Date: August 1st, 1998 12:09:07
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: Starting a new business
No, you probably won't become rich at this and eventually, it will become very long hours, but if you love your work, it is worth it all. I have done it for 35 years - starting out as a hobby and never intending to do it for anyone other than family, but.............here I am still doing cakes for everyone and loving it. There are days though when you wish you could have a month off. Then when you have that month off for health reasons, etc., you can't wait to get back to cakes. Mine has solely been word of mouth. I've been able to stay home and raise my 3 kids and had the extra money I wanted to things like - more clothes or the ICES convention and even to help buy things for the house or pay unexpected bills. I live in the country, 4 miles from any town, and people who like and appreciate my work don't mind driving out here. I am 30 miles from Kansas City and I do wedding cakes there almost every weekend. The word spreads quickly enough so just give it some time. You'll become as busy as you want to be and wonder how it really all started. Good luck!
Date: August 1st, 1998 06:59:54
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Surprise Birthday Cake
A religious theme for a tiered cake:
1. You might think about his favorite bible passage.
2. A sugar bible decorated.
3. A cross for the top as the ornament.
4. The birthday message on an edible banner.
5. A 6x6 cake cut to resemble a bible and prop at an angle with extra
cake.
6. We sell Sugar crosses, praying hands, small religious items.
For a Golf theme tiered cake:
1. Maybe for the satalite cakes, do first one as the sand trap-brown
sugar for sand. Second one as the pond, toothpick cattails, grass tip,
candy rocks, sugar fish. Third one as the long green edged with
trees(plastic or ice cream cones decorated). Fourth one as the hole in
one green, with the flag and hole.
2. Ice the sides blue for sky and pipe some clouds. Pipe a ball in air.
3. Maybe a sky line of trees on another cake side.
4. Make royal, color flow, fondant items and place around as accents.
5. A crowd of people on the side would be time consuming but might look
neat with the line in front of them holding them off the green.
6. We sell sugar golf balls and a nice assorted pack of golf things.
Thats all for now
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 1st, 1998 06:48:04
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: cake slices - wedding/birthday
An easy way to decide servings is to turn your pans over and mark the
sizes of slices with a ruler that you would like to eat yourself. Keep
in mind single or double layers. Usually we give a range, 2x2 to 2x3 for
sheet cakes and 1x2x4 for wedding cakes and 2x2x3 for double round
birthday layers. Say a 8x11 servs 16 to 24, this way people that want
left over will order a bigger cake and people that want just enough for
a shower, etc will order the right size. Also we have the sizes of our
cakes up on the wall for them to choose.
There is also a neat gadget. The K&S Quick press. Its a clear plastic
sheet ready to score a cake. I use it on the character cakes. Lay it on
and count up the pieces. Several sizes available, go to...
http://sugarcraft.com/catalog/misc/products.htm#p
then down to pattern markers.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 1st, 1998 06:39:38
From: Sue Ellen
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Starting a new business
To receive an order from Sugarcraft:
Priority mail is 2 to 3 days
4th Class is 5 to 10 days
If zone 7 or 8 and over 7 pounds sometimes UPS is cheaper but takes 4 to
8 days.
Express mail is 1 to 2 days guarenteed
Go to our shipping page for more info
http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/shipping.htm
Be glad to hear from you. Its really hard to understand why she'd be
sooo upset because our philosophy is that there are enough people on
earth for both you and me! We actually turn down an order if we know one
of our customers have been asked to do it. We'd rather keep you happy
than someone ordering a cake once a year. (not to sound to harsh)
Take your time and enjoy now!
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 1st, 1998 02:32:24
From: Valerie Dunlap
e-mail: cakedreams@aol
Subject: Re: cake slices - wedding/birthday
Wilton Cake Decorating Yearbook 1999 page 96 & 97 give a fairly decent
guide for cake pans and a rough serving size. There is also a great guide in the American Cake Decorating magazine----3rd annual wedding cake special edition. Mine is in the trunk of my car on the way to a field trip with my husband and kids while I bake away the afternoon.
There are also a few good books that have the information in it. The
Cake Bible provides servings for each of the recipies and also a guide
for large volumes. Hope this helps you.
Date: August 1st, 1998 01:44:35
From: jen
e-mail:
Subject: Re: cake slices - wedding/birthday
Patti, party slices are 2x2 and wedding slices are 1x2 (3 to 4 inches
high.
Date: August 1st, 1998 09:49:50
From: John
e-mail: piferj@ptsi.net
Subject: Decorated cookies
Does anyone else decorate cookies in detail, like the cutters wilton
puts out, I decorate them for christmas, and holidays, and they are very
time consuming. They are also mostly large cookies, that I use the
outline and fill in with stars method, and I have been getting $8.00 to
$9.00 per dozen. For the time involved, this doesn't seem to be
enough, but I feel bad charging more for cookies. Anyone out there know
how much to charge??
Thanks!
John
Date: August 2nd, 1998 10:52:55
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Decorated cookies
We also do the press type cookies at holidays, we get 75 cents each with
no discount for buying by the dozen.
It depends on the cookie but there are several short cuts. Say for
Santa: that's the hard one, it has to be outlined then all the fill in
colors. Use a tip 18 for stars and tip 16 for beard. I swirl a ball for
the hat.
Tree: I use no outline for this cookie. Just use tip 18 and zig zag the
green on-bottom to top. Add sprinkles for ornaments and a sugar star at
top.
Angel is the only other cookie we offer at Christmas. I use a straight
star tip for the halo. Leave her face plain. Blue stars for dress part.
