How Much Should I Charge For My Cakes?

Decorating By MichellePonce Updated 1 Oct 2014 , 4:45pm by Rfisher

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MichellePonce Posted 28 Sep 2014 , 7:35pm
post #1 of 32

Im fairly new to the cake selling business so im not sure if I am under pricing, everyone tells me I am. How much are yall charging per serving?

31 replies
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MimiFix Posted 28 Sep 2014 , 9:48pm
post #2 of 32

Michelle, pricing is a huge topic here; you can learn a lot from previous threads.Type key words into the search bar and many threads will come up. I looked through pricing on your website. Some of your cakes are less than $1 per serving. (Nine inch square two-layer, buttercream, serves 32. Only $16???) Best of luck to you.  

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julia1812 Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 5:29am
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AHi Michelle. I had the same problem. I don't know where you live, but just had a look at your website and me personally also have the feeling you undercharge for your cakes. Also, I would find it easier as a customer if you would detail your prices a bit more. F.e. is the 6" 2 layer decorated somehow? If so, is it simple BC piping? Which flavors do you offer? If someone would order a raspberry cake I would charge more for the same size then for vanilla sponge for example. Maybe put prices per topper or decorated custom cakes with a price tag on your website too. If someone wants something unique you can still make an individual price. But from what is there on your website right now, it's hard to guess any price of a decorated cake and I think people might be reluctant to ask when they are not sure at all what the total might be. For me, in the end, I got a good advise in this forum: Make a price, deduct the costs of materials etc and divide the balance by your working hours spent to make the cake. If you are happy to get out of bed for it, fine, otherwise up the price

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cakebaby2 Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 11:45am
post #4 of 32

I cant see any pics of your work on your site?

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cakebaby2 Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 11:53am
post #5 of 32

Your kids are gorgeous....but if you want to keep this site pro and make good money don't tell people you started with you tube videos on the wee one's advice.

I'd want pics of the fantastic work you do and testimonials from delighted clients.

To be honest if I was in the market for a custom cake the price would be the last consideration because I would know it wasn't going to be cheap....and that should be your target client?

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 12:21pm
post #6 of 32

ANo one hardly looks at my website, I get my business from Facebook. Cakebaby2 , you didn't see my pics on there? They are also on my profile on here. Im new to the site so not sure. Thanks for the advice y'all. I just need to delete all those cake prices because everyone orders custom cakes. In from Texas julia1812.

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cakebaby2 Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 2:06pm
post #7 of 32

Oh I see, sorry must have a look at your facebook page. But get that website going girl that's where the money is!!

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-K8memphis Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 2:26pm
post #8 of 32

i think a fair pricing goal is to charge more than the best bakery in your area -- 

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 2:50pm
post #9 of 32

A[IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289829/width/200/height/400[/IMG] ( this mickey one I charged 60) [IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289830/width/200/height/400[/IMG] (The bird cake I charged 50) [IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289831/width/200/height/400[/IMG] (the baby bottom one I charged 40 cause it was for my friend but normally I would charge 50 or 60) Am I off on prices ? How much would y'all charge?

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-K8memphis Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 3:48pm
post #11 of 32

how much would the best bakery in town charge?  maybe start just below them and would work toward charging more than them --  and you need to watch out for the copyright lawyers at disney-- no joke --

 

that little bird cake is cute

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 3:53pm
post #12 of 32

AThe only bakery is 45 minutes away, haven't looked into their prices. What copyright laws?

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:03pm
post #13 of 32

AWow was just reading on the copyright laws. So it's only legal to use the plastic character toppers? Should I take my pictures down?

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-K8memphis Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:04pm
post #14 of 32

yes the copyrighted things at least

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:16pm
post #15 of 32

AWow didn't know, all the home bakers around here make character cakes, never even thought it would be illegal.

