I Need Your Expert Advice Please!!
Business By Lazy_Susan Updated 13 Mar 2007 , 6:35pm by doitallmom
Hi everyone,
I just received an email from someone at work requesting pricing for a Wedding Cake. Well I don't really have a price list so this is a copy of the email I have written so far that I was going to send to her. However, before I send it I would like for y'all to read and give me feedback on it and suggestions or advice.
Thanks!!!
Lazy_Susan
Here is what I have written so far:
Hi Kathy,
I charge $2.00 per person for my Wedding Cakes. I usually make sure there is a bit more cake than requested just because some people like to go back for seconds. The extra bit of cake is just a gift from me.
There is also a $50.00 deposit for the stand that is fully refundable upon return of the stand. In some cases a stand is not used and so would not require the deposit.
Decoration pricing:
Fondant covered cakes with fondant decorations additional: $ .50 per person
Fondant Bow: Small $5.00 Medium $8.00 Large $11.00
If the cake is very detailed, it may cost a bit more but that would be agreed upon in advance. I would suggest that you schedule a consultation with me so you can taste my cakes and frostings. At the consultation, we can draw out the design of the cake you have in mind or if you have a picture of a cake you would like to have would be even better. I can give you a better idea of the price of the cake at that time.
Am I getting lost in the crowd? I wrote this over half an hour ago and only 2 people have even viewed it. I really need help with this 
I think your prices are definitely in line with most caterers. I am not a professional, but I was browsing around some websites for local bakeries over the weekend and I believe the $2 per person is pretty standard around here (Nashville, TN area). I would only wonder if your potential customer is looking for a deal since you are coworkers, and if so, are you prepared to give a discount? Otherwise, I think you lay out your pricing policy very well. Good luck!
Michelle
I think the letter is perfect as is.
What is your experience in making wedding cakes?
I've made a total of 3 wedding cakes so far. So not much experience but they were very satisfied. I think I could do virtually anything as long as I apply myself. Well... and have CC members to fall back on 
I wouldn't tell them you are giving a little extra (because they'll tell you they need cake for 90, not 100). Don't give your stuff away!!!!! you don't owe them a present - this is a business! and only 50 cents extra per serving for fondant is too little, imho.
I think your letter sounds good. It also covers more details costing a little more. That was a good idea in case you have to use luster dust or some decorations that are more time consuming.
I usually charge $1.00 more pp for fondant, but sounds good, what about delivery & setup? You may want to do a search for wedding contracts in here to refer to.
What do y'all think about Free Delivery and Set up within 20 miles and anything over the 20 miles charge something like $ .50 per mile?
Wow! Y'all are coming up with more than I thought of. Thank you very much. I think I'm going to have a great email to send back to her and have all my bases covered. She is only a co-worker because we work at the same place but I have no idea who she is. She must work day shift because I got the email today. I work nights. I do give my co-workers that I am friends with a discount
With gas prices these days free delivery and set up is taking money out of your pocket...I think most charge a flat fee...I haven't been charging and am finding I am taking money out of my pocket to make and deliver cake to friends....I am no good when it comes to the discussion of money with customers...something I hope to learn from CC
Since this is an e-mail to her, I would send this e-mail and wait until she schedules an apointment to cover details like setup and delivery. I don't think I would cover all of that in an e-mail but rather in the consultation and contract that she signs.
Sounds fine to me. I just got on and saw your post.
I think that you should charge more than .50 for the fondant. that is a lot of extra work. Also, I require a 20% deposit to reserve the date and then the full amount has to be paid in full two weeks prior to the event. If there are any cancellations then I offer them a full refund if it is 4 weeks prior to the event and if it is less then 4 weeks to the event then they get back everything except the 20% deposit.
Ok... So basically I should cover most of the details in the consultation?
I wouldn't tell them you are giving a little extra (because they'll tell you they need cake for 90, not 100). Don't give your stuff away!!!!! you don't owe them a present - this is a business!
Excellent point! I removed that part.
I completely agree with jmt1714, I think it's the business side of me talking....and from lessons learned. Don't sell yourself short and try not to get into the habit of giving things away. If you want to do so, at least, don't let them know. As jmt1714 stated, someone can undercut the amount needed because they will count on you giving extra for free. I just personally think you should get paid for every piece - this is your time and effort! And say if you decided to stop giving the extra one day...someone can come back and say "there wasn't enough, you usually give extra for free...blah blah..." Save yourself any future headache.
If you haven't done so already, it may also help to check out bakeries in your area to see what the general charges are.
Good luck, I hope they go with you! 
I wouldn't tell them you are giving a little extra (because they'll tell you they need cake for 90, not 100). Don't give your stuff away!!!!! you don't owe them a present - this is a business! and only 50 cents extra per serving for fondant is too little, imho.
I agree. Most brides overestimate the number of guests that will attend anyway. I always stay and cut my cakes so I'm in the unique position to be able to see how much cake is actually used .... and EVERY BRIDE has cake left over. Other than that, the letter is informative without being wordy, gives enough information to allow them to make a decision and the invite to "discuss further" is great.
Lazy_susan-I do not think you are charging enough for your services. I have a friend rate of $2.75 per person and fondant is $3.75 per person. I think she is just asking you how much you charge correct? I would not go into the details in the email that you send to her that is for when you go over the contract for her to sign. See if she has a picture of the cake that she is wanting or an idea of the one she would likew to have. The more elaborate the more money you need to charge. Make sure she knows that fillings and different decorations like flowers,bows,etc cost extra. If you need any more help pm me.
Thanks
Faye
OK Here is the finalized email that I sent to her. Remember that I kept it open for a more detailed cake. This pricing is just for the basics. We'll go over more in the consultation.
Hi Kathy,
I charge $2.00 per person for my Wedding Cakes. There is also a $50.00 deposit for the stand that is fully refundable upon return of the stand. In some cases a stand is not used and so would not require the deposit.
Decoration pricing:
Fondant covered cakes with fondant decorations are an additional: $ 1.00 per person
Fondant Bow: Small $5.00 Medium $8.00 Large $11.00
If the cake is very detailed, it may cost a bit more but that would be agreed upon in advance. I would suggest that you schedule a consultation with me so you can taste my cakes and frostings. At the consultation, we can draw out the design of the cake you have in mind or if you have a picture of a cake you would like to have would be even better. I can give you a better idea of the price of the cake at that time.
I look forward to working with you. My phone number is ***-***-****. Please call me at any time.
Sincerely,
Susan
I think that gives the bride-to-be plenty of info to make a decision of whether she'd like to setup a consult or not. And with all of the great info you recieved here on CC, you'll be more than ready.
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