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Pricing?!?!

post #1 of 14
9/12/11 at 4:37pm
Thread Starter 
I'm just starting out doing cakes with hopes it will turn into my own business.

I have my first job, making a bridal cake for 50-60 people!!!

I have imaged a huge beautiful cake, two tiers, fondant, the bottom tier looking like a pillow and the top looking like lace with a big monogram on top!
When I told my customer my idea, she LOVED it! I told her I will charge her $250., she freaked out! She said she couldnt afford it! I explained to her that just supplies will cost me $100.-$150.
Desperate to have my first customer, I told her I will do the cake just in icing no fondant for $100.
She didnt even want to do thatbut agreed.
Was my price too high?
I called a local bakery and they said it would be $450. For just icing no fondant. I thought I was giving her such a great deal!
Now I feel as though I got taken advantage of because the cake Im going to make is worth over $300.

I made her friends cake for free (she just paid for the supplies) because it was a birthday gift, I just hope she wasnt expecting the same from me!

Any suggestions on how to handle this in the future without losing too much business?
Please help!!!
<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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post #2 of 14
9/12/11 at 5:02pm
Read this thread for great responses: http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=730175&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

Set your price and stick to it. Otherwise, you're going to quickly get burnt out at 4 am when you're fighting with a cake you know you grossly underpriced. Or you could add up all of your costs and realize you're actually PAYING THEM to make a cake for THEM! And then not even get much of a thank you. If you don't have a contract, I'd consider adding up all of your costs and saying after much consideration, while you realize you already agreed on a price, you need to at least have your true costs covered (don't forget cake boards, foils, boxes, etc). While I completely understand not wanting to go back on your word, you shouldn't be paying her to make her cake. She can either order less, pay more, or go elsewhere. Good luck in whatever direction you decide to go!

eta: added n't to should. Completely changes it!
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post #3 of 14
9/12/11 at 5:45pm
Please, please , please dont do the cake. Do I sound mean...I hope not but perhaps like the other kind poster put to you straight up...your work is well worth more than that and when you're tired and hoping to get it over with at 4am...you'll end up resenting her. Ive done the same thing many times (undercharge) buy guess what??....most people have offered me more when they see what effort Ive put into it. I mean A LOT more than what I charged. I too thought maybe because I was new to it, or I'm trying to build a client base etc. etc....I was selling myself short. Dont let her do this to you. The cake is worth well over 250.00 and YOU even know it. If shes getting married and really wants a cake...she'll have no choice but to find out on her own from another baker what these cakes are worth. Stick to your guns. After all you have nothing to lose. Let us know how it goes either way.
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post #4 of 14
9/12/11 at 6:09pm
First of all...do you have the skill-set to do everything you offered? Have you done this kind of cake before? I saw your two photos and while you've got ability, (love your skateboard cake) the cake you are describing goes way beyond what you've posted here. Which means you'll probably have to practice...which means you'll be out additional money in supplies to practice with.

You run the real risk of not only selling yourself as not worth the money...you risk getting bad reviews if the cake doesn't turn out as you and the bride envision. And believe me, the worst critics are those that don't pay anything.

You might want to reconsider. At the very least it would give her an idea as to what it costs to get a wedding cake when she starts to look at the cost of other cakes and that maybe you weren't so overpriced after all.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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post #5 of 14
9/12/11 at 11:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cs_confections

Read this thread for great responses: http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=730175&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

Set your price and stick to it. Otherwise, you're going to quickly get burnt out at 4 am when you're fighting with a cake you know you grossly underpriced. Or you could add up all of your costs and realize you're actually PAYING THEM to make a cake for THEM! And then not even get much of a thank you. If you don't have a contract, I'd consider adding up all of your costs and saying after much consideration, while you realize you already agreed on a price, you need to at least have your true costs covered (don't forget cake boards, foils, boxes, etc). While I completely understand not wanting to go back on your word, you shouldn't be paying her to make her cake. She can either order less, pay more, or go elsewhere. Good luck in whatever direction you decide to go!

eta: added n't to should. Completely changes it!



