Price The Cake!

Business By LadyViola Updated 6 May 2014 , 1:44am by SystemMod1

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Holstar Posted 29 Mar 2014 , 10:33pm
post #211 of 254

ABrilliant thread!! Stunning first cake...Bride must have been gutted!

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Manders0106 Posted 16 Apr 2014 , 1:18am
post #212 of 254

AHello all… I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the incorrect place… But I'm new to this website. I have to cakes coming up that I'll be making and I have no clue what to charge for them… I'm very bad at pricing my cakes so far. I'm going to attach both of them. They want me to serve about 30 people per cake... Any tips would be appreciated!

[IMG]http://cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3221609/width/200/height/400[/IMG]

[IMG]http://cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3221604/width/200/height/400[/IMG][/IMG]

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Manders0106 Posted 16 Apr 2014 , 1:19am
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ATwo*

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 5 May 2014 , 1:15am
post #214 of 254

**UPDATE**  This is in reference to the cake that began this thread.  Be sure to read the Original Post to understand the full greatness.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 
 

So, shame on me.

 

I did not follow the rules of WeddingbyColor.com.  I created an account under the false pretense of being a bride.  There was no option to join as a vendor.  I did come clean in the very beginning of the post.  Only fair.

 

"Ladies, please forgive me.  I am not a current bride.  I am a cake artist.  I felt compelled to come and comment on this photo to help end the perpetual misfortune that befalls so many brides.  It is just impossible to get THAT cake for $340.  

 
Currently, there is a discussion on a very popular cake decorating thread.  Many of us have  what the normal cost  of that cake would be in our area.  Currently, the average cost is $1485
 
Furthermore, I am disappointed in royallyyurs for not returning to share photos of how her $340 cake was delivered.  You can see photos of it at www  dot lasphotography01 dot com/p359134276.    Now THAT is a $340 cake.

 

 

It's been a very long time since I posted this on the WeddingbyColor.com blog.  TODAY, I received an email from the bride:

 

Quote:

Message :
Since u have so much opinion on wedding cakes and such, how about you post pics on YOUR work. Or how about everybody knows your clearly a hating ass ***** who's hiding behind a fake "SC" profile. I didn't return to post pics of the cake because if you noticed, since ur so hard up on my ****, I didn't post anything after JAN 2012 and my ACTUAL wedding was in JUNE 2012....i wasn't even on here anymore. Don't come starting trouble when clearly u aren't even who u say u r, come to me directly. FB, phone numb and everything else is the same and fyi MY ENTIRE WEDDING was gorgeous. Dont be a hater ur whole life....now be disappointed in THIS

 

I feel much less sympathetic to her.  I am truly glad to see that she felt the cake was worth every penny.  Of course, I have responded in a professional manner:

Quote:

In fact, I do have a great deal of opinions concerning wedding cakes.  I have dedicated many years to the profession of creating wedding cakes.  I have posted hundreds of photos of my work on Facebook, my website, and the original site (Cake Central) that led me to your post. 

 

The VERY first sentence of my post stated that I am not a bride.  I went on to say that I am a professional cake decorator.  There was nothing “fake” about my post and I did not try to hide either the fact that I wasn’t a bride or that I had a different agenda.  My intent was not to “hate” or “start trouble.”  Quite contrary, my intent was to save someone from making a horrible mistake.

 

What you do not know is that someone shared the link to your post on Cake Central.  She wanted to find a cake decorator who would create the same cake for such a “steal”.  Many of the fellow decorators tried to convince the bride that it just wasn’t possible.  That she could get a similar cake by someone less skilled but that someone of our level would charge accordingly.  She didn’t believe us.  It was at this time that someone with far more time on their hands than I have and quite a bit of detective skills came upon your cake. 

 

I must admit that almost every single member agreed that you put on a wonderful, brave face.  We commented on how lovely both of you looked and how you had made the most of the cake wreck.  Not knowing you, we had no idea that you were completely satisfied with the saggy bow, lumpy fondant, etc.  We truly thought you were a wonderful bride who made the most of a bad situation.  Obviously my opinion of you has since changed.  I can’t wait to find the Cake Central post and update them on your real attitude and persona.

 

I wish I could see the comment I left so that I could be certain of exactly what I did say.  I do know that I DID NOT speak ill of you, call you names, or use profanity. 

