Price The Cake!

Business By LadyViola Updated 6 May 2014 , 1:44am by SystemMod1

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 2:04pm
post #31 of 254

AAssuming that cake is 6,8,10,12,& 14, my chart is 200 servings. I start at $4.50 + $1.50 for fondant. I'm also as assuming the monogram & brooch were provided by the bride not hand made.

The additional costs for me would be the quilting, bow, stencils, dogwoods, and carving of second tier.

That's a whole lot of extras. $1400

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 2:23pm
post #32 of 254

AWhat a pity that the same bride didn't come back to educate/warn her readers.

Wonder if the same G-d that ensures she "stayed within budget & still got everything she ever wanted" was guiding the bakers hand.

Seriously, it really does irk me that she didn't come back & post photos of her cake. Now all those reading that blog think they can get that kind of cake for $340!!

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Annabakescakes Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 2:32pm
post #33 of 254

AIt was a smaller cake, too. She didn't specify that in the blog. She said she was getting that cake, for $340.

Maybe it wasn't The Lord God, but the god of mischief, Loki?

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AZCouture Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 2:51pm
post #34 of 254

The God that provides Cakewrecks with the good stuff? :D :D :D

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tracyaem Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 3:31pm
post #35 of 254

Wowzers...

 

For the original I would have charged ~$1100. For the hot mess it wound up being, I would have apologized to the client.

 

There should be a hidden cam reality show with the reactions of people when they see the cake they get versus the cake they expected.

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Ali3971 Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 4:05pm
post #36 of 254

That cake is a mess! I would charge about $1,000 for the big one :)

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 4:18pm
post #37 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 

Seriously, it really does irk me that she didn't come back & post photos of her cake. Now all those reading that blog think they can get that kind of cake for $340!!

 

^^^ This right here.

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jenmat Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 4:30pm
post #38 of 254

Even up here in WI I would charge around $1200. 

 

And the "recreation" if it can be called that- I would be issuing a refund and hanging up my apron if that came out of my kitchen....

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AZCouture Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 4:56pm
post #39 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenmat 

Even up here in WI I would charge around $1200. 

 

And the "recreation" if it can be called that- I would be issuing a refund and hanging up my apron if that came out of my kitchen....

No kidding!

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Suuske Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 4:58pm
post #40 of 254

Well - looking at it from a Dutch perspective ... that would feed approx. 150 people (we use bigger servings) and I would probably be at the high end with charging about $5-$5,50 per serving ... so around $ 850-900, including delivery and setup.

 

I am really jealous at some of your prices ... that would be a dream for me ... and the difference between quitting my dayjob or not - however ... "It's just cake" is really embedded in peoples mindset here ... we still have a long way to go in terms of education of the masses

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:16pm
post #41 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suuske 

Well - looking at it from a Dutch perspective ... that would feed approx. 150 people (we use bigger servings) and I would probably be at the high end with charging about $5-$5,50 per serving ... so around $ 850-900, including delivery and setup.

 

I am really jealous at some of your prices ... that would be a dream for me ... and the difference between quitting my dayjob or not - however ... "It's just cake" is really embedded in peoples mindset here ... we still have a long way to go in terms of education of the masses


You know, on my facebook business page, I take every opportunity I can to educate people on cake pricing. I think the average person really does believe "it's just cake". People HAVE NO earthly clue what it takes to create an edible piece of art. I hear it all the time: "Oh, that's just too much" or "That's way out of my budget". I had one lady call me up about a month ago and ASK ME straight out why I was charging $200 for a 3D cake. But I refuse to change my pricing simply because some people don't know the value of what I do. I figure eventually, people will catch on. It doesn't help when cake decorators charge ridiculously low prices because "That's all people are willing to pay in this area."

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Suuske Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:33pm
post #42 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by LadyViola 


You know, on my facebook business page, I take every opportunity I can to educate people on cake pricing. I think the average person really does believe "it's just cake". People HAVE NO earthly clue what it takes to create an edible piece of art. I hear it all the time: "Oh, that's just too much" or "That's way out of my budget". I had one lady call me up about a month ago and ASK ME straight out why I was charging $200 for a 3D cake. But I refuse to change my pricing simply because some people don't know the value of what I do. I figure eventually, people will catch on. It doesn't help when cake decorators charge ridiculously low prices because "That's all people are willing to pay in this area."


