Cake Central › Cake Forums › Cake Talk › Cake Decorating › pricing issues again...
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

pricing issues again...

post #1 of 7
10/13/11 at 11:39am
Thread Starter 
how do you price figures? (giraffe, elehpant, lion)

do you charge extra if they want 3 different flavors for one order? (order is for a 6" cake and 40-45 cupcakes)

what's an extimated delivery charge for about 3 hrs driving (total).

i always have issues with the pricing and could really use advise. i know a lot of us feel this way, but i am surely always undercharging and i'm sick of it! lol...

please help!! pleeeeeeease icon_smile.gif
thanks in advance icon_biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 7
10/13/11 at 11:57am
If the cake is very plain with out the figures I consider them part of the decoration and don't charge extra for it. If the cake is very decorated before you add them, then you can charge the additional costs (for the fondant) and labor on making the figures.

I wouldn't charge extra for three different flavors, unless it was a very small amount and I'd end up with tons of left over batter. In your case I'd do the cake one flavor then 24 of the cupcakes one flavor then 24 in another flavor. (My cupcakes come in dozens, not random numbers.)

The one time I had to deliver at a pretty good distance I charged $1 a mile for the trip there and back. That is the number someone (Thinking Indy or Leah_s) suggested when I asked about it. No matter what you charge, make sure you cover the time back as well.
My Weight Loss Support Group is The Chunky Monkeys!
Reply
My Weight Loss Support Group is The Chunky Monkeys!
Reply
post #3 of 7
10/13/11 at 12:17pm
i've wondered the same thing!! icon_confused.gif
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Reply
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Reply
post #4 of 7
10/14/11 at 2:39am
I don't charge extra for the flavor changes. I just adjust the batters.

I don't go that distance, but if I did, it would be gas (plus wear and tear) plus at least $30.00 hour from the time I left home to the time I got back.

My basic price includes fondant or BC, plus normal decorations. Additional decorations would be by the hour.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 7
10/14/11 at 10:34am
Thread Starter 
thanks for your help. it always makes it more difficult when you are baking for someone you know too, which is the case here. and of course, everyone is always on a budget icon_smile.gif

one more question??

when you charge for the time that the handmolded figures take...what do you charge an hour? how do you decide that? i guess it's a personal decision...but i am curious what the going rate is...lol...

thanks again!!!
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 7
10/14/11 at 10:56am
Yes, pricing is both a personal issue and also what the market will bare. I don't charge extra for making the figures, but I do work it into the price of the cake.

When my customers ask why the price difference or how I charge, I call if "degree of difficulty" The more time I put into a cake, the more it will cost you.

As for delivery, mileage plus gas works for me.
Virginia 323.253.8213
www.urbanainez.com
He is the man of my dreams, my prince; He gives me the desires of my heart, He completes me. His name is Jesus
Reply
Virginia 323.253.8213
www.urbanainez.com
He is the man of my dreams, my prince; He gives me the desires of my heart, He completes me. His name is Jesus
Reply
post #7 of 7
10/14/11 at 12:09pm
I didn't answer the figure question because I don't do them. I never learned. When I do custom work within my skill level, I have to decide how long a more skilled person would take and charge accordingly. I charge about $30 to $40 for my higher end talents in baking, and I can't see why the designer should charge any less... in many cases, more.

It's one thing to simply decorate a cake that takes little time. But custom work is talent and a learned skill. It should be charged at a level that reflects the effort. From a business viewpoint, charge what you are worth on the custom. You can always suggest a lesser design that fits a customer's budget without compromising your worth. Of course, we all have to consider the economics of our area. But within those parameters, make sure you are happy with the price, not feeling like you were cheated out of time otherwise spent.

We have to remember that we went to school, learned the skill, bought the equipment, opened a business... a lot of work... besides the actual figure work. I base my rates on the long hours it took me to get to the level I am at in baking. Those dues shouldn't be forgotten in the price.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Cake Decorating
Cake Central › Cake Forums › Cake Talk › Cake Decorating › pricing issues again...