I'm just wondering if most of you with storefront bakeries do box or scratch baking? And what would the pricing difference be between them?

Is there a cost difference in supplies if doctoring your box mix compared to scratch?

You might want to do a search on this topic. Just sayin'.

There are a TON of posts on this subject (do an advanced google search if the one on here doesn't work for you) It usually is a VERY controversial subject. People are passionate about both ways of doing it, and neither one is right or wrong.

It all boils down to this: do what you are comfortable with, and your clients like, and don't worry about what others say about it.

And the cost of your recipes is a highly individual thing, depending on how you doctor, the quality of ingredients used, where you shop, etc.

In other words...PLEASE don't go there! Search....

I bake from scratch, Real butter, SMBC, quality chocolate, real fruit (no icky LorAnn oils or whatever they are called.

I've never used a mix (and never will) so I have no idea how much they cost.

Loucinda, I've been wondering for a couple of weeks now, after seeing your posts here and there.... what IS that thing in your avatar pic?

Loucinda's avatar picture is a geletine bow.

To figure the price difference you have to do some leg work on your own. What costs me one thing here can cost someone else more or less in another location.

Take your recipes, make a list of what you need for both, then visit your local grocery store and price it out. Also some things are cheaper in bulk and if you have the volume that may be a benefit. Some can buy in bulk and save money, for others it may not help if they can't get what they use in bulk.

Karma, This is why things start. If other people use Lorann oils they might take offense at the "icky" comment.

I'm not trying to start anything. Icky is my own personal observation. If others use it and it works for them, that's fine and dandy!

Texas Sugar, love the new pic. You look great!!

Rosiecast, Thank you!

I wasn't trying to start anything i've seen posts whre it got heated over which was best. Thats not what i was trying to say..i was just wondering what business' use. Would you make more money using mix or from scratch? I was more interested in it more from a cost point of view

Revel, we know you weren't trying to start anything. It is just a topic that gets heated.

As I said before it is all really going to depend on information we can't tell you, because prices vary location to location. If your ingredients cost more to buy (such as if you are buying good quality stuff) then the cost of your cake should also reflect that.

I wouldn't base which you bake by off of the cost, as I'm guessing they are probably close enough not to make a huge difference. I would base it off of which one you feel comfortable baking, and which one those in your area seem to prefer.

whether or not you make "more money" will depend on how much you charge. And whether or not your price covers the hours you're putting into the cake (making the grocery list, going to the store to buy supplies, baking, decorating, clean-up, and delivery)

Definitely take TexasSugar's advice and make a list of your ingredients and get the prices from the stores. Just remember to use the most expensive price (not sale prices, b/c it's not always on sale) if you shop at two different stores. I typically try to buy my supplies at wal-mart because they're cheaper than the other store, but I use the prices from the other store to figure my per serving price because sometimes wal-mart doesn't have what I need and I have to pay more for the same thing.

karmastew, there is a thread about this gelatine bow, butterflies, flowers, etc. if you want to learn about it. not good on computers as you might be. i would lead you to it. just reading different peoples post.. they have always complimented loucinda on her beautiful bow. in fact, loucinda is on that thread i am talking about. maybe she will lead you to it. if you are new to decorating, then you might not have heard of this. famous teacher at ices convention. (rosa) taught this several years ago. at the convention using her expensive lace molds. so lots of decorators use this method. i know a little bit about it.. you can p/m me if you like.

Revel - You're fine!

Thank you TS & icer.....I have been off the computer today, trying to help get things figured out for our extended family and the tragic accident (see prayers for Joe in the lounge) I appreciate it.

I'll get the popcorn. (Lou...be sure to take care of yourself, too).