This is all i need.
The big cake shops in a town near here won't even deliver there. . I have been baking eggless fresh cream cakes past few years and recently I realized that am I charging enough? Please explain how are home bakers "taking your business?" My base price for cakes is $4 per serving. My cake orders are stagnant and Ive priced them out to what I think they should. Ughit's not easy!!!! When you price your product and you see the end result and you immediately say to yourself, gosh thats expensive. This was so helpful for my little home bakery! Oh by the way, I'm from South Africa. I always charge my customers less for frosting only covered cakes and then more for fondant covered cake. Here food is so expensive and if you're not careful you loose money instead to earning. The $4/serving minimum you mentioned that you charge was back in 2013, correct? Likely EVERY home baker is taking that risk because of our lawsuit-crazy society. Thank you for posting this!!! You're so right Kathia! When you say 8" multi-tiered cake is $60, is that for the 8 inch tier and then the 6 inch tier is $36, for a total price of $96? Hi Lishia, thanks for stopping by the blog! Thanks again. Ever! The total cost is $230.00 I think its too much. The bees alone take me about 15 minutes each to make.
Vanilla Buttercream Icing with White Chocolate Drip. Evaluate your area for income levels and competitors pricing. Big help I am using cost a cake app but i didnt realized it only worked on my iphone and cant open the paid apps on my computer. hi Rose I am in the process of starting my home business and I look to you for a lot of stuff. (This was my question too!) I know this post is from several years ago, but I wanted to say it's been very helpful for me personally. What I'm getting is "can you do this instead of a gift" from people (esp family). I think undercharging is an epidemic among home bakers! Either they book with me right away, or I never hear from them again. I'm a stay at home mom so I have the time, I was just curious if you could help me with a few pointers, if you could email me @ [emailprotected] Thank you so much I really needed to hear Im not the only one!! I did not, but one is not required in my state. Thanks for sharing! Your cakes are beautiful! It is exactly what Im looking for and was wondering if I can use it on my website? For that reason, most of my clients meet me in my tiny town (I deliver there for free and meet multiple customers at once). How much extra do you charge for fondant cakes and cost of moulding things like animals out of fondant? She still takes many orders.
Its not a bad problem to have, Fierro said. That way I can ask you questions personally now and in the future, thank you so much! Quick story, I promise.
Thank you!!! Thank you so much for the encouragement and much needed advice! I am wondering if your prices had changed since your publication. I will not be able to work again so I'm pushing forward with my little business, Cupcakes and Cuppies. Hi enjoy reading ur thoughts m. How much should be charged for a 8 inch mocha cake. Thanks , Veronica. I've been advised to charge cheap prices to get my name out You don't want the reputation of being cheap and you have to make it worth YOUR time or you'll burn out and quit. A friend told me once that if your are far too busy and nobody ever balks at your prices, then you're undercharging. So informative. Happy homeschooling!! I cater full time also, but again, the home caterers are really putting the real busn. Reading this is helping me so much but still need a lot of help. Are these servings according to 2 layer or 3 layer cakes? More chapters allows for full coverage and entitles everyone to celebrate their birthday, Fierro said. How do you charge wedding cakes? Covid hit and it put For Goodness Cakes North Jersey on hold. . I do however need to know about how much I need to charge for a cheesecake wedding cake, it's going to be for about 30-35 people, covered with chocolate covered strawberries and cherriesthank you! I watch The Profit on tv and he's always talking about margins but again I find that confusing I found this very informative, thank you. How would you tackle the 3D or designer cakes? Thank you so much for your kind words! I have MANY questions and would love to pick your brain sometime! Once you discount, they devalue your products and the rest is a mud slide. I usually tell customers I would do the fondant but charge 3 x's the regular amount because I really dislike fondant. What would you suggest I charge per serving? two layers to three layers)? Good information. Base price + time + materials = total. I have to just let those orders go. Any suggestions, I need HELP, How do u get 20-24 servings from a 8' round my works 8' round serves 8 people, And ur prices do seem high but that's up to u and what works for u. I use this chart: http://www.wilton.com/cake-serving-guide/cms-baking-serving-guide.html. The volunteer bakers are the heart and soul of For Goodness Cakes. The best thing to do is look at the design you have planned and compare it to the difficulty of the examples I gave in the post to get an idea of what you feel you should charge. How do you charge for a sheet cake, just a simple 1 cake layer and frosting with decor. Hi Rose, this my first time commenting on someone's blog. Places I've looked either don't have them or they're very pricey, or in large bulk quantities that I don't need. I had no idea you could work at home with out a separate health inspected kitchen, which you can do in my state. When I took cake decorating lessons many, many years ago, fondant wasn't even around. I'm a full time school teacher and I've baked cakes for 35 years from my home to make extra money; including to put my own self through college and raise our two daughters, and I too hear from people that want a cake and they've not been happy with a big cake shop's problems; inconsistent decorators because of employee turnovers, or inexperienced decorators, etc. This is by far, the hardest area for me. Your cakes are beautiful. Hi Gabriela, I don't actually bake from scratch so it would be incredibly difficult for me to price it for you.
