Who Doesn't Charge For The Anniversary Tier?
Business By squarepair Updated 26 Jul 2007 , 3:16pm by southerncake
I was just wondering if everyone doesn't charge and gives it as their "gift" or do some charge. Just curious
Kristin
I charge for it all then offer a free fresh anniversary tier for one year later (not a replica and they have to call to order it). That 6x4" round top tier holding 14 servings at my lowest price of $5.50 comes to $77! Theres no way I'm leaving that $ on the table!
I think it's a big gift to just give it to them.....maybe because I don't do tons of cakes. If you are doing several cakes a week, busting out a mini 5 or 6 inch and frosting it isn't that big of a deal but if this is at a time when there are no other cakes, you have to bake it and make the icing just for the little cake.... I do admire your generosity though.
I have often wondered what to do in these situations...... because year old frozen cake doesn't sound romantic or appetizing to me. 
Oh Antonia.. I can only imagine what a PITA that was, but they are beautiful.
I charge for the whole cake and offer a free anniversary tier that resembles the wedding cake. They have to call and order it too.. no way I am chasing people around a year later.
I actually make a one-layer "keeper" cake that I give, already wrapped in a cake box ready for the freezer, decorated like the top tier for the bride to keep, that way, they can eat the top tier and not worry about keeping it!
I do this same thing, except that I don't decorate the anniversary cake like the top tier. I just ice it in white buttercream, with simple piping and two intertwined hearts on top. I charge for the entire wedding cake.
I don't charge for it but because of many discussion threads on CC, I'm am STRONGLY leaning toward counting it as part of the servings and offering the free anniversary cake instead. Or at least giving them the choice of keeping the top tier or getting a free one later.
from a business perspective, offering certificate for an anniversary cake (6" cake would be sufficient IMHO) with an expiration date of 1 year later would be a better because there is always a chance that the person decides not to or forgets to order it. if you give it as a gift if is a certain cost to you.
from a business perspective, offering certificate for an anniversary cake (6" cake would be sufficient IMHO) with an expiration date of 1 year later would be a better because there is always a chance that the person decides not to or forgets to order it. if you give it as a gift if is a certain cost to you.
I love this idea!! I have only recently begun to offer the complimentary anniversary cake, and will definitely be making up the certificates soon!
I actually have a 1st anniversary cake to do for Sat.. I offer my brides the choice of keeping and freezing their top layer or give them a certificate for a fresh 6" for their anniversary. Most of the brides choose a fresh one. I try to make the fresh one, keep with their original colors, and designs. That way, when they take their pictures, it still looks like the wedding day. Not a total replica of their cake, just the top.
My brides appreciate that I remember, and they keep coming back!!! It's great to be remembered after that first year.
(now they are having babies, and are coming for their baby showers, and 1st baby b-days). 
My brides appreciate that I remember, and they keep coming back!!! It's great to be remembered after that first year.
(now they are having babies, and are coming for their baby showers, and 1st baby b-days).
Exactly!! As business people, we also have to take other opportunities to increase our business, and try to get loyal customers.
Good point mommicakes!
right now, i don't factor in the top tier and consider it a gift.....but i too am thinking about doing the anniversary certificate
this is an awesome topic. I don't presently charge for the top tier, but keep thinking that I am just "leaving money on the table" I already don't charge enough...this is another way I am cheating myself. I think I will start offering to make them a fresh one for their anniv. using the same colors and simple design.
checking CC made me money today!! haha
plus I like the fact that hopefully they will remember me a year from now to do the baby shower cakes....very cool.
you guys rock!
melody
I have done it several different ways. Once I figured up how much a top tier actually added to the cake, I started charging for it -- that was about a year ago. I used to do the anniversary tier, but for me personally it ended up being a real pain. Brides would call at the last minute wanting their anniversary tier. The straw that broke the camel's back was when a bride called around 11 p.m. on a Saturday night wanting her anniversary tier the next day! 
I know Earlene Moore always said that she gives a 6" heart cake very simply decorated that they couple can take with them and eat right away or choose to freeze. I think I am going to start doing that.
The straw that broke the camel's back was when a bride called around 11 p.m. on a Saturday night wanting her anniversary tier the next day!
Why are you answering your business phone at 11 o'clock at night??
At the time, I was still operating out of my home and could not yet justify a separate business line, so business phone was also home phone, as I think is the case with most home bakers. I answered it assuming some member of family was sick, on the way to the hospital, etc.!
