Good Morning!
I am in the process of putting together a little brochure or postcard with some cake info and leaving it at a few party stores in my neighborhood. Do I offer the stores a commission if a job comes through them?

Also, would you guys add a price guideline on the brochure so that the client knows right off the bat?

Thanks!!

I wouldn't offer a commission if you don't have to. They won't be "selling" the cakes - just sitting the brochures out. As for prices - that would depend on what your rates are as opposed to other cake places in the area. I'd let them call you.

Debbie

What you might want to do with them is start a referral network. My husband does this with his photography business. Tell them that if they display your brochure, you will refer them as a local business if you clients ask if you know a good party place.

Barbara

It would be nice to maybe give them a small cake as a thank you. I'd at least do something for them.

The referral network sounded like a good idea!

Debbie

Thanks everyone....you all have good points. I knew I would get great advice here. The referral sounds like a great idea.....

Do you think it should be something written down...with a list of participants (if it gets that big) or just a casual thing between businesses?

Yes, and referrals are good...I would bring the brochures with some small cake samples..lol

I would not add the prices to the printed material. Printing is expensive and if you ever decide to increase your prices because you are getting much better and much busier, then you have to go all around and replace your brochures!

This way, if they are interested, they have to contact you for the prices and you have them in the palm of your hand - then offer tasting or have them meet with you to see your album of pictures.

Good luck!

That's good advice re: cost of cake on the printed flyer....because I am just starting out and my prices will probably go up....

I guess an alternative would be to print only a limited amount......I actually have a super HP printer in my house that would do a great job.....when I get much bigger (optimism) then I would hire a pro-printer to print in the thousands.....then I'll have to hire a staff.....rent a bakery....and make cakes for the Hollywood stars........wait...I have to wake up......

just kidding......the only reason I think I would add prices on the brochures is so that always-uncomfortable question of "how much is it?" won't make me fluster......I...like so many others feel so wierd talking about money........

I could just say......"everything is explained in the brochure".....

My idea for the flyer is to make a cake and photograph it in 3 or 4 different stages....
1 plain...just frosted with buttercream
next...with a few flowers
next ....covered in fondant with a few flowers
last....full blown decorations

and give an estimate of each variation.....what do you guys think?

Sorry...I'm rambling....I'm just thinking through my fingertips.....

Thanks!!

If you aren't putting but a couple of pictures in the flyer, then I would put the prices of those cakes underneth the picture. The potential customer needs something to go by. Personally, if I'm looking at an ad for something that someone wants me to purchase and they don't include any kind of price, my first reaction is that it's probably too expensive and they didn't include the price because they didn't want to scare any customers away. You can always put a little disclaimer at the bottom that state that prices are subject to change depending on price and availability of goods.

I think I would not include the prices. Then that will give the customer a reason to call. I think I would put a few small pictures of some cakes that you have done. If you really want to include some kind of prices...You could put something like..."1/4 sheets starting at $20.00..." or whatever your price matrix is in your area. I think you have a really good idea. I have wanted to do something similar in bridal shops. Good luck!
traci

Yes, a few pictures and a few "GUESSTIMATIONS" on prices..


your blurb could be...."something similar starting at...." would be good.

and on the bottom of the WHOLE ENCHILADA....."PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE"..so if you decide to raise your prices and can't get new flyers printed up right away.

CYA..COVER YOUR ASSETS!..lol

Misdawn, I am totally with you if I do not see a price attached I assume it is too expensive and put it back!

I also like to know how much something costs without having to call.....usually you get someone on the other end of the line trying to talk you into buying the product....

thanks everyone for your input!!!