Cupcake Prices....what Do You Charge?

Baking By lvspaisley Updated 25 Feb 2009 , 7:30am by calivettie

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lvspaisley Posted 11 Feb 2009 , 5:22am
post #1 of 10

My friend works as a medical sales rep and he asked me if I would occasionally do large quantities (think 200) of cupcakes for him. He has clearance from his boss to be reimbursed. I just do NOT know what to charge, because I have never charged before! It would be a doctored cake mix and Serious Cake's buttercream icing, with a double swirl on top, just like a soft-serve ice cream "look".

So what would you charge for that? And would whatever you charge for it include your supplies like liners, boxes to carry them in, etc?

Cupcake with swirl...how much?

Cupcake with swirl and sprinkles...how much?

Thanks icon_smile.gif

9 replies
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lainalee Posted 11 Feb 2009 , 5:53am
post #2 of 10

I usually charge 2-3x my cost. If you figure out all your costs, including liners, boxes, sprinkles, etc., and don't forget your time, clean up, dishsoap, etc. Then I would probably do a discount because of the quantity. You didn't mention any decoration?? If it is only a swirl of frosting, then note that on the bill (plain buttercream) or something like that, so next time if they want something more complicated, you can charge more for that. HTH

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sayhellojana Posted 11 Feb 2009 , 6:11am
post #3 of 10

Charge the same as you would per serving for cake. Cupcake is one serving anyway, and you don't have to fill it (but if you do - charge more)
HTH

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lvspaisley Posted 13 Feb 2009 , 12:19am
post #4 of 10

Okay, I have a new question....my friend said last night he will buy all my supplies. So how do I figure out what to charge for my time for 200 cupcakes if he purchases all my supplies ahead of time? Do I do an hourly charge or what??

Thanks again!

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cor39 Posted 13 Feb 2009 , 7:22pm
post #5 of 10

Yikes doesnt that complicate things more? I hope you find your answers - I am sure that will all of the combined knowledge here at cc, you will figure something out. Sorry I did not have an answer for you.

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cylstrial Posted 16 Feb 2009 , 12:12am
post #6 of 10

There are a couple of other cupcake priced threads going on in this forum right now. You should check them out as well.

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kandu001 Posted 21 Feb 2009 , 10:12pm
post #7 of 10

Don't forget that even if he buys the supplies, does that include the tins to bake them in and the oven and electricity? If not, don't forget those costs.

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Monkess Posted 25 Feb 2009 , 12:23am
post #8 of 10

I usually dont go for the -i will buy the supplies-line. This just complicates things, plus gives out your "trade secrets." Also then the customer thinks-WHAT that much just for baking and tossing everything together?
I charge a minimum $2/per cc. If this is going to be atleast 6-10 times a year, you could go a few cents down. At the end of the day you have to see if you would rather do nothing or get a set amount occassionally. Good luck!

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sgirvan Posted 25 Feb 2009 , 7:06am
post #9 of 10

Well, I am a medical sales rep also and we have LARGE budgets for client entertaining icon_biggrin.gif I often do things for my clients and charge the company I work for.
As for my cupcake prices, I usually charge $2.50 each or 1 dozen for $25. For doing 200 I would charge at least $300 and that is cheap as well as for BASIC design - swirl on top no special flavors, just basic.
Good luck thumbs_up.gif

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calivettie Posted 25 Feb 2009 , 7:30am
post #10 of 10

I charge the same as sgirvan for my cupcakes. And I would not do a discount for the cupcakes.

I definitely know how you may feel because I often have been tempted to give "bulk" discounts thinking how can i charge X amount for x amount? Or I didn't know they were ordering THAT many cupcakes, I should charge less, but why? It does not take any less time or supplies, not to mention storing and packaging this many cupcakes...

We, as decorators, must not forget that these people are coming to us for our CRAFT, if they could do these things themselves they would! They are not just paying for flour, sugar, etc... they are paying for our TALENT and time!!!

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