That yields 24 servings for an 8" round that's 4-5" tall. I have been charging WAY too little for custom cakes, but yet CONSTANTLY have people go elsewhere due to my "high prices." I have one cake baking friend that says she will discount 10% if she knows the individual or they are family. Thanks so much for this. Thanks for all you do, your site is the first I go to for ideas and tutorials. The thing is potential clients call me to ask for prices and just never come back. Hi Rose! And I've never had a complaint or anybody run out of cake , We are a homeschool family also!!! As a home baker, I dont steal business from people, people choose me, and my work. I'm thoroughly enjoying your site, thank you for sharing and I hope March onwards is going to be a happier time for you. I do baking in my home on fort Lauderdale, Fl since 2 years ago, doing catering. Maybe tell them to read this post!? The dilemma I have is regarding payment.
I was charging $150 for a cake that feeds 50 people and 2 dozen cupcakes with a lot of designs!
Thank you very much for providing what you've learned throughout your career of cake decorating. Because I cook for allergies and I've made gluten free cakes. Im just starting baking at home and realized that im undercharging myself. Plain cake with Raspberry Compote and Buttercream Filling. They were able to point me in the right direction for all of the legal requirements. Hi Karin! Rant indeed.
Thank you you give me courage to keep on this path, cause im doing that, and its been hard cause i`m just starting and theres a lot of people doing the same for really low prices, but now i feel that i`m doing this right, its hard when they go someplace else, but when i do get a costumer they become loyal to me, so i must be doing it right dont you think? And I'm sorry if you've already answered them! I've never had a client complain about running out of cake.
I would love to see you make a video and put it on youtube so we can all learn from you. I'm sorry Catherine - I don't know what a Cassata Cake is and I really can't give out specific prices. If your cakes are good and delicious you will do very well no matter if you are in a home or in a business. I know someone who is indecisive about cake prices but they buy box cake mix and add in flavors or other ingredients to give it more of a "home-made" cake flavor. You hit the nail on the head, girl! This page has been so helpful. I really appreciated this post since this is something that has always given me trouble. It's presumed I will be making the celebration cake, as a gift, without being asked in person. Lori. Thank you for such a quick and helpful response! God bless you.Happy new year, Wish I could find an Aussie version of this. (By the way, I meant a 2 layer cake, not just one cake layer with frosting!). So the cake would then be $240. I recently started seriously baking and i see I'm getting better, esp with the decor. good to know you pay the taxes, I know many that do not. I like a good sized piece of cake but trying to do my price chart based on slices of cake is frustrating me because I can only find the small pieces that you get from a wedding chart. Craftsy classes are awesome and I've not been disappointed in any of the ones I've taken! So my friend Jane paid $35 for a cake and referred me to her friend--I'm sure Jane mentioned the price she paid when she referred me. My knee cap shifted out of place and 11 months after the replacement the dr did another full blown surgery to correct the knee cap. but I don't need an accountant to do it - it's a fairly easy process.