Pull out white star tip for wings. And use tip 3 for brown ringlet hair.
Don't forget the glitter on this cookie for heavenly sparkle!
At Halloween we do the cat, pumpkin and ghost.
The cat is easy but I do different decorating methods with the star tip.
Pull out straight for the tail, ears and stand up hair on back. Then
star fill-in the face and body. Add candy icing eyes. Pipe nose & mouth.
Pumpkin: Start with brown stem and then do the outline. Use the tip 10
or 12 for a smooth ridged effect just tracing along from bottom to top,
side to side. Add a brown face on top of the orange. Add a green tip 352
leave on one side.
Ghost is easy, all stars and a piped black wide eyes and open mouth.
If this wasn't too hard to understand... maybe you could figure out that
you don't always have to outline and use the smaller tips. Use the tips
to fill in with zig zag methods, etc. Add candy for easy decorations.
I know what you mean about really not getting paid what its worth, they
should be about $2.00 per cookie but I figure since we make a good
profit on cakes, candy and the simple cookies we do that we can offer
these for an adfordable price.
GOOD LUCK and DON'T GIVE UP.
If you need advice on a certain cookie shape let us know! I love
COOKIES! Good thing I don't have much time to do them or I'd be another
100 pounds heavier! He-He.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 4th, 1998 10:50:27
From: Marianne
e-mail: momof3@mvp.net
Subject: Re: Re: Surprise Birthday Cake
Here's the final results! I decided to go with a three tier, 6,9, and
12 inch on the tall STURDY grecian pillars so that the entire cake is
off the table surface. The three tiers will be golf themed, with a
golfer swinging away at the top, with a mud trench completely around
his swing area, and I'm using the Wilton golf ball candle, that will be
oversized for the golfer, but all the funnier. The second tier will be
a sand trap made with sprinkled brown sugar, the bottom tier will be a
beautiful lake complete with ducks swimming in it, and cattails and
wildflowers are around the edge. Under the bottom I have constructed a
"fountain" using some kind of a silver floral "sparkler" it looks like.
I anchored this sparkler into a heavy glass dish and all of the strands
stuck straight up, to get them to droop I kept adding "droplets" of
pale blue royal icing until the strand drooped the way I wanted it to.
I found this idea from the fireworks sparklers behind a Mickey cake in
last years Wilton book and it worked the same way. Really turned out
great. Around the base of the main cake, I will add 8" satellite
cakes all iced and decorated in white,each different, one basket weave,
one cornelli, one stringwork, but all either with a cross or an angel
cherub like outside garden ornaments on top like miniature wedding cake
tiers, each with a different filling to "show off" what I am able to
do, since this will be a great way to let a lot of good friends see
what I can, and hopefully get some new customers. Our pastor loves to
golf but is not too great at it,so I'm planning on the fancy little
cakes to have mud and grass slung here and there, like if the golfer
continues to miss his ball. His favorite color is emerald green and I
just happened to find "Happy Birthday" sparkly wire streamers that I'm
planning on looping down from the top of the center cake along with
different bright colors of curly ribbon. It's very hard to explain in
writing isn't it, I hope you get the picture, of which I'm planning on
taking some! I've only been doing this for 9 months also, so there are
a couple of us out there just getting our feet wet, huh? Good luck!
Date: August 5th, 1998 08:21:35
From: Marianne
e-mail: momof3@mvp.net
Subject: Re: Re: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
Thanks, Kathy, and I've already had a good cry. I just got started in
this 9 months ago, and really thought that this would be my big chance
to show the entire congregation what I could do and get extra
business. The pastor is really wonderful and I'm still going to go
with the 3 tier but a 6,8, and 12, and charge them just $35 which is
going to hurt but since I am a Christian I'm hoping that God will bless
me for being a good person??? Maybe???
Date: August 5th, 1998 07:51:51
From: Marianne
e-mail: momof3@mvp.net
Subject: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
Ok guys, I wrote my description for the pastor's surprise cake a couple
of days ago. I was told the cake should be "big" I figured 150-200
people. I've made up all of the decorations in royal for a tier cake,
this cake should be priced at like $200, I just got called tonight that
only 50-60 people were now coming and to scale the cake down, but the
same theme, and the lady yelped when I said $50, these were all to be
filled layers. What do I do, I don't know if I should take a loss on
the cake and still stick with the same theme and scale it down, or to
simply have a 1/2 sheet filled with an 8" single layer on top with the
golfer, won't be near the effect, but not nearly the amount of people
will be seeing the cake either. I'm really dissappointed. I need to
call the lady back tonight with another price, she said that $50 was
just way over what she had expected. My question is, what did she
expect???? This was going to be a lot of cake and hard work. Please
reply quick!!!
Date: August 6th, 1998 12:09:14
From: karen
e-mail: kareninnj
Subject: price of supplies
Hi! I love this message board! Would like to hear where people get
their baking supplies (cake mixes, sugar, etc.). It seems to cost so
much for the supplies that I don't make much off of a cake. Would
appreciate any replies.
Karen
Date: August 5th, 1998 11:09:21
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
I have a feeling they were hoping you would donate a cake. If you can
afford it and your heart's in it--maybe that is what you should do.
Then really gussy it up and be sure to put something there to let them
know it is a donation. Most of the cakes that I do for our church, I
donate. But I do not donate any wedding cakes there. Sometimes I feel
like that is my ministry at our church, since I am very busy and cannot
do a lot of volunteer work there. Just a thought. I know you were
really excited. How come the numbers dropped so much?
