Cake Boss Software Calculating Program - Page 4

I just got Cake Boss for my birthday and I really love it.

I found that for my average cakes I was charging correctly already, and it has really helped me do the figuring for more complex cakes. I tend to price lower for friends, so it showed me how much of a discount I can give and still make profit.

I must be easily amused, but the first "real" invoice I printed out was soo exciting! I had been using an off the shelf receipt book.

And it is very user friendly and intuitive.

After readying this thread - even though it was started quite some time ago and there have been some recent posts - I think I am convinced that I need this software. I am officially opening my cake business as of April 1, 2011. Unfortunately, the county that I live in (California) does not allow me to work from home so I am forced to work out of a commissary/shared kitchen and pay by the hour for the facility. It will force me to increase my rates to cover the additional overhead (even though I know for a FACT that there are people who still work out of their homes in my area) to cover the cost and still make a profit.

So, my question is this: is there a way to input a commissary hourly fee in addition to the cake decoraters fee or should I just add what I would LIKE to get per hour on top of the kitchen hourly rate?

Also, can you customize the look of the invoices that are generated and can you import your name and logo onto them - like you can in Quickbooks?

Thanks for any comments!

Michal

I haven't gotten it all figured out yet, and I bought it some time ago, I just haven't been using it for my home orders, I bought it for a business that has been delayed time and time again....So, I can't answer all your questions, but, I know for a fact that you can put your logo in there. I did it, and it was really easy.

Ok - so I took the plunge and bought the software. I think I am figuring it out - for the most part. I am working on entering the master ingredients, mater materials, and recipes now. But a thought occured to me. This will work great for a straight-forward cake, filling and buttercream (and probably fondant) icing but how am I going to input specialty items - like gumpaste flowers, fondant decorations, etc.

Is anyone using the software for these types of things, and if so, do you mind sharing how you are approaching it?

Thanks!

I had seen Cake Boss mentioned on several threads and had heard people referring to the expense so I kind of blew it off assuming it was expensive. I'm a hobbyist so right now I don't charge for my cakes but after reading this thread I just watched the video. For a $150 (and a CC discount) this software is amazing well priced. It will probably save you $150 in the first month you use it just making sure you have your cost to profit ratio right. I spend hours in excel just trying to figure out what a recipe costs me and Cake Boss does all the work for me ...my time alone is worth the cost. I work in software and have to say I can't wait for the day I start my own cake business because CakeBoss will be the first thing I purchase. Actually I really want to buy it now but I really really don't need it since I don't charge or invoice but it would be great as a resource for understanding my cost and future needs if/when I do start a business.

For those of you waiting for the "online" version due to cost, if you cost out the software based on monthly expense, to buy the software right out it costs you $12.50 a month (not including the CC discount) and assuming you use the software only for a single year. If you think what you spend time wise managing orders and printing invoices and tracking cost ...this software literally costs you 41 cents a day. I can't imagine anyone even with a home based business wouldn't spend 41 cents a day to have an accurate tracking system of cost, orders and sales tax. And if you use it for two years, it's even cheaper.

OK I probably sound like a commercial but seriously I don't even have the product. I am just a computer geek and was just shocked at how inexpensive the software actually is for everything it offers. And from all the rave reviews I've read about it, it apparently is also a very useful stable product. Again going to show the cost to value ratio is really great for the business owner.

Ok I'll step off my soap box now

Great points!!!! I popped on here looking for reviews and you just helped me make up my mind....now I think YOU should buy it too...lol

Shaekae81
I am staying up tonight waiting to see if the cottage food bill in Texas is going to get moved on to the next stage. If this bill passes I will definately be buying CakeBoss.

I'm watching for that too. I am in Germany, but am a native Texan and hope to be going back when we're done here! Fingers crossed!

Does any one know if Cake boss works in the UK?

Thank you

Hi Karlis,
Yes the cakeboss software should work in the UK. It has metric and imperial conversions and according to their website it uses the currency set in your windows installation.
The Texas Cottage Food bill passed on a Friday and I bought the software that Monday. It was super easy to use. I've loaded my most popular recipes and ingredients. I even did a quote for a cake. It really gave me the confidence to charge a proper price. Our law goes into effect September 1 so that gives me plenty of time to get all my info loaded.

Thank you how do I check what currancy my windows is in? or will it automatically be in £'s ?? sorry not very computor savy!


Very pleased you are able to set up your business. Mine has been established for a while. But i need to be more organised and would love to have everything in one place at the moment I have all different excel sheets for different things, and I am rubbish at putting formulas in. I also think I am underpriceing.

Karlis,
Do you know what version if Windows you are running? Xp, windows 7?

Yes windows 7

It is in your Control Panel, Regional and Language Options.

Thank you so much I will pay my paypal invoice in a bit.

Hope I can work out how to use it and get on with it