Good for you!! If I add the 3rd layer, I do 12 x 1.5 and end up with 18 servings. I have made the decision to bake and decorate for an income, to help out with finances so I can continue to home school and have extra money for Vacations, and new school year books and supplies,etc., so I am so thankful you sharing your pricing advice, because I had NO IDEA, what to charge or how to charge. As I better my techniques I realize I need to increase my prices, but it's a struggle for me too. You will need to contact your local health department and/or Small Business Administration to find out the regulations for your location. I use the Wilton charts - they are on their website. I've finally come to terms with selling an 8 inch cake for $35 (so many people scoff at the price), but I still struggle selling a 2 tiered cake that costs $50+. You are right about liability, all it takes is one person to get sick (not even on your cake ) and they sue everyone. Let me say this disclaimer, not every persons budget is the same, sometimes those Walmart cakes put cake on their tables, nothing wrong with that. Thank you so much for this article. I'm about 3 hours from there. I wish you could talk about the fondant cakes. Very informative and answered allot of questions I had. I do a good job, but obviously not nearly the best, and I always felt guilty for charging "too much" for my cakes. Hello! It wasn't until I moved from my small home town to the city 15 years ago that I finally began charging what I should. With that I am making a decent wage of $18-20 an hour. But i do have one question - where did you get your fondant training? Thank you so much! I have just started my Cake Business a week ago. Best wishes as you step up your business!! Every child deserves to be celebrated, Malec said. There's so much more than just covering ingredients. Thanks a million for this info! Hi Rose, I quoted them for $45 but felt the cake might be too small so I told them to pay me $40 instead. I never thought in a million years you'd respond haha! For Goodness Cakes North Jersey welcomes bakers of all skill levels. Hi Rose, I was wondering about small cakes that would be in a bunt pan. This has been a real help! I have only made probably less than 10 cakes total but I love doing it. When my friends ask where I got my cake, I tell them I made them and they've been very lucky to have me make free cakes for them. I started an in-home baking business about 5 years ago and, until recently, have been hesitant to increase my prices. I don't know how you make any money, I cannot make cupcakes for $1.61 each especially with a sugar flower on it. I dont look down on that Ive bought and eaten my share of Walmart cakes and its nothing to scoff at - but that's not what I do! I am starting out on a home based baking business and I need your valuable advice on this. Those people that do should already have a reputation and word of mouth should stop people from using them. Your post has made me feel much better about what I have been charging and in some cases given me the confidence to charge more. and see what price will work for you! Loved reading this! thanks for the info!!
I get too may requests and there are too many variables to consider for me to give accurate information. And it's still hard sometimes when people balk at mypricesor decide not to order because they think I'm too expensive (especially local people in my tiny town) but honestly, I'm still turning down 3-5 orders per week because I'm booked up!
I like very much the idea of having a set per slice price, that makes it so much more easier. Thank you for showing me I can say no and not feel bad. I homeschool my children also and am a single mother with my baking business being my only source of income. I LOVE to bake and I just recently started charging for cakes. Oh my goodness! What you're doing is my true dream: homeschooling my children and having a cake business. I do them mainly for friends and bake sales. Starting the process in New Jersey, Fierro and Malec set the foundation for the North Jersey chapter. I pay m,y rent and pay my employees and pay my insurance, bank product, utilities etc.
Just because you have a bakery (not from home) doesn't make you incapable of mistakes or disappointments, nor does having a home bakery naturally make you a flaky business owner. How do you suggest I break the cycle here? It is alot of work and my time IS worth something especially since I work full time at my job outside of our home too. I bake mostly bundts cake as a side hustle from home; orders will pick up during the holidays.. so I'm keeping my day job the more ingredients required the more I'm charging. Thank you for sharing this information. (Those I use only for decorations). So I'm kind of stuck at the $2 a serving price. We eventually did eat it and it was delicious.Rachel L.Program CoordinatorCommonBond Communities, Ive said it before and Ill say it again, I am beyond thrilled that I stumbled upon this charity where I can use my passion to make other people feel special on their birthdays who might not have that happen otherwise!Kari S.Volunteer Baker (Sprinkle Squad)For Goodness Cakes, The case worker who works with the family of today's cake said the mom will be so happy, she has no money to do anything like that and this will make her son's birthday so much better. Call them and ask if you can. I have managed to cut my hours down to 8. Which takes a book keeper or CPA, so a home baker not charging tax for income is not legal. I don't understand the animosity. I truly love making cakes that delight people. Thank you so much for this article. I felt awfull for charging so little but also for charging more!! I am just going to have to set my prices and be prepared for the comments. It ended up being $32 and some change and she rounded up to $35. Beginning in 2016, Lehman created a network of volunteers to bake birthday cakes for at risk and underprivileged youth and young adults. Thanks. The most important thing is thisYou need to value your work so that your customers will value your work! Dont stress about all those penny pincher customers. I needed to see what I am charging is correct! You're very welcome!! Now, a lot of my facebook friends wanted to know how much I charge for a single layer fondant cake.
But I was charging twenty dollars for hours of work. Thanks again! Oh my! This was such a helpful article and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it. I can homeschool my kids and sell cakes from home. BUT, if you wouldn't normally be buying a gift in the first place (say it's a distant cousin that you never see), explain that this is your business and if you take their order, you would be losing income on other paying orders you could be doing instead and you simply can't do that. I just love your fondant art that you do on cakes! I have been baking for almost 3 years and I started doing it for my daughters cake. Very moist and they love my icing! I've also encountered where other home bakers will charge $80 for a cake that I would normally charge $150-$200 and I can't help wonderhow exactly are they making a profit? [emailprotected]. Personally, I LOVE doing it for them!! with all my heart I speak health and prosperity for you all!! How do you charge for cakes made with fondant? I have a cupcake/cakepop business. I applaud you for doing what you do and you really shouldn't have to explain what you do to others. Thanks! She said just tip me!
