I have done two cakes for family members this past week. One was asked to do on wednesday due for thursday and then I got an order on thursday for a cake due on Sunday (today).
I have never made either of the cakes before. I was very stressed out. Especially because the cakes were for members of my family who are wonderful ARTISTS! Perfectionists!
Also it takes me a full day to do one cake. I do take breaks because I am dealing with two little girls. But also because I get frustrated.

The chocolate cake with strawberries in my album I charged 30 and went in the hole. ( I have NO idea on how to charge.)
The pumpkin cake I also charged 30 and I think I made my money on that one.

But what about my time. Also because I don't makes cakes everyday, I have to go to the store each time I get an order to get supplies. So if I get an order on thursday for a cake the next day. I get the supplies that day. Then when I get an order the following day for another cake I have to go back to the store.

So many steps...for what?
I will say I do like the final result, I love hearing the wonderful comments, but my stress level is through the roof! Will I ever get over it?
I do enjoy making cakes when I don't have a time limit. I guess I just need to get faster and stop making cakes I have never done before.

Practice Practice Practice!!

sorry just wanted to vent!

New rule at your house..

No 24 hour cake orders! Put your foot down, even use your children, with 2 little ones underfoot you should start by telling every one that you need at least a weeks notice!

Your not a local supermarket where they can come by and pick up a cake!

I understand how you feel... I've done that before myself.. started to bake a cake and realised that I didn't get some of the ingredients that I needed and had to make a trip back to the store...

my lastest is the wedding cake that I had scheduled for the 24th of September. That was when hurricane Rita hit .. I had frozen the cakes then we lost electricity. I put icing on the chocolate cake and let everyone eat .. they got full of cake and didn't want anymore .. I lost 2-12" square cakes and 2-8" square cakes .. I also had an italian creme cake that I lost too .. In addition to all of that, I made about 50 or so gumpaste flowers and 4 bows that went on the cake .. I tried to contact the bride-to-be and see if she is even planning to have another reception.. she had told me that they had planned to marry the Friday before the storm and had just called off the reception .. I'm not sure if they'll even do it now .. it wasn't her fault, nor mine really .. but I totally understand how you feel about not being sure if it's worth it sometimes... I think the love of baking and decorating cakes overrides the loses .. right now my cake business is totally dead .. everyone is concerned about their homes, losses, etc .. things will eventually return to normal or somewhat normal someday

I buy extra cake mixes, Crisco and confectioner's sugar and keep on hand at all times ... just remember to keep a few extras around hang in there!!

It is very frustrating when people ask for something at the last minute! I have made a habit of picking up extra cake mixes just in case. I usually keep extra chocolate and yellow on hand since that is mostly what people order from me.

Sometimes...if I feel I have too much stress...I say I can not do it. That is not very often though. I had 8 orders last weekend and a lady called for the italian cream cake...and that would make 9...and I still said yes. I guess I had just made up mind that I wanted to do it.

I think you are doing a great job on your cakes. I think we all have moments when we get stressed out with all the running around and getting supplies. Then we make HUGE messes in the kitchen! But if you are feeling good in the end...I would say it was worth it!
traci

What was the size of the strawberry cake? How did you go in the whole? I think you were paid for your supplies but you undercut your time pay. But it was for a family member. I give DEALS to SOME of my family. Your cakes are beautiful by the way.

I agree with Pastry Diva....

But here is what I do..

I always purchase enough stuff for an one extra cake. That way I don't have to run to the store all the time. Most of my orders are for 8" rounds...so I keep a stock of cake boards and boxes too! This way if someone does call ... I have the materials. Most of my customers know that I need at least two days notice....that is for a basic cake.


But I know what you mean about running around and last minute orders and having to deal with the kids too!!!

Hope this helps!!! Keep up the good work!

I haven't been asked the day before to do a new cake (one that I haven't made before), but I do have small kids and try to make my cakes around their needs. That makes decorating a stop and go job. It usually takes me a day or even two to make a very detailed cake (no six hour compititions for me).

My family is pretty good about letting me know in advance. I tell others that if they will give me at least a week notice, I can prepare something nice for them.

As for having to go to the store, I try to keep a couple of bags of powdered sugar and Crisco on hand at all times. Flour (cake, self rising, whole wheat, white) keeps well in the freezer, just have it room temp before use. I am starting to stock up on baker's chocolate too. I also have a few box mixes in the freezer for the last minute calls. No special treatment for those who procrastinate. I have three kids (8, 4, & 5 mo), I have to plan everything. If they wait, my schedule will not fit a scratch cake.

Good luck!

becca0926 - the strawberry cake was two 10 x 10 cakes. (some of it was my fault - chocolate is expensive and I bought the expensive kind not knowing I could have used something else. Also strawberries are not in season around here so I had to go to two stores before I found some and they were 3.00 dollars for a pack.)

THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT! I really needed it. Especially because my husband told me to stop making cakes - i think he is saying that because I take all the stress out on him!!

CHERYL - I am sure things will get better for you! your cakes are awesome. I hope I reach your level. you never realize how something like the hurricane can effect more than just the ones who lost their homes. We forget about the businesses too! (at least I do!)

I get totally stressed too. I have 3 children 4 yrs old and under, so I take lots of 'breaks' too, and usually end up having to stay up half the night, for what??? About 20$ profit?? Hmm... I don't know if it's worth it or not, but for whatever reason, I still keep on doing it, and getting thrilled every time I get a new cake order.

I do enjoy it, the compliments, the personal satisfaction looking at the finished product, and the hope that some day I will be good enough and have enough customers to open my own shop.

