Just Starting Out, And Need Help With Pricing.
Decorating By Aimeestrange Updated 17 Apr 2007 , 3:41am by indydebi
Hi Everyone! I just thought I'd post a question and gather some input from the lovely people here at CakeCentral. 
I'm just now wrapping up Wilton Course III. But, ever since completing Course I in December- I've been darn near working full time just decorating cakes!!!! 
Now until this time I've only done cakes for my family and close friends. I've also only charged for material costs. And until now that has been fine by me. I get the practice, they've reaped the tasty reward.
But the time has come that my husband and I believe that I should start charging for my cakes- but literally I have no idea where to start!!! I know that my work is worth X amount, I don't want to be taken- nor do I want to take my client on the price.
Bottom line, I'm a stay at home wife. We're living off one income because I have medical issues that need resolved. I'd just like to be able to make enough to put gas in the car, and groceries on the table! 
So my question is generally- what should I charge:
* per slice for basic buttercream cakes?
* per slice for fondant cakes, i.e. wedding cakes?
* per slice for modelled/3d cakes (fondant)?
* and what about specialty flowers?
P.S. I realize that there is a pricing matrix somehere here in forums, but alas, no excel on this computer!! 
Thanks everyone for any advice you may be able to offer me!
First you need to know what your market will support. Have you done any kind of price checking with other bakeries (and I dont' count walmart-type of stores as bakeries)? When I do this, I use the "Hi, I'm helping my sister plan her wedding and I"m in charge of the cake. Can you help me with what I can expect to pay for .....?" tactic. 
This will at least help you know what the people around you think is "normal" pricing.
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