Hey everyone I'm opening my cake studio In a couple few months which I'm so nervous but do extremely excited about! I thought it wouldn't happen for another 5 years or so. Anyways my question is... I have people who are getting married in the summer and talking to me now about there cakes, once I have there order how far in advance is to fAr to ask for a deposit to keep that scheduled day and security for me? And what do most of you charge for your deposits? Thanks any tips help me u all rock the world lol

In my book, you don't have an order until you've made a deposit. The deposit is what holds the date/slot. Doesn't matter how early or when it is, as long as it's before anyone else puts a deposit down for that date/slot.

I just had a bride send me her deposit for June 2011. I don't accept deposits.bookings until Jan 1 of the year before (say a July 2012 wedding would not be booked until Jan 1 2011). There is such thing as too early, but deposits for this summer is definitely not too early, as long as you can guarantee you will be open by then. Best wishes to you, sounds like you're excited!!!

It's not too early for a deposit for ANY wedding date THIS year!

The only thing that would make it seem TOO EARLY ever is if it was years in advance. I tell people that book more than a year in advance that their price is not "locked" in, but as soon as it's Jan. 1, of the year before they're getting married...then they get locked into that price. So there is an advantage to booking "early" because prices tend to go up and up and up as the years and months tick by.

Wow you guys are such great help , and yes I'm extremely excited I can't keep my head straight because it's so full of stuff haha so for say a $250 cake what would the normal deposit be? And do you guys only do deposits on wedding cakes?

It's never too early for a retainer in my book. I don't ask for a percentage though... just a flat $200.00 to book and then the rest is due 30 days before the wedding. So this way I am not locked into a price quote over a year before the date so if prices go up. Consults are usually held 6-9 months in advance (sometimes less) and then they find out their balance at the consult. If someone for some reason wanted to book YEARS in advance... I'd tell them to wait until the date is at least 1.5 years out, but if someone wants to give e their retainer 2 years in advance... I'll take it.

I take deposits on all orders, 50% of the total. That is the only way to hold the date since I am a one person operation and only take a limited number of orders per week.

I take a 50% deposit on regular cake orders and balance on delivery.
For wedding cakes I take a 30% deposit and balance is due 2 weeks before the date. (the only time I don't take a deposit is if it's for a friend or family and I know they will pay the full amount on delivery/pick-up)

I've told one client who wanted to book 1.5years before her wedding that I would do an estimate based on today's prices, take a 30% deposit of that, but that the final $ figure would be worked out 9 months before her date. I didn't want to be caught out by price rises for my ingredients.

I'm so envious that you're opening a shop-front. All the best of luck!

[quote="sugarandslice"]I take a 50% deposit on regular cake orders and balance on delivery.
For wedding cakes I take a 30% deposit and balance is due 2 weeks before the date. (the only time I don't take a deposit is if it's for a friend or family and I know they will pay the full amount on delivery/pick-up)

I've told one client who wanted to book 1.5years before her wedding that I would do an estimate based on today's prices, take a 30% deposit of that, but that the final $ figure would be worked out 9 months before her date. I didn't want to be caught out by price rises for my ingredients.

I'm so envious that you're opening a shop-front. All the best of luck![/quote



Thank you for the help everyone and thank you for all the good lucks I have to figure out my set up and any ideas on what can be done for a grand opening?

People routinely book me 6 - 10 months prior. It's NORMAL for summer brides to be booking now.

For weddings I require a 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit and the rest is due 30 days before the reception.

For other orders 50% non-refundable and the rest due at time of pick-up and delivery.

I agree with cakesbycathy and forgot to say that all deposits are non-refundable. I put that in writing on the quote I give each customer

Damn now another question anyone have a quote sheet they could share with me?

If you PM me your email address I'll send you a copy of mine