RANT! - Page 2  

I hear your pain. 

I'd liken it to her asking you to build a detailed scale model--without the kit because you'll need to size & cut all of the pieces out yourself--of the plane.  Most model makers spend WEEKS working on these types of things.

Mike McCarey of mikesamazingcakes.com specializes in these types of cakes.  He's also one of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.  I bet if you shot him an e-mail with some of the basics, his reply would be very helpful.

As for the client, I'd just tell them what I CAN do for $150 and 30 servings.  In my market, that would be a very basic carved plane (more cartoon than model) using the Wilton Long Loaf pan.  They either take it or leave it.

And yes, the next time, more questions first--and provide some gentle education and information about your business practices and pricing.  You need to know their budget as much as they need to understand your pricing.

I do EVERYTHING by e-mail.  You can't argue easily with the written word.

Rae

Yeah, my baby grand piano is certainly not marketed at $30/serving. But if you want to break it down, yes, that is what it would be. But $30/serving is a scary sounding number. The total price for a labor intensive project is easier to swallow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellavanilla 

 

Isn't Duff's minimum around $1500?

That minimum probably buys you more than just a 9 inch cake.  Unless it is an incredibly detailed masterpiece.  And gold.  Either way, he does have that pesky tv show and the whole name brand thing.  So, yes, he probably charges more than us who are not on tv.  I was referring to the fact that although the people that watch those shows don't have any idea how much they cost, they could probably never imagine a $50 per serving price tag. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jess155 

That minimum probably buys you more than just a 9 inch cake.  Unless it is an incredibly detailed masterpiece.  And gold.  Either way, he does have that pesky tv show and the whole name brand thing.  So, yes, he probably charges more than us who are not on tv.  I was referring to the fact that although the people that watch those shows don't have any idea how much they cost, they could probably never imagine a $50 per serving price tag. 

Agree and Agree. 

I don't see any mention of minimum order on your FB page...might want to indicate that somewhere since you seem to do most of your business there? Just a thought. I definitely have my minimum front and center on my page and website. Helps to weed out the requests that won't pan out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kendra_83 
When did I ever say anything about a 9" round anyway?
 

You didn't.  You mentioned it was for 30 people.  It doesn't really matter what shape it is.  I didn't think for 30 people it sounded like a major project involving blueprints, frame, and building materials.  Sounds like a gumpaste plane on a small cake.  That's why I balked at the $1500 price tag, as did the client.  I didn't know about the delivery, which could add a significant charge.  And I didn't say you should make it for under $100.  Neither did the client.  Her price range was $100-150 I believe.  I'm just saying that there are a lot more ways to make this way more affordable and way easier for you.  Then you won't have to clear your schedule for 2 weeks. 

For the amount of work and detail you were going to put into this cake, $1500 is reasonable, at least to fellow bakers on this forum.  However, that is a shocking price to the general public.  Unfortunately, most people don't understand what goes into a cake.