Ok, I know it "all depends" on the area that you live in but I just want to double check and see what everyones' opinion is on this. I am doing an 8" choc. cake with a bct of Superman and I'm also doing 12 cupcakes made into a cupcake cake with Superman's symbol as a bct. Do you think $30.00 is too much for both of these? I usually charge $25.00 for a 9x13 (which my husband says isn't enough so I won't be asking him lol) I have the pricing matrix but it is on my old computer and I haven't been able to get it off of there because we are having issues with each other. haha. Anyway, any help or advice would be great!!

$30 for two custom cakes which will serve 30 people is a steal. yes, you aren't charging enough...but then most of us don't. and of course it also depends on who you're making it for, etc., etc.

that should be about $50 for the two of them, at least no less then $40

Hi,

I would charge $30 for the cupcake cake alone! But those look complicated to me!
I think Peg is right. I would charge no less than $50.
I usually charge by the serving for an uncomplicated cake. And go from there depending on the difficulty. I searched local top quality bakeries and I am slightly under them in price per serving, and higher than the grocery stores/walmart. I did it this way, cause I know the groceries won't do what I do, a bakery might, but they are going to charge out the wazoo for cakes like we do.

Leslie

I would charge $45.00-$55.00 for both cakes.

Thank you guys so much!! I am going to have to stop being so wishy washy with my prices, set them and be done with it! This is for a friend so that also adds to my "issues" but I think I am going to charge $35.00 to her but if anymore are ordered I will make it $40.00 (20 each)

at least thats higher than your original quote ....im with everyone else i would charge $40.00-$50.00

Ok, I just worked this out. Does this sound about right? (I figured worst case, no sale etc)

1 Cake Mix 1.25
1 bag icing 1.25
3 eggs (@ .08each .25
Veg Oil/Flavorings .65 (probably too high)
Board/Foil Covering 2.00 (I usually use wood)
2 Sticks Crisco ( .75/each) 1.50 Total $6.90

15 min to mix cake, 30 min to cook, 10 min to make icing, 15 min to color, 1 1/2 to decorate. Total 2.67 X $5.00/hour Total $13.35
Grand Total $20.25

Now I know this doesn't include things like electricity and stuff but I figured with the things that are a little over that would cover that. This would make either a 12 cupcake cake or a double 8 inch round. So two for both is about right. Unless I want to be paid more per hour but I would like people to order from me again. lol

Thanks again everyone!

Hi charlieinMO,
I know you want people to order from you again and you don't want to give them 'sticker shock'. But, if you start out pricing yourself too low, then your customers will always think they can get you to do them a cake for a steal.

Set your prices at a price reasonable enough for your customers, but at a price worth all your effort. It is MUCH easier to come down, than it is to go up. If your customers do not want to pay for great tasting, quality work, then let them go elsewhere...they will come back once they realize that your cakes are worth the extra money. And if they don't, that is ok, you will find others that will pay you what your worth.

I know it's hard to do....and I don' know exactly how you feel as far as your expertise goes...but once you get your confidence built up, it will be easier for you to charge higher prices.

It took me a long time to come to realize this, but I have several very supportive friends who have told me that they cannot get cakes anywhere like I do for them and they pay me well and don't expect discounts because they are friends. They figure they will probably pay that or more if they went somewhere else except, the cakes wouldn't have the love put in them that I put.

It takes a while, but you can do it!!

Leslie

Hi again, LOL
I just re-read your last post and noticed that you are only paying yourself $5 per hour. That is less than minimum wage. You are worth more than that!!!

I just want to give you a big hug and say CHARGE MORE GIRLFRIEND!!!!!

Leslie

Thank you so much Leslie! Everything you said is exactly what I am thinking!!! I know a lot of people struggle with this! Can't charge too much... have to charge enough to make it worth the effort! I feel that my decorating ability has a lot of room for improvement!! I don't feel like it is horrible but I have a lot of learning and practicing to do!
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone and thanks for the hug!! I will work on the pricing!