Need Advise ...should I Charge Or Offer Freebie
Decorating By makenice99 Updated 30 Dec 2006 , 10:01am by doobsd
Happy Holidays,
I am new to the cake world and still testing the water. Im starting Wilton 3 on Jan 8th. I have a co-worker looking for a cake for a baby shower she is putting together for her sister in law. She is looking for a 3 tiered cake. I have no clue how much to ask. I know the price should be 3 times cost method but its my first tiered cake request. Its also going to be for a party of 60 people so if its good future customers. If you were me how much would you charge if anything? Or should I just ask her to provide me with the supplies (eggs, sugar, and flour) and I provide the rest and designs for free?
Unless this person is a close personal friend, charge her.
If you feel guilty asking for the full price, tell her she's getting __% discount, just for allowing you to send business cards with her. Or if you don't have cards, tell her the discount is in return for her loudly telling everyone who made the cake and how to find you. 
If you do the cake for free you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of people expecting free cakes. Don't do it, unless this person is your lifelong bosom buddy.
HTH
Can't help you on what to charge, but if SHE asked YOU to make it, certainly charge for it! Figure a fair and reasonable amount and let her know beforehand how much it will be. If she wants a free cake she can ask someone else for a donation.
Start doing it for free now and you'll end up regretting it later.
i agree. You were asked to do this cake so charge. If you are unsure, do the 3x your ingredients thing and that wil be a good starting point. If you have to do some intricate design you can add a little more on top.
Also as you say it will be good for prospective future customers, so start as you mean to continue!
cheers
Jan x
I usually think in terms of number of servings for the starting point. If this is a 3 tiered cake, that's more work than a sheet cake. Even though you're just starting, this is still a significant cake. I would charge at least $40. I charge $40 for a 2 tiered cake for 40 people.
Charge! I'm assuming that you've taken Wilton courses 1 and 2? You aren't a frail beginner! Besides, cake for 60 is a significant amount of cake. She doesn't expect you to do THAT for free! One thing you can do is tell her what the regular price for that cake would be, then give a percentage discount to her in lieu of advertising.
Best to you! 
Hi,
Thanks for the advise.
Yes, I have taken Wilton 1 & 2. Also have been taking baking classes. She hasn't directly asked me yet. I have been bringing my cakes from class to work and testing them on my co worker. (I am on a diet) She knows my cakes are tasty. She was showing me the photos of cakes she had in mind and how much would she be charged for them. We live in the city and the cakes professionally would be $300 and up. I'm a newbie with no professional experience yet. I can't charge that much or even close.
The pictures she has showed you, are they done with fondant or Buttercream? This will make a difference in the price. I would not offer free as the others have said, you will be opening a bucket of worms! I would probably charge around 85-100 and let her know that since you are just starting to get your cakes out there that you are giving her a special price for the opportunity and exposure. Certainly, if the cake requires alot of detail or make ahead items, or fondant I would go for more.
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