How Do You Price Decorated Cookies?

Baking By dandelion56602 Updated 24 Oct 2007 , 5:58pm by CakeDiva73

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 2:36pm
post #1 of 39

I've made soccer shirts to match my daughter's soccer team jerseys. Then I've made a few jack-o-lanterns for the smaller siblings. If all goes as hoped I'll have parents ask how much I charge. If not no big deal. So, I'm wandering. How do you price cookies?

I wish I had pics to show you but I haven't dowloaded & don't have time right now. But the shirts have black collars w/ yellow shirt & the kid's # piped on. The jack-o-lanterns are just pumpkins w/ basic black faces. They are regular rolled sugar cookies w/ royal icing.

Thanks in advance

38 replies
Jenni2383 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Jenni2383 Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 2:56pm
post #2 of 39

At least $12 per dozen!!! Cookies are fun but take a lot of time.

karensue Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
karensue Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 2:57pm
post #3 of 39

Mine are priced at $1.00/inch. If they are really intricate or have gumpaste flowers, etc., I'd have an additional charge.

Jenni2383 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Jenni2383 Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 3:05pm
post #4 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by karensue

Mine are priced at $1.00/inch. If they are really intricate or have gumpaste flowers, etc., I'd have an additional charge.




That's a great way to price those small cookie cutters!! I'm going to have to do some refiguring!! Thanks for the info thumbs_up.gif

MomLittr Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MomLittr Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 3:15pm
post #5 of 39

I am so bad at pricing things - will be doing 40 cross cookies for a baptism, and quoted the lady $1.25 a piece, decorated (similar to the one in my photos). icon_redface.gif Now I know that is way underpriced, but I plan on giving her an invoice showing the real price (which should be a good $2 each) and stating this is a first time discount. She had cookies at a co-worker's party, and that co-worker was not charged alot because she frequently orders from me - was afraid they spoke about pricing.

One of these days I am going to trace several different cookie cutters so I can give folks a general idea of the cookie size, and the REAL price that should be charged.

Deb

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 3:36pm
post #6 of 39

Thanks. I just hate pricing things. Sometimes I feel I over price stuff & then feel guilty & underprice it. As my mom says, "it's not your livelyhood so if they don't want to pay what you charge then it's no skin off your back". I just hate it when people don't consider the time & effort you put into it (plus ingredients) and then say "well, I can get it a lot cheaper at Walmart" icon_mad.gif

MomLittr Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MomLittr Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 3:50pm
post #7 of 39

If someone said they can get it cheaper at Walmart, I would just point them the way. We all bake with fresh ingredients, not pre-formed frozen things, and put alot more effort into them than Walmart would. I already knew this woman loved my cookies, and would probably have paid $2 each if I asked, but then again this is just a hobby that sort of pays for itself, so I feel guilty (yes know I should not feel that way) about charging alot right now. However, friends are starting to order more and more - time to start raising prices!

leily Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
leily Posted 29 Sep 2007 , 5:57pm
post #8 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by dandelion56602

and then say "well, I can get it a lot cheaper at Walmart" icon_mad.gif




This is like walking into the Lexus or BMW dealership and saying, but I can go to Chevy and get a car a lot cheaper.

Umm hello... you can't compare apples and oranges.

heidinamba Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
heidinamba Posted 30 Sep 2007 , 4:03am
post #9 of 39

$1 per inch. Don't ask for any less. Those cookies are lot of work and the ingredients are not cheap. I know it feels odd asking for $4.00 a cookie or maybe even $5.00 for a really large one, but people will pay it. I always explain while they are inquiring about my cookies that I charge $1.00 an inch. Then when they choose their cookie cutter, they won't be surprised because the will expect the quote. Decorated cookies take so darn long to make (make the dough, roll it out, cut it, bake them, cool them, make the icing, decorate the cookies, let them dry, package them, make tags, box them up etc.....) No matter how many times I make them, I'm always amazed at how long the process is. Yes I enjoy it but I want to make sure I get paid for all of my work. It's a great reward.

mom23kids Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mom23kids Posted 30 Sep 2007 , 4:08pm
post #10 of 39

Well said heidinambo!!! thumbs_up.gif

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 30 Sep 2007 , 7:50pm
post #11 of 39

Well, no requests but a lot of compliments. Hopefully, they'll keep me in mind for the future! At least they've seen & will hopefully will tell friends too! I'm just so shy when it comes to doing things like that & am worse when it's friends that ask b/c they expect you to do it for free or nearly zilch. I don't think I've ever expected my friends to use their ability for me for free so why do they? And why do I feel so guilty for charging a certain price for cookies or cakes? Is it the look I get (bulging or rolled eyes) or thinking b/c they are friends or acquaintences that I should give it to them cheaper?

But thanks for the advice. I would rather go in knowing something than looking stupified if I were asked.