 

As you can see from my signature, I am in fact exactly what I “claimed” to be.  I am a professional cake decorator who happens to live and work in South Carolina.  I have not only posted several examples of my work, I have been published in numerous magazines and blogs.  I am not ashamed of my work.  I am not even ashamed at the few cake wrecks I produced when I was first learning the art.  I am not ashamed of them because I never charged before I was ready, I never delivered a cake wreck for an event, and I never promised a wedding cake before I was certain I could deliver one.

 

I am truly glad to hear you enjoyed your wedding.  It shows in the photographs.  It’s such a shame that you have such a visceral reaction to my post.  It was not meant to hurt but to prevent the disappoint of another unsuspecting bride.  Please note, this is not an apology.  You do not deserve one.

 

I'm not entirely certain if I should be relieved that she was happy with her cake or horrified.  I guess I will just have to remember that it takes all kinds, with varying tastes, to make the world go around. 

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AZCouture Posted 5 May 2014 , 1:24am
post #215 of 254

AOhhhhh my.

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sixinarow Posted 5 May 2014 , 2:12am
post #216 of 254

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 
 

 

 

It's been a very long time since I posted this on the WeddingbyColor.com blog.  TODAY, I received an email from the bride:

 

 

I feel much less sympathetic to her.  I am truly glad to see that she felt the cake was worth every penny.  Of course, I have responded in a professional manner:

 

I'm not entirely certain if I should be relieved that she was happy with her cake or horrified.  I guess I will just have to remember that it takes all kinds, with varying tastes, to make the world go around. 

Oh my is right! 8-O

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 5 May 2014 , 2:43am
post #217 of 254

AOh she wrote me again.....

Turns out she was very disappointed in the cake after all. That makes me sad.

Went on to call me rude & say all vendors just want to take people's money.

Le Sigh

Moving on and back to work.

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denetteb Posted 5 May 2014 , 3:37am
post #218 of 254

Shame on all of you horrible vendors, just taking all those customers money.  You should just do it for free, or at least just the cost of ingredients.  Taking all the brides money...tsk, tsk, tsk.

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BeesKnees578 Posted 5 May 2014 , 3:45am
post #219 of 254

Holy HOT MESS of a cake!

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cazza1 Posted 5 May 2014 , 5:31am
post #220 of 254

Maybe time to cut the poor woman some slack and move on.  If that was my cake I would be trying to put it out of my mind so that it did not ruin the whole event.  Having it rubbed in my face afterwards that I should have listened to a decorator on pricing is not going to help with that.  I would see red.  It's not an excuse for her being rude but she may not be able to cope with it any other way.  Keep in mind that the average Joe has no idea of what goes in to making a professional cake and would presume that if someone said they could do it that then they could.  Sadly a lot out there cannot deliver.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 5 May 2014 , 12:37pm
post #221 of 254

A

Original message sent by cazza1

Maybe time to cut the poor woman some slack and move on.  If that was my cake I would be trying to put it out of my mind so that it did not ruin the whole event.  [B]Having it rubbed in my face afterwards that I should have listened to a decorator on pricing is not going to help with that.[/B]  I would see red.  It's not an excuse for her being rude but she may not be able to cope with it any other way.  [B]Keep in mind that the average Joe has no idea of what goes in to making a professional cake and would presume that if someone said they could do it that then they could.  Sadly a lot out there cannot deliver.[/B]

I really was not meaning to rub it in. I posted what I did on the blog so others wouldn't fall prey to the same expierience.

That is exactly my point!! Hundreds of people think we are price gouging and that cake should be inexpensive. The only reference most have is the grocery store. They then come along on a wedding site and have it Confirmed!!! Now all the brides who saw it think they too can have that huge, gorgeous cake for $340.

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Gingerlocks Posted 5 May 2014 , 2:46pm
post #222 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 


I really was not meaning to rub it in. I posted what I did on the blog so others wouldn't fall prey to the same expierience.

That is exactly my point!! Hundreds of people think we are price gouging and that cake should be inexpensive. The only reference most have is the grocery store. They then come along on a wedding site and have it Confirmed!!! Now all the brides who saw it think they too can have that huge, gorgeous cake for $340.