Date: August 5th, 1998 09:11:43
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
Boy, that really stinks! So, essentially you are donating all of your time and talent, and probably some of the ingredients. I would make sure everyone, especially the pastor, knows that you DONATED this cake as your gift! Maybe put a small sign next to the cake saying "Cake donated by ..." Deduct the normal price minus the $35 on your taxes as part of your charitable contributions! So far I haven't had anything like this happen, but I'm very careful to clarify all the details and get payment in advance before I do anything on a cake. Hopefully you will at least get some business from this.
Date: August 5th, 1998 08:13:10
From: Kathy M.
e-mail: ndsz27a@prodigy.com
Subject: Re: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
Hi Marianne,
I know you probably feel like crying right now and rightfully so!
Tell her you can make a filled half sheet cake decorated, same theme for $30. I will send you an e-mail later tonight and tell you how I decorate mine which really looks beautiful (or as I have been told.
Kathy M.
Date: August 6th, 1998 03:12:03
From: Diane
e-mail: rbracke@fuse.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Helllllllllp! What do I do?
I also feel that you were excpected to donate your services. Donating to
your church may be a good thing though. The Lord Blesses a cheerful
giver. Was asked to do the Pastors sons cake about a year and a half
ago. It was a 12,8, and 6. I only asked $40.00 for it and he appeared
really shocked. Since then I have gotten several cake order from
members. Good luck!
Date: August 6th, 1998 02:39:57
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Helllllp! What do I do?
hi marianne; i know this is late, but for future use keep in mind God
looks at the heart.....He alone knows if you are 'donating' for selfish
reasons or because you want to.
i have cut my price to the church on occasions, donated at other
times. i have also been allowed to put my business cards out, but very
few were takes and when the ladies cleaned up they threw them out!!!!
just do your veery best decorating and He will see to it word gets
around. i'm not too much in favor of a sign saying 'donated by' but
that's up to you and the church.
i remember once when i bulked at upping the size of a cake one lady
took it upon herself to call certain members and got donations to pay
for it. pray for God's leading, dear.
lynne
Date: August 6th, 1998 02:46:53
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: price of supplies
hi karen;
some names of stores that sell bulk supplies:
smart n final
price/costco
k-mart
if you have storage space buy sugar in 25# bags.
from what has been said in the past on this board almost all of us buy
our mixes in the supermarket when they are on sale.
if you are not making any money you *need* to raise your price. *do
not!* under price your cakes. they should be about $1-2 *higher* than
your local baker &/or supermarket.
lynne
Date: August 6th, 1998 02:21:39
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: price of supplies
I buy my cake mixes, sugar, etc., at the supermarket usually. I try to stock up when they have really good sales (69-99 cents per mix at our markets). If I have to buy something that isn't on sale, K-Mart usually has the lowest regular prices. You can also check out warehouse stores like Sam's. I get my boards, boxes, and other special supplies at local cake decorating supply stores, though sometimes I do have to mail order. You should charge AT LEAST double what it costs you to make the cake, up to three times if you can get it in your area. I usually charge 2 to 2-1/2 times my cost. Explain to customers that it costs more to do quality, custom work. We don't buy mixes in 50 lb bags, or icing in 5 gal buckets, or get other supplies in bulk like the supermarkets. But we do indivudual, custom designed, baked, and decorated cakes that they couldn't get anywhere else either.
Date: August 7th, 1998 09:14:54
From: Dee Ann
e-mail: underwod@ptsi.net
Subject: How much?
I am frequently asked to make cookies for birthday parties, or other events, and am at a loss as to how much to charge? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Date: August 7th, 1998 10:34:29
From: angela vincenzini
e-mail: vincenzini@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Starting a new business
i know what you mean about getting started and then just moving. we just moved to kc, mo last week (for my husband's doctoral program), but right before we moved, i did 1 baby shower cake for a friend and 1 wedding cake for the county fair (in ca.--took 2nd place!), and from those, got 5 orders (to my amazement), but had to turn them all down because of the move. i really believe about half of this biz (or any) is MARKETING, and try to think like bill gates or whatever, as far as that is concerned. i am worried about getting "found out" because of not being liscensed, and worry about how to advertise without getting too noticed.
Date: August 7th, 1998 10:34:44
From: angela vincenzini
e-mail: vincenzini@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Starting a new business
i know what you mean about getting started and then just moving. we just moved to kc, mo last week (for my husband's doctoral program), but right before we moved, i did 1 baby shower cake for a friend and 1 wedding cake for the county fair (in ca.--took 2nd place!), and from those, got 5 orders (to my amazement), but had to turn them all down because of the move. i really believe about half of this biz (or any) is MARKETING, and try to think like bill gates or whatever, as far as that is concerned. i am worried about getting "found out" because of not being liscensed, and worry about how to advertise without getting too noticed.
Date: August 7th, 1998 10:22:33
From: angela vincenzini
e-mail: vincenzini@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Starting a new business
hi.
i just moved to kansas city, mo, last week, and don't know where anything is. it is my "goal" to start a cake decorating biz, and i had hoped to get some work with a bakery, caterer, etc., to get some practical experience. i have taken the 3 wilton classes and bake whenever i can, including wedding cakes. i would love any ideas/advice/inspiration about how to go about this in my new home!
Date: August 7th, 1998 10:04:40
From: angela vincenzini
e-mail: vincenzini@aol.com
Subject: Re: How much?
i am very new to this, but want to get into the cookie field as well as cakes. i just moved from so. cal., and mrs. field's cookies there are about $1.30/ea for a plain ol' choco-chip (not decorated, about 3" across). maybe this gives you a basic idea, but then if you live in a place w/ lower cost of living, you may want to go less. i would like to hear any info/ideas you have, also! :-)
Date: August 8th, 1998 09:31:55
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Starting a new business
angela vincenzini,
Ask yourself these questions and answer faithfully...
