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what if they don't ask how much you charge?

post #1 of 81
12/12/09 at 9:46pm
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If someone orders something from you and they don't ask what you charge, do you tell them? I know I charge more than some in my area and would hate for customers to be shocked when they come to pick up their order. What do you do or what would you do?
You can either be thin and wrinkly or you can eat another piece of cake and fluff those things out!
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You can either be thin and wrinkly or you can eat another piece of cake and fluff those things out!
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post #2 of 81
12/12/09 at 10:03pm
I would definitely make sure they know the price before you make the cake.
Beautiful cakes are made with eggs not egos

My website: www.sugarandslicecakes.com
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Beautiful cakes are made with eggs not egos

My website: www.sugarandslicecakes.com
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#/pages/Sugar-and-Slice-Cakes/153424644414?ref=nf
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post #3 of 81
12/12/09 at 10:06pm
I've had that happen and it doesn't turn out well. I'd send them an email/fax with the details of the cake and the cost. Ask them to confirm that you have all the details right. Then wait.
The life so short, the craft so long to learn...(Chaucer)
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The life so short, the craft so long to learn...(Chaucer)
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post #4 of 81
12/12/09 at 10:17pm
definately tell them what you are charging prior to doing any order.
i cant believe someone would order anything and not ask how much? plus you dont want to go through all the time and effort-not to mention expense if they arent willing to pay.
i think telling them ahead of time will avoid any conflict.
Wilton Method Instructor. If you're lucky enough to be on a beach...you're lucky enough.
DANCE as though no one is watching you, LOVE as though you have never been hurt before, SING as though no one can hear you, LIVE as though heaven is on earth...souza
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Wilton Method Instructor. If you're lucky enough to be on a beach...you're lucky enough.
DANCE as though no one is watching you, LOVE as though you have never been hurt before, SING as though no one can hear you, LIVE as though heaven is on earth...souza
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post #5 of 81
12/12/09 at 11:19pm
It's your responsibility to let them know the cost of the cake.

I can't imagine not telling the client the cost of the cake ahead of time. It's unprofessional.

What if they ordered a fancy cake that costs $238, but expect grocery store prices?
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post #6 of 81
12/12/09 at 11:44pm
What Mensch said.

Just out of curiosity, why would you NOT tell them how much it's going to be up front? 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 #7 of 81
12/13/09 at 4:52am
If they don't know, and you don't tell, how do you get a deposit?

Mike
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post #8 of 81
12/13/09 at 5:38am
I actually hate when people call to order cakes (usually they are friends or aquaintences) and they don't ask how much. Then I always have to find a place in the conversation to interject the price. I hate that, but it has to be done.
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post #9 of 81
12/13/09 at 5:46am
When I get ones who do not ask. Once they have finished telling me all the servings and so forth, I say "Alright, let me get your total here..." That way if there is any question as to if they don't want to pay, you know right away.

I have gotten a few that seemed a little shocked, by silence. But they ordered anyways. With those, I always call the day or two before to confirm their order.
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post #10 of 81
12/13/09 at 6:08am
How on God's green splendid earth would someone not know how much their cake cost before picking it up? That cake should be paid in full at the latest (too late for me, but I know some do it this late) a day or so before baking. Come on! You aren't the Dominoes Pizza boy, this isn't cash and carry!
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post #11 of 81
12/13/09 at 6:24am
icon_confused.gif

You don't have contracts? icon_eek.gif
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post #12 of 81
12/13/09 at 7:27am
this happens to me all the time. I live in a pretty small community, and there are a lot of "seasoned citizens" who actually get downright ornery when you tell them the price. They don't like talking about the money, I think some of them were brought up to think its rude to speak about money. Weird. I have had a couple orders that I realized after we spoke that I never gave them a price. Definitely sweat those out. But those are small orders- $25 or so, not hundreds.
This is why I love email! I can think ahead of time, and they can get over their sticker shock before they respond. Happiness all around.
life is short, get a cakesafe.
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life is short, get a cakesafe.
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post #13 of 81
12/13/09 at 7:44am
For those that have a difficult time with the "money" part of this business, here's a good "ice breaker".

When a potential client phones or e-mails you about a cake, the first words out of your mouth (or fingers if typing) should be "what is your budget?".

Please, don't ever start making a cake without telling the client how much you are charging for that cake......that's not fair to you or the client.

Price is the first thing on my mind when a potential client contacts me....I am in this business to make money. icon_wink.gif
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post #14 of 81
12/13/09 at 7:50am
I have never run into this problem. I always get paid before I turn on my oven. It's not wise to wait until pick up/drop off to get your money. This is how you get screwed. I don't have a formal contract for every cake. On most party cakes I use the invoice as the contract and it has everything listed out on it regarding the cake's decor and flavors and the like. I send them 2 copies... one they keep and one they sign and send back to me. HOWEVER... all of my customers know how much their cakes will cost them before I show up with the cake.

I don't make everyday ordinary birthday cakes... I have a $100.00 minimum order... but even if I was doing $50 sheetcakes I would get paid before I made the cake. There is no excuse for not letting a client know how much their cake costs up front. You have to get over feeling uncomfortable about bringing up price. You are in business now and there is no room for beating around the bush. Not being up front with your customers is bad form really...
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post #15 of 81
12/13/09 at 8:19am
If it's a complicated design, "I'll call you back with your total.". If it's a simple cake, "The total for that is..."
"Be the change you want to see in the world."- Mahatma Gandhi

miniature cake tutorial

http://www.youtube.com/user/MyNewSneakers?feature=mhsn
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"Be the change you want to see in the world."- Mahatma Gandhi

miniature cake tutorial

http://www.youtube.com/user/MyNewSneakers?feature=mhsn
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