Pricing Cakes

Decorating By Jeliz Updated 25 Sep 2010 , 3:59pm by jules5000

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Jeliz Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:06pm
post #1 of 68

I am new at cake decorating and would love some tips on pricing. I have read about charge per serving for fondant cakes, but would like to get ideas of what people are charging for BC cakes.

For example, I have a client who would like an Abby Cadabby cake and she wanted me to use the Wilton pan (which I won't use because they're only for home use, thank God because that's too much piping work). My second option would be to create a cake that serves 60, and I'm thinking about using little Abby Cadabby characters.

Long story short, how much would you guys charge for a BC cake that serves 60?

Thanks!

67 replies
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Kiddiekakes Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:16pm
post #2 of 68

I charge $3.00 per serving for tiered cakes so for 60 servings...That would be $180.00

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Jeliz Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:22pm
post #3 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiddiekakes

I charge $3.00 per serving for tiered cakes so for 60 servings...That would be $180.00





So how much would you charge if the cake wasn't tiered?

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Kiddiekakes Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:24pm
post #4 of 68

I still charge $3.00 per serving..$5.00 if it is fondant covered.The only thing I charge less for is cupcake cakes because they require no filling and don't have 4 sides to ice and smooth.

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Jeliz Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:24pm
post #5 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiddiekakes

I still charge $3.00 per serving..$5.00 if it is fondant covered.The only thing I charge less for is cupcake cakes because they require no filling and don't have 4 sides to ice and smooth.




Thank you!

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KHalstead Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:26pm
post #6 of 68

I charge a separate price for sheet cakes (2" high cakes)
individual cakes (4" high)
and tiered cakes


sheet cakes are around $.75/serv.
individual cakes are $1.00/serv.
Tiered cakes are $2.25/serv.

this is for all bc

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Kiddiekakes Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 7:27pm
post #7 of 68

No Problem!!

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Jeliz Posted 19 Apr 2010 , 9:11pm
post #8 of 68

Adding more to this.

So the client wants something like this (the center cake would be more intricate):
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1500513

How much would you then charge?

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KHalstead Posted 20 Apr 2010 , 1:05pm
post #9 of 68

I'd be charging $1.00/serv. for the middle cake (if it's all decorated in bc regardless of how intricate, this would be my price)

For the other 2 cakes, since they're cut in half I'd charge a 2-D carved charge which is $2.00/serv. because of the added hassle of icing the raw cut edge of the cake and making sure the 2 halves are cut exactly the same size, etc.

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costumeczar Posted 20 Apr 2010 , 1:21pm
post #10 of 68

Just an FYI, reproducing the copyrighted characters is illegal unless you have permission, whether you use the Wilton pan or not.

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dreamcakesmom Posted 20 Apr 2010 , 1:46pm
post #11 of 68

where are you located? That will have a big influence on how much you would be able to chrge. The cake you showed which is really basic I would charge only $2.75 per serving which is my base buttercream cake pricing

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prterrell Posted 20 Apr 2010 , 6:25pm
post #12 of 68

This is my honest opinion, and you can think I'm a witch for saying so all you want, but if you are new to cake decorating and have very little experience, you shouldn't be selling cakes.

And I know this is also isn't what you asked, but have you checked to see if selling cakes out of your house is even legal where you live? And if it is, have you gone through all the steps required to have your home based business licensed and inspected? Have you purchased insurance? There is a LOT more to selling cakes than the baking and decorating of them.


I know I'm going to get jumped on for saying these things, but I'm just being honest and trying to make sure you don't get into trouble.

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costumeczar Posted 20 Apr 2010 , 8:21pm
post #13 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by prterrell

This is my honest opinion, and you can think I'm a witch for saying so all you want, but if you are new to cake decorating and have very little experience, you shouldn't be selling cakes.

And I know this is also isn't what you asked, but have you checked to see if selling cakes out of your house is even legal where you live? And if it is, have you gone through all the steps required to have your home based business licensed and inspected? Have you purchased insurance? There is a LOT more to selling cakes than the baking and decorating of them.


I know I'm going to get jumped on for saying these things, but I'm just being honest and trying to make sure you don't get into trouble.




You shouldn't get jumped on for pointing out reality! icon_biggrin.gif

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 1:50am
post #14 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by prterrell

This is my honest opinion, and you can think I'm a witch for saying so all you want, but if you are new to cake decorating and have very little experience, you shouldn't be selling cakes.

And I know this is also isn't what you asked, but have you checked to see if selling cakes out of your house is even legal where you live? And if it is, have you gone through all the steps required to have your home based business licensed and inspected? Have you purchased insurance? There is a LOT more to selling cakes than the baking and decorating of them.


I know I'm going to get jumped on for saying these things, but I'm just being honest and trying to make sure you don't get into trouble.




Just seeing this. Well since you felt compelled to share your opinion, I feel compelled to respond. If I was looking for legal advice I would've consulted an attorney. I don't see how your response contributed to the discussion, you didn't answer the question.