1. Can I hock my house!
2. Can I work 18 hours a day?
3. Can I work without a profit for 5 years or more?
4. Can someone else look after my kids?
5. Can my husband fix his own dinner?
6. Do I have to attend family gatherings or will they care if I'm not
there?
Now if you answered Yes to all the above questions read below.
Try giving a few cakes away at first, to let people sample them, find
out how good they are and how creative you are.
Start with a free cake at your favorite hair salon. Ask the owner if
she'd mind. Provide paper plates, napkins and forks. Maybe score the
cake with a pretty rosebud/leaf on each piece OR maybe copy the way the
salon writes their name. Include your cards!
OR put a poster with tear off names on bulletin boards at
Laundromats, corner stores, sometimes Kmart (department stores),
anywhere where women come.
You might try a small restaurant. A 7" single layer with a flower in the
middle might work. Offer them 4-6 for their freezer.
Try your local school too. I do our High School sport banquet cakes.
Usually they order 3 full sheet cake and I only charge them for 2. But
my children do attend the school so I feel like I'm doing my part for
our community.
Also try donut shops. I work with a local donut shop. I give her a
discount, deliver to the donut shop and all they have to do is call in
the order to me and give to the customer the cake. This seems best for
me since I have a full time job with mom.
Be careful if you advertise in the newspaper. I worked for our local
phone company and there was one person that went through the newspaper
daily to check for residential private users advertising their numbers
for business. They only phoned them and explained if they wanted to
advertise their phone numbers they would have to pay business rates.
Also keep your neighbors happy, they can make or break you. If you need
business advise mom has a great book. $6.99
GOOD LUCK and HAPPY DECORATING!
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 8th, 1998 09:16:29
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: How much?
We do a 2-1/2 inch sugar cookie iced with tip 20 then an icing treat
added. We get 50 cents per cookie with no discount for buying by the
dozen. Our other 2-1/2 inch cookies, chocolate chip, M&M, etc. are 25 to
30 cents each with a free cookie when buying 12.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 8th, 1998 10:16:17
From: Dee Ann
e-mail: underwod@ptsi.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: How much?
Thanks Sue for the info. That will sure help. Dee Ann
Date: August 8th, 1998 12:56:48
From: Nan
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Decorated cookies
John,
I was in New York City last week; and in Dean and Deluca, they were selling decorated cookies (approx.size 4 X 4---shapes= Madaline,NY Taxi cabs...etc.) for 10$ and 12$ a PIECE! These were really nice cookies...but nothing a semi experianced decorator couldnt do in a couple of minutes! I guess it just shows you that 1) ignorance is bliss, 2) people will buy anything! at any price!, 3) We should all be decoarating cookies in NYC! I know this doesnt help your problem...but I thought youd get a kick out of it!
Date: August 8th, 1998 11:11:37
From: D.
e-mail: underwood@ptsi.net
Subject: Re: Re: How much?
Angela,
Thanks for your input. I generally make iced sugar cookies, chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal, and NoBakes. The sugars are the most requested. Not hard, but the most time-consuming. The real fancy decorating doesn't go over very well here where I live. Most prefer very simple designs, and or decorations. Makes it much easier on me, because I still classify myself as a beginner, and do this as a hobby, instead of a business. That way, I don't get swamped. Once again, THANKS!! Dee Ann
Date: August 8th, 1998 07:45:08
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Starting a new business
There is a lot of discussion on this subject on this message board.
Where we live, in Northern Virginia, you can get licensed to do baking
from your home. We lived in Arlington County, Va. for 60 years and
built our own home there, but you can't get licensed to do food from
your home. I was doing it but had a lot of hotels wanting to recommend
me. So, we decided to move into Fairfax County where I could get a
license. I am sure you could start out without being licensed. In
fact, I am sure there are people in Arlington not licensed. If it is
easy to be licensed, I don't see why a person would not do it. There
are a lot of zoning laws that contribute to this. You should contact
your local zoning office to see if they allow it. Also, check out this
web site and the archives to see what people have to say about it. In
Arlington where we lived there are watchdogs checking newspapers and
bridal shows for unlicensed people. I am sure there are some
jurisdictions where they just look the other way. Ironically, I use to
work in the Zoning office of Arlington County when I was young and I
wasvery familar with the laws.
Date: August 9th, 1998 09:14:21
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Add cake stand cost?
We also charge extra for a fancy stand. We don't tell the customer. We
add it to the price per serving. Figure what you need, say you could use
a stand 6 to 12 times before something needs repaired or replaced. Then
divide by the amount of servings the stand will hold. Say if you pay
$100.00 for a stand then get 6 uses out of it. So the extra charge would
be around $20.00. Then if the cake it held was 100 servings you add 20
cents per serving extra to your normal price.
We do add extra for the security deposit on the plastic return also.
Only 1/2 to 3/4 the cost of replacement because usually everything comes
back. We've had two fountains returned broken just this week alone. So a
$70.00 deposit really wasn't too much just in case they decided not to
return anything.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 9th, 1998 07:32:24
From: Dana
e-mail: bellis@tvec.net
Subject: Re: Decorated cookies
Hi John,
I charge the following for my cookie
products: single wrapped decorated
cookies approx4" -$3.00; ex large wrapped
decorated cookies approx 6" - $5.00;
decorated cookie arrangement with 3
cookies in some type of mug - $15.00;
decorated cookie arrangement with 6
cookies in some type of ceramic container -
$25.00; cookie gift box with 1/2 doz
gourmet cookies and some type of cany
treat - $5.00. Does that help any? I live in
a very rural area (pop 1200 about an hour
east of Dallas. About a third of my business
comes from Dallas through my husband's
work, but the rest is through personal
contacts and referrals. I enjoy doing the
cookies, but they are time consuming, so I
put my prices on the high end of what
people around here will pay. If you have any
other questions, holler!