I don't think you were rubbing it in..brides and customers in general need to know; high end cakes are not cheap. This is an art, and if you want a Picasso you'll pay for it; and if you only have a "kid with a crayola" budget..well that's exactly what you'll get. Just my opinion :roll: 

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fondantslinger Posted 5 May 2014 , 5:10pm
post #223 of 254

You guys have totally lost me on this one......I am new to this site...came across these statements & couldn't believe how upset everyone has gotten....so here's my two cents...

I didn't see this cake.......it doesn't matter.......if you prided yourself as a decorator who makes cakes & made this cake, well that's all that needs to be said. Anyone can go to a Walmart or other grocer & buy a once frozen cake, put together with a bit of icing & a few dabbles of possibly piping if the salesgirl knows how & wa-la you have a wedding cake......& some of these places aren't cheap. On the other hand - if a person goes to a 'cake-decorator',  a custom cake designer who is going to take the time to listen to her clients needs, take the time to sketch several drawings for an approval, keep constant communication, use only the finest quality ingredients, bake this cake to order from scratch taking time for the elegant embellishments, down to the very last intimate detail...then I would say that this is the cake that every bride should want as the outstanding centerpiece at her affair & if she doesn't want to spend the money for what that cake is actually worth & for what she had in her mind as her dream cake from a person who actually cared, then go to the grocer's!  I look at it this way: I like to eat too & your never going to satisfy them all, you never sell your artistic ability short, if it costs you to make it it costs them to buy it. There are no such things as giving away your talent or the money you spent. I am not a pro,  I have been making cakes, pastries & chocolates for years but recently started to turn it into a business & was told by a very established artistic well known professional cake artist all of the above in not so many words....a bride will not go to a Walmart to buy her wedding dress so why would she settle for anything less on her cake - the second most outstanding part of a wedding, the first being the brides dress.

As far as pricing on cakes: I do $4.50/slice starting basic........I only do fondant covered cakes (more creativity with this medium for me & better for indoors or out affairs)

this price is for white fondant, colored goes up depending on how much I need, the fancier the embellishments the more it goes up, fillings go up if fresh fruits (a seasonal thing)  & I infuse liqueurs if preferred into my cakes & that is more as well. You have to decifer everything, one egg out of a dozen costs how much? A cup of sugar out of a 5# bag costs how much? And so on, my oven costs to pre-heat, my pans need to be greased & parchmented etc-etc..this all costs & it is for making one person's cake so it now costs them plus you hourly labor...I add everything up then put a mark up on it besides in case I overlooked something & that's the price, take it or leave it.

If this girl was a radical as all your words stated, just chalk it up & if she pursues bad will against you or your business drop her a note stating your attorney will be in touch!  Keep on caking girl, today's another day! 

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 5:24pm
post #224 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 

Oh she wrote me again.....

Turns out she was very disappointed in the cake after all. That makes me sad.

Went on to call me rude & say all vendors just want to take people's money.

Le Sigh

Moving on and back to work.

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 


I really was not meaning to rub it in. I posted what I did on the blog so others wouldn't fall prey to the same experience.

That is exactly my point!! Hundreds of people think we are price gouging and that cake should be inexpensive. The only reference most have is the grocery store. They then come along on a wedding site and have it Confirmed!!! Now all the brides who saw it think they too can have that huge, gorgeous cake for $340.

You did what you could. She was basically saying you were right and and instead of saying, "hey guys, learn form my bad experience", she attacked you.  I guess she figured she just picked the wrong cheap cake lady. And I have to admit, she has a point. There are people out there making lovely cakes for next to nothing.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by fondantslinger 
 

As far as pricing on cakes: I do $4.50/slice starting basic........I only do fondant covered cakes (more creativity with this medium for me & better for indoors or out affairs)

this price is for white fondant, colored goes up depending on how much I need, the fancier the embellishments the more it goes up, fillings go up if fresh fruits (a seasonal thing)  & I infuse liqueurs if preferred into my cakes & that is more as well. You have to decifer everything, one egg out of a dozen costs how much? A cup of sugar out of a 5# bag costs how much? And so on, my oven costs to pre-heat, my pans need to be greased & parchmented etc-etc..this all costs & it is for making one person's cake so it now costs them plus you hourly labor...I add everything up then put a mark up on it besides in case I overlooked something & that's the price, take it or leave it.

If this girl was a radical as all your words stated, just chalk it up & if she pursues bad will against you or your business drop her a note stating your attorney will be in touch!  Keep on caking girl, today's another day! 