I still haven't responded as I have no idea really and I'm scared (since I am just starting and want customers) that if I give them a high price they might back down. I always guess on how many it will serve. This is new for me and I never know what to charge. I say instead if you do not want a cake that tastes good, go somewhere else, we are not for you. So thank you Cottage Food for giving us the opportunity to do so.
you've been so helpful c: Hi dear .. post was amazing very informative.. still have. We can focus on a quality product and stick to it. thank you so much!!!! This will take some time and math but you. I do not deliver cakes, I make people pick them up from me, because I am a very busy mom and I also teach school. I am a home baker just starting out and as you alluded too pricing is tricky You helped me to know that I am on the right track but I do still need to increase a bit in a few areas. No! And the spreadsheet advice is wonderful, I'm going to start mine now. Thank you so much Rose for your advices, you are very kind to share your experience with us, and an admirable women. I had 2 cakes to do one weekend five years ago and my daughter went into labor at 5 months and her first child and her daughter did not live. I know I need to raise my prices but am concerned I will lose costumers if I do, but like you said making $2 an hour is not okI love making/decorating cakes but making a little money while doing it would be great!! Hello, Thank you for this guidelineI worked 33 years at a retail grocery store in small townnow friends and family want homemade for same price!!! Do you need to make a six-tier Cake-Boss cake? Iove creating and I love using my imagination. Thanks for all the information and advice. The funny thing is her friend tasted the cake and they ordered one just becausethey said it reminds them of home. I made my site but it's still a hit or miss.
They want quality, and not solely quantity. Every year I've increased my prices little by little but this is the first year I've really started charging what I feel like my work is worth & your personal guidelines really helped me feel right about those changes. I have a great following and a great reputation, but not a great paycheck to myself. The second is a 6in buttercream frosted with the fondant decorations with no animals, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/194428908887143319/, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/190628996701056697/. Does any of this make sense? out by underpricing or not??? Even my previous clients come back and ask for a quote and just don't order. https://rosebakes.com/reader-qa-zebra-stripes-with-frilly-bow-cake-stars-on-wires/. Your advice is very helpful. Just like you I finally did my research and came up with a detailed pricing list of which I am still after 33 yrs having a hard time with staying firm on my prices! That was less than $2 per I require a 50% deposit before booking the order. I'm so sick of busting my butt for nothing! Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for sharing this hard won information with us. I'm so glad the girl I was going to make a fancy two tiered cake backed out because I would have basically made it for free! This article has been most helpful. However, I do have one to cover my business because it extends beyond my real-life cake business. However, I have specialized more in minicupcakes and I'm not sure if I'm charging too little for them. Hi Rose. My wife has been urging me to write a book on the art of sales. Thank you for this! , Hi I really appreciate your advice here, the main area I struggle with is how do you know how many servings a single tier(not a wedding cake) has in it? When I was about 22 years old, I learned that one of my friends had never had their birthday celebrated and it made me realize that maybe there might be other children who have never had their birthday celebrated. The foster system houses about 400,000 youths annually and it was here that Lehman saw her opportunity to spread love. He was on cloud 9 about it! Thanks so much for this! Thank you! Havent heard of cottage food law I'll ck into it. Especially since they may live out of state and know no one else to ask.
I recently was asked to make 36 Cupcakes and a companion cake for a baby shower , I told her it would be 35 .00 for the cupcakes & 50.00 for a 2 layer cake , she cancelled a week later. Thanks for the support and dedication to what you do! Hi. While at times he undersells he still gets paid fairly well for our area and always the price of the supermarket chain here. Where I can buy things that we need for cakes. In fact, a few of my customers would even comment on how "cheap" mycakeswere, or how they were driving 45 miles to get acakefrom me because it was nicer than some of the custom bakerycakesand "so much cheaper". As a home baker pricing is very difficult and I live in New York City where competition is fierce. I would love your feedback. I work 40-45 hrs a day at my day job designing buildings and then I come home to 3 rambunctious children under 5 yrs old and loving wife (who is pursuing her own degree) just to begin another 8 hrs getting this business off the ground. Ethan wants to thank whoever made it for him (he asked multiple times to thank them). I think Rose's article was not only extremely helpful to fellow bakers, but witty and blunt-- which let's be honest, is necessary in the business world to stay afloat these days. I have a whole post on this here: https://rosebakes.com/where-to-buy-cake-cupcake-boxes-and-inserts/. I notice u say you charge for both fondant and buttercream I have a good friend who also does cakes in her home and she said "If they are looking for a Cake Boss cake on a Walmart budget then I'm not the person for them".