Dana
Date: August 9th, 1998 12:51:54
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@rols.com
Subject: Re: Add cake stand cost?
You could charge $25.00 for the use of the stand. I do this for use of
my fountain (not knowing when it will quit and I have to purchase
another one). I use to charge $25.00 extra for use of my "I DO" cake
stand but I don't anymore. I got enough rental fees to purchase another
one, so I have two of them. We use at least one of them every week.
Most people expect to pay a rental fee.
Date: August 9th, 1998 12:25:38
From: Natalie
e-mail: NRJCAKE
Subject: Add cake stand cost?
I may have a few wedding cakes coming up in the Fall and may have to purchase some cake stands...different ones. Do I just consider the cost of these stands as inventory costs and not charge the customer extra, since I don't have it in my inventory already? Should I charge a "rental" fee in addition to the "security deposit?" Thanks Natalie
Date: August 10th, 1998 04:52:56
From: lynne
e-mail: kakeladi@mindinfo.com
Subject: Re: airplane cake
sylvia; a cake shapped like an airplane is very possible.
where do you live? i mean, i'd offer to make it for you but you'd have
to come to central calif to pick it up :)
lynne
Date: August 10th, 1998 02:36:50
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: airplane cake
If you don't find one in the shape of an airplane, I have another idea
for you. We just did a groom's cake for an American Airlines executive.
We found a small American Airlines airplane in one of the toy stores.
My husband mounted it on one of those little plastic stands so it could
be flying in from the air. We did an airport runway on the small sheet
cake, put an American Airlines oil truck and a couple of other items on
it and then wrote on the cake, "Someone Special in the air." The groom
loved it.
Date: August 10th, 1998 01:09:28
From: sylvia
e-mail: dental10@atscom.net
Subject: airplane cake
I want a cake in the shape of an airplane. Any ideas where to order it
or how to make it?.
Thanks
Date: August 11th, 1998 10:16:33
From: Donna
e-mail: Sugfam@aol.com
Subject: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
I find that most people really want the convenience and price of the cheap supermarket cake over any that a real cake decorator would do. I just simply couldn't do a 1/4 sheet cake with plastic decorations and box and boards for $10.00 and with virtually no notice. Does any one else seem to have that problem? People seem so impressed with my cakes but enjoy the convenience of just getting the cake at the market while they get their other groceries too. I know my prices are not that high, I really don't make that much money on cakes, but I just enjoy doing it. Is this happening anywhere else?
Date: August 11th, 1998 09:48:19
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: what to charge, how to transport
Carrie: We use Masonite boards for all of our cakes. There is a lot of
discussion on this board about transporting cakes and some should be in
the archives. Also, there has been a lot of discussion about pricing.
I saw once where someone only charged $18.00 for the 18 x 12 sheet cake
and we get $60.00 for it. So, a lot of the pricing depends upon where
you live. I have seen some comments on this board where people live in
depressed areas and have to charge accordingly. We have cake decorators
call us all the time and ask us to raise our prices. My answere to them
is to lower theirs. Check with bakeries and even some home-based
businesses to see what they charge. Sometimes your local hotels might
know and in our area we have Fran's Cake and Candy and she pretty well
knows what the going prices are. So, maybe your cake decorating store
might be able to tell you. You could also try to establish a price list
and see how it works when you are working with your customers. Check
out this board because there has been tons of discussion on pricing and
on masonite boards and transporting cakes.
Date: August 11th, 1998 08:10:25
From: Carrie
e-mail: csbinfinity@juno.com
Subject: what to charge, how to transport
Date: August 11th, 1998 08:20:30
From: Carrie
e-mail: csbinfinity@juno.com
Subject: what to charge, how to transport
I am fairly new to cake decorating but have made quite a few for "my
dish to pass" and after next week I will have sold my second cake. I
also make a lot for family members. I am to the point now, where I
think cake decorating and craft making ...specializing in weddings is
my passion! I am very excited about this, but don't really know how to
get started. I have no idea how much to charge people for my cakes. I
tried to compare them to TOPS and Wegmans prices, but their sizes are
off and also, we all know that we put much more time and effort into
our cakes than they do. Next week, I have to make a cake that is 2
11X15 single layered cakes side by side for a graduation. Something as
simple as that...I don't know how to price. Also, for my 9X13 cakes, I
simply use cardboard (slightly larger)covered with tin-foil to
transport. But, I find it hard to believe that with all of the
products out there, no one has a better idea than that! I can't find
anything anywhere! Believe me, any advice having anything to do with
cake decorating is greatly appreciated by me! I'm at a loss for all of
my questions now, but I'm sure you'll be hearing from me often!!
Thanks so much for this web site!!! I LOVE IT.
