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*Frustrated* More and more "just cake" people. *LO - Page 2

post #16 of 52
6/20/10 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen421

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? icon_biggrin.gif

.



So true- people don't realize the hours put into designing/baking/decorating a cake. Let them take that fancy request into walmart and see what they say- nope 'pre-made frozen cakes' just don't fit that mold of unique and custom.

Whipping one up for themselves! Now that's a sarcastic comment I'd love to say!
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post #17 of 52
6/20/10 at 8:51am
i guess i must be the odd man out, because i don't mind paying good money for what i want, but i also want to know up front a price point that my needs are going to be...i tell them what i want and then ask how much it will be..usually within the same breath. if someone dismissively put me off or gave me a bland, generic response because i asked for the price up front, i'd feel compelled to ask somebody else the questions.

people with money to spend didn't usually get that way by not thinking about money first.
the early bird may get the worm, indeed, but the second mouse is the one who gets the cheese!
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the early bird may get the worm, indeed, but the second mouse is the one who gets the cheese!
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post #18 of 52
6/20/10 at 9:16am
I think in your situation, I would first tell the callers what other posters have mentioned, that your cakes or customized for each customer, that the cakes are better quality and then offer them a taste sample.

I'm thinking that tasting one of your cakes would make people want to pay more. Maybe not the first time, but after having tasted the Wallmart cake they will return to you for their next cake. And then tell their friends and family that your cakes are better.

And please don't be sarcastic when they call icon_lol.gif I know it's hard, I do it often myself, but there is nothing worse when calling someone than to be met by sarcasm.
There is no better therapy than baking a cake - well, perhaps eating it.

Take care of the Earth, it's the only one we've got.
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There is no better therapy than baking a cake - well, perhaps eating it.

Take care of the Earth, it's the only one we've got.
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post #19 of 52
6/20/10 at 12:19pm
thanks KayMc!
also figured I would mention (assuming it's a bday and not a wedding) then on a really good day I also add in something along the lines of.....

please keep me in mind if you have an event come up where you would like to try a high end cake.
www.katiebelles.com
www.facebook.com/kblackwellmartin
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www.katiebelles.com
www.facebook.com/kblackwellmartin
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post #20 of 52
6/20/10 at 1:16pm
Oh boy, Katiebelle! Your responses get better and better!!!!! icon_biggrin.gif
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post #21 of 52
6/20/10 at 1:36pm
-.
Tommy's favorite song? Roll roll roll your goat
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Tommy's favorite song? Roll roll roll your goat
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post #22 of 52
6/20/10 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much everyone for your encouraging words and advice. I think I will start saying something along the lines of what Katiebelle said. Gotta remember to print that out and hang it by the phone. I just let this get to me too much I guess. It's just really hard to stay happy when this seems to be the only calls or emails I'm getting lately.

Oh, and in response to minivixen, I have a site that has my prices, cake size, and how many servings for that size of cake as well. If the customer had gone to my website they would have had my prices up front. So, either the customer didn't go to my website, or thought they would call and try to get me to go cheaper than what my website said. Either way, I totally agree with you that I don't mind paying good money for what I want, which is exactly why I don't understand why so many people think that custom should cost the same as Walmart.
Dream Big, Work Hard & Be Blessed!!!

Supremely Divine Cakes-My work in progress!!
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Dream Big, Work Hard & Be Blessed!!!

Supremely Divine Cakes-My work in progress!!
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post #23 of 52
6/20/10 at 1:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katiebelle74


please keep me in mind if you have an event come up where you would like to try a high end cake.



This.

Sometimes, if you just let it sink in, they will return after the 'sticker shock' has worn off.

Or not.

I used to be a manicurist and sometimes customers came into the shop and could not understand why the hairdressers charged more than the ones at Supercuts.

When I first started out doing nails, I was really nervous about pricing. Someone else in the business told me to say, "I do not compete by price, but by quality of service." I can tell you that when I did lower prices or throw in freebies, customers lost respect and did not appreciate the value.
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post #24 of 52
6/20/10 at 2:20pm
I often wonder if all these "it's just cake" people bat an eyelash at paying $40 for a steak in a restaurant. After all, it's just a slab of beef.