The big cake shops in a town near here won't even deliver there. . I have been baking eggless fresh cream cakes past few years and recently I realized that am I charging enough? Please explain how are home bakers "taking your business?" My base price for cakes is $4 per serving. My cake orders are stagnant and Ive priced them out to what I think they should. Ughit's not easy!!!! When you price your product and you see the end result and you immediately say to yourself, gosh thats expensive. This was so helpful for my little home bakery! Oh by the way, I'm from South Africa. I always charge my customers less for frosting only covered cakes and then more for fondant covered cake. Here food is so expensive and if you're not careful you loose money instead to earning. The $4/serving minimum you mentioned that you charge was back in 2013, correct? Likely EVERY home baker is taking that risk because of our lawsuit-crazy society. Thank you for posting this!!! You're so right Kathia! When you say 8" multi-tiered cake is $60, is that for the 8 inch tier and then the 6 inch tier is $36, for a total price of $96? Hi Lishia, thanks for stopping by the blog! Thanks again. Ever! The total cost is $230.00 I think its too much. The bees alone take me about 15 minutes each to make.
Vanilla Buttercream Icing with White Chocolate Drip. Evaluate your area for income levels and competitors pricing. Big help I am using cost a cake app but i didnt realized it only worked on my iphone and cant open the paid apps on my computer. hi Rose I am in the process of starting my home business and I look to you for a lot of stuff. (This was my question too!) I know this post is from several years ago, but I wanted to say it's been very helpful for me personally. What I'm getting is "can you do this instead of a gift" from people (esp family). I think undercharging is an epidemic among home bakers! Either they book with me right away, or I never hear from them again. I'm a stay at home mom so I have the time, I was just curious if you could help me with a few pointers, if you could email me @ [emailprotected] Thank you so much I really needed to hear Im not the only one!! I did not, but one is not required in my state. Thanks for sharing! Your cakes are beautiful! It is exactly what Im looking for and was wondering if I can use it on my website? For that reason, most of my clients meet me in my tiny town (I deliver there for free and meet multiple customers at once). How much extra do you charge for fondant cakes and cost of moulding things like animals out of fondant? She still takes many orders.
Its not a bad problem to have, Fierro said. That way I can ask you questions personally now and in the future, thank you so much! Quick story, I promise. Thank you!!! Thank you so much for the encouragement and much needed advice! I am wondering if your prices had changed since your publication. I will not be able to work again so I'm pushing forward with my little business, Cupcakes and Cuppies. Hi enjoy reading ur thoughts m. How much should be charged for a 8 inch mocha cake. Thanks , Veronica. I've been advised to charge cheap prices to get my name out You don't want the reputation of being cheap and you have to make it worth YOUR time or you'll burn out and quit. A friend told me once that if your are far too busy and nobody ever balks at your prices, then you're undercharging. So informative. Happy homeschooling!! I cater full time also, but again, the home caterers are really putting the real busn. Reading this is helping me so much but still need a lot of help. Are these servings according to 2 layer or 3 layer cakes? More chapters allows for full coverage and entitles everyone to celebrate their birthday, Fierro said. How do you charge wedding cakes? Covid hit and it put For Goodness Cakes North Jersey on hold. . I do however need to know about how much I need to charge for a cheesecake wedding cake, it's going to be for about 30-35 people, covered with chocolate covered strawberries and cherriesthank you! I watch The Profit on tv and he's always talking about margins but again I find that confusing I found this very informative, thank you. How would you tackle the 3D or designer cakes? Thank you so much for your kind words! I have MANY questions and would love to pick your brain sometime! Once you discount, they devalue your products and the rest is a mud slide. I usually tell customers I would do the fondant but charge 3 x's the regular amount because I really dislike fondant. What would you suggest I charge per serving? two layers to three layers)? Good information. Base price + time + materials = total. I have to just let those orders go. Any suggestions, I need HELP, How do u get 20-24 servings from a 8' round my works 8' round serves 8 people, And ur prices do seem high but that's up to u and what works for u. I use this chart: http://www.wilton.com/cake-serving-guide/cms-baking-serving-guide.html. The volunteer bakers are the heart and soul of For Goodness Cakes. The best thing to do is look at the design you have planned and compare it to the difficulty of the examples I gave in the post to get an idea of what you feel you should charge. How do you charge for a sheet cake, just a simple 1 cake layer and frosting with decor. Hi Rose, this my first time commenting on someone's blog. Places I've looked either don't have them or they're very pricey, or in large bulk quantities that I don't need. I had no idea you could work at home with out a separate health inspected kitchen, which you can do in my state. When I took cake decorating lessons many, many years ago, fondant wasn't even around. I'm a full time school teacher and I've baked cakes for 35 years from my home to make extra money; including to put my own self through college and raise our two daughters, and I too hear from people that want a cake and they've not been happy with a big cake shop's problems; inconsistent decorators because of employee turnovers, or inexperienced decorators, etc. This is by far, the hardest area for me. Your cakes are beautiful. Hi Gabriela, I don't actually bake from scratch so it would be incredibly difficult for me to price it for you.