CARRIE
Date: August 12th, 1998 12:22:03
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
well, i'm sure glad to finally see someone else have the same opinion
i do!!
yes, yes, yes.....that is why i just had to close my business :( i
live in a very depressed area (15.9% unemployment & those working --
prolly 85% of them at minimum wage).
everyone around here thinks cheap, cheap, cheap!
lynne
Date: August 11th, 1998 07:48:04
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: airplane cake
I just got a NEW book in "Children's Birthday Cake Book" by The
Australian Women's Weekly; $13.50. Its got a real cute shaped airplane
using an egg shape cut out of a loaf cake. Or we sell an egg shaped pan
that would be perfect. Plus a few petite loaf cakes. The cute thing
about it is that it uses candy for decorations. Icecream wafers for the
wings, jelly beans for the windows an a cherry type candy for other
parts.
HAVE FUN!
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 12th, 1998 03:51:14
From: jen
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
People just don't understand what all it takes to make a good cake.
I had a lady last week ask about a 9X13 1 layer cake, when I told her
$18 she acted so surprised, she just thought that was too high. Some
just see it as buying a can of frosting and a box mix at a store. They
don't think about our time and talents and us having to buy boxes and
the like. I just try to blow it off and think about the next customer.
Date: August 12th, 1998 11:28:33
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: what to charge, how to transport
We use two cardboard’s wrapped in colored foil. We sell the wilton FDA
and the florist foils. This does dress up the appearance of the cake.
Place in a decorated window box. Packaging is 9/10ths of the sale. For
wedding, showers, etc. you could add the tuk-n-ruffle but there goes the
cost up.
Ask yourself what you would pay for it. A lot of times you can be your
own best judge. Start off a few dollars higher than the local grocery.
Increase slowly until your at a comfortable profit. At least yours
hasn't come in frozen. You've baked FRESH! This was a strong selling
point in our area. Most of the grocery cakes tasted like the cooler!
When people starting tasting ours, they couldn't believe it. Plus your
icing doesn't come from a can, all ingredients are mixed fresh! Our
motto is "Baked Fresh - NEVER Frozen".
We charge $42.00 for two 11x15 side by side. The box costs $3.75. Figure
what you have in it and at least triple.
Good Luck! & HAVE FUN!
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 12th, 1998 10:46:40
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Yes, unfortunately in our convenience-oriented society it is harder to find people who still apreciate unique, quality work, and are willing to (1) pay for it, and (2)plan ahead. Also, people have had to settle for supermarket-style cakes for so long, they don't even know how good and special a cake can really be. I find that almost everyone who has seen and tasted my cakes thinks they are worth the price, or even more. However, for some occasions, people just aren't willing to pay that much or go to the trouble of planning it. Especially for kids birthday parties; people are just SO cheap for those! I've only done a few kid's cakes, and they have all been sheets; I just can't convince people to do anything else for kids' birthdays. It seems that for kid's birthdays, people either make them themselves, or just pickup something quick and cheap at the supermarket. But when they want something for larger or more special occasions, they come to me. Most of my cakes have been for adult birthdays, baskets of flowers for mother's day, anniversiares, and more formal kids things like first communion, christenings, etc. Don't even bother with promoting yourself for kids cakes, just target the adult occasions. It does take awhile to educate the public and create a market.
Date: August 12th, 1998 09:51:34
From: Kathy M.
e-mail: ndsz27a@prodigy.com
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Hi Donna, Like everyone else says, you have both kinds of customers, the
ones who want quality and those who want economy. Your business may
be slow getting started but when the word gets out that you offer
quality, you will have plenty of business. Most of my customers are
people I work with and their family and friends and then their family
and friends and it just grows and grows. In my area 1/4 sheet cakes
at the supermarket usually run around $12 (just your run-of-the-mill
type decorations..large roses, etc.)and un-filled of course. Mine are
$16 unfilled, $18 with filling (if they want Magnolias on them, I add
another $3.00 for each Magnolia...here in Mississippi, Magnolias are in
great demand). Most of my customers prefer the filled and do not blink
an eye at the cost as a matter of fact many of my customers have told
me that they think are are getting a bargain. Business has grown so much
in the last 3 months, that I've had to train my daughter and
step-daughter just to keep up.
Don't get discouraged and give up...keep working at it , it doesn't just
happen over night
Date: August 12th, 1998 09:13:47
From: Renee V
e-mail: renchuck2@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Hi Lynn,
I just wanted to say I'm sorry about your business! I know it must be a
disappointment. What are your plans? You can't deprive CA of your
talents! Do you plan to still decorate? I hope I'm not being nosy,
just concerned. With all the *great* advise you give, I know you must
be a talented decorator.
The supermarket issue is a tough one. Sometimes when I offer to make a
cake for a family event, even my own mother will say, "OH honey, don't
bother, it will be so much less work to just pick one up at
so-and-so's." Of course, after I make the cake, she is always glad and
inevitably says, "That was so much better than so-and-so's cakes."
I beleive it is true that you are dealing with 2 different kinds of
customers. Those who want "quick, sweet and adequate" and those who
want something "different and special". I guess a decorator just has to
find that clientelle. I'm sure that it is difficult in an area where
they just can't afford "different and special".
I live in an area where the cost of living is high and unemployment low.
(central New Jersey), and even with that, I don't think I'd want to try
to make my entire living decorating cakes. I know it is rewarding, but
I prefer to do it one cake at a time. I think that a lot of novice
decorators don't realize the amount of work and planning and money
involved is supporting a business like this. I don't mean to discourage
anyone from the field. Just go into it with your eyes open knowing that
it may take a while to get established and also that circumstances and
luck have a lot to do with it too!
Keep your chin up, Lynn!
Renee
Date: August 12th, 1998 08:02:17
From: Cathy
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Hi Donna,
Yes, we have one of those big discount markets here too, they offer a sheet cake for $12.99. When you buy supplies in the quantities they do you can offer those prices, since I don't, I can't compete for that market. But, I can tell you there is a clientel out there for the cakes we as decorators do. It's been my experience that if you offer a quality cake with quality ingredients people are willing to pay more, and once they find you they will keep coming back.