On the flip side, I've been able to calm down a few people this grad season by telling them it's just cake. At the grocery store I get A LOT of nervous mothers ordering their kid's grad party cake and they stress over the design, colors, message, etc. And they all don't want to pay a lot of money either. So if they get too neurotic, I ask them casually if the party is going to be an open house or is everyone going to get there at a certain time? Every time they say it's an open house. That's when I tell them, "In that case, you might just want to go with cupcakes or a scored sheet cake. Because you're going to get people that swing by more than half way through the party to just grab some food and all they'll see is a half eaten cake. So by going with a scored cake or cupcakes, you can still have a nice presentation at any time throughout the party." I give them this option in place of the sheet cakes that have the fancy piping and scrolls and a picture of the graduate, a grad cap topper and roses. Because no matter how pretty it starts, there's going to be people that come in half way through and see a half eaten cake. "Oh I'm sure it was very nice. . ."
"Focus on what you share in common, learn from what makes you different, support each other through struggles, and celebrate each others' success."

Check out my buttercream rose tutorial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGa5j46Z05c
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"Focus on what you share in common, learn from what makes you different, support each other through struggles, and celebrate each others' success."

Check out my buttercream rose tutorial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGa5j46Z05c
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post #25 of 52
6/20/10 at 2:25pm
It's interesting to read this today. I was sitting with a woman yesterday discussing my cake business. I told her MY cost for making a certain cake. She laughed and said why does it cost that much when you can buy one at Walmart for $$$$. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!! He leaned forward and said, "she puts fresh eggs, cream and butter in her cakes, you won't find anything fresh in ANY Walmart bakery"
Needless to say, the lady couldn't argue with his point and totally agreed that my cost was a very fair price.
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post #26 of 52
6/20/10 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MomMiller

It's interesting to read this today. I was sitting with a woman yesterday discussing my cake business. I told her MY cost for making a certain cake. She laughed and said why does it cost that much when you can buy one at Walmart for $$$$. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!! He leaned forward and said, "she puts fresh eggs, cream and butter in her cakes, you won't find anything fresh in ANY Walmart bakery"
Needless to say, the lady couldn't argue with his point and totally agreed that my cost was a very fair price.



People at my job often ask when the cake is going to be baked for a saturday order. I pretend to think for a second and say, "A few months prior. We get all our cake and frosting shipped in prebaked and frozen. I think the expiration date on the cakes in our freezer right now are sometime next summer."

icon_razz.gif Is that too much information? icon_twisted.gif
"Focus on what you share in common, learn from what makes you different, support each other through struggles, and celebrate each others' success."

Check out my buttercream rose tutorial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGa5j46Z05c
Reply
"Focus on what you share in common, learn from what makes you different, support each other through struggles, and celebrate each others' success."

Check out my buttercream rose tutorial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGa5j46Z05c
Reply
post #27 of 52
6/20/10 at 2:53pm
This is why I love CC, just when you think your the only one who deals with "it's just cake" people someone comes up with a post about it...

My favorite is I need the 3 tier cake for 15 people, lol, i get that so much

what ever you do don't bend, your work takes time, the "real cake" people will pay your price for a custom cake and come back for more icon_smile.gif
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post #28 of 52
6/20/10 at 4:20pm
Frankly i wouldn't pay what i charge people for cake, that is why i make them, I was too cheap to pay someone else to do it for me.


Oh and i have told more then one that the grocery store is just down the road, good luck. I really like this comment when they are looking for donated cakes.
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post #29 of 52
6/20/10 at 4:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by peg818

Frankly i wouldn't pay what i charge people for cake, that is why i make them, I was too cheap to pay someone else to do it for me.
Oh and i have told more then one that the grocery store is just down the road, good luck. I really like this comment when they are looking for donated cakes.



Regarding donations, with the same "what's the big deal, it's only a cheap and easy cake, but can you add this and this and this":
I've used a great line I got from CC a few weeks ago, and it worked -no questions asked, and the utmost respect given to me and my business:

"I'm so sorry, but my budget for donation cakes has been used up for June and July. Thanks so much for thinking of me though!"
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post #30 of 52
6/20/10 at 5:16pm
Thread Starter 
I haven't had the donation cake question asked yet, but where I am, I'm sure I'll get one soon. I don't mind donating one or two every now and then, especially if it's for a good cause or for a child who would otherwise not have a cake or something like that. I am definitely going to take the advice you guys are giving and keep it in my head, and by my phone!!! I am thinking about changingn my signature in my emails to what Katiebelle said when I respond to muggles, LOL!!!
Dream Big, Work Hard & Be Blessed!!!

Supremely Divine Cakes-My work in progress!!
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Dream Big, Work Hard & Be Blessed!!!

Supremely Divine Cakes-My work in progress!!
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