Hey gals!

I need to know how I should charge people for multi flavored cakes. I dont even know where to start! It seems that every time I do a consultation, they want "one tier this flavor, two others that flavor..." Its a real pain, and I dont think they realize how much work it is to do that many cakes with that many fillings
OH YES!! Fillings too. Say they want all chocolate cake, but one with raspberry filling, the other chocolate, the other coffee. What then?

AND how do you guys price your crooked cakes? The same? I would think not.

Please help enlighten me on this pricing challenge.

Thanks

I dont have a problem with the multi flavors as long as they are willing to pay for the extras. I charge the ingredients X 2 for that.

I don't charge anything extra for multiple flavors; I think that's one of the cool things about a wedding cake--the choices. Heck, I'll flavor the icings for them if they want...

I do charge extra if they want chocolate ganache, fruit curds or purees, mousse, or anything like that as fillings, like .25-.50 more per serving.

Cake flavors and combos, though, is whatever their little heart desires.

Fillings are included in my prices.Except granache and mousse.If I make variety of cakes and have left over I usually freeze them.Less work next time.

I don't charge extra for different flavors, nor do I charge for fillings. I just think of it as it all balances out when I get that "3 tier, all white, no decorations except for the borders because the bride is providing silk florals" cake. My personal philosophy is that I hate being "nickel and dimed to death" so I don't like to buy something that costs "X" only to be told "oh....plus $5 for this, and $10 for that, and another $6 for the other." ("Here's a great car for only $50! Oh....do you want an engine to go in it? How about a transmissin too? Need windshield wipers? How about a windshield?")

Just tell me one price, that's all I want. So that's what I do with my brides. I have one price. Period.

[quote="indydebi"]I don't charge extra for different flavors, nor do I charge for fillings. I just think of it as it all balances out when I get that "3 tier, all white, no decorations except for the borders because the bride is providing silk florals" cake. My personal philosophy is that I hate being "nickel and dimed to death" so I don't like to buy something that costs "X" only to be told "oh....plus $5 for this, and $10 for that, and another $6 for the other." ("Here's a great car for only $50! Oh....do you want an engine to go in it? How about a transmissin too? Need windshield wipers? How about a windshield?")

Just tell me one price, that's all I want. So that's what I do with my brides. I have one price. Period.[/quote

How about charging between $ 3.00 and $ 6.00 per serving. Decide your price depending on the work you have to put in.

german, I just don't have any cakes that I've ever done that would merit add'l fees. Some places charge extra for basketweave .... why? .... I find it easier to do that regular icing. Some charge extra for fountains .... why? .... you just pick up a 3-tiered cake and sit in on top of the fountain stand. It's not extra work. (different than an equipment deposit). Charge extra for lots of roses? Why? I can whip out 100 roses in a couple of hours or less, which I do while the cakes are baking (and most of my cakes only need about 4 dz roses, max.) Charge more for 5 tiers instead of 3? Why? same cake, same icing. I've seen comments about the work to stack them. I just stack them one at a time. takes me an extra 10 minutes to set up a 5 tier over a 3 tier.

Our philosophy is "we keep it simple for you". I used to have so many brides ask "how much is THIS cake? how much is THAT cake?" Flat price, no matter what. Easier for them and way easier for me ... with a flat rate, they know before they even call me if I fit their budget or not, so it's kinda like a pre-screener.... if they can't afford me, then they are not wasting their or my time. I don't have time to quote each cake one at a time.

I just have never done a cake in which I said afterward "I'm charging extra for this next time!" I can't justify it.

I know this may not work for everyone and I'm not saying others shouldn't charge extra if they put in way extra time on a cake. I just have never seen the need.

I checked out your website, looks to me like you got it all figured out. Your cakes look great. Keep it simple is always better, life is difficult enough.