Date: August 12th, 1998 07:31:57
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Carrie: Some supermarkets will be cheaper and some higher. Once you
have established your reputation you should have no trouble. There will
always be some people who would rather pay the supermarket prices. In
our area our Price Club does a large decorated sheet cake for $12.00.
The decorations don't look that good but they taste good. When someone
calls me and wants a cake for 50 kindergarteners and doesn't want to pay
$45.00 for it I politely recommend that they try the Price Club. One
lady even called me back and thanked me. She just didn't want to put
that much money into a cake for 5 year olds and I understood. We still
sell a lot of sheet cakes. When I am really busy with Wedding cakes I
have to refer them to another decorator anyway.
Date: August 13th, 1998 07:58:51
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: price of supplies
I think the going rate is to charge about 3 times what it costs
you...re: cost of doing the cake=$5.00, charge $15.00
I think that wedding cakes should be charged for more according to your
level of expertise.
Date: August 13th, 1998 07:52:46
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
All these opinions serve to show that there is a vast difference in our
locations. In my area most women work and they seem to buy anything
'loose' as long as it is quality. Since we turn down lots of orders we
don't have time for each week, I'm sure there is plenty of room for us
and the supermarket bakeries. We have caught some in-store bakeries
calling to check out what we charge then raising their prices to
correspond. That is okay. I charge what I feel is fair and I don't care
what they charge.
Unless it is a truly depressed area I think you CAN make yourself a
market for quality cakes. One instance is Lubbock Texas where my aol
partner Earlene Moore lives. At first she couldn't charge so much, but
her reputation certainly sustains her now. She starts her wedding cake
prices at $2.50 per serving. Many of her cakes are delivered hours
away...shows her wide reputation now! THATS 'making yourself a market!'
You must believe in yourself first. Raise your prices steadily. And
don't ever be cheaper than a grocery store market that does only
'quickie' cakes! Yours are worth much more.
Date: August 14th, 1998 12:09:16
From: ANGELA VINCENZINI
e-mail: VINCENZINI@AOL.COM
Subject: WHAT TO CHARGE FOR COOKIES
JUST THOUGHT SOME OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW--I WAS AT THE MALL TONIGHT (KC, MO), AND SAW MRS. FIELD'S COOKIES. REGULAR (EG. CHOC-CHIP) ARE $1.29 EA, AND THIS ONE HAD DECORATED (3" ACROSS, VERY PLAIN/SIMPLE SMILEY FACE OR RAINBOW) FOR $1.59 EA. THEY WERE NOTHING SPECIAL, AND PROBABLY TOOK 2 MINS TO DECORATE. THIS MIGHT GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT TO PRICE. I ALSO HEARD FROM SOMEONE THAT IF YOU PRICE TOO LOW, PEOPLE WILL WONDER WHY/ THINK YOUR PRODUCT IS INFERIOR.
HOPE THIS HELPS! ANG
Date: August 14th, 1998 08:12:16
From: Torla
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
I'm a cake decorator at a supermarket and don't like the way you said we
are not quote"real cake decorators" I have people come to me because
they know I will do a good job and they don't care what it cost.We don't
do just plastic toys.We do kopy kake..specialty drawings..(pic. they
themselves bring in and want drawn on the cake) to wedding cakes.I have
clientele that onlt want me to do their cakes.I consider myself a real
cake decorator.
sorry just had to get this off my chest.
Torla
Date: August 14th, 1998 04:27:49
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: 2 layer sheet cake--more info
i would charge $60-65 for it.
also be sure you make your board very sturdy....i'd use 3 or 4 1/2
sheet boards glued together before covering it.
i buy full sheets that are 'dbl walled' and cut those in 1/2 for my 1/2
sheets. w/a cake this size i'd use the 2 halves so it was very sturdy.
(each 12x16 pan used 2 1/2 mixes so you have a total of 5 cakes in
this. how much do you get for a 1/4 using one mix? multiply that.
take into consideration you will use less board and boxes than five
1/4s so you can reduce that multiplied price a bit.)
another idea; you may want to see if they would like to have 2 1/2
sheets so one will be on display longer while the other is being
served. not much difference in price except you use 2 boxes instead of
one -- and i find it easier to handle and serve.
lynne
Date: August 14th, 1998 12:15:06
From: Dee
e-mail: ChefNana1@aol.com
Subject: 2 layer sheet cake
I just got my very 1st "professional" order from a Rehab Facility that will have a "private invited guests only " grand opening. They want a 2 layer sheet cake to serve 100. What size pan do I use, or should I put 2 sheets together? Should I bake a 3" & torte it or use two 2" sheets. We discussed flavors They seem to want it simple. White cake w/almond flavoring & pineapple filling. They may want to use their color scheme (which was a good idea) but want a simple border & maybe flowers. What would I charge for this type of cake? Thanks in advance. Dee :)
Date: August 14th, 1998 04:16:55
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: 2 layer sheet cake
congrats! now do a great job and you'll get more orders from it. keep
it simple (simply elegant!).
i would make 2 cakes 12x16 and stack them together w/filling between.
you could torte them making 4 layers of cake w/3 of filling. if you
prefere to do that keep each layer of fill thinner than you would
otherwise.
one nice design would be to make a med. crescent of roses in two
oppisit corners extending a bit along the long side of the cake. use 3
or 5 roses w/lots of leaves and some stems and buds. if you are
putting a message on it make a slightly off center oval of shells or
ruffle w/writing inside that. have an airbrush? highlight the edges
of the cake lightly w/color so your white border will stand out more.
also do that to the oval. tip 96 makes a great reversed shell border
for that size cake.
hope this helps.
lynne
Date: August 14th, 1998 09:14:12
From: Rise
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Hi, I'm just getting started in the cake biz too. With the few cakes I
have sold thus far I have been told I do not charge enough. People in
this area, north alabama, are willing to pay more for a cake that taste
good. A friend I'm doing a cake for tonight said she is glad to pay more
to get frosting that doesn't leave a greasy film in your mouth like the
supermarket cakes. Most people seem to understand that they are getting
something special, created just for them. I plan to gradually increase
my prices over the next couple of months. Don't give up yet.
