Trying To Run A Business But Keep Giving Cakes Away
Business By DisneyDreamer Updated 1 Aug 2009 , 2:09pm by sandeeb
This is what I needed. I don't just need a virtual slap, I need a punch! I talk to the customer, figure out what they want, and tell them I'll get back with a price. Then... something strange happens when the number starts to come out of my mouth! Magically, it's always about $20 lower! Ugh! I don't know why I do this! I really, really, really need to stick to my guns. I just started selling cakes in February but I already have a solid customer base, even with some repeat customers. I'm just afraid that if I bump up my prices all of a sudden, they won't buy from me. I know that my prices are too low, I actually had a customer pay me for a cake and then come back the next day and give me more money because she said she felt like she was stealing from me! Help! 
This is what I needed. I don't just need a virtual slap, I need a punch! I talk to the customer, figure out what they want, and tell them I'll get back with a price. Then... something strange happens when the number starts to come out of my mouth! Magically, it's always about $20 lower! Ugh! I don't know why I do this! I really, really, really need to stick to my guns. I just started selling cakes in February but I already have a solid customer base, even with some repeat customers. I'm just afraid that if I bump up my prices all of a sudden, they won't buy from me. I know that my prices are too low, I actually had a customer pay me for a cake and then come back the next day and give me more money because she said she felt like she was stealing from me! Help!
tnterri, that's the Sweet Southern Belle in you needing a reality check. When customers started paying me more money than I asked for, and I started comparing my cakes with those of local bakeries, I realized I really WAS charging too low. This is why it's good to have a foundation of basic cake prices as a starting point. We all are our own worst critic, especially when our results don't perfectly match the vision in our head. (Who else knows?) Don't undercut the competition, just be BETTER. Don't get your feelings hurt if you don't get every customer. Be nice, be fair, and realize that you would not have repeat customers if your product wasn't amazing! Underpricing shows a lack of confidence in yourself. Bless the heart of the customer who came back and validated your abilities! You're worth it and you earned it!
This is what I needed. I don't just need a virtual slap, I need a punch! I talk to the customer, figure out what they want, and tell them I'll get back with a price. Then... something strange happens when the number starts to come out of my mouth! Magically, it's always about $20 lower! Ugh! I don't know why I do this! I really, really, really need to stick to my guns. I just started selling cakes in February but I already have a solid customer base, even with some repeat customers. I'm just afraid that if I bump up my prices all of a sudden, they won't buy from me. I know that my prices are too low, I actually had a customer pay me for a cake and then come back the next day and give me more money because she said she felt like she was stealing from me! Help!
I know how you feel, but you should just do it. Trust me, if your cakes are good, they won't blink an eye at it. I was charging $75 for 3D cakes, and someone called and asked for a cake to serve 20. I said that would be $70 and almost smacked myself. It didn't dawn on me til then that I charge as much for hand carved cake as I do for a small round. So that night I changed my 3d cake price to $150 minimum. And I've had 3 orders since then.
Good luck to all of you with your prices!
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