Sizes & Pricing

Decorating By SweetsBySindy Updated 24 Jan 2014 , 10:53pm by Apti

SweetsBySindy Posted 24 Jan 2014 , 9:07pm

Hello!

I am just starting out with baking and cake decorating. I've recently had an influx of mommies wanting cakes. I gave a few cakes away to some of the moms in my local mom's group, and I've been taking orders ever since. I am not a professional baker, but I try to be extremely creative with my cakes. I took the Wilton Cake Decorating Courses, but I truly enjoy creating fondant figurines, etc. I just love the feeling of having a finished, beautiful cake.

Anyways, I called around to local bakeries, and the average charge for a basic 8 inch. buttercream cake with simple décor is $16.99. Walmart charges $10-$15. I wouldn't charge that low because I know my skills are way above & beyond Walmart quality, but the bakery prices have me worried. I wouldn't be making any money if I charged $16.99, correct? My DH says I need to charge less than the bakery, because I am not a Professional Baker...

I guess I'm just wondering how much you charge for your 6,8,10 & 12 inch. cakes, and if you don't mind sharing? Also, any advice is appreciated. TIA!

(I will attach some of my work.)

3 replies

Pastrybaglady Posted 24 Jan 2014 , 9:31pm

post #2 of 4

First, your work is beautiful! The pancakes are genius So please, PLEASE, do not use Walmart and Costco as your baseline! If your cakes taste near as good as they look you would be paying people to eat your cakes if you charge below them. There are tons of pricing threads for your consideration. Use the search bar and you'll get a better idea of what your time and talent are worth. Most notable is not to expect these lovely women to whom you've been GIVING your cakes to pay you top dollar. You've already spoiled them!

enga Posted 24 Jan 2014 , 9:43pm

post #3 of 4

First of all your work is pretty clean and detailed. You don't have to be a professional baker to charge what your work is worth and I think your work is pretty good. I wouldn't go by what the bakery is charging because they buy their ingredients at a discounted price because they order larger quantities from wholesale suppliers and can make a better profit. Where as your ingredients cost you more because you aren't buying 10 fifty pound bags of sugar or flour every week.

I would look at what it actually costs to you to make your cake including cake boards and other supplies, not to mention other overhead expenses and what you figure your time is worth.

These threads about pricing can be very beneficial or frustrating to the OP it depends on how you take advice.

I wish you well in your future cake endeavors, Good Luck!

*sorry PBL didn't see your post