OK, So we all know this isn't exactly the cheapest hobby/passion to have. I am curious to know what you all do to help shave down the costs here and there, and still have a great product (whether it's just for family or to sell). What REALLY works?
So far the only thing I can think of is that I get the empty paper boxes from here at work and cut them up to use as cake circles. I cover them in foil or contact paper before I use them.
I use masonite board for family members and close friends that I know will return them. Then I use the rubber containers for boxes. I turn them upside down and place the cake on the lid and place the clear box over that. The boxes are soemthing like $3.50 at Wal-Mart. I do this also for my return customers.
LOL, I do the same thing... I bring home the boxes where the printing paper comes in and mark circles with the pans and cut them out for cake boards!
I also try preparing my own fondant and buttercream instead of buying the ones from the stores!
I also check garage sales and craigs list for deals on cake pans! I recently acquired about 15 pans from craigs list for 50 bucks! Included the wonder pan, the mini ball, 3D egg and several other character pans! what a deal! about $3.33 per pan 
I like to shop at the Grocery Outlet for good deals on common ingredients... just yesterday they had french vanilla pudding for .33 and cinnamon applesuace (which I use 1/2 & 1/2 with oil for my carrot cake ) for $1.19 for 48 oz...
If I can stock up on these things when they are on sale, it saves me quite a bit. Most of the time, these are better deals than Costco... I also shop thrift stores for cake decorating pans/supplies....
I found a complete round magic line set (6 pans in all ) for @ $6 and the 4 pan petal set by Wilton for $5 as well as a complete wedding cake/tier set for $7. I makes it much easier to experiment...
Coupons, buying in bulk, stocking up when items are on sale. I also borrow pans from friends. Let's face it- how often do you really use your character pans? I own three- the 3D duck, the horseshoe and the cross. Everything else gets borrowed.
I know what you mean about the character pans. I have several that just take up valuable cabinet space. The only ones that I have made several times are the motocycle and spiderman. I thought about putting the rest on ebay. You know, it would be great if cakecentral had an auction page 
...
Im always watching flyers and stocking up on ingredients that i use often. I have gotten to know the baker at my neigborhood grocery store, and he saves any cake boxes and muffin containers that they cant use or if it might have a tiny scratch, he gives them to me. Im always reminding everyone i know if they have catered platters or good boxes to save for me to pick up. There are lots of thrifty ways to save money. I also think it would be an excellent idea to have a auction section on CC for us to sell cake pans or supplies. I am constanly buying cake pans from ebay - i am a cake pan addict!
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