That yields 24 servings for an 8" round that's 4-5" tall. I have been charging WAY too little for custom cakes, but yet CONSTANTLY have people go elsewhere due to my "high prices." I have one cake baking friend that says she will discount 10% if she knows the individual or they are family. Thanks so much for this. Thanks for all you do, your site is the first I go to for ideas and tutorials. The thing is potential clients call me to ask for prices and just never come back. Hi Rose! And I've never had a complaint or anybody run out of cake , We are a homeschool family also!!! As a home baker, I dont steal business from people, people choose me, and my work. I'm thoroughly enjoying your site, thank you for sharing and I hope March onwards is going to be a happier time for you. I do baking in my home on fort Lauderdale, Fl since 2 years ago, doing catering. Maybe tell them to read this post!? The dilemma I have is regarding payment.
I was charging $150 for a cake that feeds 50 people and 2 dozen cupcakes with a lot of designs! Thank you very much for providing what you've learned throughout your career of cake decorating. Because I cook for allergies and I've made gluten free cakes. Im just starting baking at home and realized that im undercharging myself. Plain cake with Raspberry Compote and Buttercream Filling. They were able to point me in the right direction for all of the legal requirements. Hi Karin! Rant indeed.
Thank you you give me courage to keep on this path, cause im doing that, and its been hard cause i`m just starting and theres a lot of people doing the same for really low prices, but now i feel that i`m doing this right, its hard when they go someplace else, but when i do get a costumer they become loyal to me, so i must be doing it right dont you think? And I'm sorry if you've already answered them! I've never had a client complain about running out of cake.
I would love to see you make a video and put it on youtube so we can all learn from you. I'm sorry Catherine - I don't know what a Cassata Cake is and I really can't give out specific prices. If your cakes are good and delicious you will do very well no matter if you are in a home or in a business. I know someone who is indecisive about cake prices but they buy box cake mix and add in flavors or other ingredients to give it more of a "home-made" cake flavor. You hit the nail on the head, girl! This page has been so helpful. I really appreciated this post since this is something that has always given me trouble. It's presumed I will be making the celebration cake, as a gift, without being asked in person. Lori. Thank you for such a quick and helpful response! God bless you.Happy new year, Wish I could find an Aussie version of this. (By the way, I meant a 2 layer cake, not just one cake layer with frosting!). So the cake would then be $240. I recently started seriously baking and i see I'm getting better, esp with the decor. good to know you pay the taxes, I know many that do not. I like a good sized piece of cake but trying to do my price chart based on slices of cake is frustrating me because I can only find the small pieces that you get from a wedding chart. Craftsy classes are awesome and I've not been disappointed in any of the ones I've taken! So my friend Jane paid $35 for a cake and referred me to her friend--I'm sure Jane mentioned the price she paid when she referred me. My knee cap shifted out of place and 11 months after the replacement the dr did another full blown surgery to correct the knee cap. but I don't need an accountant to do it - it's a fairly easy process.