Joanne914 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Joanne914 Posted 30 Sep 2007 , 10:40pm
post #12 of 39

dandelion56602 here's an idea for you the next time you "hand out" your cookies. Make a "stick on tag"with a cute name for your cookie "business."
(Just get some return address labels at Office Max!)
You can even add your phone number, or even your email address. That way...the people that you are handing them out to will then say, "OH, this is a business that she has" instead of just thinking you are a really nice Mom with a lot of time on your hands to make cookies! lol I started doing that with the cookies that I made, and it really helped a lot. Just something to think about!
Good Luck!

Joanne

okieinalaska Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
okieinalaska Posted 1 Oct 2007 , 12:53am
post #13 of 39

Do not feel guilty. Just be matter of fact about it. : ) If they want it they will order it.
Your time is valuable and so is your talent. It's no skin off your nose if the person doesn't want to pay what it's worth. That doesn't mean you are going to do it for less. Cookies take forever! Price them appropriately! : )

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 1 Oct 2007 , 3:23am
post #14 of 39

Thanks Joanne914. I'll remember that. I work at a Mother's Day Out too & will do that when I make their Thanksgiving & Christmas "treats".

DoniB Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
DoniB Posted 4 Oct 2007 , 11:03am
post #15 of 39

I was going to post in a new thread, but figured that this one has basically answered my question.... but I still would like one tiny bit of clarification...

When pricing by the inch, is that length or width/height??? icon_razz.gif For instance, I have Halloween cutters that have bats and spiders... they're 1 and 2" high, but 2" and 3" wide. Do you just go with the larger number? icon_razz.gif

I've never charged for cookies before, but a friend has asked me to do a sample batch for her office manager to see. They're considering using me to do cookie bouquets for Christmas, and I want to be able to give them a realistic quote on the invoice, even though I'm only doing it for supplies reimbursement for right now (not licensed!). But for future orders, I'd like to be able to quote appropriately. icon_razz.gif

Sorry so long... I haven't had enough caffeine to think concisely this morning. LOL

GeminiRJ Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
GeminiRJ Posted 4 Oct 2007 , 11:59am
post #16 of 39

DoniB...you could average the two sizes together to get one price. $2 for the one direction, $3 for the other. $2.50 for the final price. Good luck with the Christmas bouquet project! Don't undersell yourself. I usually go cheap for family and friends, but this would be business, and I wouldn't hesitate to charge fully!

DoniB Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
DoniB Posted 4 Oct 2007 , 4:29pm
post #17 of 39

Thanks! I'll do that...

I'm trying not to undersell, but for right now, I can't make more than supplies money. The good thing though, is that these cookie bouquets will be going to a number of real-estate lawyers' offices as gifts, and I'm *hoping* that one of them will know of a restaurant owner that would be willing to let me rent out space in their kitchen. It's a long shot, and it's not WHY I'm doing it, but it's still something to keep in the back of my mind. icon_smile.gif

Okay... I'll stop hijacking this thread, and return you to the original post! icon_smile.gif

tyty Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tyty Posted 4 Oct 2007 , 4:41pm
post #18 of 39

My cookies start at $1 per inch.

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 5 Oct 2007 , 5:06am
post #19 of 39

Thanks DoniB I had wondered the same thing. I was also wondering if you charge more if they are really detailed or are your simple & complicated the same price?

leily Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
leily Posted 5 Oct 2007 , 10:37am
post #20 of 39

I charge a $1/inch and this includes up to three colors. If it is more than three colors than it is my decision what the price will be.

For example if I have a square cookie that they want each quarter a different color, well that is more colors, but it is also a simple design so I would probably charge my normal rate, but if they get above 3 colors it can get pretty detailed so I would raise the price per design.

as for the cookies that are 3"x1" I average it out to a 2" cookie. Now if it is somthing like 3 1/2" x2 3/4" then it goes to a 3" cookie. I am sure this just confused someone but I hope not.

CIndymm4 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
CIndymm4 Posted 5 Oct 2007 , 11:56am
post #21 of 39

I have a full time job and do cookies and cakes as a hobby on the side......that being said, if someone wants me to bake them cookies for a function, then I charge them, and it doens't matter if they are friends or family. I almost feel because I do this on "on the side", that my time is even more valuable. I work full time, keep a home, etc.....so to do iced decorated cookies, I am dipping into MY time, my family's time. I love to bake, but on the other hand, my cookies are good. I normally charge anywhere from $2.00 - $4.00 per cookies, depending on size and how many colors are involved. If you have a passion and gift of decorating, DO NOT FEEL GULITY about charging folks, they wouldn't expect to go to a retail store and get something for free, and if they use the "I can go to Wal-Mart"...then give them a smile and directions and send them on their way.

