Well, to the question at hand: your pricing will depend on the area you live. I had a hard time coming up with my pricing in the beginning. So, this is what I did and it worked for me: I have a serving price for different cakes. Ex: sheet cake serving is x $. tiered cake ix xx$ , cupcakes are xxx$, and so on. I called several reputable bakeries (not grocery stores) and compared their prices because I did not price myself over the local market. Some people charge by the hour worked but I'm new at this and I will take longer than others to do a cake. I will take my time to look the way I want. I have another business ( a nail salon, 25 years ) and when I opened in New York and then moved to FLorida, I used the same approach to find my prices. GOd luck to you. YOur cakes are beautiful
Thank you for addressing my question. I haven't looked at your cakes yet, but I will. Have a lovely day!
People get way to heated over this issue to quickly. If it's legal for you then great, if it's not... don't come asking for business advice if you don't have a legal/legitimate business.
I wasn't asking for "business" advice like what you're suggesting. I was asking for pricing suggestions (big difference). As far as legal advice, I know how to do my homework and know where to place the calls. I come to Cake Central for ideas, not as my main source of information. If someone is trying to help me, great!!! But once again, my question wasn't about legal issues. And as far as your comment regarding a legitimate business, how on God's green earth do you know if I do or if I don't??? Stop making assumptions that you have no idea about.
The price for the Abby Cadabby cake should be $0.00. You do not have the legal authority to sell a cake with a character that is copywritten by someone else. Does that help? I gave you a straight answer to your direct question.
I just love how those with knowledge and successful businesses are blasted on this forum as being snobs when they offer advice. Learn from those who know the business end and the legalities of cake. They are just trying to help you, not attack you.
Now as far as what to charge no one can really tell you. If you want to have successful business you need to figure out what your costs are, including electric, drive time, how much per hour you want to make....etc.
People live in many different areas on here so you won't get a good answer for where you live without doing the back work yourself since your costs will more than likely be way different than theirs.
As for the first part of your comment, no one is blasting the knowledgeable or successful business owners (how are we to know this in the first place?), if anything we are the ones getting blasted. If we post questions here, it's to seek your help, not you knocking us down. Again, if I had posted a legal question, then I would've been more than happy to receive the legal opinions, but that's not what I asked. The people who made the legal comments never even spoke of pricing, they just rambled on about the legalese, so not helpful in my case.
And for the second part of your comment, that seriously would've sufficed. Thank you!!!
Pricing is a business question and it relates directly. Pull you head out and read through what I said again and you will find I said great if it is legal for you... and that people are just trying to look out for one another. If you read peoples comments like attacks then that's all on you- cause nothing in what I wrote was an attack.
Wow, so defensive aren't we?
Yeah I know this has nothing to do with the question, but just an observation.
Take it easy!
Not that I need to explain myself, but this deserves a response. If your comment was sincere and you're just trying to help, then I appreciate it (honestly).
But how would you feel if someone told you that you shouldn't sell cakes because of your lack of experience? That's why I'm defensive. That's just plain stupid and unnecessary advise. As far as the other comments regarding copyright laws, yes they are wonderful, however if someone was trying to "help" me by giving me an FYI and then agreeing with the moron who suggested I shouldn't sell cakes in the first place, how seriously should I take this person?
Now on that note, I'm really tired of posting back and forth on this thread. If someone has something positive to add, then great I'll have a response. As far as those who fill the need to pass even more judgement, I honestly could care less. Cake Central is entertainment for me and I won't allow people to ruin it for me.
I just love how those with knowledge and successful businesses are blasted on this forum as being snobs when they offer advice. Learn from those who know the business end and the legalities of cake. They are just trying to help you, not attack you.
Now as far as what to charge no one can really tell you. If you want to have successful business you need to figure out what your costs are, including electric, drive time, how much per hour you want to make....etc.
People live in many different areas on here so you won't get a good answer for where you live without doing the back work yourself since your costs will more than likely be way different than theirs.
As for the first part of your comment, no one is blasting the knowledgeable or successful business owners (how are we to know this in the first place?), if anything we are the ones getting blasted. If we post questions here, it's to seek your help, not you knocking us down. Again, if I had posted a legal question, then I would've been more than happy to receive the legal opinions, but that's not what I asked. The people who made the legal comments never even spoke of pricing, they just rambled on about the legalese, so not helpful in my case.
And for the second part of your comment, that seriously would've sufficed. Thank you!!!
I was just trying to be helpful. Obviously, that won't work for you, you're too defensive. Much luck with your business. Your cakes are nice. Now when you snap back to reality and can pull your head out of you butt maybe you'll realize not everyone on here is out to get you.
Your cakes are great...you have people who want to buy them...so why SHOULDNT you set up selling them?! Whether you're 'new' to cake decorating or not!! Don't take any notice of others who feel like they can look down their noses at you, or have some strange need to put you in your place just because they've been decorating longer than you - what snobbery! Sorry, I can't actually help you with your question, I haven't started selling my cakes (yet!)
