I Baked, I Sold, Now What??

Business By PreciousP Updated 23 Dec 2013 , 10:19pm by PreciousP

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 12:06pm
post #1 of 17

I  always loved to bake, there is a calm that I find in front of a mixer and at the end  everyone, (especially me) is happy. I was recently asked to make a cake for a 50th birthday party and I did. I baked carved and decorated a cake with fondant for the first time. I actually was surprised at how good it came out. Every one at the party is asking for my information and about pricing and I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone point me in the right direction, I think I just found my niche.:-D

 Thanks In Advance

16 replies
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tcbalgord Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 12:23pm
post #2 of 17

First, let me say congrats on finding your niche it's a wonderful thing when we find we can do what we love! 

Now to answer our questions, pricing really depends on where you live. Do your research on area cake shops; you dont want to undercharge yourself and you also don't want to be so low from your competition that you are known as the "cheap" cake shop.  You want to make sure that you check the laws in your area...can you bake from home (cottage food law) or do you need a store front....What licenses and insurance do you need.  A lot of research is needed before launching this into a business.  Jason Kraft has some awesome blog posts about all of this and should be a great help to you.  While lots of people do this illegally that doesn't mean it's right and it will come back and bite them one day.

 

HTH and good luck!

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-K8memphis Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 1:28pm
post #3 of 17

off topic--

 

christine, i this--in your signature

 

Quote:
 When my wires are frayed I think of shiny happy people holding hands!

 

signed,

crispy 

 

(ie--a few steps past frayed ;) hahaha

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kikiandkyle Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 2:22pm
post #4 of 17

There are two ways to do pricing - pricing at a fair market rate and making sure you cover your expenses and overhead and earn a fair hourly rate, and pricing at what you think will get you lots of business but will end up costing you money rather than making any. 

 

Pricing yourself fairly might mean you don't have anyone lining up down the street to get your cakes but most people would rather make one cake for $300 than ten cakes for $30. Don't be surprised if all of those people who loved your cake at the party have no intention of paying what would be a good price for it. The first rule of custom cakes is that most people can't afford them, they are a luxury item not an entitlement. 

 

Now if you are still ready to proceed then start researching cottage food laws in your state and go from there! 

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 2:35pm
post #5 of 17

AThank you. I'm nervous but I want to peruse this. I am going to look into cottage food laws here in New York. I'm also going to look around and find out what the local bakeries are charging. :D

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-K8memphis Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 2:49pm
post #6 of 17

srsly though, op, i would surmise that you would be a hobby baker rather than a full fledged business because you got your buzz fulfilling and exceeding expectations--whereas running a business is almost none of that--it is a welcome and lovely by product but not at all the main course--

 

and as either hobbyist or a business you would want to hold the banner high and protect this kinda fragile industry and do your due diligence to understand pricing--that pricing is not about replacing your out of pocket expenses plus a little--

 

and fwiw--when anyone bakes something pleasant--the common everyday complimentary response is "you should start a business" that's just the way we are--when the truth is--that might be a good reason to embark more fully on a nice purposeful cake hobby -- that's actually the worst reason ever to start a (full fledged) business--

 

but please research this board for pricing -- best of the best to you and congratulations on your first of hopefully many more to come 'cake highs' -- 

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 2:57pm
post #7 of 17

AThank you K8 Memphis.

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MimiFix Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 8:00pm
post #8 of 17

The cottage food law in NY does not allow for selling custom cakes, so you would need to rent a commercial kitchen. Good luck.

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ddaigle Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 9:32pm
post #9 of 17

Jason must be on vacation! LOL

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 9:45pm
post #10 of 17

A

Original message sent by ddaigle

Jason must be on vacation! LOL

I don't quite get that reference.

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 9:51pm
post #11 of 17

A

Original message sent by MimiFix

The [URL=http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/FS/consumer/processor.html]cottage food law in NY[/URL] does not allow for selling custom cakes, so you would need to rent a commercial kitchen. Good luck.

Thank you. I've got a lot of work to do. I know it will be worth it.

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ellavanilla Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 9:55pm
post #12 of 17

if you rent a commercial kitchen you will need a food handler's certificate and insurance

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ddaigle Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 9:56pm
post #13 of 17

Sorry precious...nothing towards you....Jason normally is involved in these types of discussions.   I was being snarky!   I love that word!  Been looking for a chance to use it all day!  

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 10:03pm
post #14 of 17

ALol "Snarky" I do like that word

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 10:07pm
post #15 of 17

A

Original message sent by ellavanilla

if you rent a commercial kitchen you will need a food handler's certificate and insurance

I start classes towards my associates in culinary arts and management in January. I believe that is included in the program. :) well the certificate at least.

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jason_kraft Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 10:14pm
post #16 of 17

A

Original message sent by ddaigle

Jason must be on vacation! LOL

Actually I am on vacation, we are spending the week in Cabo San Lucas with my wife's family.

To the OP, check out the Starting a Business and Pricing Formula links in my signature below for some more information about what's involved in starting a business and how to set prices.

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PreciousP Posted 23 Dec 2013 , 10:19pm
post #17 of 17

AThank you Jason

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