5,561.54
and we all know several of those are low-ball -- like he really only pays Goef or Mary Alice just $24k/yr.
and of course I didn't even add in HEALTH INSURANCE for everyone!
So, $3,000 for a large 3-D totally custom cake -- YOU BET!!!
and remember -- and here's where I think some have lost perspective --
this is a custom COMMERCIAL bakery serving an upscale market....
it is not "for friends and family"
it is not "well, I do them out of my home"
it is not "a second income"
it is not "something I do just because I enjoy it and it gives me pleasure to see the reactions of others to my cake" (tho' he and his crew do and it does)
it is a BUSINESS that their lively-hoods depend upon.
no is is NOT rude to hide from RUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! people you can't even bother to READ a sign and not come in --- who think they are SOOOOOOO stinkin special the rules don't apply to them!!!
no it is NOT rude to make comments about the unreasonable demands or whacked-out expectations of customers --- just look all around CC for many examples of comments FAR nastier than anything duff and his crew have said.
quote]
Thanks Doug for bringing this up! I was thinking the same thing. Duff must have HUGE overhead expenses. And he refers to his friends (employees) as artists, not unskilled labour. So I imagine they get paid much more that minimun wage!
And if someone is willing to pay 3000 dollars for not only a cake, but a work of art, then more power to them!
As for the people who came in when the sign stated for "appointment only"- I owned a tailor shop for a while and operated it by appointment only. There were always people beating on the door, wanting to come in, ask questions or to fit a garment ( without making an appointment). It totally interrupted my work flow, and I was already staying up till 3 am just to finish my deliveries. I don't blame Duff for hiding!
I love the show, and I learn a lot everytime I see it. I hope he keeps charging the big bucks and gets very rich while following his passion!!!!
Dumb question, but are modeling chocolate and molding chocolate the same?
yes
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