Hey all, I need some help. I've been baking from home for awhile now but need to cut costs so that I can charge less, the cost of butter and chocolate are killing me!! Where do y'all buy your supplies? I'm in a small town but have access to a large city.
Thanks for your ideas!
I found that you can get things a little cheaper at a warehouse store like BJ's or Sam's Club. Of course you have to pay the membership fee, unless you have a friend that already has a membership, and is willing to go along to the store with you. Also check to see if you have a restaurant supply store in your area. And..... check with a fraternity cook at a local college, they often order in bulk and may be willing to sell to you at cost. ( I know, I was a frat cook for 14 years). And.. who does your local bakery order from? They may be willing to give you the name of their supplier. Good Luck to you!
If you can cut costs, I don't think you should charge less. I don't know what you charge, but with the very random price hikes, it's nice to have wiggle room.
I do shop at Sams, I just live in a smaller community and when people see that a cake costs $20 and up they freak out! They prefer to go to Walmart (ugh and big ick) and get something there. I'm trying to get my business to be more regular so other than seeking out businesses in the area, which I am doing, I thought maybe if I charged less it would help. I'm waiting to be licensed so I'm hoping that once that happens, I can get out more.
I do shop at Sams, I just live in a smaller community and when people see that a cake costs $20 and up they freak out! They prefer to go to Walmart (ugh and big ick) and get something there. I'm trying to get my business to be more regular so other than seeking out businesses in the area, which I am doing, I thought maybe if I charged less it would help. I'm waiting to be licensed so I'm hoping that once that happens, I can get out more.
If $20 cake is what they freak out about and they end up buying at Walmart, then obviously taste is the last thing on their minds. So buy cheap stuff and make cheap cakes. Otherwise you'll have a bunch customers who expect top quality along with cheap prices and the only one who will be losing is you.
[quote="carmijok"]
If $20 cake is what they freak out about and they end up buying at Walmart, then obviously taste is the last thing on their minds. So buy cheap stuff and make cheap cakes. Otherwise you'll have a bunch customers who expect top quality along with cheap prices and the only one who will be losing is you.
Spot on! There is no cake I can make for $20 bucks and make money, not even a 6"! I don't want to get just double back on my supplies, but get paid for my labor as well.
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