I don't know if I'm any comfort, lol, but I just wanted to say I know just how you feel!

Melissa

I started telling everyone that ifthey give me little notice thats what they get a cake with little to it!

For those who order well in advance ....I usually do little extras for them because I have time to plot and think it out! People are seeing the differnce from there cakes to others and getting the hint!

I finally have some clue about what to expect in the weeks to come because I now hear .....Im gonna need a cake next month with such and such theme dont forget about me!!!! LIke I would ---your paying me!

Don't do it anymore!!!! No short-notice cakes. At least a week....and figure out your pricing so that you make money.

If you do this with the kids....OF COURSE you're going to get stressed out!!! Of course your DH is going to get stressed out!!! Of course you will resent the people who ask you! It would happen with anything...not just cake decorating!!!

Be firm but nice....say....I would love to bake the cake but unfortunately I need a few days notice. Or....Sure I'll bake your cake. What time can you pick up my kids?

I, personally, will not do a cake that I am not proud of showing. (I am one of those perfectionist artist types you mentioned) And a day doesn't even give me enough time to think about what I will create...let alone actually make it! Stick to your guns and next time say no....but thanks for thinking of me!

I have a very good girlfriend who does that to me ALLLLLL the time. But the last time which was two weeks ago I told her this is the DA-- LAST TIME I am doing a cake for you last minute. That alone adds so much to your stress level. i don't think It's makeing a cake you never made because if you have enough time you can play with it if it does not come out right. (I am getting up set just writing this) People get me so mad. They have NO IDEA what it takes to make a cake and to me DON"T CARE. As long as they get what they want. I aggree CHANGE your rules. I now tell people Two weeks notice.

momoftwogirls,

I feel your pain...people can be so inconsiderate!

I tell people that I need at least two weeks notice because I get alot of advance orders and will need to fit them in.

So far, I've only had to last minute orders...thank the good Lord.

You have to stand firm and when in doubt about the price, tell them you will get back to them within the hour.

Up your prices so that you won't fall short.

Oh my gosh! I just looked at the photos of your cakes. You should have tripled the price...They are wonderful...especially the strawberries. Don't let people walk all over you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the other hand...they really may not know what it takes to create one of these babies. Just let them know. Give them the benefit of the doubt...this time!!

Remember...as long as you love your job it will never seem like work. Don't allow anything to take the joy away from you. I hope to see more cakes from you...but on a happy note!

In The future try to have some extra cake stuff on hand this way you dont have to run out to get everything if you have a last minute order that you want to take. Especially with kids and having To drag them out to the store.

Try to get a hold of the price martix that's floating around out there. Or sit down and figure out how much money it cost you to make your basic cakes then how much to ice them. Then the extra stuff. This way you are never caught with your pants down as they say.

Business and Family or Friendship dont mix. Always sit and figure a reasonable price for your work and do not undercharge yourself. If people expect quality cakes. They should expect to pay for them.

Finally, you have the right to refuse to make a cake if you think it's too last minute and is going to cause too much stress.


With regards to a comment that was made, I personally would rather turn a cake down than to be too stressed out or to produce a cake that's of inferior quality just so people can take a hint. After all, any cake I produce is a reflection of my abilities. If I sign on to do a cake I am gonna give it 110%. After all people will not say oh she only had last minute to come up with that cake. They will more likely say oh I can't believe you paid for that I know where not to get my cake.


Princess


P.S. LOL I hope this helps you out. I am off to find your masterpieces. I still have trouble finding pics on This site.

Momoftwogirls,
You way undercharged for that stawberry cake, that's a $60-$90 cake depending on where you live.

I have a two year old who always seems to want to be held when I'm trying to work on a cake or worse yet, helps himself to it just when I've gotten it finished. Worse than that, I have grown kids who always seem to need me to handle a crisis just when I'm in the middle of something.

The best advice I can offer you is to clean out a shelf in a linen closet, the top shelf in a kitchen cabinet or even use the space above the cabinets if you have any. If you don't already get the sale ads from your local grocery stores call them and ask how you can get a copy of their weekly ads mailed to you. When cake mixes or any other supplies you need go on sale buy as much as you can afford and find a place to store. Last time they went on sale for $.69 I bought all 77 boxes I could find at 3 different Albertson's. Cake mix is usually $2.09 a box and I use the regular price when determining how much to charge someone for a cake.

Buying in quantity when it's on sale reduces the stress as you have what you need on hand and it increases your profit margin, which as eveybody knows usually winds up being precious little. The mixes, powdered sugar, Crisco, flavorings and such will keep a long time. Try to store it as far away from heat sources as possible, I do advise sprinkling a few bay leaves in any cabinet or area you are using for long term storage of dry ingredients.

Hope that helps,
God Bless,
Bitte

I agree with the others, you have to set a cut-off time for cake orders and if you feel that it will be too stressful to do a short-notice cake, don't do it.

I've been decorating for a couple of years and saying NO is something that took me about a year to learn. My life has been much easier since I figured this out!

Here is what I did to make sure that I always price my cakes correctly. I started a list of exactly what it costs me to do each size of cake (price per cake mix with other ingredients, price per batch of buttercream frosting, etc.). Then I made a special trip to my local cake decorating supply store and made a list of the exact price for every item I use (cake boards, boxes, decorating bags, dummys, icing coloring, edible glitter, luster dust, and so on).

Now I have a chart that allows me to calculate my exact cost to do a cake, so I never underprice a cake. It seems to be working very well!