1/4 sheet yellow cake, one layer, no filling, buttercream frosting, FBCT of superbowl logo and gumpaste goal posts. The cake will be for my boss.

And I've only been decorating cakes since november, so I'm a total beginner.

Here goes...

$30 - too much, too little, or just right?

(sorry sorry sorry - please don't hate me)

I think this is a problem for a lot of us!! I personally don't think $30 is too little.
I've read several posts on pricing and try the one about "ingredients X 3". Then you would factor in your time.

I generally base my charges using a per serving base. For simple, decorated cakes, about $1 per serving is usually enough. Single layer, no filling makes up for the added costs of the FBCT.

1x2 servings will yield about 30 for a 9x13. Hopefully, you confirm the price before you start on the cake.

Okay, thanks. I am trying to keep my prices the same as or higher than the bakeries in the area, but someone else at work heard about my boss's cake and said, "can you make me one too? You're cheap!"

Cheap??? I thought I was "competitive"!

So I came here for feedback. I really thought $30 was a good price.

I would say $25-$35 too... area you are in is probably more expensive than where I am and the going rate here for that size is about $25 just plain, not major decorated.... so hope that helps!

Well, I would charge about $45 for that cake, but then I use organic ingredients so my costs are a bit higher... and I try to earn more than minimum wage for my cakes! and if you are doing a FBCT and gumpaste goal posts, those take time...

Melissa

BANG.... just kidding...
I would say 30-35 because of the logo and gumpaste. That is something special happening with the cake that you have to create, its not just a plain one. HTH,

I haven't been in cake decorating long, but I've had other businesses and know this struggle. Honestly, I've learned that if you charge what you are really worth, people will appreciate what you are worth. And cake decorating is an art! You have skills that are not easy to learn and master.

Regardless of what the grocery stores are charging, you should pay yourself a good hourly wage. I'm just starting out, so I charge for costs plus $10/hour, since it takes me a long time to make these cakes, and I will get more efficient as I do more.

After I build a portfolio, I will charge up to $50/hour. Yes, they can get much cheaper elsewhere. But will their grocery store take the time to get the color just right? Or make actual goal posts? Or find just the right recipe for the job? Etc...

You are worth it- if I were you, I would charge more like $50 for that cake.