On another note, I'm very happy to report that being a newbie to cake decorating hasn't made an ounce of difference. I'm getting plenty of orders and have happy customers time after time. People learn at different rates and I happen to be a fast learner. Don't pass judgment on someone until you have all the facts in front of you (this includes making statements about running an illegal business).

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 1:52am
post #15 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by costumeczar

Just an FYI, reproducing the copyrighted characters is illegal unless you have permission, whether you use the Wilton pan or not.




So is this your legal opinion? I didn't realize that I was posting in that section.

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 1:53am
post #16 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamcakesmom

where are you located? That will have a big influence on how much you would be able to chrge. The cake you showed which is really basic I would charge only $2.75 per serving which is my base buttercream cake pricing




Thank you for responding directly to the question and not passing judgement.

thumbs_up.gif

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NatD Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 2:27am
post #17 of 68

Jeliz I'm agree with you 100%! like you said if you wanted legal advice you'd ask for it....TOO many people on here are too quick to remind everyone of the legal aspects....like you also stated how do they even know if you are legal or not? and to say just because you are new that you shouldn't be charging???? what the heck is that all about! Just because someone is new at something doesn't mean they are not good at it...some of the so called "veteran" decorators work i've seen if not as great as some of the so called newbie decorators....so no one should pass judgement on anyone...

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Coral3 Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 2:57am
post #18 of 68

icon_eek.gif Your cakes are great...you have people who want to buy them...so why SHOULDNT you set up selling them?! Whether you're 'new' to cake decorating or not!! Don't take any notice of others who feel like they can look down their noses at you, or have some strange need to put you in your place just because they've been decorating longer than you - what snobbery!

Sorry, I can't actually help you with your question, I haven't started selling my cakes (yet!) icon_redface.gif

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costumeczar Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 12:43pm
post #19 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeliz

Quote:
Originally Posted by costumeczar

Just an FYI, reproducing the copyrighted characters is illegal unless you have permission, whether you use the Wilton pan or not.



So is this your legal opinion? I didn't realize that I was posting in that section.




Not an opinion, it's the fact about how copyrights work. Maybe you should look it up before you sell things that aren't legal to sell.

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:13pm
post #20 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by costumeczar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeliz

Quote:
Originally Posted by costumeczar

Just an FYI, reproducing the copyrighted characters is illegal unless you have permission, whether you use the Wilton pan or not.



So is this your legal opinion? I didn't realize that I was posting in that section.



Not an opinion, it's the fact about how copyrights work. Maybe you should look it up before you sell things that aren't legal to sell.




Again I'll repeat, if I wanted a legal opinion, I would've asked for it. I'm quite aware of legalese involved with copyright, but that's not what I asked. If you don't have an answer that can contribute to the question, then move on and don't post. Stop trying to look down on me, I'm not easily intimidated. Move on!

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:15pm
post #21 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by NatD

Jeliz I'm agree with you 100%! like you said if you wanted legal advice you'd ask for it....TOO many people on here are too quick to remind everyone of the legal aspects....like you also stated how do they even know if you are legal or not? and to say just because you are new that you shouldn't be charging???? what the heck is that all about! Just because someone is new at something doesn't mean they are not good at it...some of the so called "veteran" decorators work i've seen if not as great as some of the so called newbie decorators....so no one should pass judgement on anyone...




Hahaha right? People don't phase me, I know where I stand. The wonderful thing is that people don't determine my altitude, only God does. People just feel the need to give their opinions to feel better about themselves. The reality is, nobody really cares.

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:18pm
post #22 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coral3

icon_eek.gif Your cakes are great...you have people who want to buy them...so why SHOULDNT you set up selling them?! Whether you're 'new' to cake decorating or not!! Don't take any notice of others who feel like they can look down their noses at you, or have some strange need to put you in your place just because they've been decorating longer than you - what snobbery!

Sorry, I can't actually help you with your question, I haven't started selling my cakes (yet!) icon_redface.gif




Thank you!!! Yours are wonderful as well. When the CEO of my company (very large one at that) came to me personally to ask for some cakes to celebrate two 30th anniversaries, I knew I had what it took.

To this day he is my #1 fan and calls me "The Cake Boss" of my company. Best part is, a year ago I had no idea how to frost a simple cake. That's what the power of my God does, he exalts me. When people try to put me down, he reminds me where I stand.

icon_biggrin.gificon_lol.gif

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costumeczar Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:24pm
post #23 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeliz

Quote:
Originally Posted by NatD

Jeliz I'm agree with you 100%! like you said if you wanted legal advice you'd ask for it....TOO many people on here are too quick to remind everyone of the legal aspects....like you also stated how do they even know if you are legal or not? and to say just because you are new that you shouldn't be charging???? what the heck is that all about! Just because someone is new at something doesn't mean they are not good at it...some of the so called "veteran" decorators work i've seen if not as great as some of the so called newbie decorators....so no one should pass judgement on anyone...