Love, love, love your work. Your cupcakes are fantabulous! I just ordered my first cupcake boxes. I find that cupcakes are easier to make (unless they're very detailed like yours).
You should see about getting your business started ASAP, you are pretty awesome. :-
The price for the Abby Cadabby cake should be $0.00. You do not have the legal authority to sell a cake with a character that is copywritten by someone else. Does that help? I gave you a straight answer to your direct question.
Exactly. I'm very confused by this thread. The OP's question is how much to sell a copyrighted character cake for, people respond that it's illegal to do so, and she's attacking them saying that's not what she asked?!
If it was me, and I didn't know it was illegal to sell a cake like that, I would be thanking these posters for letting me know. Their answers DO directly answer your question, none more directly so than the quote above!
If your question actually was, "I want to sell this cake that I know is illegal, but I am selling it anyway, now how much should I charge?" then that is different - and anyone who tells you a price for it is 1) silly for telling you the price without knowing your costs and where you live and 2) advising you on something illegal which seems a bit shady on their part.
What a little snot! Let her find out what a copyright suit feels like.
I've been reading all of these posts and the first word that comes to my mind is WOW! As a new person to CakeCentral, I can honestly say that I am not impressed. First off, the topic of this forum is "Pricing Cakes", so naturally it piqued my interest and I clicked on it. I was surprised to learn that this forum is full of arrogant bullies who snobbishly look down on others who may not be as experienced as they are. It's like High School all over.
Most of you have ganged up on one person, first telling her that she's too inexperienced, secondly that she needs to find out about laws concerning the selling out of her home. Third someone tells her about character copyright infringement. And so on and so forth. While it may appear that these people were giving helpful advice, I have to agree with team Jeliz. Very few answers were directly related to the question. You were quick to offer your professional know how, but not one of you offered her a solution to the copyright issue. Rather than telling her what she was doing wrong, why not add what she could do to remedy the situation? Like perhaps telling her that she could color the cake in the colors of Abby Cadabby and let the parents make the choice of adding the characters AFTER she delivered the cake.
For the smart person who responded saying that she should charge zero for the Abby Cadabby cake from the pan, perhaps you should go back and read her first post, she said she was aware the pan was for home use only and would not use it. Good answer, but not helpful in this particular case. For the person who made the comment about the altitude, I'm utterly confused, was it an attempt at adding humor to the post? What do you possibly have to contribute? And for you, the person who called her a snot, perhaps you should take a step back and analyze yourself. I'm a strong believer that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, so your comment is wayyyyy out of line. Since you know so much about copyright lawsuits why not tell her what to do to avoid them? And do it in a way that doesn't further agitate her.
While I appreciate what CakeCentral does for all of us cake aficionados, I have to say that the homepage of the Forums site should have a huge banner that runs across the site saying "Post at your own risk". That's what I plan on doing going forward. I find that Google search is more helpful than most of you have been. There are definitely some heads stuck in butts here, but it's not Jeliz's. She may have overreacted a bit, but under the circumstances, I could see why she would feel justified.
For you Jeliz, and to answer the question at hand. I agree with some of these posters in that no one can really tell you how to price your cakes. At the end it all boils down to your experience, cost of materials and your target audience. Call your local bakeries and find out how much they charge per serving for butter cream vs. fondant. You can also ask how much they charge for 3D/sculpted cakes. Call as a potential client who's looking for a price quote. It's honestly the best suggestion I can give you. Oh and not sure if you saw my suggestion above, but the next time a client asks for a character cake, tell them why you can't do it and offer the solution of coloring the cake in theme and have them add the characters themselves. This is a good way to avoid breaking the law inadvertently.
Good luck with your up and coming business, your cakes are very nicely executed for a person who's just beginning. My favorite is the 'Wizards of Waverly' place because it's one of those cakes that prove my point about not violating copyright.
Thank the lord ... CraeZ4Cakes! I appreciate that someone gets it.
These forums are for an exchange of help & appreciation for everyone's work..
Daily I see these posts become more plagued with negative & unproductive feedback.
Jeliz, my input for you is that if your new to decorating.. the women that charge upwards to 5-6 a serving is all based on the amount of work you put into your creations. Here in southern cal I have a great amount of competition (lack of better terms) & for someone like me without a store front, just a commercial kitchen.. I charge just about that for fondant covered cakes, tiered, seperate dishes or what not. unless it'll be upside or tipsy (which will require more work & materials for support [which equal more $$] ) I charge a base rate to start.
Figure out what your skills & creations are worth. You should come up with you value depending on your experience & area.
60 servings sounds like alot of work, double the cost of materials & add mileage if your not comfortable charging by the serving.
Thank the lord ... CraeZ4Cakes! I appreciate that someone gets it.
These forums are for an exchange of help & appreciation for everyone's work..
Daily I see these posts become more plagued with negative & unproductive feedback.