In determining cost, don't forget time spent not specifically on that cake. Like when you quote out a cake and the customer doesn't order or when you're working on your website.  It's all part of the job. 

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fondantslinger Posted 5 May 2014 , 5:27pm
post #225 of 254

Just a lady (um, using the term loosely)  who wants everything for nothing!

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Gingerlocks Posted 5 May 2014 , 5:32pm
post #226 of 254
Quote:

Originally Posted by howsweet 

I guess she figured she just picked the wrong cheap cake lady. And I have to admit, she has a point. There are people out there making lovely cakes for next to nothing.

But to be fair, even the cheap cake ladies have websites or FB pages that shows their work. I they have pictures of crap work (or even more suspiciously no pictures at all) how can anyone expect that suddenly as if by magic their cake will turn out beautifully. 

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 6:40pm
post #227 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gingerlocks 
 

But to be fair, even the cheap cake ladies have websites or FB pages that shows their work. I they have pictures of crap work (or even more suspiciously no pictures at all) how can anyone expect that suddenly as if by magic their cake will turn out beautifully. 


Yes, and I'm sure she learned her lesson and will be more careful next time. But she's still probably going to look for bargains I'm guessing.

 

Why wouldn't she?  Maybe because it's unconscionable to try and find people to work so hard for so little pay. That's possibly where her indignity comes from. She wants to hold on to her denial, so she can still use cheap cake ladies and not feel guilty.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 5 May 2014 , 7:19pm
post #228 of 254

ADespite her rude and vulgar email to me, I feel bad for her.

She thought she was getting a great deal and instead he got a wreck. That makes me sad.

For anyone who may be confused, we are talking about the bride from the Original post of this thread. I was not her cake artist.

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morganchampagne Posted 5 May 2014 , 8:42pm
post #229 of 254

AAnother attempt to help, chopped and diced up and thrown back in your face...smh. It's sad. At least you tried

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fondantslinger Posted 5 May 2014 , 8:51pm
post #230 of 254

GUYS, GIVE IT UP...YOUR BEATING A DEAD HORSE & YOURSELVES.............THE THREAD WAS ABOUT PRICING OUT CAKES.

I READ ANOTHER THREAD ABOUT THE RKT........I DO USE THEM FOR SOMETHINGS BUT I ALSO FOUND OTHER WAYS OF REPLICATING SOME THINGS...........I'M DOING A JACK DANIELS BOTTLE.....SINCE RKT ARE A HEAVY WEIGHT I AM GOING TO COVER A JD BOTTLE WITH GUM PASTE AFTER LIGHTLY OIL ON A REAL BOTTLE & THEN SLID IT OFF...FOR MY MOLD .THEN JUST MAKE A BOTTOM FOR IT.....JUST A LITTLE FYI IT SUPPOSEDLY WORKS WELL, WE'LL SEE

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-K8memphis Posted 5 May 2014 , 8:52pm
post #231 of 254

Quote:

Originally Posted by morganchampagne 

Another attempt to help, chopped and diced up and thrown back in your face...smh. It's sad. At least you tried

 

 

attempt to help...who?

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morganchampagne Posted 5 May 2014 , 9:01pm
post #232 of 254

ADD by commenting on the cake wreck on the other website....

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 9:12pm
post #233 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeliciousDesserts 

Despite her rude and vulgar email to me, I feel bad for her.

She thought she was getting a great deal and instead he got a wreck. That makes me sad.

For anyone who may be confused, we are talking about the bride from the Original post of this thread. I was not her cake artist.


Sure, I understand that and this person who took her order did an awful thing.

 

And people are criticized for posting negative comments to threads like "FIRST WEDDING CAKE!! HELP!! HOW DO I MAKE THIS!! "  If a person recommends taking a step back, one is accused of being harsh and unfeeling. 

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 9:20pm
post #234 of 254

That last part was just expressing frustration - I wasn't aiming that at you or anything you said.

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MBalaska Posted 5 May 2014 , 9:49pm
post #235 of 254
Quote:

Originally Posted by howsweet 


Sure, I understand that and this person who took her order did an awful thing.

 

And people are criticized for posting negative comments to threads like "FIRST WEDDING CAKE!! HELP!! HOW DO I MAKE THIS!! "  If a person recommends taking a step back, one is accused of being harsh and unfeeling. 

