New To Cake Decorating, Pricing?
Business By careylynn Updated 19 Jan 2010 , 10:02pm by ElegantOccasions
In my former life, I was a Controller for a large RE Management firm in NYC. I supervised 23 Senior, Junior and Staff Accountants. My way of teaching was to always let them know that no question was too stupid or insignificant to ask. If I had not had the patience to deal with them I probably would not have been able to keep my job for very long. We ask, because we want to know. And who better to ask than those with your experience and knowledge. Please be patient, we will learn. We don't want to be coddled, we want to be taught and eventually grow up to be just like you.
Maybe there should be a forum just for newbies. I too often feel intimidated or don't ask questions because I don't want to start some huge debate. I'm even nervous about writing this! lol It is very hard to tell who is being serious or sarcastic when it's being typed, and if you are a newbie, you will not know if someone is "always like that".
Your cake is beautiful. I also would have a question about pricing a cake like that. I understand having a base price for buttercream and fondant, but when you're adding a lot of detail, that's where it gets confusing for me!
You know thats the funny thing to me. I always see C.C. as one big family. And family may not always like each other, but they always love each other. Thats why I never understand why everyone gets so upset, instead of taking for people for how they are.
We are one big family.....mostly sweet with a few nuts mixed in! Not saying who those nuts are but.....
Anyway.....I'm still trying to figure out how an adult can be "intimidated" or "afraid" to post something on a public forum...... 
I PROMISE you the internet ghosts will not be hunting you down for posting here. 
To the OP....not to discourage you but just to give you something to think about.....it takes a lot more then posting a cake on FB and printing up some business cards to start a cake business.
Making cakes is a VERY small part of this business.
I wouldn't rush into anything until you've researched the heck out of it.
Great job on that cake btw and the bike is awesome.
True, every time I see a question about pricing I know there's gonna be some pros jumping in to bash the newbie. I couldn't agree more that if you're tired of the questions then don't respond. It's like some people get off by belittling those who are less experienced. If you're so tired of the pricing questions (and I know there are a lot of them) then why do you even bother to click on the thread when you see the subject?
I do believe that a lot of people on here are WAY too sensitive, but there are also times when people are just mean. If there's nothing constructive in your post, then it's just mean and unnecessary.
Maybe we need a sticky post - or at least something stored on CC that can be cut and pasted when a newbie arrives and asks the inevitable? We could list all the aspects of pricing/starting a business (ie where you need to start etc) to gently guide those people into the right directions.
I do understand being excited about creating a gorgeous cake and wanting immediate feedback, and questions like "how much to charge?" may often be out of curiosity when someone is contemplating going from a hobby to a career. Its like - "Can I make a living out of this?" Which of course, is where experienced cakers can pitch in with ALL the considerations one should include in deciding to go into business 
Like it or not, a newbiew is NOT going to search through millions of forum topics and quotes from the experts (and btw, how do they know who are the experts?) to glean the necessary info. We all want to be heard and responded to personally...which is why they put it out there and ask in the first place. If we had a standard "starters package" to guide a newbie through all the considerations, then we can still address them personally and offer that individual touch, which is the vital point of posting in a public forum after all.
Just my $0.02. I do not wish to offend anyone - new or old. Just trying to help
Cheers
Eve
Like it or not, a newbiew is NOT going to search through millions of forum topics and quotes from the experts (and btw, how do they know who are the experts?) to glean the necessary info. We all want to be heard and responded to personally...which is why they put it out there and ask in the first place. If we had a standard "starters package" to guide a newbie through all the considerations, then we can still address them personally and offer that individual touch, which is the vital point of posting in a public forum after all.
Why not?
There's a ton of great information already on here, and you don't have to wait for a reply. Why would you not do a search?
I just don't get it.
That's a good $0.02.
I found the response to one of my first questions quite forthright, I thought something I might do was a bit rude, and someone asked outright "why is it rude?" and that made me think...Yeah, why?? And I prefer people to be upfront. Just me. But I also try to live by the motto, if there's a good way and a bad way that you can take something, take it the good way (ie if there is the vague possibility that it was a joke, take it as such). But the intro page might be a good idea, I've had a look at the sticky topics on pricing, and the pricing matrix, and I can't find what I'm looking for in there, maybe looking in the wrong place.
