A co-worker at my hubbies job asked me to do a train cake. SHe said that a caterer quoted her $200 for a train cake - 4 mini loaves decorated as trains. SHe told me that she did not mind paying that much, she just wanted me to do it. THis is what i told her I would do for $140

4 piece train cake (steam engine and 3 cargo trains) in the size of mini loaf pans (I think I am actually going to make the engine bigger)

Steam engine to be a yellow cake covered in buttercream frosting

A 9x13 double layer sheet cake designed as a train station (chocolate flavor covered in buttercream with fondant and/or royal icing decorations, strawberry creamcheese filling)

I am also making whole bunch of characters like clowns, people, animals, trees and signs which I did not tell her about. Also thinking of covering the staion with fondant.

DId I ask for too much money? This is my second time charging someone and I feel bad.

thanks
Angelika

I don't think so... you are already uncutting the previous quote by a lot. Also, if they will pay it, you didn't overcharge. It sounds like a lot of work, I am not sure what I could get in my area for a cake like that but your peers in the area help set the pricing. I would be happy with that fee.

Hope this helps

How many serving are you making? I charge by the serving, so it's hard to say, also where you are located can have something to do with what you charge.

I never charge enough, but...even I would probably charge more! By the time you get done with all the little figures...

although, if I didn't know about all the figures and I was quoted more than that, I may think it was too much for just the cake...

For all that in my area, I would have charged about 400 dollars too.. but prices vary from area to area and I live in a well-off area.

thanks for all the feedback.
it's supposed to be for 30 people. Is that enough cake? AUGHHHH!!!! Why do i get myself into these things?!

Oh, forgot to say that even if someone cut the train cars in only two pieces each..that's 8 servings plus 24....32 servings. Try not to stress yourself too much!! I know that's easier said than done...I let my husband stress about my cakes for me GOOD LUCK!

thank you sandi

I seem to way under charge all the time. I tried to figure out how to charge from a spreadsheet someone here did, way to much thinking for me.

I thinks this is a good topic. How do you know how much to charge?