I would like to put together a basic pricing list as I am being asked to do cakes for others, and need some advice. How do you list your base prices - by cake size (say 8", 9", rounds, square, shaped, etc....) and what do you consider a basic cake - just buttercream with minimal decorations? I live in South Jersey and wonder if anyone knows what the going prices are for this product. Know what Shop-Rite charges, and will definitely be charging a bit more than they do. My first "sold" cake will be the end of the month, and considering charging $20 for an 8" round or $25 for the 9" size....sound right? I agree with alot of you, pricing is the hardest part, and unfortunately the matrix just confused the heck out of me (not good in excel). Thank you all in advance for your input.
Deb
I can't use the matrix either (we do not have the software). So I did every cake by hand and priced out the cost of each. And how many batches of icing I needed. It took me about an hour. Then I multiplied that by 2.5-3 depending on the size. So that the price was acceptable.
Thanks Creativecakes.......I may have to do the same thing. Do you add the cost of delivery and the cake box too?
deb
I did add in the cost of the cake board (only an estimate), and the box.
I put in my matrix...add x cents/dowel. Or x cents/ extra's
I did not include delivary. I only charge if it is a certian distance.
But you could if you wanted.
Would you like me to email my list? So you can see how I did it?
I've been having the same problem lately... and like you two, the matrix confuses me like crazy!
Lindsay, I would LOVE it if you could send me your list so I can figure out how to make one. My email is [email protected]
Thanks!
~Kelsie
would you please email me your pricing guide too, thank you so much. [email protected].
I'm happy I'm not alone!! I have 10 cake orders this month (biggest order month so far) and the pricing is a killer!!! I feel like I'm either screwing myself or someone is thinking I'm screwing them! (sorry to be blunt) I'd love a copy of the guide you use also. Thanks in advance...
[email protected]
~Nicole
I know what you mean Colieb, Especialy when your dealing with family memebers, they expect a deal but they have to realize that it cost you money yo make the cake and use your time to do it!
Exactly Cbowen!!!!!!!!! I find the pricing SOOOOOOOO stressful! I've only been cake decorating for a year and I'm a huge perfectionist so every cake takes a LONG time! I feel like I short change myself all the time.
Well it looks like we all are in need of a little help.
I'd appreciate the list to when you get time.
[email protected]
Me too! Me too!
I ahve made a few cakes for sale and it seems like the ingredients cost me as much or more than what I charge. I have tried to figure out cost of ingredients, but it always seems to take more than I think. For example I make one batch of buttercream and end up running out and making another. Or I forget to set some aside for a certain color and have to make a new batch.
I run a bakery out of my home for other baked goods and have always been able to figure out cost on them, but cakes are hard! I can never figure all the components for filling, icing, decor.
Anyhoo- can I have that list too please!
[email protected]
I have decided to make a base price for any cakes that may be ordered, based on size ($25 for 8", $30 for $9", etc... in $5 increments.) This would be for basic buttercream icing with minimal decorations (border, writing, couple of flowers), and for simple fillings. I got this idea from looking at a website, www.simplesweetness.com, and checking out her menu......while she did not put prices, it sort of separates standard and premium cakes and fillings. Down the line if I really start getting orders I may change this, but would have to start getting alot of orders. Hope this helps.
deb
Am I understanding someone has a basic pricing list to share? If so, I would also love to have a copy of that.... [email protected].
I always feel so guilty when I tell someone a price, only because I know they can go to the local grocery store and purchase a cake for far less. Those who do not know the work and time involved in making our cakes end up cancelling orders feeling like they've been taken advantage thinking I've overcharged them. I was told by my supplier to add the cost of making the cake then double that figure to get my overall cost to charge the customer. If someone has a something else, I would really love to hear about it.
Have a SON-filled, blessed day! - Ellie
I know what you mean Colieb, Especialy when your dealing with family memebers, they expect a deal but they have to realize that it cost you money yo make the cake and use your time to do it!
Yep, especially about the time!
I would love a copy of the guide too if you have time! Thanks
[email protected]
I do what Standingfor Jesus does. I add the cost of making the cake then double that figure to get my overall cost to charge the customer. That is whst works for me. I have never had a problem with people and price. They know they are getting what they paid for. THE BEST.
I am in the same boat! I am so stressed out. I got my first order yesterday & I told him $30.00 for a 11x15 sheet cake. Its going to be a quilt design. I am thinking now that I way underpriced it. But I did the cost x 2.5 or 3. So thats what I came up with.
Could I have a copy also? Please. [email protected]
Thank you all so much for sharing your stories with me & encouraging me!
I love Cake Central!!!
Colieb,
I know exactly how you are feeling! I just finished a cake last night (an 8" round) that when i finished it, i felt like an idiot for only charging $20. It was covered in buttercream with rolled buttercream and mmf accents and if that was not enough, it had a big white chocolate clay bow on top. Until the end of March i was running a special of 15% off to try to get more business from a couple of mom's clubs i belong to but even at my normal price of $23 for that size and just filled with buttercream, i still am thinking that is too low.
I keep reevaluating my pricing because i am not sure if it is right for what i am doing. Right now with how much time it takes me to do each cake, i just figured i am only making $4 per hour for my time . I have to change something because that it peanuts!! I just feel guilty if i charge too much.
Hello All!
My sister and I are "sort of" in business together. She bakes the cakes and I decorate them. We don't know what to charge, I guess it depends on the size and decorations of the cake.
She just got two orders for 24 cupcakes each. They just want them for the heck of it, no special reason. Any ideas on what to put on them or how much to charge for them?
They are from previous customers who really enjoyed their cakes!
By the way, one set if for a female and one is for a male! Please help me!
Thanks,
Jen
hi could i please have your price list also. [email protected]..
I am getting ready to overseas (japan) for 3 years this should really help out alot.... thanks you
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%