My babysitter approached me last night and asked me if I would be available to do a baby shower cake for a friend of hers in December. It will need to feed approx. 20 people.

I'm having a hard time deciding what I should charge her...I know she's a bit strapped for cash (she runs a daycare out of her home during the day and then babysits at night for extra income) so I'm thinking somewhere in the range of $40-50. OR I was also thinking we could do a trade where I do the cake and then get a free night of babysitting (I pay her $10 per hour normally).

What do you think?

Personally, I would see about a trade. We have like one person that can watch our kids but they are also the people we'd love to go out with to the movies or whatever.

I'm sure she'd love a trade if she's kind or tight on cash and you can get something that you would use as well. But I would ask that she not tell people about the price of the cake or the trade. That they need to ask you about prices. Last thing you need is tons of people offering trades for cake. Know what I mean?

Good luck!

I think a trade is a great idea, too. That way you can put as much into the cake as you want and won't feel like you're not getting what you think you deserve for it. (Especially if she is short on cash...)
We all know how valuable a good sitter is! Use this as a way to show her how much you respect her and get a nice evening out without the kids, too.

I'd make cakes for free babysitting anyday!!!! A babysitter is really hard to come by for me...hey, where do you live and can I have her number? LOL *just kidding*

i vote trade!! just ask her trade for like a certain number of hours of sitting. like 6 hours so you can do dinner and a movie!

[quote="bakerbear"] OR I was also thinking we could do a trade where I do the cake and then get a free night of babysitting (I pay her $10 per hour normally).

Wow, I'm living in the wrong state / area. My fee is $3.50 per hour , more for weekends and nights. Watching kids is a lot of work for the pay. I'd rather trade and watch your child than part with my hard earned meager income.

Sounds like a trade is good for all involved.

Thanks everyone!

I think I will go the trade route...the more I think about it the more it makes sense!

I'd give her the option of a trade - don't automatically assume that's what will work best for her. Because you never know if someone else is paying for the cake or if the shower is a group effort.

I think offering a trade is a good idea, but be careful. I just saw another forum topic where someone's trying to trade their old couch for a free wedding cake! I know how much I hate it when someone tries to get my (cake)services for a bargain (or free!). I guess in this case the babysitting is her services. I'd quote her a price, but then follow up with a babysitting trade.

Very well put seskenn!

I do this with my hairdresser all the time! I think it works out great. Actually, I'm all about a trade. Highlight and cut for cake. I had a friend who does websites do mine for a trade. My babysitter for her sweet 16 cake. As long as it's a trade you're both comfortable with and no ones' getting shorted, go for it!!! Now as far as the old couch......