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Under paid...again - Page 2

post #16 of 58
5/27/08 at 9:02am
totally agree with texas_rose, what a great idea to give them the list of items you will need and and let them buy it and bring it to you. that way they know how much you spend on ingredients and supplies. thumbs_up.gif
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post #17 of 58
5/27/08 at 10:23am
That cake is goregous and worth waaay more than $35! I would def give her an itemized list of the cost of ingredients and politely ask when you are getting the remaining $15. That's the least she could give you!!!
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post #18 of 58
5/27/08 at 10:42am
You did a wonderfl job. First off I started out like you and make cakes for family and friends. I began going in the hole and all of a sudden it wasnt fun any more. Ok here's what I did I did up a brochure with my cake prices and how much I charge for my items. Then I give family and friends a 10% discount. So this way I am sure to make back the money I put in plus money for gas and electricity to bake the cake. This helps because they see how much everyone else pays and is greatful they get a discount. Just an idea. Set a price then give them a discount!
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post #19 of 58
5/27/08 at 10:56am
Cathyscakes - don't quit!!! You're so talented! You just need to tell her so she understands. You don't have to be rude about it. Just explain to her. I'm sure she would have no problem paying you what she originally agreed to, which is only costs anyway. She got a great deal! Don't be afraid to speak up!!

Amber
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post #20 of 58
5/27/08 at 11:04am
If you dont let her know that the $20 wasent enough to cover ingredients, She might think she was being real nice and giving you extra as a tip ! I dont see why she wouldnt do the same thing over and over just thinking that she paid you plenty! You need to talk with her about the REAL cost ,Even if you let the rest of the money go this time !
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http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgjqsjjc_2hhxzqgdv Treat recipes
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dtxcrsv_94f2877ghh cuppys
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgjqsjjc_0ct6gq9fg Xmas 2
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddmmx5vd_9dp5h9hhp pie
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post #21 of 58
5/27/08 at 11:06am
cathyscakes,

First of all BIG HUGS to you! I know how hard it is to confront people with this sort of thing. I am the same way. I realize that for me it is a character flaw, but I will not apologize for being who I am...nor should you. Please don't let this affect your joy for cake decorating, though.

I think the invoice idea is a great idea and it helps you to inform without the confrontation. Or perhaps next time you can give her a shopping list of ingredients that you will need to complete the cake...telling her where she can look for fondant, etc. She will realize very quickly how much it costs to buy these things...especially when she has to purchase an entire bottle of wedding bouquet and an entire bucket of fondant to complete her cake.

Your cakes are lovely, by the way! icon_smile.gif
Vita brevis, ars longa.
(Life is short, art forever.)
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Vita brevis, ars longa.
(Life is short, art forever.)
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post #22 of 58
5/27/08 at 11:08am
First I want to start by saying that you're cakes are absolutely beautiful! Do not give up! I can sympathize with you as I can be the same way. I feel bad telling certain people certain things and I don't want anyone to be mad at me or talking about me or thinking that I am being mean. But she should really know how lucky she is that she got a gorgeous cake like that for only $20! That is crazy! I agree with everyone else and I think you should show her an itemized receipt just so she could see what it cost you and she would know for next time. Hopefully one day you'll get that backbone, as will I. icon_rolleyes.gif
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post #23 of 58
5/27/08 at 11:10am
HEY SORRY TO SAY my family is the same way too. but mine would call up say i need this cake on this day and hang up. Thinking im going to do it for free bc they are family but i try and be nice and give it to them for cost. I have to call them back and they are what okayyy. Then they started ordering cakes for friends and telling me that they were for them so they can get it for their friend for cost. I found this out and now they have to pay the full price like everyone else.
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post #24 of 58
5/27/08 at 11:27am
Quote:
Quote:

My sister-in-law hired me to make a cake for a baby shower she is hosting. I tell her I will do the cake for the cost of ingredients



What is so hard about asking for what you want? She owes you one for that. You did her a HUGE favor by making this cake. Its not only cost but your time and effort that counts.

I just dont get it. Its not the end of the world if someone gets mad at you. If you allow yourself to be taken advantage of, then you have nothing to complain about.

My friends and family know better and they get upset if they think i'm not charging them enough.
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post #25 of 58
5/27/08 at 12:46pm
It's the walmart mentality...I tell you
walmart/grocer stores have ruined the public to cheap cakes.

Just last evening I was in kroger buying eggs and sausage for breakfast and 2 ladies were looking over the cakes there and the conversation was

lady 1. you cant beat the prices they have on cakes here.

lady 2 I know arent they just so pretty.

lady 1 and walmart has the most talented ladies at their bakery. How they get away with selling them so cheap I'll never guess.

Lady 2. It doesnt hurt to have your own bakery on the premises. I bet their ovens are going night and day.

lady 1 well with the billions they make every year they can afford to sell cheap.

I wanted to laugh so bad.
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post #26 of 58
5/27/08 at 1:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CNCS

Lady 2. It doesnt hurt to have your own bakery on the premises. I bet their ovens are going night and day.



I think I saw this on another thread but it so applies here.....!

Walmart has ovens? icon_confused.gif
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Cake Cutting Guide: http://cateritsimple.blogspot.com/search/label/cake%20comb
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55969028@N00/
www.cateritsimple.blogspot.com
http://debiswritingcollection.blogspot.com/
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post #27 of 58
5/27/08 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by indydebi

Quote:
Originally Posted by CNCS

Lady 2. It doesnt hurt to have your own bakery on the premises. I bet their ovens are going night and day.



I think I saw this on another thread but it so applies here.....!

Walmart has ovens? icon_confused.gif



I was thinking the same thing! At least when you walk into a bakery, you smell something, cookies, brownies, cakes, whatever, but it's something. When at wal-mart standing at their cake counter you smell nothing!

Heck, my kids can smell my baking from the sidewalk outside, they'll run in the house going "where's the cookies (or brownies, or whatever it is I'm baking).
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post #28 of 58
5/27/08 at 2:17pm
not trying to jump on you here, but . . . why didn't you just TELL her at the time she handed you a $20 that it wasn't going to cover the cost? This is not that big a deal - you're the cake person, she isn't. she has no idea. She thinks it is eggs and sugar and flour, and thinks that it is cheap to do.
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post #29 of 58
5/27/08 at 2:23pm
I have the same problem. It is tough. It really isn't about growing a backbone, so don't let anyone tell you that. Its just that you are a sensitive person and a pleaser. What is wrong with that?? Well, besides the fact that you get walked all over icon_wink.gif I am working on my ability to charge people what my cakes are worth and you are absolutely right, they have no idea what they actually cost. When I first started my sister was like, "Well, just figure out your costs and then what your time is worth. The ingredients are probably, what 2...3 dollars?" I almost peed my pants! Don't I wish! I wish I didn't have to charge people what I do, but you just can't do it for less. Even for friends and family. If you do, you will get burnt out and quit.

A little tip that helps me. I do email really well. I can tell people whatever I need to about price and everything over email. If you have the opportunity to do it that way, try it. If nothing else, its good for practice.

I have to raise my prices again and its going to hurt telling people. One of my first cakes I actually said "Its $30. Is that okay?" Idiot, of course its okay, b/c that is what the price is. I can't believe I said that.

You're not alone. Keep it up, you are really good!

Danielle
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post #30 of 58
5/27/08 at 2:35pm
Also, a good thing to keep in mind regarding the Wal-Mart mentality is that people don't expect to go to Cheesecake Factory and get McDonald's prices, but for some reason, they think they will get gourmet, beautiful cakes that way. Remind them that you are not, in fact, McDonald's.
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