Just because its their anniversary and you promised them cake a YEAR ago does not mean they have the right to demand a last minute order, same as any other customer. I always tell my brides to call about a week in advance, but if they don't then they can't always have it on the day they want it. I will do what I can, but I'm not gonna kill myself for a free cake!
Okay, shoot me!! My top cake is a 6 inch, 14 servings, times $4, that is $56. I charge for that when I make it and I provide a box to freeze it in. If they choose to eat it the next day or save it, it is up to them.
I don't have to raise my price that often, because I charge for what I do. I do not give my work away. I choose not to get into the "top free" or doing a "small anniversary cake". I know it may work for some, because you want additional business. You might track what you get from your free "gifts" over a year. Add up what you are giving away. My brides call me to tell me the cake I made for their wedding day was awesome a year later and they are happy.
Do what works for you. 
I used to do the anniversary tier, but for me personally it ended up being a real pain. Brides would call at the last minute wanting their anniversary tier.
I know Earlene Moore always said that she gives a 6" heart cake very simply decorated that they couple can take with them and eat right away or choose to freeze. I think I am going to start doing that.
i was wondering about this - whether those who provide the anniversary certificate tell the couple to call at least ___ in advance to order the cake? i really like the idea of giving the couple a little mini matching cake too- already in a box for them to either eat on their wedding day/honeymoon or freeze for their anniversary....as a bride, i'd b happy with that - a cute lil cake for just the 2 of us that wasn't sitting out all day at the reception
I always tell the bride when I hand over their certificate for their anniversary cake, "Please call me at least 2 weeks from your anniversary, so I can make sure that we do it right." Just this little comment to them makes them know that you are doing them the favor of a FRESH reminder of their wedding day. I do not call them to remind them of their anniversary, just for that reason of not knowing if they are still happily married. If they call me and schedule their cake, than thats fine, if they don't fine too. I put an expiration date on the certificate so, if they don't call before the date, they don't get a cake. It's that simple.
I have not had any problems with this yet. It works for me, may not for some other people but it does here.
I am coming up on my one year anniversary, a year ago I was not making cakes so I ordered my wedding cake from a bakery. They just made us our top tier free anniversary cake. I was so impressed that I would order from them again anytime. I think that is something that is just going "above and beyond" and sets the bakery apart from others. I think anything that makes your business stand out is a good way to promote yourself. However, if you are so busy and do not need the new business, it may be a waste of your time and money.
I used to do the anniversary tier, but for me personally it ended up being a real pain. Brides would call at the last minute wanting their anniversary tier.
I know Earlene Moore always said that she gives a 6" heart cake very simply decorated that they couple can take with them and eat right away or choose to freeze. I think I am going to start doing that.
i was wondering about this - whether those who provide the anniversary certificate tell the couple to call at least ___ in advance to order the cake? i really like the idea of giving the couple a little mini matching cake too- already in a box for them to either eat on their wedding day/honeymoon or freeze for their anniversary....as a bride, i'd b happy with that - a cute lil cake for just the 2 of us that wasn't sitting out all day at the reception
Sharon,
Yes, in my contract in the section where it told about the anniversary cake, it stated that it must be ordered at least two weeks in advance and was subject to availability.
Okay, shoot me!! My top cake is a 6 inch, 14 servings, times $4, that is $56. I charge for that when I make it and I provide a box to freeze it in. If they choose to eat it the next day or save it, it is up to them.
I don't have to raise my price that often, because I charge for what I do. I do not give my work away. I choose not to get into the "top free" or doing a "small anniversary cake". I know it may work for some, because you want additional business. You might track what you get from your free "gifts" over a year. Add up what you are giving away. My brides call me to tell me the cake I made for their wedding day was awesome a year later and they are happy.
Do what works for you.
Cindi, That was our situation also! I actually never sat down and figured how much I was giving our for free until DH finally pointed it out. He figured all of the wedding cakes in a year and gave me a $$ amount and I was shocked!......however, in the beginning I think some of these things really did help me!
During a consultation with a bride a couple of months ago (her wedding is in September), I knew from her phone conversation that she had talked with several decorators and already had a couple of tastings. During her tasting with me, I asked if she was saving/eating the top tier and she replied "I thought you give a free anniversary tier?" Before I could said no, she said "oh wait, that was one of the other decorators -- nevermind, that doesn't make a difference either way." She ended up booking with me. After that discussion, I knew that it was an okay decision that I had made. I have second guessed it many times, but I think everyone should do whatever works for you and your personal business. Try it a couple of different ways and see what works best.
I do think I am going to start offering Debi's referral program. It gets your brides to send you new clients and you also then have the bride returning to redeem their credit. I think it is brilliant!
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