Agree - I did start on my webpage an FAQ which explained the fact that a decorated cake cost more than the average supermarket cake and why (materials, time, skills, freshness, taxes etc.). I do see a lot of traffic on that particular page, which is I think good, but still ... if I explain what my prices are and what they should be for me to actually make a living out of it, people are just stumped. I am on the middle/higher end with my prices, and the fact that we have a lot of hobby bakers who are able to sell a 10" for under $30 is not helping at all. Problem is that is that everybody can start a cake business, provided they include any proceeds in their annual taxreturn, and if they want to be truly official, register with the local Chamber of Commerce... which is free of charge by the way and does not require anything official in terms of forms, registrations etc..

 

I freely admit, that is way I started out as well, until I (very quickly) realized that this was just crazy .. and upped my prices.

 

perhaps I should expand that education to my facebook page as well thumbs_up.gif

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:40pm
post #43 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suuske 


Agree - I did start on my webpage an FAQ which explained the fact that a decorated cake cost more than the average supermarket cake and why (materials, time, skills, freshness, taxes etc.). I do see a lot of traffic on that particular page, which is I think good, but still ... if I explain what my prices are and what they should be for me to actually make a living out of it, people are just stumped. I am on the middle/higher end with my prices, and the fact that we have a lot of hobby bakers who are able to sell a 10" for under $30 is not helping at all. Problem is that is that everybody can start a cake business, provided they include any proceeds in their annual taxreturn, and if they want to be truly official, register with the local Chamber of Commerce... which is free of charge by the way and does not require anything official in terms of forms, registrations etc..

 

I freely admit, that is way I started out as well, until I (very quickly) realized that this was just crazy .. and upped my prices.

 

perhaps I should expand that education to my facebook page as well thumbs_up.gif

 

 

Here is the note I wrote on my cake page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/violas-custom-cakes/cake-pricing-explained/492430020803655

 

 

Feel free to use/copy/modify it. I actually modify it from time to time myself and will probably add more to it. I made it because I got tired of justifying my prices to people. I still think my prices are cheap for what I do. And you wouldn't believe the numbers of customer complain to me that they got a cake from xyz cake shop and were sorely disappointed. You get what you pay for.

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:44pm
post #44 of 254

But I admit that the first few months I sold cakes, they were waaaay underpriced. I once sold a tiered 8 + 6 inch round for $50. Shameful. I quickly learned though!

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Suuske Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:49pm
post #45 of 254

Thanks LadyViola - Love your note on FB -  I'll be making use of of your text for sure ... really appreciate it!!

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Brettley Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:50pm
post #46 of 254

OMG!!!

 

I am in Central, Canada, and I woud charge base price 1100 assuming all flavors are standard. I still consider myself as an amateur but I KNOW my limits. How does a decorator not know your own limits! So frustrating!!! 2 years ago if someone asked me to do this cake, I would have simply said, "Hey I am not that good I can absolutely do a cake for you, but I cannot do that, would be interested in a cake like this(different, more basic style)"  and believe me, I have said no, many times., or asked them to change the design to something I can do, and something they will be pleased with. f someone were to ask me to do a cake like this now, I would be confident enough to do it.

 

To me, "said decorator" as an extreme case of foolish pride. If you can't do it, there is NO harm/shame in saying no!  Know your limits, respect them, push yourself and SOMEDAY you will get there. People will respect that, they will NOT respect that cake. People talk, say goodbye to your wedding cake career. My god.

 

I will be keeping an eye on cakewrecks, this surely is a candidate! lol

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ellavanilla Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 5:53pm
post #47 of 254

forgiving the fact that the customer got a lower priced cake due to the baker having less experience or less skill, there are still errors on that cake which should never have left the kitchen. There is no reason to send out a cake with your "glue" showing, for example. tsk tsk.

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Izzy Sweet Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 6:16pm
post #48 of 254

Ok I know nobody wants to diss this cake buttttttttt this is what my cakes look like right now and I am just learning with fondant.I am giving these cakes away to family and friends. I would never ever ever charge anybody for that kind of work (which is why i have all family and friends bdays written down..practice practice practice) .. I would never want to be the one thing i would change of somebody's wedding day.

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FromScratchSF Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 6:37pm
post #49 of 254

Trying to be constructive - she did a bang-up job on the colors.  Of course the fondant was probably purchased pre-colored but that's besides the point.  

 

That would be a $2,500-$3,000 for me.

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IcedandSliced Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 6:47pm
post #50 of 254

The original cake photo is absolutely beautiful. Is it bad that I would charge $700 for that cake? I live in a small town in Alaska, if that helps anyone with the reason behind my pricing. I have some experience under my belt and consider myself to be a fairly decent cakerator. Just curious what you all think. I charge 3.50 per slice for fondant and minimum decorations.

