I have my very first cake order for a 7 in oval cake. I will be doing a basket weave with flowers on it. I am trying to figure out how much to charge. I don't want to charge too much and scare her off, and then others will think I am too expensive....but I don't want to charge too little and jip myself....

If you're doing BC flowers....to cover the top and it's two layers, I wouldn't go any less than say 30 bucks

A lot of the suggestions are generally to check and see what the going rate for a cake like that would be from a local bakery. Prices vary sometimes greatly according to area you are in.

Another rule of thumb is to calculate up all of your costs for doing it and multiply that by 3.

Look at some web sites and see what they charge! A local bakery here in Colorado charges $20 for a cake that feeds 10-12 (which is about what the oval does), with an additional $2 for a filling. That is for the basic stuff. I know a lot of people will charge and additional $5 to $25 for flowers depending on how many they are doing on top.

Remember that prices go up for specialty flavors and work detail.

I am on the low side I charge $18, but basket weave is extra, so $25????

I did one(not basketweave) a few weeks ago and charged $15

I agree that it depends greatly on where you are. In the past I have called local bakeries and asked for basic prices. After you get a good reputation, you can start to raise your prices a little.

In my area, I can get about $12-15 for the basic oval cake. I can do the Wilton oval with basketweave, fence, and royal flowers for about $25.

What board do you use for an oval pan? I've never seen an oval board around here...just on the 'net.

I used a sqaure that I cut and covered. I am not a pro but it fit well in my box!

I'm $20-25 on the little ovals. This is all my area will "allow"....... I keep an arsenal of flowers in egg cartons and throw them on for no extra charge alot of times. I know that's crazy...but I consider it advertising for the big kahouna that might come my way because of "a few pretty flowers".

I've been putting my little ovals on an 8" circle so that I can box them.

Thanks!

if they're bc flowers 20-22 i do think it really depends on where you are. if you're on the east coast, i think you could charge 30, i'm in the midwest, i too will do royal icing flowers when i'm bored and then throw them on- great way to dress up a cake, especially if you get a last minute order