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Just a little vent.... - Page 3

post #31 of 67
3/22/12 at 10:59am
I don't know what the 'rules' are in Arkansas. I do know someone who worked at the same bakery I used to work at moved there because there is no cottage law in Oklahoma and from what I understand the rules are very lax in Arkansas regarding home bakeries. I don't know--I may be speaking out of turn on that.

I didn't see any cake mix boxes in her photos....and wouldn't have cared if I did. The bakery I worked for charged more and they used box mixes in addition to scratch. People bought them because they were delicious, and the designs were wonderful.

That being said I have something to say that may not be considered 'nice' but is truthful. The OP's skill level is not up to the level where I think she is putting her pricing. The potential is definitely there, but the execution at this point...in my estimation... does not merit top dollar pricing. I think she needs to pull back a bit and get more experience...and perhaps some lessons or study tutorials and DVD's.

Unless she is harboring more photos that show a vast improvement in execution than what is shown here...I think her pricing needs to reflect her capabilities. I really don't want to come off as harsh or mean...but if she's having people balk at her pricing...this very well could be the reason why.

That being said I think she's got the drive and the talent to improve and get to where she needs to be and I wish her all the best!
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post #32 of 67
3/22/12 at 11:18am
I believe most CFLs require you to bake out of your own house, not someone else's. If someone complains and an inspector contacts you there could be some legal issues.

I would definitely look into the CFL in your state and see if it will let you bake outside your house, if not then you should stop selling immediately.
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post #33 of 67
3/22/12 at 11:43am
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #34 of 67
3/22/12 at 11:45am
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #35 of 67
3/22/12 at 11:47am
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #36 of 67
3/22/12 at 11:49am
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #37 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:04pm
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #38 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:07pm
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #39 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:08pm
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #40 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:10pm
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #41 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:12pm
I understand the "small town" thing. I live in one too. I quote 1.50 (1 tier or sheet min. dec.) to 1.80 (2 tier w/min. dec) and 2.00 for wedding. I also charge 5.00 for smash cakes with a purchase of a reg. cake. Small cookies covered in fondant I usually get .75. I've never been asked to do detailed cookies because I don't care to do them and suggest something else icon_smile.gif. The closest store (including WM) is 30 min. away. At those prices, I have been told that I was too expensive and that was by people who are driving new Suburbans and living in 3,000 sq ft homes. Other customers tell me that I don't charge enough. There just is no middle ground.......But, I work full time and have 4 kids and am in the middle of trying open a second business. So, sometimes a "no" is just an opportunity to spend time with my family. I used to bend over and lower my prices just to please but it only stressed me out. That wasn't fair to me or my family. I would work 2 days and make 10.00 after I paid for supplies/ingredients. It's not much more now, but I'm happier! Best of luck to you.......
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post #42 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by carmijok

I don't know what the 'rules' are in Arkansas. I do know someone who worked at the same bakery I used to work at moved there because there is no cottage law in Oklahoma and from what I understand the rules are very lax in Arkansas regarding home bakeries. I don't know--I may be speaking out of turn on that.

I didn't see any cake mix boxes in her photos....and wouldn't have cared if I did. The bakery I worked for charged more and they used box mixes in addition to scratch. People bought them because they were delicious, and the designs were wonderful.

That being said I have something to say that may not be considered 'nice' but is truthful. The OP's skill level is not up to the level where I think she is putting her pricing. The potential is definitely there, but the execution at this point...in my estimation... does not merit top dollar pricing. I think she needs to pull back a bit and get more experience...and perhaps some lessons or study tutorials and DVD's.

Unless she is harboring more photos that show a vast improvement in execution than what is shown here...I think her pricing needs to reflect her capabilities. I really don't want to come off as harsh or mean...but if she's having people balk at her pricing...this very well could be the reason why.

That being said I think she's got the drive and the talent to improve and get to where she needs to be and I wish her all the best!



