Consultation Fees - Page 2

Just about everyone wants a free tasting these days. It's not just the brides looking for that experience. Le sigh. 

I did a groupon for advertisement purposes (I did only 100ish) with an option for a cake or cupcakes, and people were trying to get tastings for their 8" cake! Um, you're spending $35 on a $70 cake (i get $17 of it) and you seriously expect a tasting too? Go to hell! 

For wedding cakes and the like (highly decorated special occasion cakes over $400) I offer 2 flavours of mud cake for a price of $17.. this fee is reimbursed if they decide to proceed with an order. Any additional flavour tastings are at the client's own cost, and I have to say I have not had one person question as to why I charge for my tastings :) My motto in business is to always remain confident in what you do, and be firm but polite.. have faith in the way your run you business.

In my area, charging for tastings is not common so I don't charge. They get four flavors to taste and we bake cupcakes since its easier. Most will actually split it and then they are able to take them home for a mom or friend who wasn't able to come to the tasting. Right now I only do tastings for weddings since I have yet to get a party to serve 150+ people that wanted a tasting. I would probably consider it if they asked but wouldn't go out of my way to offer for a party. So far, I've booked all of the consultations I've had (which is 11 since September). I think people have fallen in love with my more laid-back style and flexibility when it comes to some things (price NOT being one of them). We'll see if that ever bites me in the rear.