Good for you!! If I add the 3rd layer, I do 12 x 1.5 and end up with 18 servings. I have made the decision to bake and decorate for an income, to help out with finances so I can continue to home school and have extra money for Vacations, and new school year books and supplies,etc., so I am so thankful you sharing your pricing advice, because I had NO IDEA, what to charge or how to charge. As I better my techniques I realize I need to increase my prices, but it's a struggle for me too. You will need to contact your local health department and/or Small Business Administration to find out the regulations for your location. I use the Wilton charts - they are on their website. I've finally come to terms with selling an 8 inch cake for $35 (so many people scoff at the price), but I still struggle selling a 2 tiered cake that costs $50+. You are right about liability, all it takes is one person to get sick (not even on your cake ) and they sue everyone. Let me say this disclaimer, not every persons budget is the same, sometimes those Walmart cakes put cake on their tables, nothing wrong with that. Thank you so much for this article. I'm about 3 hours from there. I wish you could talk about the fondant cakes. Very informative and answered allot of questions I had. I do a good job, but obviously not nearly the best, and I always felt guilty for charging "too much" for my cakes. Hello! It wasn't until I moved from my small home town to the city 15 years ago that I finally began charging what I should. With that I am making a decent wage of $18-20 an hour. But i do have one question - where did you get your fondant training? Thank you so much! I have just started my Cake Business a week ago. Best wishes as you step up your business!! Every child deserves to be celebrated, Malec said. There's so much more than just covering ingredients. Thanks a million for this info! Hi Rose, I quoted them for $45 but felt the cake might be too small so I told them to pay me $40 instead. I never thought in a million years you'd respond haha! For Goodness Cakes North Jersey welcomes bakers of all skill levels. Hi Rose, I was wondering about small cakes that would be in a bunt pan. This has been a real help! I have only made probably less than 10 cakes total but I love doing it. When my friends ask where I got my cake, I tell them I made them and they've been very lucky to have me make free cakes for them. I started an in-home baking business about 5 years ago and, until recently, have been hesitant to increase my prices. I don't know how you make any money, I cannot make cupcakes for $1.61 each especially with a sugar flower on it. I dont look down on that Ive bought and eaten my share of Walmart cakes and its nothing to scoff at - but that's not what I do! I am starting out on a home based baking business and I need your valuable advice on this. Those people that do should already have a reputation and word of mouth should stop people from using them. Your post has made me feel much better about what I have been charging and in some cases given me the confidence to charge more. and see what price will work for you! Loved reading this! thanks for the info!!
I get too may requests and there are too many variables to consider for me to give accurate information. And it's still hard sometimes when people balk at mypricesor decide not to order because they think I'm too expensive (especially local people in my tiny town) but honestly, I'm still turning down 3-5 orders per week because I'm booked up!
I like very much the idea of having a set per slice price, that makes it so much more easier. Thank you for showing me I can say no and not feel bad. I homeschool my children also and am a single mother with my baking business being my only source of income. I LOVE to bake and I just recently started charging for cakes. Oh my goodness! What you're doing is my true dream: homeschooling my children and having a cake business. I do them mainly for friends and bake sales. Starting the process in New Jersey, Fierro and Malec set the foundation for the North Jersey chapter. I pay m,y rent and pay my employees and pay my insurance, bank product, utilities etc.
Just because you have a bakery (not from home) doesn't make you incapable of mistakes or disappointments, nor does having a home bakery naturally make you a flaky business owner. How do you suggest I break the cycle here? It is alot of work and my time IS worth something especially since I work full time at my job outside of our home too. I bake mostly bundts cake as a side hustle from home; orders will pick up during the holidays.. so I'm keeping my day job the more ingredients required the more I'm charging. Thank you for sharing this information. (Those I use only for decorations). So I'm kind of stuck at the $2 a serving price. We eventually did eat it and it was delicious.Rachel L.Program CoordinatorCommonBond Communities, Ive said it before and Ill say it again, I am beyond thrilled that I stumbled upon this charity where I can use my passion to make other people feel special on their birthdays who might not have that happen otherwise!Kari S.Volunteer Baker (Sprinkle Squad)For Goodness Cakes, The case worker who works with the family of today's cake said the mom will be so happy, she has no money to do anything like that and this will make her son's birthday so much better. Call them and ask if you can. I have managed to cut my hours down to 8. Which takes a book keeper or CPA, so a home baker not charging tax for income is not legal. I don't understand the animosity. I truly love making cakes that delight people. Thank you so much for this article. I felt awfull for charging so little but also for charging more!! I am just going to have to set my prices and be prepared for the comments. It ended up being $32 and some change and she rounded up to $35. Beginning in 2016, Lehman created a network of volunteers to bake birthday cakes for at risk and underprivileged youth and young adults. Thanks. The most important thing is thisYou need to value your work so that your customers will value your work! Dont stress about all those penny pincher customers. I needed to see what I am charging is correct! You're very welcome!! Now, a lot of my facebook friends wanted to know how much I charge for a single layer fondant cake.
But I was charging twenty dollars for hours of work. Thanks again! Oh my! This was such a helpful article and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon it. I can homeschool my kids and sell cakes from home. BUT, if you wouldn't normally be buying a gift in the first place (say it's a distant cousin that you never see), explain that this is your business and if you take their order, you would be losing income on other paying orders you could be doing instead and you simply can't do that. I just love your fondant art that you do on cakes! I have been baking for almost 3 years and I started doing it for my daughters cake. Very moist and they love my icing! I've also encountered where other home bakers will charge $80 for a cake that I would normally charge $150-$200 and I can't help wonderhow exactly are they making a profit? [emailprotected]. Personally, I LOVE doing it for them!! with all my heart I speak health and prosperity for you all!! How do you charge for cakes made with fondant? I have a cupcake/cakepop business. I applaud you for doing what you do and you really shouldn't have to explain what you do to others. Thanks! She said just tip me!
