Does anyone charge for tastings(wedding)?

Some people say you should never do it and others say a small fee is fair for you time. What do you think?

Comment

Comment by Marian Benton-Baker on November 20, 2011 at 8:31pm: I'm a borderline newbie to the group but would like to offer that I would never charge for a tasting. I prepare three of my best sellers in the smallest pan possible. I don't worry too much about scraps because I have a neighbor who begs for them. Two or three icing flavors are usually on hand so it is a small task to put a few spoonsful of them in place so that the clients can sample the cake flavors with the various icings. I'd much rather know up front whether what I have to offer is acceptable to my prospective client than to have them go into the agreement blindly and complain about my cake later. My way is not better than others; I'm just offering my own imput.

Comment by Dianne Rockwell on June 15, 2010 at 9:51pm: I do charge for tastings, but the first sample is complimentary. Since I work out of my licensed home kitchen and don't have a display case with cakes ready to slice, each sample is baked to order according to the flavors requested. I make 6" rd. single layer cakes, the first is free and subsequent flavors are $10 each. Clients may order as many as they'd like, and take the boxed cakes home with them after our meeting. Most couples will chose 2 or 3 flavors, and love having the extra to share with family and friends. They often come back over the months leading up to the wedding to pick up more flavors to sample. And I suggest that for a tasting the maximum # of people attending is 4.

Comment by Tamara Mugerauer on June 15, 2010 at 1:43am: I do not charge, I offer 4 flavors and they are welcome to choose them and to share with whomever they would like, after 13 years in business it has worked out well for me I think. I do know of others locally who charge and refund with a booking, I offer the one time taste test, the only really frustrating part is how many couples act like 4 is not ENOUGH flavors to try, and ask for additional tastings. I try very hard to discourage it but even with additional flavors I do not charge.
I would say I have a 90-95% booking rate after tasting and design appointments.

Comment by Karen on June 15, 2010 at 12:31am: Thank you Diana!
I think if you charge a fee for a tasting appt. you would discourage people that are not serious. I would also limit the amount of people that could attend.

Comment by Karen on June 14, 2010 at 11:12pm: Some charge a nominal fee and if the couple books with them, they credit the tasting fee towards the wedding cake. I haven't decided yet if I am going to charge. I just got my license and I am now officially in business!

Comment by Daisy Brown on June 14, 2010 at 11:38am: I know Theresa! The funny thing is saw it done on a reality TV show. People do it all the time, they just haven't been caught.

Comment by Theresa Happe on June 14, 2010 at 11:23am: That is something else! People never cease to amaze me!

Comment by Daisy Brown on June 14, 2010 at 9:26am: Stephanie that is my biggest fear. I think for a bride and one guest it should be free, but any additional guest I would charge a small fee. Maybe that would discourage unexpected visitors :).

Comment by Daisy Brown on June 13, 2010 at 7:46pm: Yeah it seems to be a hot topic. I look forward to hear what other think too.

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