prices

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by melissa pappalardo on February 1, 2010 at 4:23pm

I can't really answer your question, but I do sympathize. I did my 1st 3 layer fondant cake and it was for a sweet 16. I clearly undercharged the person, and felt bad asking for more.

Permalink Reply by Sophie Bakes a Cake on February 1, 2010 at 5:11pm

2.30 per slice. i charge more for carved and hand painted cakes.

Permalink Reply by Meghan on February 1, 2010 at 5:31pm

I usually figure out the cost of the cake inc the box and board and multiply it by 3

Permalink Reply by Sarah Unruh on February 1, 2010 at 10:55pm

I am having the same problem. I want to decorate fulltime but don't know what to charge. So far I have only made cakes for family and friends. I have my first paying order for Valentines Day. They want a sheet cake and I can decorate it anyway I want. She said to give her a price when I drop it off, since I'm new to this I have no idea what to charge. Any advice would be appreciated.

Permalink Reply by tracey lopez on February 2, 2010 at 9:00am

A wise person told me she charges $4 per slice. But she explains that this includes all decorations, materials you will use, fillings (if any) and delivery. Explain to your customer that if they go to the bakery they will charge less, but anything they "add on" such as fillings, flowers, bows, or whatever it might be is always going to cost them extra money. Don't be afraid to charge, if they leave you then it is thier loss. You know you do fantastic work other wise they wouldnt come to you!!!

Permalink Reply by Sylvia A James on February 2, 2010 at 9:12am

Hi there Tara, i too am from Canada and that is a question i would like some help with as well. Where abouts in Canada are you? Sylvia.

Permalink Reply by Tara Lynn MacLean on February 2, 2010 at 12:03pm

Hi Sylvia, I am from New Brunswick. A little place called Burtts Corner, near the capital city, Fredericton. Where are you?

Sylvia A James said:

Hi there Tara, i too am from Canada and that is a question i would like some help with as well. Whwew abouts in Canada are you? Sylvia.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Unruh on February 2, 2010 at 12:07pm

I'm from a small town in BC Canada

Permalink Reply by Deah on February 2, 2010 at 2:37pm

Here's an exersize for you--

Next time you bake a cake take note of how much you spend out of pocket for ingredients, add a little for your electricity, etc and then really look at your time. Make sure your price pays fairly for your time.

How much per hour do you deserve to be paid? Would you EVER take a job making $2-3 per hour? People aren't paying for ingredients, they are paying for the workmanship and your time and talent are worth it. In the end if someone wants a grocery store cake price they need to go to the grocery store to get it. Don't feel bad about that.

FYI - Here are my base prices
2-layer 10" round, 8" square - $35
2-layer 12" round - $50
Single layer 9x13 - $35

Additional for fondant, additional layers, gumpaste, intricate work, etc.

Permalink Reply by Tara Lynn MacLean on February 2, 2010 at 2:40pm

Thanks that's really helpful. :)

Deah Aldridge said:

Here's an exersize for you--

Next time you bake a cake take note of how much you spend out of pocket for ingredients, add a little for your electricity, etc and then really look at your time. Make sure your price pays fairly for your time.

How much per hour do you deserve to be paid? Would you EVER take a job making $2-3 per hour? People aren't paying for ingredients, they are paying for the workmanship and your time and talent are worth it. In the end if someone wants a grocery store cake price they need to go to the grocery store to get it. Don't feel bad about that.

FYI - Here are my base prices
2-layer 10" round, 8" square - $35
2-layer 12" round - $50
Single layer 9x13 - $35

Additional for fondant, additional layers, gumpaste, intricate work, etc.

Permalink Reply by jeri c on February 5, 2010 at 12:59am

It really depends on where you live... I know some ladies on the East Coast that get $7; to $9 per serving.... where I am people growl at my $3 per serving. When I first started out I did cakes for $1 a serving becuase I did not think I was worthy of more... as I have improved and gotten a bit smarter I have raised my prices and yes, I have lost a few customers but at the same time I am not busting my tail to do cakes for people all the time and worn out with nothing to show for it. Any profit I have goes right back into new cake toys.

Permalink Reply by Gonzuela on February 6, 2010 at 10:01am

Hi Tara, I live in Canada also (in NB) and I base my pricing on the difficulty of the cake design, although I also factor in location as well since you can't get as much per serving in the Maritimes as you would for the same cake in Toronto for example. I think there are cake pricing guidlines on the Wilton website so I'd maybe try to "google" around to get an idea of what the price range in your area is. Generally, for more simplistic fondant cakes I start around $3 per serving and then add on any extras like flowers, hand painting, etc. For the more time consuming cake art & 3D sculpting I start around $10 per serving. If it's something people really want and can't get elsewhere they'll pay the amount for the cake - just make sure they are aware of all the time you are spending on your original design. Since you can get cheap buttercream frosted cakes at the local grocery store with little designs drawn on them, I don't both trying to compete in that market so I am not sure what to charge for buttercream. I think the best advice where ever you live is to focus on originalty in your cake designs, base your pricing on your level of skill, and don't be afraid to charge for your time. Hope this helps! :-)

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