So I have been baking and decorating for 10+ years. I truly have a passion for it. Never took a class, just picked up as I went along. I know I am good at it, as a matter of fact, better than good! I made cakes for everyone - friends, family, school, church, you name it. And everyone kept telling me that I needed to do this professionally. So I got to thinking I should. I go to school in evenings, and clean houses in the daytime. And quite frankly, I am sick of cleaning house for people who are so disgusting it seems to me like they had to go to school to learn how to be filthy because you can't be that nasty on your own!

So I thought, "you know, I do have what it takes to do this cake thing professionally". Got my kitchen licensed, bought all the necessary equipment and spead the word. All of a sudden, everything came to a screeching halt. Haven't had an order in over a month. I am tempted to think that its because I now charge for the cake. Or is it the economy taking its toll? Or both?

I don't know. What I do know is my prices are more than fair and I am not changing them to go any lower! If I ever change them, they will be higher.

My questions are : Did this happen to anyone? How did you deal with it? How do you build cleintele?

I forgot to add, that the reason I am asking is because I m feeling really discouraged right now about it all and felt like CC is the only place where there would be people who would understand.

I cant answer your question but here is a bump. Hopefully someone else can help you! I hope things turn around for you.

you may wan't to have this moved to the business forum to get the answers you're looking for... sorry, but I'm no help!

I don't currently market my cakes as I am a home baker, but I do have marketing experience from my previous life. And I WILL be a fully licensed shop in the not-too-distant future. Are you marketing yourself? Join the local chamber of commerce. Find networking groups (BNI is really good). word of mouth is obviously the cheapest form of marketing. Get written testimonials from previous clients to show prospective clients.

please don't be discouraged. It's kinda dry for me too. I think the economy has something to do with it.

Are you advertising? You have to bring in the masses. Do you have business cards?

Ahhh yes...The old everyone wants something for nothing deal.. Don't you hate it!

You are right though...you are better than good. A matter of fact my husband and I were both commenting on your wedding dress cake last night.

Don't be discouraged. If I had your talent I would take it far and beyond. Get that name out there to new people. Businesses, bridal shops, etc. You have a great great talent and you really do need to stick with it.

Your cakes are amazing. If they don't want to pay you....let them make it themselves.

I'm thinking if you are counting on those that you GAVE your cakes too, they are not going to be there for you.... oh, maybe a couple will, but they are used to getting FREEBIES........ You will have to build your business from here out...... I hope you can afford to wait it out.......

OK, first I had to browse your gallery. Your cakes and cookies are outstanding. Quite frankly, people who have been getting freebies are now "insulted" that you dare ask them to pay for your time and talent. That's just the way it is. Market yourself outside of that circle and begin to build your clientele from there. Don't be discouraged you are really very good at what you do.

I don't sell cakes..but my opinion is it's the economy or your area (not willing to pay) or most likely a combination of both.......

I hope things pick up for you soon.

Thank you guys, so much. Makes me feel much better. I do have business cards I leave at places, and just joined Wedding Wire. I plan on doing some marketing too at local places like taking in samples etc.

I just can't help but think that among the people who used to be regular customers (non-paying regular customers) the only word of mouth going around right now is "She's charging now!"

Sometimes I blame myself for getting them "spoiled". But I just enjoyed the craft so much, I didn't mind too much then.

Sharon, maybe you can leave some cards and a brochure in a few places around town ... like a florist, a country club, a gymnastics or karate studio where they have birthday parties.