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kblickster Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 6:56pm
post #51 of 254

Seeing a cake like this makes me queasy.  This is exactly why I panic before each cake. 

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jenmat Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 7:00pm
post #52 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by LadyViola 

 

 

Here is the note I wrote on my cake page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/violas-custom-cakes/cake-pricing-explained/492430020803655

 

 

Feel free to use/copy/modify it. I actually modify it from time to time myself and will probably add more to it. I made it because I got tired of justifying my prices to people. I still think my prices are cheap for what I do. And you wouldn't believe the numbers of customer complain to me that they got a cake from xyz cake shop and were sorely disappointed. You get what you pay for.

Brilliantly put, LadyViola. I may just borrow that and share it on my own page. Non-confrontational, but informative. Thanks for posting it!

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 7:08pm
post #53 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by FromScratchSF 

Trying to be constructive - she did a bang-up job on the colors.  Of course the fondant was probably purchased pre-colored but that's besides the point.  

 

That would be a $2,500-$3,000 for me.

Your cakes are lovely!!

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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 7:09pm
post #54 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenmat 

Brilliantly put, LadyViola. I may just borrow that and share it on my own page. Non-confrontational, but informative. Thanks for posting it!

Thank you kindly! Please do share. Copy and paste it even, I just want people to GET IT!

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Annabakescakes Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 7:21pm
post #55 of 254

A

Original message sent by FromScratchSF

Trying to be constructive - she did a bang-up job on the colors.  Of course the fondant was probably purchased pre-colored but that's besides the point.  

That would be a $2,500-$3,000 for me.

WOW! You were already my cake hero, but I am impressed! How long do you think that would take you? If you don't mind me asking... I am slow and get lonely out there by myself, so I sort of cheat myself by taking lots of breaks.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 8:01pm
post #56 of 254

A

Original message sent by IcedandSliced

The original cake photo is absolutely beautiful. Is it bad that I would charge $700 for that cake? I live in a small town in Alaska, if that helps anyone with the reason behind my pricing. I have some experience under my belt and consider myself to be a fairly decent cakerator. Just curious what you all think. I charge 3.50 per slice for fondant and minimum decorations.

Aren't supplies even more expensive in Alaska?!

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IcedandSliced Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 8:37pm
post #57 of 254

Ive heard price for ingredients is a little higher but I dont have anything to come to. My decorating supplies are all ordered online because we do not have any of those craft stores where I live.  

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melanie-1221 Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 9:30pm
post #58 of 254
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LadyViola Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 9:44pm
post #59 of 254

PLEASE do share!
 

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FromScratchSF Posted 7 Feb 2013 , 10:06pm
post #60 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by Annabakescakes 


WOW! You were already my cake hero, but I am impressed! How long do you think that would take you? If you don't mind me asking... I am slow and get lonely out there by myself, so I sort of cheat myself by taking lots of breaks.

 

 

Actually, now looking at it I think the serving amount was under-estimated.  All my cake is 2 flavors of cake, 3 different buttercream fillings, then ganached then fondant.  That's a 6 tiered cake, I think it's a 6x9x9x12x14x16 = 310 servings, even though the 9x9 was carved to be 6" in the middle, you still pay for the cake.  Base price @ $8/serving = $2,480

 

2 hours carving +double stack @ $25/hour = $50

Sugar bow w/ edible broach detail = $125

The monograms look pre-purchased so no charge, but if I were to make them with the amount of glitter in them it's be another $100

Stencil work on 2 tiers = $200 or so

Quilting on a 16" tier with pink candy pearls = $40

30 or so sugarpaste cosmos = $450

 

I estimate it would take at least 3 weeks prep time making and coloring all those cosmos

Bow would also need to be made in advance, takes less then an hour but I charge in hour increments, putting it on with additional "ribbon" around the tier, 1 hour

Center broach - could be 1/2 hour, could be more depending on how much detail I want to put into it

Baking cake - 4 hours

Tort/fill - another 3 hours

Carving - 2 hours (I'm a perfectionist)

Ganache/fondant - I'd allocate a full 8 hour day, but would probably take 10 with the concave double barrel

Stack & add final decorations, 6 hours

Make the bottom black separator disk for the cosmos - another hour

 

So for me, if I were to replicate that cake exact, (assuming the client did not want an upcharged flavor or filling) that actually puts me $3,445 plus delivery

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