*Frustrated* More and more "just cake" people. *LO

awww.. hang in there! There are customers out there who are willing to pay for not only customization, but a better tasting cake! Eventually, they will come to you!

When that person calls back I would tell them that I was booked for that date. I am with Snocilla, stick with it and they will eventually come around. Do you have a website? That way people can see your prices before calling you so that they are not completely shocked.

I so understand. You can buy a 9" round decorated cake in Asda here for about £8-10. I would charge approx £35 depending on the amount of decoration and they are what! - so go to Asda. I only make cakes part time and work part time so am not desperate for their business its just the love of making them but people just dont understand the amount of time it takes to make these cakes, decorate and even plan them!
Dont let it put you off others know our worth x

It might be helpful to get a book on sales techniques. As my husband says "It's all about how you frame it."

Also, I always figure I'm going to go through about 10+ or more "lookie loos" before I come across someone serious. Knowing this it makes it easier when you don't get a sale.

I can pretty much sum up in a two minute conversation if I'm doing their cake or not. Things I listen for are:

Cake "lookie loo's" FIRST questions go like this:
~How much are your cakes?
~I need a cake three tiered cake for 20 people, what would you charge?
~I'm looking for a (simple, nothing fancy, baby shower cake) blah blah, what would you charge.
~I'm on a budget, and looking for ......(not that I don't expect people to not be on a budget, but if they lead with this sentence, I know that I probably won't be doing this cake.)
~I'm celebrating my 22nd birthday and I really like this cake (sends pic of elaborate cake for 70+ people) for 15 people. Could you send me a quote.


Serious cake buyers FIRST questions go more like this:
~My daughter is having her 40th birthday, and I was looking for someone who could make a purse cake with a lipstick, compact...something like that. Is that something you do? What is your availability?
~I need a cake for a baby shower, something cute, 25 people in blue and yellow...maybe with some daisies, or sunflowers, she likes anything cheerful.
~My mom is celebrating her 70th birthday, and she loves teacups....

*Note, a serious cake buyers doesn't lead with price because it's not their first concern, they usually lead with the design, occasion details, etc. Granted there are way fewer of these people around, but knowing this I spend more time with them on the phone, going over designs ideas, getting them excited about making the cake custom to them, easing into budgets, etc. If price doesn't come up at all for the first 15 minutes, that's a good sign.

The "lookie loos" I usually send them a "designer cakes start at _____," and go up from there email. Or, if they have sent me a pic...."That cake would run approx. ____, for ___ of people, addition charges apply for change in design, premium fillings and delivery. If I hear back from them...fine, but usually sending them a minimum order price is enough to weed out the "lookie loos".

We call those people shoppers at our bakery. Just ignore them they are everywhere not just in your town. Because some of them do end up coming to us after a few birthday cakes from grocery stores we are nice to them and just reply if we can help you in any way please don't hesitate to call us. Business is business, don't take it personally.

We all have had those people want a great custom cake for very few dollars. Compare it to this: Customer wants a dress. Calls you. You quote price. Caller says that she can get it at big box store for less dollars. How can you compare a custom made dress with one off the rack from the big box store? You can't. I have finally reached the stage, where when I quote my price,if the caller does not like this,then they need to go elsewhere. I mean,would you go into your local baker & haggle over the posted price of a cake because you wanted it cheaper & expect them to lower the price? Of course not! Stand firm knowing that your price is fair,your talent unique & your cakes yummy. As mentioned,sincere customers will come to you & also spread the word after they have tried your product & this will result in word of mouth customers which will FAR outweigh those that want something for nothing.

I actually think your response is fine, just said in a non-sarcastic manner. Lol!
Seriously, people need to understand that if they are ordering a CUSTOM cake then they are going to pay CUSTOM prices. There is nothing wrong with saying "I understand if that is out of your budget. Good luck in your search."

Then just move on to the next one (as frustrating as that can be to do )

I love when I hear/read people say "it's just a cake". Well ok, If it is "just a cake" then why don't you just go ahead, and whip one right up?

I used to be thrown by that too but am used to handling it now and you will get there too. My response usually goes something like this

"We all cater to different areas of the market. Wal-mart may be more within your budget and you are welcome to go there. What I offer is a made from scratch cake with real buttercream, real butter, real vanilla, all natural ingredients and is custom designed for each client, it is a high end product. I understand that different people have different tastes in what they want in their cake. If you are accustomed to a different style of cake that's ok."

What she said

Im so glad i found this topic,Im just starting out and came across this a few times,I totally agree with all the comments,esp tinygoose spot on!

Katiebelle has THEE perfect response! Everyone who sells cakes should print that and keep it by the phone!

For me I just try to keep in mind my experience when I bought my Car. I really really wanted the Lincoln Navigater but my budget fit the Mercury Mariner better Guess which one I got.
Oddly enough they would not sell me the Lincoln for the Mercury Price.

Tracy

same thing here, makes you want to give up cakes all together... But then you get people who really appreciate what you do and then you fall in love with cake again!
Here's how my last phone order went - only this lady wanted a 5 layer wedding cake.
I told her I needed $100.00 deposit, and she then had the nerve to say "well how much else to I have to give you for the whole cake?"
I mean 5 layer fondant, with crazy piping and tons of details... yeah, $100.00 wouldl cover that!!
needless to say I haven't heard back!
Jodi