How Much Should I Charge For My Cakes?
Decorating By MichellePonce Updated 1 Oct 2014 , 4:45pm by Rfisher
Im fairly new to the cake selling business so im not sure if I am under pricing, everyone tells me I am. How much are yall charging per serving?
Michelle, pricing is a huge topic here; you can learn a lot from previous threads.Type key words into the search bar and many threads will come up. I looked through pricing on your website. Some of your cakes are less than $1 per serving. (Nine inch square two-layer, buttercream, serves 32. Only $16???) Best of luck to you.
AHi Michelle. I had the same problem. I don't know where you live, but just had a look at your website and me personally also have the feeling you undercharge for your cakes. Also, I would find it easier as a customer if you would detail your prices a bit more. F.e. is the 6" 2 layer decorated somehow? If so, is it simple BC piping? Which flavors do you offer? If someone would order a raspberry cake I would charge more for the same size then for vanilla sponge for example. Maybe put prices per topper or decorated custom cakes with a price tag on your website too. If someone wants something unique you can still make an individual price. But from what is there on your website right now, it's hard to guess any price of a decorated cake and I think people might be reluctant to ask when they are not sure at all what the total might be. For me, in the end, I got a good advise in this forum: Make a price, deduct the costs of materials etc and divide the balance by your working hours spent to make the cake. If you are happy to get out of bed for it, fine, otherwise up the price
Your kids are gorgeous....but if you want to keep this site pro and make good money don't tell people you started with you tube videos on the wee one's advice.
I'd want pics of the fantastic work you do and testimonials from delighted clients.
To be honest if I was in the market for a custom cake the price would be the last consideration because I would know it wasn't going to be cheap....and that should be your target client?
ANo one hardly looks at my website, I get my business from Facebook. Cakebaby2 , you didn't see my pics on there? They are also on my profile on here. Im new to the site so not sure. Thanks for the advice y'all. I just need to delete all those cake prices because everyone orders custom cakes. In from Texas julia1812.
Oh I see, sorry must have a look at your facebook page. But get that website going girl that's where the money is!!
A[IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289829/width/200/height/400[/IMG] ( this mickey one I charged 60) [IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289830/width/200/height/400[/IMG] (The bird cake I charged 50) [IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289831/width/200/height/400[/IMG] (the baby bottom one I charged 40 cause it was for my friend but normally I would charge 50 or 60) Am I off on prices ? How much would y'all charge?
A[IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289833/width/200/height/400[/IMG] here's another mickey pic, I hated this cake. [IMG]http://www.cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3289835/width/200/height/400[/IMG]
how much would the best bakery in town charge? maybe start just below them and would work toward charging more than them -- and you need to watch out for the copyright lawyers at disney-- no joke --
that little bird cake is cute
AThe only bakery is 45 minutes away, haven't looked into their prices. What copyright laws?
AWow was just reading on the copyright laws. So it's only legal to use the plastic character toppers? Should I take my pictures down?
AWow didn't know, all the home bakers around here make character cakes, never even thought it would be illegal.
well of course if a home baker uses it in their home it's not illegal but if they sell it yes illegal -- and disney is quite robust in pursuing offenders
you're very welcome, miss michelle -- best of the best to you and lots of sweet success
I had a look at Bella Cake Creations Texas on facebook, is that you? Some of those wedding cakes are amazing, you are very talented.x
This you? https://www.facebook.com/bellacakes254/about
And this? http://bellacakes254.weebly.com/
AI just gave up looking for your Facebook site. The above link doesn't open and there are sooo many "Bella cakes" too. Facebook should not be your main platform to make business. It's not professional and should be just an addition to your website. Now, in my opinion, there is lots of room to improve on that one! I believe you use a website builder program for that and your contract is 5 pages? It's WORTH to invest some money and time on it, because it's not the best (sorry!). Your family pictures (very cute kids btw) and YouTube "education" should be taken off like someone above stated earlier. Maybe you even have a friend who is happy to help you out with the website for free. Have a look at other baker's websites to get an idea and then start building your own from scratch. The other thing: To me your prices are very low! I charge double and still worry about undercharging, lol! Find out from where people order their cakes and then have a look at their prices. If you're up for it, you could even arrange a little stall in a nearby shopping mall for a weekend. Decorate it with banners, have business cards and bring 3 or so cakes (different price range) to display (even dummy cakes). Have cake bites (or mini cupcakes) in different flavors ready (presented nicely) for people to taste. It's a good way of getting local people to know about what you do and talk to them face to face... Good luck anyway!
AI understand what your saying but about my story and how I started, it's the truth. I believe in honesty and I'm not going to try to make it out like I've been doing it for years Because I only started making cakes 6 months ago so the moral of the story is you may not know what your good at until you try and take risks. It may not be the "professional" thing to say but it's how I started. I'm am donating a 5 tier cake to a party of 200 so that will get a buzz. I appreciate y'all's advice, it means a lot that y'all are taking the time out of y'all's lives to answer my questions. Thank you!!
Athe first thing I learned in business school is unless you are a non for profit company, the goal is to make a profit.
after paying for your labour (you - between 17 and 21$ an hour) and your supplies, add a profit (I add between 10 and 15%).
I know it takes time to estimate all of this but your business will only be successful if you look closely at your prices. owning a business is not just about cake decorating.
If its a hobby, charitable donation thing you're on Michelle, good for you. If you think giving your stuff away to create a buzz will get you clients, it wont, you'll just be known as the cheap free cake lady.
just to put this in perspective for you -- just ask yourself -- i don't need to know your answer -- are other sponsors donating $600 to $1000 in goods and services? just some food for thought -- best to you
AThe best way to figure out pricing is to figure out your expenses. There are hundreds of threads on this site about pricing. Everyone does it a little different, but knowing you cost is essential when pricing cakes.
K8Memphis, trust me I didnt want to do this for free but it was my husbands aunt so i was put in a bad position, she wants me to cut the cake also but i dont think im going to do that, making 5 tiers is bad enough..People take advantage of my nice-ness..lol
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