Just Another 'how Much' Question.

Decorating By mystsparkle Updated 3 Jan 2013 , 6:35pm by aleona1123

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mystsparkle Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 3:03pm
post #1 of 11

This was a 9 inch round cake, chocolate, filled with chocolate ganache. Covered in fondant to look like the portal from a game called Skylanders. I charged the customer $55. I was wondering if this seems like a good price. I"m located in Ocala. My supply cost was $17.07. And all together with baking, making fondant, and decorating the cake it took around 6- 7 hours. I know how annoying it can be when asked pricing questions, I feel I could have charged more...maybe around $75..but wanted to check and see if i was right! Thanks Guys! Also, i figured you could get 15-20 1x2x4 slices. Can't get the file to attach correctly, just check this link please! icon_smile.gif
http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2290227/skylander-cake
LL

10 replies
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MsGF Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 3:25pm
post #2 of 11

I think you under charged by a fare bit. I would charge at least $80 -$90.

But it is up to you really.

Happy Baking

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mystsparkle Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 3:31pm
post #3 of 11

very cool thank you! i thought i undercharged...i think 75-80 is more reasonable too. I appreciate your input. icon_smile.gif

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FromScratchSF Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 4:19pm
post #4 of 11

If you are just making cake for "fun", then it really doesn't matter what you charge (assuming you legally can in your area, and that you have followed all the rules and regs to be legal). With some tough love, I'm going to answer like a business person:

You paid yourself less then slave wages, and I'm assuming you didn't take any overhead into account for your costs (power, water, gas). You didn't pay your business any profit so you have zero chance of growing, buying more supplies for the next cake, upgrading equipment, building money in the bank for future expenses OR collecting the money you'll need to pay in taxes for the sale. So, if you like paying people to eat your cake, get free rent, electricity, water, and gas, never want to buy another cool cake tool/supply again, and never plan on claiming the sale to the IRS, then yeah. You did fine. icon_biggrin.gif

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JenniferMI Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 4:56pm
post #5 of 11

Take a look at what you actually made in wage, per hour. Not enough icon_sad.gif

Jennifer icon_smile.gif

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jason_kraft Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 6:35pm
post #6 of 11

$17 + (7 hours * $10/hour) + $20 estimated overhead + 20% markup = ~$130.

Since the logo of the game is copyrighted you would also need to get permission from the game's publisher.

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Karema Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 7:10pm
post #7 of 11

I would have a least charged $120 if not more

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mystsparkle Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 7:45pm
post #8 of 11

ok thanks everyone!
as for the copyright..if i printed the logo and background from one of their sites...is the portal (the cake ) actually copyrighted? i charged 55 for the cake..i didnt actually charge for the printout or the board its sitting on....is that still not allowed?

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jason_kraft Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 7:57pm
post #9 of 11

If you purchased a licensed cake topper or decopac with the copyrighted elements you would be OK, but copying the design or printing it from their web site without permission would be considered copyright infringement, regardless of whether or not you made money on the cake.

The portal itself was created by the game designers so it is also copyrighted.

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mystsparkle Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 8:50pm
post #10 of 11

okay! thanks for all that info!

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aleona1123 Posted 3 Jan 2013 , 6:35pm
post #11 of 11

Hi - the cake looks wonderful! can I place an order with you? I need a Skylander cake for my son's 6th birthday. Is there a website I can visit?

-Aleona

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