In The Pits

Business By lljmurray Updated 17 Mar 2013 , 4:23am by LoveMeSomeCake615

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lljmurray Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 5:33am
post #1 of 40

Hello there, I am very new at selling my cakes. I LOVE doing this as a hobby for my family and friends, but I have expanded from them (they told 2 friends, then they told 2 friends, etc) I was so enjoying this, but now I just want to quit. I have people calling me wanting Ariel popping out of splashing water, with all the under the sea friends....but can you do it for $60? I made a 3 tier cake today, 9 hours, I loved it (charged $100!!!!) all things epic in 1953, records, books, Mount FREAKIN' everest, etc. and when I showed the lady I got silence (awkward silence)......."so this is $100, I wish you put the birthday on it" After she said "do what ever you want, I just want things from 1953" I am having the hardest time getting people to understand that this is not easy stuff.......ugh. 

Ok rant done. Thanks for listening, and any advice would be more than welcome. Thanks in advance.

39 replies
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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 5:46am
post #2 of 40

You did a $300.00 dollar job for $100.00 and she still was not satisfied, pardon my frankness but I would have wanted to take a time warp machine and punted her back to 1953,lol.

 

I know how you feel, but if you don't start charging more you are going to be an unhappy nervous wreck, believe me I have been there.icon_cry.gif
 

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jason_kraft Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 5:57am
post #3 of 40

AStop accepting new orders ASAP and write a business plan with a realistic pricing structure (including any applicable legal requirements like license and health inspection fees). You'll probably have to start from scratch with a brand new customer base that is willing to pay for quality.

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 6:04am
post #4 of 40

And here come the sharks..........

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IAmPamCakes Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 6:08am
post #5 of 40

AI feel ya. I got asked by a family member to make a birthday cake & when I told her the price - with a big 'family discount,' she said she would make a cake herself. Some people just don't understand the time, patience, equipment, and ingredients that go into a specialty cake. Eventually, you will find your market, but you have to weed out the bad clients first. Jason is right (as usual). Make a realistic business plan and stick with it. I'm sticking to my structure, and I've lost out on some business, but the right clients will come along to fill in any losses.

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scrumdiddlycakes Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 6:47am
post #6 of 40

Do what Jason said and it will save you a ton of misery!

I made the mistake when I first branched off on my own of not having a pricing system set up, I undercharged on my first 2 cakes and it got me a bunch of referrals expecting cheap cakes. Such a headache!

Set your prices, and stay firm. I flat out refuse to negotiate, if someone can't afford something, I show them the options that fit into their budget, if it's still not acceptable to them, then too bad. You lose customers that way, but honestly, not the kind of customers you want anyway.

I've also found it helpful to have a disclaimer of sorts, explaining why artisan cakes cost more than grocery store cakes. That seems to help people understand.

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cazza1 Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 7:28am
post #7 of 40

lljmurray I don't sell cakes for exactly the reasons you have quoted.  If you do want to sell them then, as said above, set realistic prices for your work and stick to it otherwise you will burn yourself out and ruin what has been a wonderful and satisfying hobby for no reason.  If people won't pay let them go elsewhere.  You may end up with less orders in the short term but you will still have your love for the craft.

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kikiandkyle Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 2:13pm
post #8 of 40

If you've been giving your friends cheap cakes in the past, they probably told their friends that. If you want to get serious orders you have to do serious marketing unfortunately. Good luck with figuring it all out, I think it will be worth it in the end!

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Norasmom Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 2:16pm
post #9 of 40

Yes, get a good business plan in order.  And don't be afraid to turn down unreasonable orders.  If something is going to not make you any money, just say no.  I told someone I was booked for that very reason yesterday.

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costumeczar Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 3:20pm
post #10 of 40

If you don't have a structured business then you need to do what Jason says and get organzied. If you look at the amount of money you're making after all expenses you'll probably realize that it isn't worth your time to do the things you've been doing, unless you enjoy working for $3 an hour.

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 3:29pm
post #11 of 40

AI know that part doesn't sound like fun. And I know Jason seems like a big ole meant with a wet blanket of fondant. It's the absolute truth.

You can not build a solid business without frosting the crumb coat.

Kikiandkyle is also right. You may have earned the reputation of doing great, cheap work. You need to target a new audience who understands and is willing to pay.

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AZCouture Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 4:31pm
post #12 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by enga 

And here come the sharks..........

