I just got another email...the third in 2 days from regular customers no less, and they basically want a cake for 6 people and don't want to pay more than $35.00 ..I mean I am custom work... One even went so far as to say.."We don't need leftovers"..Well I don't need extra cake lying around!!!

What do people think/expect I'm gonna work on a custom cake for $5.00 an hour?

I should have replied..."Yeah well...I want a new Mercedes for $10,000"

Get Real!!


Sorry..just had to vent to people who understand!!!

If she wants to spent only $35, then tell her "For $35, this is what you'll get ...". A small cake, BC icing, shell border and maybe, some BC roses - if that's what you'll do for $35. "Regular customers" tend to think you'll give them a discount/break/deal because they are 'regulars'. Different if you're Buddy from CakeBoss (TV) and you produce literally thousands of baked goods every week. As a small home business, it's just not in the cards for that.

I know that many professional home bakers won't even do a cake that serves less than 25 people - it's just not worth their time. If you find you're getting busy enough to turn this down, then go ahead and turn it down. Explain to her that you can't do what she wants for that price - you're not a mass production cake line, you're a specialist who provides personal service. You don't need to detail your charge to her - you're not a garage. Just a simple, "Sorry, but I can't do what you want at that price" should suffice.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Thanks Cutie,I just got another email and she did book..I also laid out what I have available for XX prices...but it just makes me angry when you feel like you have to justify what you charge...

These are my prices..either buy or not!!

I am having problems with folks who won't tell me what they planned to spend on a cake. I ask them what they plan to spend and I never get an answer. I have the same problem with folks wanting a cake that they have seen on Cake Boss or some other show and when I give them my prices they get "sticker shock" and don't order. I can't even get to the "This is what I can do for your price range." Very frustrating lately. But I do have customers that don't bat an eye at my price.

I am having problems with folks who won't tell me what they planned to spend on a cake. I ask them what they plan to spend and I never get an answer. I have the same problem with folks wanting a cake that they have seen on Cake Boss or some other show and when I give them my prices they get "sticker shock" and don't order. I can't even get to the "This is what I can do for your price range." Very frustrating lately. But I do have customers that don't bat an eye at my price.

maybe you should have some of those people call the big guys that are doing these shows then they will realize what a bargain you quoted them

Really--that would bring them into the "real" world. I don't think most people realize the effort that goes into making a "specialty" cake. They are used to paying prices at the local grocery or Wal Mart bakeries and think they should be able to get those same prices for my cakes. I am very reasonable in my prices and have no competition in my area for fondant cakes. But people always want something for nothing these days.

Do you have a minimum order amount? I figured it wasn't worth turning on the oven for less than $50. So they can have a 6 serving cake, if that's what they want, but it will still cost at least $50. Think about the hassle of buying, mixing, baking, decorating, cleanup... for $35, minus cost of ingredients and materials? No thanks!

I hear yah tubbs...That's what I wanted to tell her but you don't want to come across rude.....I don't state a minimum but I won't do anything really time consuming for under $35.00 I am still trying to keep it affordable offering 3-4 options under $50.00

Oh, that wasn't aimed at you kiddiecakes, looks like it was. I was aiming that at anyone (if they are ouuuuuut there) who allow themselves to be talked down lower than an ants whisker.

No worries Jamie ...didn't take it that way!!

I agree with a minimum. Mine's $60 which is still low in my eyes. If you really like the person and wanted to give them a more "affordable" option you can tell them your minimum and make an exception....that way they know you're doing them a favor. I only do that for people I'm absolutely sure won't take advantage of me. One day I'll have a $1000 minimum just like Duff!

I hear ya!!!

"I want this cake (as seen on tv or bridal magazine) for $200.00
You can see in the magazine it reads" cake in picture is $1800.00.."
yeah, sure I can also walk on water.... because your asking for miracles..
some people don't get it.
I also don't do cakes cheaper then $50.00. not worth my time/effort...and messy kitchen!!! lol
Jodi

Oh I so agree!! I have them calling wanting discounts and all. I had one call and want a Graduation cake that would have been $125.00 and she asked me if I would barter for a puppy!!! I guess she breeds dogs and had a littler due...WTH do I need a dog for??!!

I just had one call and want a Jonas Bros cake and to pay for it with her food stamp card

*Shaking my head*

I know, I get way too many people who know they can't afford a big fancy cake so they try to get the same cake "For only about 6 people", thinking they can get it for $40 or less or something.

I've gotten to where the only way I'll even remotely do it is if they order a smaller 3D cake on top of a sheet cake and that way with both together I can get enough money for my time but otherwise no way... sure I'll make it for 6 people but that's 6 people eating about 20 servings of cake, which you'll be charged for. haha.

I agree with the "I won't turn even turn on my oven for $35" way of thinking.

1 person, 25 people, still a $100 minimum. Its just too mcuh work & time for it to be less...and no, don't call me the week you want it either, 2 weeks notice please...if I can fit you in.

I just had a lady call me and ask for a birthday cake for her son's 1st birthday. She wanted a Yo Gabba Gabba theme with all 5 characters to feed 85 people. I told her that my prices start at $$/person plus extra for the characters. She reserved the day and I told her I would email an invoice over and she can pay a deposit.

So I email her the invoice and she freaks....She says she only wanted to spend $80????????? I told her we had talked about price in the first email and she said well cant you do it for $80 its only flour and sugar.......

WOW! I didn't even know what to say. I just started decorating while I was off on mat leave with my first. I was so upset and my DH didnt understand why. This was the first person who has not ordered from me and she made me feel like I was crazy for asking $$/person

You should say "Okay, then, if its just 'flour and sugar'.....YOU do it. Figures and all. Enjoy!"

indydebi has a perfect response for this sort of situation. Before you ever state your price, she says to say (I'm paraphrasing here) "Oh you are wanting a cake like Duff on Ace of Cakes makes...by the way, his cakes start at $1000, but I can give you a much better price than that." Then you state your price. No matter what your price is it will be a bargain in comparison to a $1000 cake that feeds 30 and is half styrofoam.

when people make comments like...it's just flour and sugar" what they are really saying is..."your time and talent isn't worth that much!"

I guess a car is just "aluminum and upholstry" too....

I don't sell cakes (yet), still working on skill, etc. But just to vent.. I made a 3D beagle sitting on a 1/2 sheet for my dear friend's DD's birthday a couple of weeks ago. It's in my pics. I was glad to do it, it was my present. Took a total of about 8 hrs (baking and decorating). I'd like to start being a home-based vendor and asked what she (DF) thought of my cake. She "complimented" me by saying, " Oh for sure I would much rather pay you $30 for this cake vs. the $30 Sam's club charges for their sheet cake! And your cake did taste much better, however I felt it could have had a more chocolately taste" FYI I used the choc WASC recipe here on CC... which I love! So I am super concerned about there being a market in my area and getting people to realize homemade custom cakes can't be compared to grocery stores!!!

Thanks Kitagrl! Yeah, at least her dad said he'd pay $80-$90 for a cake like that- which made me feel better even if he only said that TO make me feel better I know I'm not a pro at decorating yet, and no nothing of the cake market, but I know more than my DF does!! I don't think she was jealous, just clueless