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wgoat5
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Sep 15, 2006
Posts: 7553
Location: Kentucky
Birthday: Nov 21
Gallery Supporter Member
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 Posted:
Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:04 am |
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I got a email from a family member this morning... She had inquired for a "friend" about a cake...
She wanted 2 tiered cake... stacked ... 2 flavors... a bow for the top and one of my side bows...
I quoted her the price for the cake... then added the additional charge for my bows.
When I received the email I was shocked and kind of insulted by the reaction of the "friend" and my family member.
The price of the cake was fine.. (120.00) but the price on my sugar bows were "a bit pricey"
I really don't think I charge a arm and a leg... She wanted a loopy bow for the top.... I charge 25.00 for those... and the little side loops I charged 10.00 ... still work still loops.. just not formed into a loopy bow  ... am I wrong in charging seperate for these little "treats" ?
I sent her a email stating that it takes time to make them.. taking up space to dry them.. forming them.. coloring them.. and then putting them all together.
I stuck to my guns... I won't sit down and spend a lot of time on anything for nothing. Been there done that..
Am I wrong?
Should I not charge seperate charges for these embellishments? If not then how do you get your money for all of these touches?
Thanks for your input |
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DianeLM
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jul 27, 2004
Posts: 1987
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:43 am |
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I do not give my customers an itemized accounting of all the doodads I charge extra for. If someone wants a cake with a bow, it's $150.00. If that's too rich for their blood, I'll make other suggestions, such as, cake without a bow, etc.. Fortunately, I don't have to do this often and when I do, it's usually a bargain hunter, so I find myself subtley discouraging the order. 
Here's the big point, tho. So what if she thinks your bows are pricey? She's entitled to her opinion. Either she wants it and will pay for it or she'll pick something else or go somewhere else.
Just because someone complains about the price, you are not obligated to justify or negotiate. It's THEIR problem. You can certainly point out that all your doodads are handmade and time-consuming, but you needn't go into excrutiating detail.
Stand behind your prices and your art. If this classless boob of a 'friend' doesn't want to pay, good riddance to her. I'm sure she'll be very happy with her WalMart cake - after she complains about the price, of course.  |
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wgoat5
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Sep 15, 2006
Posts: 7553
Location: Kentucky
Birthday: Nov 21
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:50 am |
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LOL I love your posts Diane LOL
I think what I should of done was add the price into the cake and not told her the prices of the bows...
But some people want to know why the price is what it is... I tend to say... it's cake.. it's time consuming... it takes time from my family ... it's a job .. |
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Mac
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 20, 2005
Posts: 2190
Location: East Texas
Birthday: Aug 29
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:56 am |
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No need to go into detail of why the cake costs so much--As I have stated before, Neiman-Marcus doesn't explain why they are higher than Wal-Mart.
I have had the same reaction when I priced bows separately. Now I just include them in the price. If it's too much, I offer suggestions (such as: getting a fabric bow from Michael's). Now, if someone wants just a bow, then I charge $25.00 for the loopy ones and $10 for the 2-loop bow. |
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terrylee
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 13, 2006
Posts: 320
Location: PETALUMA, CALIF
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:06 am |
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I agree with Mac "Neiman-Marcus doesn't explain they are highter the Wal-Mart"
Your cakes are beautiful and quality work. Quote a total price. |
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southerncake
Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 22, 2004
Posts: 762
Location: North Carolina
Birthday: Jul 29
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:20 am |
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I do itemize things like bows, monograms, etc. - just like you did it! If questioned, I would just explain that the bows/loops are very time consuming and require a lot of work, hence the price.
If they don't want to pay for the bow...no bow for them!! |
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indydebi
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 07, 2006
Posts: 13704
Location: Indianapolis IN
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:24 am |
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A phrase I use that seems to get the message across:
"Do you know how many DAYS it takes to make (whatever)?"
That tends to shut 'em up.
Someone wanted cookies ... very last minute. When I told them it couldn't be done, they go into the same 'ole "but it's just some cookies!" I tell them, "Yes, but you want multiple colors and that icing has to sit 12 hours before I can add layers of colored icings on top of each other ... unless you want a big mess on your cookies."
At my frat catering last May, one of the leaders had a birthday so they asked me at about 1:00 if I could make a cake for 100 for dinner. I laughed out loud and said, "Even if I had all of the supplies here in my hand ... do you know how long it takes to make a cake that big? I would suggest you run down the road to Sam's ..... I"m sure they have something in their freezer for you." |
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apetricek
Regular Member
Joined: Jul 27, 2007
Posts: 128
Location: PA
Birthday: Sep 12
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:29 am |
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I agree with the others, I don't customize the price for them because then I think they can tend to want to bargain with me. I basically give them a base price, the quote them the price for the cake. I have also had the cheap-os come back, and then I will gladly alter a cake/design to fit their budget. I think people think when something is hand done (rather than going to store) they can hagle with you. I think your prices are right on...so I would tell her it is what it is I will be glad to make the cake for you, and hope we can book your order...if not her loss I am sure!!  |
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loriemoms
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Nov 09, 2005
Posts: 2246
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Birthday: Feb 12
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:30 am |
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Send them this link and tell them to buy the bows (with shipping and handling, they are more expensive then yours and I am sure not as pretty because they are machine made) and tell them to place them on the cake after you deliver it. They will then come back to you and say you aren't charging enough for your bows!
http://www.wilton.com/store/si.....279E570851 |
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bartar01
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 08, 2007
Posts: 52
Location: Florida
Birthday: May 27
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:43 am |
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I don't think it's wrong at all to charge separately for additional work and supplies. And judging by your pictures, your work is well worth it! |
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Mike1394
Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 803
Location: Michigan
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:20 am |
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I don't think so. How much would the Sistine Chapel cost to paint if it was just a single coat of blue? The more detail you want the more it costs.
Mike |
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jamalyn1
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 19, 2008
Posts: 22
Location: Chico, CA
Birthday: Jun 28
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:38 am |
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My boyfriend and I run a pool service business. He has learned over the years that making 1 base price is the best. When we start pricing everything separate people complain to the moon, but when we just label all the parts going to the repair and put 1 price we have a lot less complaining. I have yet to start selling cakes so I will also keep this in mind when I someday do. |
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fiddlesticks
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Aug 05, 2006
Posts: 2620
Location: Indiana
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:48 am |
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I just figure everything into the cake price to . Then if it is to high I can say well... what if we dont do this or this ?? and we always come up with a cake to please them ! And to fit their budget ! Christi ..Your work is beautiful dont sell anything for less then you want ! I always say I would rather give away a cake to whoever I want to before I sell one for less then I think its worth ! Stick to your price ! |
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CarolAnn
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Sep 22, 2004
Posts: 2053
Location: Kansas
Birthday: Nov 10
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:54 am |
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Of course yu should charge well for your bows! They get what they pay for and if they aren't willing to pay they just don't get the extras, period! I've seen the Wilton bows and they're UGLY. |
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Jocmom
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 297
Location: Port Huron, Michigan
Birthday: Apr 05
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Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:44 am |
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I always give them the choice - "My price for the cake you want is $___. If that seems high, you can buy the same size cake at SAMS or Walmart for $___."
The response is always, "But SAMS and Walmart can't make a cake like the ones you make. They're so plain."
Hey, I can make it "plain" for $___.
End of discussion. |
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