I second that. It's a shame that there are bullies on a forum devoted to such a happy activity--caking.
I just came across this thread and all I can say is WOW!
I am sorry you did not have a more positive posting experience. I ususally find CC'ers to be positive and encouraging.
Hopefully you have figured out a way to price your cakes. The person who suggested you compare to local bakeries gave some good advice. However, I find "serving sizes" can vary greatly. For example, the Wilton serving size guide is way too stingy in my experience. I have found what seems to be reasonable serving sizes, and use that to figure out what cake sizes I need. I then take my costs and multiply by x, adding an additional fee for 3D or elaborate designs. People tell me I undercharge...and a customer recently gave me a tip. I would rather have that then make a bad name for myself.
Hopefully your "business" remains a source of enjoyment. Don't give up on CC'ers.
sometimes i'm afraid of asking questions on CC. Afraid of offending the oh so sensitive people here. As you said I google alot. Wasn't like that when I joined a few years ago....Maybe it's the recession that has so many uptight!
sometimes i'm afraid of asking questions on CC. Afraid of offending the oh so sensitive people here. As you said I google alot. Wasn't like that when I joined a few years ago....Maybe it's the recession that has so many uptight!
Same here
Jeliz, I too am a new baker and what I have learned since being a member on here is if you need advice then google it. Quite often the individuals that have their own business, come down on the people that bake out of their house when most of them started out baking in their house. BUT because they managed to open a bakery, they feel like they are now better than us and I do say us because I bake out of my house. Its sad that you become part of a group to get knowledge and advice but when u ask a question your told oh ur doing something illegal...At the end of the day even I am doing something illegal, and the health department fines me..YOUR not paying for it so don't worry about it..I wish each and every one of u luck because regardless of how u feel we are all bakers. Your not going to discredit me or my worth just because I dont have a commercial space. Stop being so negative and support. Because ur in a commercial space now does not mean u will be there forever. Tomorrow u could loose your space and be forced to bake from home.
sometimes i'm afraid of asking questions on CC. Afraid of offending the oh so sensitive people here. As you said I google alot. Wasn't like that when I joined a few years ago....Maybe it's the recession that has so many uptight!
It's true. I haven't personally had a run-in with anyone being rude or pretentious, but I see it enough lately that it's a turn-off and I think twice before I ask a question that to me is legitimate and simple, but I know some people roll their eyes and think "Is she serious?"
I know there are a lot of pros and semi pros on here, and I think that everyone needs to keep in mind that we are NOT all on the same level, and remember back when you were learning, the questions that you had about starting out and how you would have felt had someone completely knocked you down and told you some of the rude and nasty things I have seen being tossed around...would you not have gotten defensive had you been told "you shouldn't be selling cakes"...especially if that wasn't what you were asking to begin with? That stings and is uncalled for, especially when it isn't true or warranted. Not necessarily refering to this thread, but in general. It never hurts to just pass the thread by if that's all that you can think to contribute...better to not speak than to be ugly. 
Stepping off my soap-box about a subject that kinda irks me... .....I am grateful for all of the advice I have gotten and for how helpful everyone has been with all of my noob questions.
So your advice is to not take business advice from legal and licensed and not to mention successful business owners ?
Wow and to think I was under the impression those mean ole' business owners actually knew what they are doing, thanks for clearing that up.
Gas leak confirmed, going out for fresh air now.
I know CC has moderators...but it sounds like we need a MEDIATOR. Perhaps both sides (newbies and pros) need to get some fresh air, take a deep breath, and quite being so easily offended. This really isn't worth getting your blood pressure up! (I have seen good and bad posts by pros and by newbies.)
Thank you to the pros for lending your advice. Thank you to the newbies for accepting my advice, and giving your own creative suggestions. We are all still learning...if you are not, you're dead.
I know CC has moderators...but it sounds like we need a MEDIATOR. Perhaps both sides (newbies and pros) need to get some fresh air, take a deep breath, and quite being so easily offended. This really isn't worth getting your blood pressure up! (I have seen good and bad posts by pros and by newbies.)
I couldn't agree with you more. It really isn't worth getting all bent out of shape. I figured this out yesterday after responding negatively towards everyone who opposed me and then realizing that at the end of the day what matters to me is how I feel about myself.
What can be learned from all of this is that we are all here to bounce off ideas and learn from each other. There isn't one single person on CC (or anywhere) that is better than the other. We all have the same worth, so let's respect each other and be careful how we treat everyone else. Let's treat everyone with the same level of respect we expect to be treated.
People do not realize how badly words can come across on a computer screen. Because there are no real emotions attached, it's sometimes very difficult to know in which tone something is being said.
I sincerely appreciate the well-intentioned advice. If I got angry it was because I felt like I was being persecuted by a whole lot of people and I am just a one man team. It's great to see that there are others who feel the same way I did.
Let's try to keep it positive from now on please. 
Since Jeliz is the OP, I think we should all let her end this thread on a positive note.
Good for you Jeliz.
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