You are completely right, I feel like I'm paying her to make her a cake!
I will add up the cost that pretains to her cake (not inculding the pans etc.) and go to her with the bill if more than $100.
Thanks for the advice!
Oh and this will NEVER happen again! Sometimes it stinks being a nice person icon_smile.gif
<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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post #6 of 14
9/12/11 at 11:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by carmijok

First of all...do you have the skill-set to do everything you offered? Have you done this kind of cake before? I saw your two photos and while you've got ability, (love your skateboard cake) the cake you are describing goes way beyond what you've posted here. Which means you'll probably have to practice...which means you'll be out additional money in supplies to practice with.

You run the real risk of not only selling yourself as not worth the money...you risk getting bad reviews if the cake doesn't turn out as you and the bride envision. And believe me, the worst critics are those that don't pay anything.

You might want to reconsider. At the very least it would give her an idea as to what it costs to get a wedding cake when she starts to look at the cost of other cakes and that maybe you weren't so overpriced after all.



I'm not professional and haven't claimed to be one. (skateboard cake was my very 1st cake). I have done more cakes then posted, the website kept timing out when I was trying to post them. Its a learing process and I'm willing to learn. I feel as though I was ready to do a cake like I have described, and was very excited about it. But I think your right, I might be getting over my head. I will cross my fingers for this one and just do birthday cakes for a year or so after this. I was just so excited to get started on my dream that I was moving too fast icon_sad.gif
Thanks for all your advice! icon_smile.gif
<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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post #7 of 14
9/13/11 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CupcakeMoma

Quote:
Originally Posted by carmijok

First of all...do you have the skill-set to do everything you offered? Have you done this kind of cake before? I saw your two photos and while you've got ability, (love your skateboard cake) the cake you are describing goes way beyond what you've posted here. Which means you'll probably have to practice...which means you'll be out additional money in supplies to practice with.

You run the real risk of not only selling yourself as not worth the money...you risk getting bad reviews if the cake doesn't turn out as you and the bride envision. And believe me, the worst critics are those that don't pay anything.

You might want to reconsider. At the very least it would give her an idea as to what it costs to get a wedding cake when she starts to look at the cost of other cakes and that maybe you weren't so overpriced after all.



I'm not professional and haven't claimed to be one. (skateboard cake was my very 1st cake). I have done more cakes then posted, the website kept timing out when I was trying to post them. Its a learing process and I'm willing to learn. I feel as though I was ready to do a cake like I have described, and was very excited about it. But I think your right, I might be getting over my head. I will cross my fingers for this one and just do birthday cakes for a year or so after this. I was just so excited to get started on my dream that I was moving too fast icon_sad.gif
Thanks for all your advice! icon_smile.gif



Nothing wrong with a dream as long as it doesn't turn into a nightmare! icon_lol.gif
Why not just do one of the cakes you described for fun...maybe to give to your office, or relatives to practice. The more cakes you do, the more you learn what your strengths are and what you need to improve. Who knows, you might find that you CAN do it and be able to offer your services with confidence and then can charge what you know you're worth!
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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post #8 of 14
9/14/11 at 10:29am
I recently had a cake order, and after about 2 months of going back and forth with plans, the customer standing me up once (she looked at the wrong date, and I made arrangements to leave work early to meet with her, therefore losing paycheck), sketches and lots and lots of thought about her cake, she finally got back to me after I gave her an estimate and said that I was higher than the going rate, and "it's not like it's a wedding cake" (it's an anniversary party). My price was not above the going rate for my area. She wanted to bargain, but I just told her no, sorry, my price includes my time, costs, and delivery/setup. After everything I went through with her, I am not sorry to lose her business. Do not undersell yourself, your time is very much worth something!
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post #9 of 14
9/17/11 at 7:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by auntiem9597