 

howsweet.   Possibly, those people who ask those emergency "HELP!!" questions may be the same ones making these poor translations of top dollar $$$$ cakes on the cheap, with unpleasant results.

 

Yes you are correct that often when anyone suggests that they practice, or learn to be a better decorator before tackling such a big job, they do get stung by some members.

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enga Posted 5 May 2014 , 10:09pm
post #236 of 254

I remember this thread. I would be so embarrassed and humiliated if I were that bride and I would be mortified if I read this thread. Such a shameful thing to do to someone who, for whatever reason, thought that they could get a cake for that price. I can understand the predicament she found herself in, I'd be upset too for having to relive something like this.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 5 May 2014 , 10:14pm
post #237 of 254

/not ashamed.

 

I absolutely stand behind the statement I posted encouraging her to post photos of what she really got and warning others that most artists would charge more than $340.

 

Everything that others here have posted (photos of the real cake v. promised, link to the blog, etc.) was public.  If you don't want something to go viral (or to be shared in a small community), then don't post it in a VERY public arena.

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-K8memphis Posted 5 May 2014 , 10:18pm
post #238 of 254
Quote:

Originally Posted by howsweet 

 

And people are criticized for posting negative comments to threads like "FIRST WEDDING CAKE!! HELP!! HOW DO I MAKE THIS!! "  If a person recommends taking a step back, one is accused of being harsh and unfeeling. 

 

this is in general--not directed specifically at howsweet or anyone--just an editorial--

 

 i think we are not as harsh as we used to be in this regard -- and the recommendations we make are not the issue -- the issue is the way we say it sometimes--i think that since we know so well that we get this reaction we should use it to advantage and learn to speak with discretion because otherwise we burn the tremendous opportunity to turn the lights on for someone -- i mean they're all upset anyhow, vulnerable in a predicament then they get insulted and who wouldn't get all huffy --but how is that working? 

 

dredging up the past over and over and over and over by inserting a disclaimer that "someone said this is harsh and mean but i'm gonna do it again" is so old--be straight up be effective be real be informative be smooth be helpful be clever be poised be wise be savvy--all that before you ever have to be sensitive god forbid we go there--if you (in general you) want to recommend they should back away say it so they can accept the idea and eliminate the gut punches--

 

"tact is telling someone where to go so nicely they can't wait to take the trip" -- some brilliant person's brilliant signature line on here--why is tact so hard--tactless people are harsh and mean--it's a choice and if we type in the tired disclaimer before we blast away--we announce in advance we know full well we are being harsh and mean again --

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 10:19pm
post #239 of 254

Quote:

I'd be upset too for having to relive something like this. 

Having to relive? She didn't "have to relive" anything. What are you talking about? What's the point of saying this sort of thing?

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howsweet Posted 5 May 2014 , 10:30pm
post #240 of 254
Quote:
Originally Posted by -K8memphis 
 

 

this is in general--not directed specifically at howsweet or anyone--just an editorial--

 

 i think we are not as harsh as we used to be in this regard -- and the recommendations we make are not the issue -- the issue is the way we say it sometimes--i think that since we know so well that we get this reaction we should use it to advantage and learn to speak with discretion because otherwise we burn the tremendous opportunity to turn the lights on for someone -- i mean they're all upset anyhow, vulnerable in a predicament then they get insulted and who wouldn't get all huffy --but how is that working? 

 

dredging up the past over and over and over and over by inserting a disclaimer that "someone said this is harsh and mean but i'm gonna do it again" is so old--be straight up be effective be real be informative be smooth be helpful be clever be poised be wise be savvy--all that before you ever have to be sensitive god forbid we go there--if you (in general you) want to recommend they should back away say it so they can accept the idea and eliminate the gut punches--

 

"tact is telling someone where to go so nicely they can't wait to take the trip" -- some brilliant person's brilliant signature line on here--why is tact so hard--tactless people are harsh and mean--it's a choice and if we type in the tired disclaimer before we blast away--we announce in advance we know full well we are being harsh and mean again --


The recommendations we make ARE the issue. And this business of being concerned over the way something is delivered over the substance is out of hand on this forum. Entirely to much "mothering" behavior in my opinion.. Let's not treat each other like little girls.

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