It would seem to me that most questions from newbies, jrs, frequent members and super stars are answered directly and courteously. All except for pricing questions. Pricing questions always seem to throw people for a loop. Don't know why. Is it an insult to professionals when a person wants to know what she should charge for a cake? I've even seen a post where the question was asked as a joke by one of our Forum Superstars. What's the deal? Why so much sensitivity regarding pricing questions? I don't get it. It's not the same person asking, it's different people with different types of cake. Why is this considered an inane subject?
I think a sticky would be a great idea. And as far as newbies searching, if the search feature for CC works for them the same as it works for me, I can understand why they wouldn't bother - it's horrible! I know I've heard you can google it and add cake central to the end to get posts for CC, but they may not realize that is a way to do it. Though I'm sure there are other reasons - just sayin!
Like it or not, a newbiew is NOT going to search through millions of forum topics and quotes from the experts (and btw, how do they know who are the experts?) to glean the necessary info. We all want to be heard and responded to personally...which is why they put it out there and ask in the first place. If we had a standard "starters package" to guide a newbie through all the considerations, then we can still address them personally and offer that individual touch, which is the vital point of posting in a public forum after all.
Why not?
There's a ton of great information already on here, and you don't have to wait for a reply. Why would you not do a search?
I just don't get it.
I guess its because like I said, people want the personal response to a query sometimes, yanno? Especially if they are new and excited and finding it difficult to navigate what may seem like an established community of insiders. I am sure the same Newbies would spend a lot of time afterwards when their initial curiosity and need for acknowledgement has been satisfied.
At least I HOPE they would!
All I am saying is that I have seen this sort of Newbie post on this forum and many others (caking and otherwise) and a welcoming message with some pointers might be the right approach. Once people are familiar with a website they WILL do their own research I am positive. One website I am a member of have a "Let Me Introduce Myself" sort of forum page, where a Newbie can say hello and who they are, and what's on their mind, and an experienced forum member (or moderator) then usually swiftly directs them with some general information and links pertaining to their needs.
Not to insult Jackie or Heath, but I just entered cake pricing in the search box and came up with the posts for this OP. When I tried going to second page, it came up with nothing. So how do you do it?
Like it or not, a newbiew is NOT going to search through millions of forum topics and quotes from the experts (and btw, how do they know who are the experts?) to glean the necessary info. We all want to be heard and responded to personally...which is why they put it out there and ask in the first place. If we had a standard "starters package" to guide a newbie through all the considerations, then we can still address them personally and offer that individual touch, which is the vital point of posting in a public forum after all.
Why not?
There's a ton of great information already on here, and you don't have to wait for a reply. Why would you not do a search?
I just don't get it.
I guess its because like I said, people want the personal response to a query sometimes, yanno? Especially if they are new and excited and finding it difficult to navigate what may seem like an established community of insiders. I am sure the same Newbies would spend a lot of time afterwards when their initial curiosity and need for acknowledgement has been satisfied.
At least I HOPE they would!
All I am saying is that I have seen this sort of Newbie post on this forum and many others (caking and otherwise) and a welcoming message with some pointers might be the right approach. Once people are familiar with a website they WILL do their own research I am positive. One website I am a member of have a "Let Me Introduce Myself" sort of forum page, where a Newbie can say hello and who they are, and what's on their mind, and an experienced forum member (or moderator) then usually swiftly directs them with some general information and links pertaining to their needs.
That happens here as well. JanH is very good for posting all kind of threads that give people great guidelines when a person new to the site introduces themselves. But I must say, I have people ask questions followed with they don't have the time to do the research. 
So, we should do it for them? And as far as pricing, it always helps when the question is more direct then general. For example, the OP really was wanting to know if it was appropiate to charge full price as a begginer. That is a much better question then "How much for this cake"? Cause that kind of sounds like you don't care enough to want to do any research, and want us to do it for you.
You honestly don't think this statement was rude?:
"Besides how serious can you be if you just put a picture on Facebook, got some request and are calling it a business."
And she never called it a business. She asked if we thought it was too early to start a business.
