I just got a call where a lady started off by saying this: "I need a birthday cake in the shape of a dog, for about 15-20 people, and I need someone to make it for a reasonable price...That wouldn't be you, right?"

Bet she thinks a reasonable price is $30!

AI love the 'reasonable price' comment. It's right about there that I know I probably won't get the order. Because my 'reasonable' is most certainly NOT the same as yours!

AWhen someone starts like that, I always find it challenging to restrain myself from explaining what is reasonable and what's not or just hanging up on them.

Adding the "that wouldn't be you" part might just be enough to send me over the edge and say something like you're right, I have to charge enough to put food on the table. You're looking for someone without those sorts of concerns.

I've never said that, but it's been on the tip of my tongue many a time.

ABut in a helpful tone of voice, of course haha :)

I'm betting you won't be making her cake, Or she'll end up being one of your best customers. Good luck.

Oh, I passed on the opportunity. What I don't undertand is why, if she was so sure I wouldn't do it for what she considers to be a reasonable price, she called me to begin with? Hope springs eternal.

ROTFLMAO!!!

"Oh, would that be the price for the shelter adoption or will that be for a pure bred?"  ($425 here to adopt from the shelter and about $1000-5000 for the purebred from the breeder LOL)..  I'm going to be the oddball out here but you NEVER know when you're going to have someone who wants to keep things reasonable for a shape cake at $300 budget and want the shape more than the servings...  You never know until you ask... 

It's like a cake pickup line!!!! Where's the wingman?

She wanted to get creative hoping maybe she could pick you up by her wittiness? 

Love it. 

You could look on it as a backhanded compliment, she knew of your reputation, knew you weren't cheap, that makes you NOT the cheap cake maker in town

AI gotta say, the word "reasonable" makes me see red!

I have brides all the time that are looking for a "reasonable" wedding cake.  I try to keep my response "reasonable".  

"I would love to help you keep your cake cost "reasonable", but I haven't figured out a way to bake, decorate, deliver, and set up a wedding cake for 150 in a "reasonable" amount of time."  

Usually squelches their "reasonable" expectations.