Really? Good sound business advice with not a shred of snarkiness or judgement? You have got to be kidding me. 

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 5:20pm
post #13 of 40

Seems to be a lot of that going around.  But hey, we are so lucky to have you guys to give it.
 

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jason_kraft Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 8:10pm
post #14 of 40

A

Original message sent by enga

Seems to be a lot of that going around.  But hey, we are so lucky to have you guys to give it.

No problem, glad to be of help! :)

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:22pm
post #15 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture 

Really? Good sound business advice with not a shred of snarkiness or judgement? You have got to be kidding me. 


Sharks, Sharks, I tell ya.

 

Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly (26:11).

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AZCouture Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:22pm
post #16 of 40

Good grief, you're a nasty snit aren't you?

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:25pm
post #17 of 40

Thanks I do my very best
 

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:27pm
post #18 of 40

Try, Try as I may to give peeps the benefit of the doubt,  some times being a B**** is all a woman has to hold onto.

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:37pm
post #19 of 40

Giggles, farts rainbow dust as she scratches her hind  hoofs in the dirt and gallops off......

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manddi Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:41pm
post #20 of 40

A

Original message sent by enga

Try, Try as I may to give peeps the benefit of the doubt,  some times being a B**** is all a woman has to hold onto.

Having a bad day are we?

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:42pm
post #21 of 40

Actually I am having a great day, how about yourself
 

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manddi Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:46pm
post #22 of 40

A... I'd hate to see what you're comments are on a bad day...

I'm having a superb day! Thanks for asking! ;)

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:49pm
post #23 of 40

I am glad to here that, it is just along story if you read "what not to ask the baker thread", you can catch up, lol
 

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:52pm
post #24 of 40

IKR,  ,I think some people have bad days every day,  they are not going to steal my joy anymore.icon_lol.gif

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enga Posted 16 Mar 2013 , 11:54pm
post #25 of 40

Oh, and I forgot, The Friday night cake club is an interesting read too.

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manddi Posted 17 Mar 2013 , 12:07am
post #26 of 40

AI have read the what not to ask a baker. I must've missed something there... However, I have not read the Friday night cake Club thread.

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enga Posted 17 Mar 2013 , 12:07am
post #27 of 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by lljmurray 

Hello there, I am very new at selling my cakes. I LOVE doing this as a hobby for my family and friends, but I have expanded from them (they told 2 friends, then they told 2 friends, etc) I was so enjoying this, but now I just want to quit. I have people calling me wanting Ariel popping out of splashing water, with all the under the sea friends....but can you do it for $60? I made a 3 tier cake today, 9 hours, I loved it (charged $100!!!!) all things epic in 1953, records, books, Mount FREAKIN' everest, etc. and when I showed the lady I got silence (awkward silence)......."so this is $100, I wish you put the birthday on it" After she said "do what ever you want, I just want things from 1953" I am having the hardest time getting people to understand that this is not easy stuff.......ugh. 

Ok rant done. Thanks for listening, and any advice would be more than welcome. Thanks in advance.


I am so sorry for posting off topic on your thread,  I wish you well in all your endeavors, Happy Caking!!!

 

To all others, continue with your day.

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manddi Posted 17 Mar 2013 , 12:10am
post #28 of 40

ASorry, didn't mean to stick my nose in a discussion that does not involve me.

Also, sorry to the op for posting off topic. But I do agree that by charging low prices, you're unknowingly attracting less than ideal clients.

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jason_kraft Posted 17 Mar 2013 , 12:45am
post #29 of 40

A

Original message sent by enga

I am so sorry for posting off topic on your thread

You may wish to edit or delete your off-topic posts in this thread, since if you post too much off-topic you run the risk of being banned.

If you want to post off-topic the best place is in The Lounge forum.

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enga Posted 17 Mar 2013 , 3:13am
post #30 of 40

You know what Jason, I gave you a chance, I PMed you with no response, to try to squash this, but no, you had to drag this out didn't you.  I'm sorry that it came to this, so lets keep it wide open and realistic.  You are rude and condescending, and  just because you own a business does not mean you can run everyone else like yours and you cant force feed others to reform to your personal agendas, it's a free country, act like you know that.

 

So let me be banned, at least I know I stood up for my rights as an individual with an opinion. Live and let live, that's my motto.
 

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