What To Charge For Dummy Cake Rental

Decorating By harrisonsmama Updated 22 Aug 2007 , 1:22pm by indydebi

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harrisonsmama Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 11:52am
post #1 of 12

What do you all charge for dummy cake rentals? In my opinion, the materials cost about the same to make a real cake and the time is the same.

Thoughts?

11 replies
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mbelgard Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 12:14pm
post #2 of 12

I agree. The only way you can charge less is if you're going to rerent the decorated dummy to another bride (some buisnesses do this).

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soccermom17 Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 12:21pm
post #3 of 12

Charge the same. It does take time to decorate!
-michelle

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sisita Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 12:23pm
post #4 of 12

Charge the same. It's takes the same time to decorate...

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Mac Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 12:46pm
post #5 of 12

I used to do a dummy layer but after doing 2, I now charge just $5.00 less than a real cake layer.

I explain that it's the decorating that is the most expensive not the cake itself. If the bride still insists on a "big" cake, I suggest that leftover cake is taken to the rescue/homeless shelter.

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sbcakes Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 12:47pm
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I charge $50 per dummy. This is fully decorated. This is only if they purchase additional wedding cake tiers, or separate sheet cakes. Otherwise it is $75 per each dummy cake.

I wish I could charge more, but no one is going to pay the same as cake, for Styrofoam...even though it is our work involved, people just don't get it!!!

I don't rent them...I tell them to keep the dummies when they are done. If they are just going to chuck them, then I tell them I would be happy to have them back!

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indydebi Posted 21 Aug 2007 , 11:30pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sbcakes

I wish I could charge more, but no one is going to pay the same as cake, for Styrofoam...even though it is our work involved, people just don't get it!!!




I guess it depends on if you are in the cake business or the styrofoam business. If your goal and objective is to sell decorated dummies, then the above statement is logical. If your goal and objective is to sell decorated cakes, then the above statement is confusing to me.

I don't want to sell cupcakes. Ergo, my price is $5.00 each. ".....but no one is going to pay ....." that price is a very correct assumption.

Which is my goal.

I'm not doing the same work on a styrofoam cake that I do on a real cake and not get "real" money for it. If they dont' want to pay "the same" price for "the same" work, that is A-OK with me!!!!!!!

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Mac Posted 22 Aug 2007 , 1:12am
post #8 of 12

I agree with Indydebi. Once I tell the brides that a dummy tier is only $5.00 less than a real cake, they choose the cake. And most of the brides do take the leftovers to the rescue mission. The staff there knows me and they save all the returnable parts for me. I pick them up in about 3 days and they always ask when is the next wedding.

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Mac Posted 22 Aug 2007 , 1:12am
post #9 of 12

I agree with Indydebi. Once I tell the brides that a dummy tier is only $5.00 less than a real cake, they choose the cake. And most of the brides do take the leftovers to the rescue mission. The staff there knows me and they save all the returnable parts for me. I pick them up in about 3 days and they always ask when is the next wedding.

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sbcakes Posted 22 Aug 2007 , 6:17am
post #10 of 12

I guess it depends on if you are in the cake business or the styrofoam business. If your goal and objective is to sell decorated dummies, then the above statement is logical. If your goal and objective is to sell decorated cakes, then the above statement is confusing to me.

My goal is to make each and every couple happy. I advertise that we make custom cakes fit for any budget. So if I have a couple that is on a budget and wants the look of their dream wedding cake, then I will do every best effort to make this happen for them. I guess I just wear my heart on my sleeve! With that being said, Styrofoam cakes should be a bit cheaper because you are not baking them and crumb coating them...time is money! I guess it is all a matter of opinion! thumbs_up.gif

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Mac Posted 22 Aug 2007 , 1:09pm
post #11 of 12

Baking the cake is the easy part.

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indydebi Posted 22 Aug 2007 , 1:22pm
post #12 of 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by sbcakes

Styrofoam cakes should be a bit cheaper because you are not baking them and crumb coating them...time is money! I guess it is all a matter of opinion! thumbs_up.gif




You can buy a blank canvas at Michael's or Hobby Lobby for $3 or $4. But a Picasso costs millions.

The styrofoam is the blank canvas. What you put on it makes it a Picasso.

They are not paying for the CAKE ..... they are paying for the talent and the time it takes to turn "a cake" into a wedding cake masterpiece.

Just don't cheat yourself.

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