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Is $400 too much?

post #1 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 
I'm just starting out and I'm having difficulty pricing my cakes. I've made three wedding cakes and have been told all three times that I don't charge nearly enough. So, I've decided to start increasing my prices. Do you think $400.00 is too much to ask for this cake, as is? The pan sizes would be 12", 10", 8", and 6", which would make the total servings about 135. Any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated!
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post #2 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:39pm
Definatley not too much...maybe bottom dollar!
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post #3 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:40pm
No, I don't think it's too much. How do you figure your pricing, though? Do you have a structure? Ex: $xx amount per serving
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post #4 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:41pm
Hi, your cake is beautiful. $400.00 is definetly not enough. It is fondant covered , right. If so, and the beautiful lace and bow,etc. I would charge at least $650-00, and that is not delivering it. Do you have filling, etc. I usually do. hth
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post #5 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:49pm
Thread Starter 
cupcakesnbuttercream- I've never really used a set formula before, but I figured this one at about $3.00 per serving.

icer101- Yes, it is covered in fondant. And we haven't discussed flavors, yet. She just wanted a quick quote.

Thank you for your fast responses!
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post #6 of 17
7/17/12 at 12:50pm
I'd be at $606 before the $50 delivery.
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Answers to the most often asked questions re: SPS. SPS instructions are on Page 15 of the Sticky at the top of the Cake Decorating Forum. Supplies can be ordered from Oasis Supply, Global or BakeryCrafts.
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post #7 of 17
7/17/12 at 8:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thea519

cupcakesnbuttercream- I've never really used a set formula before, but I figured this one at about $3.00 per serving.

icer101- Yes, it is covered in fondant. And we haven't discussed flavors, yet. She just wanted a quick quote.

Thank you for your fast responses!



I recommend coming up with a basic pricing guide. It'll make things a lot easier on you icon_smile.gif
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post #8 of 17
7/17/12 at 8:47pm
you also need to price for your area... I think starting at $3 a serving is good for fondant covered in your area.
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It's not "just" cake...it's my life!
WI State Representative for Icing Smiles...start 'Baking a Difference" today!
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post #9 of 17
7/18/12 at 9:28am
Thread Starter 
Thank you all for your input! I gave the bride the $400 quote and she happily accepted!
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post #10 of 17
7/18/12 at 6:57pm
We missed one very important point. The cake you showed us is a photo. You said you're new to decorating. Can you make a cake that looks exactly like the one in the photo. If not then your price is perfect. If so then it's about $200 too low.
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post #11 of 17
7/18/12 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeniseNH

We missed one very important point. The cake you showed us is a photo. You said you're new to decorating. Can you make a cake that looks exactly like the one in the photo. If not then your price is perfect. If so then it's about $200 too low.



I looked at your photos - - I'd say you'll have no problem making the cake. But raise your price next time.
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post #12 of 17
7/18/12 at 7:26pm
Have you bought the lace molds yet?
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post #13 of 17
7/18/12 at 8:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture

Have you bought the lace molds yet?



^^ I was thinking the same thing. Those molds are not cheap. But hey, they'll be an investment. OP if you can make a cake that looks exactly like that, they I think you've undercharged again.
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post #14 of 17
7/18/12 at 10:12pm
Next time ask a bit more. If you really want to come up to the standard, get your feet wet. If you think $400 is a good price add another $100. If you don't you might get a customer who will think its too high and find yourself allowing them to talk you back down. Don't be afraid to ask for what its worth. You can always offer to make changes that will work for both you and the customer.
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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
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post #15 of 17
7/19/12 at 8:47am
Thread Starter 
DeniseNH- I'm pretty confident in my ability to replicate the cake. When I said I'm "new" to decorating, I guess I really meant that I'm new to charging full price for my cakes. I've been decorating for about 3 years now and I've done tons of free cakes for friends and family and tons of cakes at "cost" for others. Every time I deliver a cake and ask for payment, people go on and on about how much undercharging because my work is great. I'm not trying to sound cocky, but as I said, I'm pretty confident in my skills icon_smile.gif

AZCouture- I haven't bought the lace molds yet, but Vgcea said, they're an investment icon_smile.gif
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