I still haven't responded as I have no idea really and I'm scared (since I am just starting and want customers) that if I give them a high price they might back down. I always guess on how many it will serve. This is new for me and I never know what to charge. I say instead if you do not want a cake that tastes good, go somewhere else, we are not for you. So thank you Cottage Food for giving us the opportunity to do so.
you've been so helpful c: Hi dear .. post was amazing very informative.. still have. We can focus on a quality product and stick to it. thank you so much!!!! This will take some time and math but you. I do not deliver cakes, I make people pick them up from me, because I am a very busy mom and I also teach school. I am a home baker just starting out and as you alluded too pricing is tricky You helped me to know that I am on the right track but I do still need to increase a bit in a few areas. No! And the spreadsheet advice is wonderful, I'm going to start mine now. Thank you so much Rose for your advices, you are very kind to share your experience with us, and an admirable women. I had 2 cakes to do one weekend five years ago and my daughter went into labor at 5 months and her first child and her daughter did not live. I know I need to raise my prices but am concerned I will lose costumers if I do, but like you said making $2 an hour is not okI love making/decorating cakes but making a little money while doing it would be great!! Hello, Thank you for this guidelineI worked 33 years at a retail grocery store in small townnow friends and family want homemade for same price!!! Do you need to make a six-tier Cake-Boss cake? Iove creating and I love using my imagination. Thanks for all the information and advice. The funny thing is her friend tasted the cake and they ordered one just becausethey said it reminds them of home. I made my site but it's still a hit or miss.
They want quality, and not solely quantity. Every year I've increased my prices little by little but this is the first year I've really started charging what I feel like my work is worth & your personal guidelines really helped me feel right about those changes. I have a great following and a great reputation, but not a great paycheck to myself. The second is a 6in buttercream frosted with the fondant decorations with no animals, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/194428908887143319/, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/190628996701056697/. Does any of this make sense? out by underpricing or not??? Even my previous clients come back and ask for a quote and just don't order. https://rosebakes.com/reader-qa-zebra-stripes-with-frilly-bow-cake-stars-on-wires/. Your advice is very helpful. Just like you I finally did my research and came up with a detailed pricing list of which I am still after 33 yrs having a hard time with staying firm on my prices! That was less than $2 per I require a 50% deposit before booking the order. I'm so sick of busting my butt for nothing! Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for sharing this hard won information with us. I'm so glad the girl I was going to make a fancy two tiered cake backed out because I would have basically made it for free! This article has been most helpful. However, I do have one to cover my business because it extends beyond my real-life cake business. However, I have specialized more in minicupcakes and I'm not sure if I'm charging too little for them. Hi Rose. My wife has been urging me to write a book on the art of sales. Thank you for this! , Hi I really appreciate your advice here, the main area I struggle with is how do you know how many servings a single tier(not a wedding cake) has in it? When I was about 22 years old, I learned that one of my friends had never had their birthday celebrated and it made me realize that maybe there might be other children who have never had their birthday celebrated. The foster system houses about 400,000 youths annually and it was here that Lehman saw her opportunity to spread love. He was on cloud 9 about it! Thanks so much for this! Thank you! Havent heard of cottage food law I'll ck into it. Especially since they may live out of state and know no one else to ask.
I recently was asked to make 36 Cupcakes and a companion cake for a baby shower , I told her it would be 35 .00 for the cupcakes & 50.00 for a 2 layer cake , she cancelled a week later. Thanks for the support and dedication to what you do! Hi. While at times he undersells he still gets paid fairly well for our area and always the price of the supermarket chain here. Where I can buy things that we need for cakes. In fact, a few of my customers would even comment on how "cheap" mycakeswere, or how they were driving 45 miles to get acakefrom me because it was nicer than some of the custom bakerycakesand "so much cheaper". As a home baker pricing is very difficult and I live in New York City where competition is fierce. I would love your feedback. I work 40-45 hrs a day at my day job designing buildings and then I come home to 3 rambunctious children under 5 yrs old and loving wife (who is pursuing her own degree) just to begin another 8 hrs getting this business off the ground. Ethan wants to thank whoever made it for him (he asked multiple times to thank them). I think Rose's article was not only extremely helpful to fellow bakers, but witty and blunt-- which let's be honest, is necessary in the business world to stay afloat these days. I have a whole post on this here: https://rosebakes.com/where-to-buy-cake-cupcake-boxes-and-inserts/. I notice u say you charge for both fondant and buttercream I have a good friend who also does cakes in her home and she said "If they are looking for a Cake Boss cake on a Walmart budget then I'm not the person for them".