I did state that I think many people who come on are way too sensitive (and I myself have very thick skin), but that didn't sound like "teasing" to me. It just seemed uncalled for.
Not to insult Jackie or Heath, but I just entered cake pricing in the search box and came up with the posts for this OP. When I tried going to second page, it came up with nothing. So how do you do it?
When that happens to me, I have to go to "search" by going under "forums" first. Sometimes if you just do a general search and then click on the results that appear under forums, you won't actually be taken to the results.
This is getting interesting, lol. I think I am beginning to understand this forum thing a little more now. Thank you to all the nice comments about my cake. I really was just asking what a beginner should charge for a cake, not " what is this cake worth?" . I think I have figured out pricing after doing my own research and thinking for myself. I won't sell myself short but at the same time I know I can't charge big money either because of lack of experience. For now on, I will be careful what I question as to not piss anyone off. At first I was offended and a little hurt, but now, not so much. I get it. I'm a newbie . I'll do my own research before I ask...thanks again for all your help (and entertainment, for that matter!)
You all have a great night!
kudos TO YOU Careylynn. BTW your cake is fantastic.
Not to insult Jackie or Heath, but I just entered cake pricing in the search box and came up with the posts for this OP. When I tried going to second page, it came up with nothing. So how do you do it?
When that happens to me, I have to go to "search" by going under "forums" first. Sometimes if you just do a general search and then click on the results that appear under forums, you won't actually be taken to the results.
No, the search function is lacking a LOT. What? I have no clue. Ijust know that Google is da bomb. So instead of spinning your wheels using the search function in here, go to Google. Go to advanced search, and check the box where it says search only on a particular website. Put in Cake Central, and every darned tootin thread in this place that is about pricing will pop up. From there, pick and choose which looks relevant.
http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en
Right here.
Angela and Jamie:
Thank you for searc tips.
Not to insult Jackie or Heath, but I just entered cake pricing in the search box and came up with the posts for this OP. When I tried going to second page, it came up with nothing. So how do you do it?
When that happens to me, I have to go to "search" by going under "forums" first. Sometimes if you just do a general search and then click on the results that appear under forums, you won't actually be taken to the results.
I agree. I get more results when I search this way. I've also used google advanced search.
Well, we could ask for Google search to be upgraded into the website, but that would be cost prohibitive.
OP - I think it's been said before, but there is no beginner price. Charge what gets you PAID for your time and talent (plus ingredients, natch). If a cake is awesome it doesn't matter if a beginner or a seasoned pro made it, they're the same cake (okay, so Duff can charge insanely more than we can, but he's got national TV recognition, that's not even in the realm of normal).
Also careylynn this question is asked nearly everyday there are literally hundreds of threads covering this very topic that can be searched for first. It does become tiresome to continue to answer the same question over & over again when all it would take is a little searching and reading on a newbies part to get the answers they are looking for.
It's true though. I'm fairly new to the forums myself but with over 250,000 different people on this site you would think that you would take the time to read over the plethora of information that is at your fingertips. And people do get sick of asking about pricing. Personally I've read over all the information and not asked because I KNOW better. You read, you learn, you become educated on something.
I agree with LaBellaFor, if you care enough about something you're going to do an unlimited amount of research if you actually care about something enough to spend the next 20 year and 10,000-100,000+ diving into something.
For the most part things are common sense, most of the people that post on here are in every post and you can tell if they're a moderator or a company owner if you stay in the forum posts long enough.. you know when some people talk to listen because you know they know what they're talking about... hobbyist or business owner...
I don't know how she didn't understand that Mensh was joking.. because right after she said 19.99 she said SERIOUSLY NOW... (meaning she wasn't being serious before that... again common sense).
... and as far as people being too sensitive... I think that's funny for most of the people that want to get into this business because one of the main rules of business is to never underestimate your competition. Just think about when you're trying to sell more cakes than the bakery around the corner that's been there since your grandmother was a kid or that bride that comes into your shop throws a hissy fit in front of all your customers and blatantly lies to make you look bad. You can't cry, you can't get mad (at least unprofessionally), you know? It's not personal, it's business. Every time. Even with friends and family.
This is definitely not the place to be sensitive. It's a place to network, get to know people, learn about things and have a good time (with much humor and care)
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