Hahaha right? People don't phase me, I know where I stand. The wonderful thing is that people don't determine my altitude, only God does. People just feel the need to give their opinions to feel better about themselves. The reality is, nobody really cares.




I'm glad that you like yourself so much, that's very nice. Did you stop to consider that you might be able to learn something from people on here though? Not everyone who offers advice is trying to tear others down, they might just be suggesting something that they think could be helpful. There are a lot of people who are on here who know a lot about running a business, but I guess if you don't want to hear what you don't want to hear that's on you. Have a lovely day.

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:31pm
post #24 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by costumeczar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeliz

Quote:
Originally Posted by NatD

Jeliz I'm agree with you 100%! like you said if you wanted legal advice you'd ask for it....TOO many people on here are too quick to remind everyone of the legal aspects....like you also stated how do they even know if you are legal or not? and to say just because you are new that you shouldn't be charging???? what the heck is that all about! Just because someone is new at something doesn't mean they are not good at it...some of the so called "veteran" decorators work i've seen if not as great as some of the so called newbie decorators....so no one should pass judgement on anyone...



Hahaha right? People don't phase me, I know where I stand. The wonderful thing is that people don't determine my altitude, only God does. People just feel the need to give their opinions to feel better about themselves. The reality is, nobody really cares.



I'm glad that you like yourself so much, that's very nice. Did you stop to consider that you might be able to learn something from people on here though? Not everyone who offers advice is trying to tear others down, they might just be suggesting something that they think could be helpful. There are a lot of people who are on here who know a lot about running a business, but I guess if you don't want to hear what you don't want to hear that's on you. Have a lovely day.




I'm not disagreeing with you about giving helpful advice. There's a way of doing so without sounding condescending, which you did. I take advice very well, when it's well intentioned. Your comments were out of base. There was a better way of saying it. The next time you try to give "helpful" advice, consider the way your words are coming across before you hit that submit button.

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costumeczar Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 5:38pm
post #25 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeliz


I'm not disagreeing with you about giving helpful advice. There's a way of doing so without sounding condescending, which you did. I take advice very well, when it's well intentioned. Your comments were out of base. There was a better way of saying it. The next time you try to give "helpful" advice, consider the way your words are coming across before you hit that submit button.




How is pointing out that it's a copyrighted image even if it's not the pan being condescending? You had said that you wouldn't use the Wilton pan because it was home use only, and you were still going to do the cake. To any rational person that would say that you don't understand the copyright issue. Have a lovely day.

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sadsmile Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 6:19pm
post #26 of 68

I fail to see how warning someone of possible liability issues and fines and trouble is condescending. If you are fortunate to live in one of the few places that you can legally bake from home then that's wonderful for you. However if you do not and have not looked into it... the advice is top notch and should be thanked for the special concern and heads up. When someone who knows the industry(since you are new-skilled but still new)says hey you might get in trouble and takes the time to warn you - that's a nice thing to do. That's like- hey the police are stationed down the road- don't speed.
People get way to heated over this issue to quickly. If it's legal for you then great, if it's not... don't come asking for business advice if you don't have a legal/legitimate business.

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mkolmar Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 6:29pm
post #27 of 68

I just love how those with knowledge and successful businesses are blasted on this forum as being snobs when they offer advice. Learn from those who know the business end and the legalities of cake. They are just trying to help you, not attack you.

Now as far as what to charge no one can really tell you. If you want to have successful business you need to figure out what your costs are, including electric, drive time, how much per hour you want to make....etc.
People live in many different areas on here so you won't get a good answer for where you live without doing the back work yourself since your costs will more than likely be way different than theirs.

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Texas_Rose Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 6:42pm
post #28 of 68

You posted the question in April. Why would you decide to come back seven months later and pick a fight with the people who were trying to help you? I don't get it. thumbsdown.gifthumbsdown.gif

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CakeDiva101 Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 6:57pm
post #29 of 68

Well, to the question at hand: your pricing will depend on the area you live. I had a hard time coming up with my pricing in the beginning. So, this is what I did and it worked for me: I have a serving price for different cakes. Ex: sheet cake serving is x $. tiered cake ix xx$ , cupcakes are xxx$, and so on. I called several reputable bakeries (not grocery stores) and compared their prices because I did not price myself over the local market. Some people charge by the hour worked but I'm new at this and I will take longer than others to do a cake. I will take my time to look the way I want. I have another business ( a nail salon, 25 years ) and when I opened in New York and then moved to FLorida, I used the same approach to find my prices. GOd luck to you. YOur cakes are beautiful icon_biggrin.gif

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Jeliz Posted 22 Sep 2010 , 7:01pm
post #30 of 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

You posted the question in April. Why would you decide to come back seven months later and pick a fight with the people who were trying to help you? I don't get it. thumbsdown.gifthumbsdown.gif




I didn't "decide" to come back 7 months later and pick a fight with anyone. I don't post on many forums and didn't receive any notification so I never replied to it. This is once again a "get your facts straight before you comment" situation.

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