I recently had a cake order, and after about 2 months of going back and forth with plans, the customer standing me up once (she looked at the wrong date, and I made arrangements to leave work early to meet with her, therefore losing paycheck), sketches and lots and lots of thought about her cake, she finally got back to me after I gave her an estimate and said that I was higher than the going rate, and "it's not like it's a wedding cake" (it's an anniversary party). My price was not above the going rate for my area. She wanted to bargain, but I just told her no, sorry, my price includes my time, costs, and delivery/setup. After everything I went through with her, I am not sorry to lose her business. Do not undersell yourself, your time is very much worth something!



UGH! People just want everything for nothing! I ended up doing the cake with the fondant (the pic is on my profile) and she gave me a tip (Not much but better than nothing). Listen learned, if someone doesnt want to pay for it I'm not doing it! I will just have to learn to said no thank you.
Thanks for all the great advice!
<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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post #10 of 14
9/17/11 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by carmijok

First of all...do you have the skill-set to do everything you offered? Have you done this kind of cake before? I saw your two photos and while you've got ability, (love your skateboard cake) the cake you are describing goes way beyond what you've posted here. Which means you'll probably have to practice...which means you'll be out additional money in supplies to practice with.

You run the real risk of not only selling yourself as not worth the money...you risk getting bad reviews if the cake doesn't turn out as you and the bride envision. And believe me, the worst critics are those that don't pay anything.

You might want to reconsider. At the very least it would give her an idea as to what it costs to get a wedding cake when she starts to look at the cost of other cakes and that maybe you weren't so overpriced after all.





This was very good advice. You were very kind while getting a point across. Its refreshing to see. icon_smile.gif Good luck with everything!
God is good
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God is good
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post #11 of 14
9/17/11 at 8:18pm
I admire your enthusiasm, I really do.

But, having said that...have you ever made a wedding cake before? It's a lot different than making somebody's birthday cake.

Some may say it's only cake and we all need to make our first wedding cake sometime, but all of my "first" wedding cakes were for my family and they were made for free.

Good luck with this one!
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post #12 of 14
9/17/11 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cakestyles

I admire your enthusiasm, I really do.

But, having said that...have you ever made a wedding cake before? It's a lot different than making somebody's birthday cake.

Some may say it's only cake and we all need to make our first wedding cake sometime, but all of my "first" wedding cakes were for my family and they were made for free.

Good luck with this one!




No, I haven't made a wedding cake yet, and dont plan to until a year or so when I have lots of cakes under my belt. This post was about a bridal shower cake, they picked it up today and LOVED it! icon_biggrin.gif Thanks
<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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<3 Cupcake Moma <3
**Fight for what you love*Work hard for what you get*Be thankful for what you have**
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post #13 of 14
9/17/11 at 9:20pm
I may have missed a piece of information, but I don't think so. In your first post you mention what you envisioned for the cake. Was the client ever asked what she wanted? When I envision cakes, I usually have to bring myself back down to earth ( and several hundred dollars). Also, did you offer a design that did fit her budget?
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post #14 of 14
9/18/11 at 6:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CupcakeMoma

Quote:
Originally Posted by cakestyles

I admire your enthusiasm, I really do.

But, having said that...have you ever made a wedding cake before? It's a lot different than making somebody's birthday cake.

Some may say it's only cake and we all need to make our first wedding cake sometime, but all of my "first" wedding cakes were for my family and they were made for free.

Good luck with this one!




No, I haven't made a wedding cake yet, and dont plan to until a year or so when I have lots of cakes under my belt. This post was about a bridal shower cake, they picked it up today and LOVED it! icon_biggrin.gif Thanks



I wasn't the only one who took "bridal" cake to mean a wedding cake....carmijok made mention of this being a wedding cake also and you didn't correct her and say it was a shower cake.

I'm glad it turned out okay and I wasn't trying to be negative, I was simply asking a question.
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