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-K8memphis Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:24pm
post #16 of 32

well of course if a home baker uses it in their home it's not illegal but if they sell it yes illegal -- and disney is quite robust in pursuing offenders

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:28pm
post #17 of 32

AOk thanks K8memphis, you have been a big help to me. :)

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-K8memphis Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 4:37pm
post #18 of 32

you're very welcome, miss michelle -- best of the best to you and lots of sweet success

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cakebaby2 Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 7:55pm
post #19 of 32

I had a look at Bella Cake Creations Texas on facebook, is that you? Some of those wedding cakes are amazing, you are very talented.x

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 8:56pm
post #20 of 32

ACakebaby2 that's not me, I wish!!!! Lol

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MichellePonce Posted 29 Sep 2014 , 9:39pm
post #22 of 32

AYes that's me.

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julia1812 Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 4:49am
post #23 of 32

AI just gave up looking for your Facebook site. The above link doesn't open and there are sooo many "Bella cakes" too. Facebook should not be your main platform to make business. It's not professional and should be just an addition to your website. Now, in my opinion, there is lots of room to improve on that one! I believe you use a website builder program for that and your contract is 5 pages? It's WORTH to invest some money and time on it, because it's not the best (sorry!). Your family pictures (very cute kids btw) and YouTube "education" should be taken off like someone above stated earlier. Maybe you even have a friend who is happy to help you out with the website for free. Have a look at other baker's websites to get an idea and then start building your own from scratch. The other thing: To me your prices are very low! I charge double and still worry about undercharging, lol! Find out from where people order their cakes and then have a look at their prices. If you're up for it, you could even arrange a little stall in a nearby shopping mall for a weekend. Decorate it with banners, have business cards and bring 3 or so cakes (different price range) to display (even dummy cakes). Have cake bites (or mini cupcakes) in different flavors ready (presented nicely) for people to taste. It's a good way of getting local people to know about what you do and talk to them face to face... Good luck anyway!

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MichellePonce Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 12:15pm
post #24 of 32

AI understand what your saying but about my story and how I started, it's the truth. I believe in honesty and I'm not going to try to make it out like I've been doing it for years Because I only started making cakes 6 months ago so the moral of the story is you may not know what your good at until you try and take risks. It may not be the "professional" thing to say but it's how I started. I'm am donating a 5 tier cake to a party of 200 so that will get a buzz. I appreciate y'all's advice, it means a lot that y'all are taking the time out of y'all's lives to answer my questions. Thank you!!

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MKC Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 12:39pm
post #25 of 32

Athe first thing I learned in business school is unless you are a non for profit company, the goal is to make a profit.

after paying for your labour (you - between 17 and 21$ an hour) and your supplies, add a profit (I add between 10 and 15%).

I know it takes time to estimate all of this but your business will only be successful if you look closely at your prices. owning a business is not just about cake decorating.

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cakebaby2 Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 1:59pm
post #26 of 32

If its a hobby, charitable donation thing you're on Michelle, good for you. If you think giving your stuff away to create a buzz will get you clients, it wont, you'll just be known as the cheap free cake lady.

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MichellePonce Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 2:06pm
post #27 of 32

AI'm a sponsor for a party and they asked me to donate the cake.

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-K8memphis Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 3:46pm
post #28 of 32

just to put this in perspective for you -- just ask yourself -- i don't need to know your answer -- are other sponsors donating $600 to $1000 in goods and services? just some food for thought -- best to you

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cai0311 Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 4:30pm
post #29 of 32

AThe best way to figure out pricing is to figure out your expenses. There are hundreds of threads on this site about pricing. Everyone does it a little different, but knowing you cost is essential when pricing cakes.

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MichellePonce Posted 30 Sep 2014 , 7:13pm
post #30 of 32

K8Memphis, trust me I didnt  want to do this for free but it was my husbands aunt so i was put in a bad position, she wants me to cut the cake also but i dont think im going to do that, making 5 tiers is bad enough..People take advantage of my nice-ness..lol

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