Didn't Hurt As Much As I Thought It Might

Business By luckylibra Updated 30 Apr 2012 , 8:55pm by Cakery2012

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luckylibra Posted 30 Apr 2012 , 5:24pm
post #1 of 5

Ok.. so I have been making cakes for the past year since Indiana allowed the HBV. (I have called my local health department and was told they interpret the law to allow for home baked items as long as I do not deliver, so I have insurance and all that jazz..). I had a friend of a friend email me about making a cake for her. She was vague on what she wanted.. golf cart, pontoon boat.. beer bucket... So I emailed her back my price list and she said she really liked the beer bucket cake but thought it was priced too high. I spent a lot of time pricing out my ingredients, my utilities etc and researching my service area for my business plan. I feel confident my price was more than fair. The cake she was wanting uses three 12 inch rounds stacked with the sugar bottles, edible labels, ice and a bottle opener and I charge $180

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1807767/1807777/birthday-cake-photos

Her email said they found someone to make a cooler cake with beer cans cheaper. I thought it would really bother me when that happened for the first time but honestly.. it doesn't. I figure those are my prices and if you don't feel it is fair, that is certainly your option. I simply thanked her for thinking of me and wished her well on her event. I read a lot of posts where people seem afraid to turn business away and end up negotiating a price, I think that is unprofessional and undermines the effort you put into your business plan to begin with, not to mention that customer will always know they can haggle and will likely tell their friends. Just wanted to share.. it really wasn't as hard as I anticipated it would be. icon_smile.gif

4 replies
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lkern777 Posted 30 Apr 2012 , 5:47pm
post #2 of 5

Good for you! I agree completely. I have had trouble in the past reconciling it in my head, but I'm over that now. The right customers will come along and I am willing to be patient. People rarely take into consideration the time and skill involved with custom cakes. You handled it perfectly.

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JamAndButtercream Posted 30 Apr 2012 , 5:57pm
post #3 of 5

Totally agree! If they don't like the price its up to them. icon_smile.gif

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BlakesCakes Posted 30 Apr 2012 , 8:37pm
post #4 of 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by luckylibra


Her email said they found someone to make a cooler cake with beer cans cheaper. I thought it would really bother me when that happened for the first time but honestly.. it doesn't. I figure those are my prices and if you don't feel it is fair, that is certainly your option. I simply thanked her for thinking of me and wished her well on her event. I read a lot of posts where people seem afraid to turn business away and end up negotiating a price, I think that is unprofessional and undermines the effort you put into your business plan to begin with, not to mention that customer will always know they can haggle and will likely tell their friends. Just wanted to share.. it really wasn't as hard as I anticipated it would be. icon_smile.gif




YES, YES, YES!! Congrats on having properly fitting big girl panties!!!!!

I really admire your thinking.

Rae

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Cakery2012 Posted 30 Apr 2012 , 8:55pm
post #5 of 5

I totally agree with OP.

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