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 5 Oct 2007 , 2:44pm
post #22 of 39

I don't decorate full time yet, just here and there for people that ask. I agree CIndymm4 about it dipping into our time. And having a 6 mo old in tow makes decorating cakes and cookies even harder. I think they think b/c it's not my "job" that I shouldn't charge much. I know I've only been doing it on the side for about 5 yrs and don't do this full time, but I can't just come out even b/c time's too precious.

lu9129 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
lu9129 Posted 5 Oct 2007 , 3:09pm
post #23 of 39

I charge 3 dollars a cookie if it is wrapped in a bag and tied. I charge 5 dollars a cookie if they are on a stick and placed in come container. I have no problem getting that price. And I am with CIndymm4, this is cutting into my family time etc.
which is my choice trying to get my business off the ground. But alot of time goes into each cookie and supplies. If they don't like the price, by all means go somewhere else. But I guarantee they will not be as good as baked and decorated the day before you need them!

Lu

MomLittr Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MomLittr Posted 10 Oct 2007 , 10:35am
post #24 of 39

Ok, now I feel like one of those cartoon characters that end up with the sucker head icon_redface.gif - finally checked out the website with the cross cookies my newest customer was looking at for baptism favor ideas - they charge $5.99 each cookie, and I told her $1.25 each! icon_eek.gif I will still make a small profit on these cookies, but now I know why she jumped on mine. Even if I told her $2-$3 each, she would have jumped! Wish I would have known about the website she had looked at before quoting her. I think her bill will show a half-price discount for being a first time "customer". I only do this as a hobby, but still, would like to make a little spending money on these. Next time I get all the information, including what they had in mind from another source, before quoting prices. If it was not for the fact I think she talked to the other lady who I work with and give a decent discount to for repeat orders, I would have initially quoted higher. Live and learn!

deb

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 10 Oct 2007 , 3:22pm
post #25 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by MomLittr

Next time I get all the information, including what they had in mind from another source, before quoting prices.
deb




Even if they say they have an idea & you just ask if there's a website you can look at that will show what they want. Thanks for that heads up. I'm going to make a cookie boquet for my dd's fun fest in 1 1/2 weeks & this time I'm going to put a label on the container w/ my info on it icon_wink.gif thanks Joanne914.

sgirvan Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sgirvan Posted 10 Oct 2007 , 4:05pm
post #26 of 39

I used to have a hard time charging people "enough" money for the work that I did but I don't have that problem anymore and it has now been 3 yrs that I have been decorating. For cookies I charge
$2.50 each for small or 1 dozen for $25
$3.50 each for medium or 1 dozen for $35
$5.00 each for large or 1 dozen for $50
$6.50 each for X-Large or 1 dozen for $65
**If you wish to have your cookies individually wrapped in cello wrap to ensure a long period of freshness there is an additional charge of $5.00 per dozen cookies

If I decide to give someone a discount, I ALWAYS put the total amount and then put the discount on there so they know what they will be paying next time!

www.jellybeans.ca

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 10 Oct 2007 , 10:38pm
post #27 of 39

Sgirvan,

Your cookies look awesome. I absolutely LOVE the vampires! One question I have is approximately what are the dimensions of your sm, med, lg, & x-lg cookies?

sgirvan Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sgirvan Posted 14 Oct 2007 , 3:44am
post #28 of 39

Thanks for the nice comment on my cookies. My smalls are usually 2 inches, mediums are 3, large 4 and x-large 5inches. Anything over those sizes I charge individually. For example I am doing a custom cookie that will be about 7 inches high by 5 inches wide and I am placing an edible image on it so I am charging $12.00 for the cookie including cello wrapping of the cookie.

crazy4sugar Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
crazy4sugar Posted 14 Oct 2007 , 5:11am
post #29 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by MomLittr

I will still make a small profit on these cookies




With all due respect, Deb, how can you make a profit? Maybe you'll recoup some of the cost for ingredients, but what do you pay yourself per hour?

I agree with the ladies who say that making cookies is time and energy that takes away from other parts of my life; just like any other job. Even the silly leaf cookies I made were sold for $4 each ($5 each with a bag and ribbon). I am also "just a hobby" baker along with my professional job, which is what pays the rent. Nevertheless, I figured out my costs by adding the ingredients and then charge about $15 per hour for my time. I wouldn't accept another type of work for less money, so why cut myself short just because I love to decorate?

It really bugs me that people are willing to take advantage of others who are just too nice and/or haven't worked on the pricing part of their business yet. Even if you call it a "hobby" you are still working and providing a quality, custom-made product to others.

Boy, is your customer going to be surprised when you start charging what your really worth!
LL

dandelion56602 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dandelion56602 Posted 14 Oct 2007 , 12:09pm
post #30 of 39

I LOVE your leaf cookies! I may have to run out and buy a leaf cookie cutter just to do it icon_biggrin.gif

What colors did you use?

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%