So I know what a fair price is per slice of cake. But what if they want a tower of chocolate roses down one side or a sugar paste toy chest with handmade toy spilling out. I'm doing a dummy cake for an expo of my work. It will have two large red (sugar-paste) roses and two rosebuds. Also a leafy vine all the way around the cake. How much should I add for these elements? Thanks! -Claire-

When I think of what I should charge beyond the base price I think in my head what it's worth to me to do it and add that to the cost of any extra ingredients or new tools, ribbons, etc.

This method would not work if I wanted to let someone else help me and price cakes, but for me it works. If customers have a problem with my method they dont have to hire me.

hmm, to piggy-back on your post i've been trying to get some feedback as to how much people charge for the modelled characters. i'm going to be making one for a cake next month and told the customer i would be sending her a quote today but really have no idea how much extra to charge. any suggestions??

How much would a bride have to pay for a cake topper that is plastic?

Ok you can charge $50-$250 extra. Think of it as a topper and call it a topper and then it sounds more price worthy and certainly your time should be worth more than the cost of a plastic topper.
HTH

mpc
www.mypastrychef.com