Ok, little girl is down for her nap so I thought I would hop back on and see what else was being said. As far as me baking out of my Grammas the people here at city hall and the HD said it wasn't an issue so that's why I do it. And as far as my skill level not being up to par I agree to a point but my prices are costs for ingredients (including having to drive an hour away for some of them), and paying myself a couple of dollars. I don't really make any kind of profit. I started out doing cupcakes, the cakes just started a few months ago. I do still need to learn some technique and I am whenever I have a free couple of minutes lol. I do have some better pictures of thing but I can't load them on here because the resolution is not high enough. I've had the same people that turned me down tell me it's not because my stuff doesn't look good it's just they can't afford it, and I'm ok with that. Thank you for being nice about the way you said it though I appreciate it icon_biggrin.gif Welp, gotta get back to the laundry while I still have a free minute lol...Again thank you all for the responses, both positive and negative, and have a great day where ever you are!
P.S.- Is anyone else having issues with posts showing up multiple times?
"I smile because I have no idea what's going on..."
"Oh, I offended you? Please take a number and wait in line with everyone else waiting on me to give a f*#k"
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"I smile because I have no idea what's going on..."
"Oh, I offended you? Please take a number and wait in line with everyone else waiting on me to give a f*#k"
Reply
post #43 of 67
3/22/12 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by carmijok

I don't know what the 'rules' are in Arkansas. I do know someone who worked at the same bakery I used to work at moved there because there is no cottage law in Oklahoma and from what I understand the rules are very lax in Arkansas regarding home bakeries. I don't know--I may be speaking out of turn on that.

I didn't see any cake mix boxes in her photos....and wouldn't have cared if I did. The bakery I worked for charged more and they used box mixes in addition to scratch. People bought them because they were delicious, and the designs were wonderful.

That being said I have something to say that may not be considered 'nice' but is truthful. The OP's skill level is not up to the level where I think she is putting her pricing. The potential is definitely there, but the execution at this point...in my estimation... does not merit top dollar pricing. I think she needs to pull back a bit and get more experience...and perhaps some lessons or study tutorials and DVD's.

Unless she is harboring more photos that show a vast improvement in execution than what is shown here...I think her pricing needs to reflect her capabilities. I really don't want to come off as harsh or mean...but if she's having people balk at her pricing...this very well could be the reason why.

That being said I think she's got the drive and the talent to improve and get to where she needs to be and I wish her all the best!



Ok, little girl is down for her nap so I thought I would hop back on and see what else was being said. As far as me baking out of my Grammas the people here at city hall and the HD said it wasn't an issue so that's why I do it. And as far as my skill level not being up to par I agree to a point but my prices are costs for ingredients (including having to drive an hour away for some of them), and paying myself a couple of dollars. I don't really make any kind of profit. I started out doing cupcakes, the cakes just started a few months ago. I do still need to learn some technique and I am whenever I have a free couple of minutes lol. I do have some better pictures of thing but I can't load them on here because the resolution is not high enough. I've had the same people that turned me down tell me it's not because my stuff doesn't look good it's just they can't afford it, and I'm ok with that. Thank you for being nice about the way you said it though I appreciate it icon_biggrin.gif Welp, gotta get back to the laundry while I still have a free minute lol...Again thank you all for the responses, both positive and negative, and have a great day where ever you are!
P.S.- Is anyone else having issues with posts showing up multiple times?
"I smile because I have no idea what's going on..."
"Oh, I offended you? Please take a number and wait in line with everyone else waiting on me to give a f*#k"
Reply
"I smile because I have no idea what's going on..."
"Oh, I offended you? Please take a number and wait in line with everyone else waiting on me to give a f*#k"
Reply
post #44 of 67
3/22/12 at 1:02pm
Yes, I am. I got that it did not post so I closed the window. Next thing I know it posted 6 times! I tried to hit the edit/delete button, but I can only edit, not delete. Sorry. I really did not post this 6 times! GGGRRRRR
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post #45 of 67
3/22/12 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by QTCakes1

Well IF that is the case, then $200 is outrageous. I don't want to spend a penny for anything that comes out of an uninspected kitchen, with pets to boot. Good luck.


Many states' cottage food laws do not require inspections. I hope you would buy something from my kitchen, which is inspected every day, by me. icon_biggrin.gif
How to Price Your Cakes
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How to Price Your Cakes
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