We have been trying to figure out if we should charge for taste testings and possibly changing our policy for this online. Is there anyone that has seen a decline in clients due to charging for taste testings???
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We have been trying to figure out if we should charge for taste testings and possibly changing our policy for this online. Is there anyone that has seen a decline in clients due to charging for taste testings???
I started charging for tastings and I have fewer people booking appointments, but pretty much the same rate of final bookings. It's eliminated no-shows and looky-lous, and the people who don't hire me have paid a nominal fee for my time so I don't feel like I'm wasting my time. There are a lot of decorators in my area (I mean a LOT) and some charge and some don't.
The thing that I've really noticed is that there are a few planners in my area who take kickbacks from vendors, and they used to send people to me who would never book. They've stopped sending clietns since I started charging for tastings, and I think it's because they would use me to make it look like they were giving their clients an option. Then they would steer them to the baker who gives them a kickback, and that isn't me. Since I charge for appointments now those deadbeats have stopped using me to make themsleves look better, which I consider a bonus.
AI have always charged for tastings. My booking rate has been 90%. The people who don't book are few and far between. Most people who pay the fee find something they like (flavor wise) and go ahead and book.
Like stated above, it really eliminates the looky-Lous.
Edited to add: I do have quite a few people who don't respond after I tell them there is a fee for the tasting
I also charge a fee. I just don't have the time to do tastings for a "girls day out" and couples who aren't serious. The fee weeds all these types out. I do have people who don't respond back after they find there is a fee, but I figure they wouldn't have booked anyway. (my fee is deducted from their total if they book with me, essentially making it free to my clients)
Thank you all for your help with this! I feel better knowing that charging keeps away those sorts of people. We also like the idea that the fee goes towards the total, essentially making it free for clients who book! What would you typically charge for a tasting and how many flavors are you supposed to offer?
I charge $20 and do four basic flavors. It's a tasting to let them see if they like your cake, not a dessert buffet.
I charge $35. Flavors are my choice. I serve my cake and frostings separate. I usually do 3 cake flavors and 6 frosting/fillings. When I'm baking for other other orders
I put all my extras in single serving containers and freeze and then the night before just pull out what I need.
i suggest a mixed dozen cupcakes and apply 1/2 the cost of the cupcakes to their order if they book and it's over $150
You all have great ideas! Thank you for sharing :) We are definitely going to begin to charge now for sure, we are just hammering out the details. I agree, it is most definitely not a dessert buffet! I love the idea of cupcakes as well as serving the cake and frosting separate, I always have clients wanting to mix and match the flavors. Thanks again, happy baking to you all!
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