I'm not sure if we have a topic about this already..i am really new in baking, (i just started easter)..someone wants to order cake from me but i don't know how much i should charge her..can anyone please help me how to compute for the charges?just the basic then i will try to figure out the rest...
Here is a link to the Price Matrix, perhaps that will help you:
http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-5711-matrix.html
You should add up all the costs to make your cake, including any saran wrap, wax paper, pan coatings, cost of the cake ingredients, powder sugar, shortening, butter, vanilla, milk, food color etc. Then it's best to see what bakeries & Wal Mart are charging. That will give you a basis to go on.
Marj: Here is my price list.....maybe it could help give you an idea:
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-29085.html
this is what i come up with: i make a list of the ingredients and their price per quantity. then i take the ratio.
Example
2kg (2000 grams) sugar costs $1.87. If i used 2 cups in my recipe - 2 cups is equivalent to 400 grams, therefore, 400/2000 x $1.87 = $0.37
do this with the other ingredients then add them up;
This will give you an estimate, then compare the prices of cakes in your local bakeries.
It is difficult to measure other things such as food color, wraps and foils, utilities, etc....
I hope this make sense! If others have a better idea, please share.
thanks 
thanks everyone! i am trying to study everything you shared..i just talked to my husbands co-workers and they are asking me again for a quote..i could not say anything yet..i am nervous with pricing especially after they said that they hope my cakes are not too expensive..well,right now i can not charge them high because i'm still in a learning process...how about a cupcake, medium sized, white cake with vanilla pudding and white mountain frosting?is 50cents a piece ok?
i think its rude for them to say that they hope your cakes are not too expensive. its unfair for them to put pressure on you-- point them in the direction of the nearest grocery store if they're looking for a bargain.
i think 50 cents each is way too low-- even with being inexperienced (i'm not sure what you mean by medium but i'm thinking that's standard size)
i think you shouldn't go less than $1 each and even then, you should have a minimum order of say 15 or 20 cupcakes. otherwise you'll get burned out really quickly! good luck with whatever route you take!! :O)
tnx elvis! 
you are right, i felt a little pressured when they said that to me..well, i told them that it's less expensive at grocery stores because they are not customized..(i read that somewhere here @cakecentral)
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%