Just got an email from a bride. She told me her baker just cancelled on her for her April 28th wedding cake. Then she told me she needs a cake to feed 130 people and the other baker quoted her $150 and since she is on a budget, she can't really wiggle on the price.
Really?!? Why do people do this? I don't go to Chanel and say, "Ya know, I saw a similar bag at Walmart and it is only $20 there."
Does anyone else get this and what do you say?

The other baker probably cancelled because they realized they were "giving away" a cake. I am not in business, but seems to me the nicest way to respond is to give your pricing and explain you understand if this is not "in her budget" but based on the short notice and your costs you cannot accomodate her $150. HTH

After explaining what you would charge for cake for 130 people, give her an idea what she could get for $150.

I would say, "I will be happy to do a cake that suits your budget. However it will be smaller, less detailed etc etc"

There was probably never another baker. "Brides on a Budget" sites and stories encourage brides to say things like this to make a baker jump through hoops. You can try to open her eyes and tell her what exactly she can have for that price or for something a little more or give her the local grocery bakery phone number.

Ahahahahahahaha!!! I'm not sure what this other baker was thinking, but for that price, she's hardly covering ingredient costs! Yeah, definitely inform her of your price, as nicely as possible. Who knows, after shopping around, she may actually find the wiggle room in her budget for a nice cake.

Or the other baker said "Sure I can help" before any pricing was discussed. Because in some people's eyes (BIG EYE ROLL HERE) that means they are committing to it. So other baker in bride's eyes, did in fact cancel on her. (ANOTHER big eye roll)

I bet she isn't telling the truth. But anyway tell her your prices. Give her options then leave it with her. I would not jump through hoops for anyone.

If she can't afford you, then tell her you are sorry but good luck with her search and all the best on her big day. And have a lovely day!

Just be polite and professional. People will tell you all sorts of stories. Don't buy into them.

Good Luck!

"Dear Bride,
I am sorry to hear that your other baker cancelled on you. Just as some stores price the same object differently,decorators also have different pricing for their cakes.
For $150 I can provide you with a cake that will serve (x amount of guests).
For 130 servings, a cake from me will cost $X, with delivery an additional $x per mile. If that is within your budget then I would be happy to discuss making your cake. We would need to get all the details and the full payment finalized no later than (insert date here).
I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Me"

Your pricing is what it is. Either she can afford you or she can't. It's not your problem that the other baker (if there really was one in the first place) cancelled on her. You certainly do not have to meet this woman't budget just because she's desperate.

Sounds like she is trying yo set you up. For $150 for 130 she must have been buying sheet cakes from walmart.I d tell her that kind of budget is where she would have to go .
That a plain buttercream cake for $130 from you woukd be X amount $.

I am not a professional, nor do I run a business. But if I did, I would run far away from this cake. I doubt there was ever another baker, at that price, it is impossible. Even Walmart and such would be more than that. I have a feeling she would be horrible to work for, and would never be happy, regardless of how beautiful the cake turns out.

Respond politely that you are sorry she is in such a situation, but you cannot accommodate a cake for 130 people for $150. And that you wish her the best on her special day.

Yeah, I'd just tell her that I can't do it for that price, a cake for that many people would usually cost XXX amount from me, and that if her budget changed and she wanted to get back in touch she needed to let me know by the end of the week.

Seriously, the only place she could probably get a cake for that many people at that price is a sheet cake from costco/sams. I don't even think regular grocery stores are that cheap. Wow. I'd be interested to hear what her response to you is.

That one is easy, LOL. "Thank you for your inquiry, unfortunately that date has already been booked. Sorry, I could not be more help. Once again thank you for your interest."

If I were you I would say "no, i'm sorry but I am booked"...

That is what I do not understand about these people,, just because they are on a tight budget, they expect you to feel sorry for them.. I think it is very pathetic, they know they cannot afford it, but they force it upon other people to sympathize with them, hoping that they will get it for free. As if you get all your ingredients for free and have the elves do all the work , baking and all for free while you sleep.. If they cannot afford a wedding cake now, how much more later when they have babies..

These people are "FREE LOADERS" in disguise..