How Much Do I Charge For A Deposit Fee??

Decorating By monnitas0808 Updated 14 Mar 2007 , 6:53am by franjmc

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monnitas0808 Posted 14 Mar 2007 , 5:48am
post #1 of 5

Umm..just that..haha. I was wondering because I had a bride come in and she asked me about the deposit fee I "acted professional" and said I will get back to you...she left and the "professional" went out the window....ran to my computer and right away got here to find out how much should I charge?? Do you guys use a percentage of the entire amount?? Any ideas would help!! Thanks guys!!

4 replies
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Doug Posted 14 Mar 2007 , 5:50am
post #2 of 5

oh minimum 20-25% ....

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cakesbyjess Posted 14 Mar 2007 , 6:24am
post #3 of 5

I always just charge $50, regardless of the cake total. This is for wedding cakes only ... I don't charge deposits on regular party cakes (unless they are over $200). The $50 holds the date and guarantees current prices.

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StandingForJesus Posted 14 Mar 2007 , 6:39am
post #4 of 5

I charge a non-refundable 25% deposit on entire total for weddings. At one time I collected the balance at the time of delivery. However, I no longer do that for several reasons. One, paying anything is the LAST thing on her mind the day of her wedding. Two, things are way to hetic, Three, even when someone else is in charge of handing out the checks, I usually don't know who they are and go nuts trying to find out so I can be paid. My fianl decision as to why I no longer collect on delivery was in the middle of the reception, the bride asked if she could just drop off payment the next morning. Being the house was a good ways up the hill and she was in heels, and on the dance floor, AND she only lived 3 miles from my house. I agreed. I waited 3 weeks for my money because she "forgot" and was on her honeymoon, leaving me hanging. From then on I collect the balance 2 weeks prior to the date of the wedding.

I don't charge a deposit on other cakes at all.

Hope this helps.

Ellie

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franjmc Posted 14 Mar 2007 , 6:53am
post #5 of 5

I charge a 20% deposit and the balance is due 2 weeks before the cake is delivered. I do this with ALL my cakes, birthday, wedding, engagement, whatever. If it's ordered less than 2 weeks before the date then it's full pament in advance. I've not had a problem yet, no payment, no cake!

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