Date: August 14th, 1998 10:01:25
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
torla; unfortunately we tend to talk in generalities around here. of
course, there are exceptions.....and it sounds like you are one of
them. don't you tend to agree *for the most part* supermarket
decorators do not do as much as you do? the couple around here are
told they cannot do so and so only this and this. it's not always the
decorator -- a lot of it has to do w/the owner/mamager and what they
say.
lynne
Date: August 16th, 1998 01:25:31
From: Julia Barnes
e-mail: dbarnes@harborside.com
Subject: How important are cake boxes?
I am a beginning cake decorator. It's more a hobby for me than a business, but I do get occasional orders and sell my cakes. Since this is very part time for me right now I don't have much in the way of inventory right now. Trying to keep my expenses down I haven't as yet purchased boxes for my cakes. So far people pick up my cakes that have foil covering the heavy card board cake boards, but basically "as is". How important is it to have boxes? Does anyone else sell cakes out of their home "as is" without going to the expense of buying boxes? Thanks for any advice. This message board is great!
Date: August 15th, 1998 08:33:58
From: Fran
e-mail: rfhelck@bellatlantic.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Starting a new business
Since I am disabled by a brain tumor I have the time to put in on cake
decorating. Like everyone I started out with friends and neighbors. One
unexpected source for orders was at a craft show. I used a large piece
of foam then covered it with icing and decorated. I also made a 1/2
sheet for samples. Then make business cards available. The cards were
marked on the back " present this card when ordering for a free candy
rose". It seemed to have been the little extra some people were looking
for.
Another source I stumbled on was the nursing staff at a
hospital.I over heard a conversation in an elevator, about a bad
experence with their last cake. So I explained that I do this on the
side and gave them a card. Since I don't live far away I also offered to
bring a book of pictures for them to look at if they would tell me what
was a convient time. They called me a couple of weeks later and I have
done 15 cakes for them. The word also got to other departments and it
maybe sporatic but it is a good source.
GOOD LUCK
Date: August 15th, 1998 04:00:44
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
Yes, I would have to agree with Lynne that you are the exception rather than the rule. Most supermarkets do not hire trained and experienced decoraters. but rather general bakery workers who have to do everything. They just teach them to do simple shell borders, roses, and balloons and that's about it. Which I can understand for that environment, as they often do have many other responsiblites. What I really hate to see, though, is sloppy work. Simple and unoriginal is fine, but I can't stand sloppy! At the two supermarket chains were I used to live (Safeway and Giant), the colors were so poorly blended there were always lots of white streaks; sometimes there was more white than green in the leaves! And there were always lots of crumbs in the icing. I have to say at least here, the Kroger bakery does do quality decorating, but it is still just roses on sheet cakes and plastic kits for the kids. If you work for a supermarket that values decorating training and experience, and allows you to have some creativity, then you are very lucky indeed!
Date: August 16th, 1998 11:40:23
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: Re: SUPERMARTKET CAKES
You are a rarity for a Supermarket decorator, I'm sure. Most of them have to do a cake in say 10 minutes tops and the ones of us that have our own shops or are at home decorators take much more time and can do a better job. There's no way I could even begin to do a cake in 10 minutes - maybe 20, but not 10 and I have decorated for 35 years. I will only book so many orders in a day, usually allowing an hour for each cake - some take less, some take more. That's why our prices are different and most usually our cakes taste better.
Date: August 16th, 1998 10:25:30
From: Zelia Still
e-mail: zjstill@internetcds.com
Subject: gumpaste flowers
I am a home decorator and have just gotten my first request for gumpaste
flowers. She wants the stargazer lily. The wedding is in June 1999, so
I have lots of time. As this will be my first time, I have no idea of
how to charge for this. Can someone give me some advice? Thanks.
Date: August 16th, 1998 05:59:37
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
hi julia;
the one thing noone else has touched on yet.....put *yourself* in your
customers shoes.
how would you feel going to a stranger's home and be given a cake -- a
beautifly decorated one at that -- 'as is'?
where do you live? what kind of weather do you have......lots of rain?
snow? or usually nice? (ha,ha :)
i feel the best way to have someone take a cake home is in the trunk.
if for any reason something i make will not go into a box (the castle
or 3-d dinasour, etc) i make sure i tell customer before they p/u to
have a van-type vehicle or empty their trunk. the trunk is probably
the best place to put a cake.....level no proping needed.
the other alternative is to deliver all your cakes yourself :)
give it some thought.......
lynne
Date: August 16th, 1998 04:12:15
From: Sandy
e-mail:
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
I work just out of my home. My customers just pick up their cakes 'as is'.
If it is drizzly we cover with seran wrap, if raining or snowing...we just make arrangements to pick up later [small town advantage]. My customers don't expect a box. I do often follow them to the car and show how to prop up the cake on the seat. If they are traveling far, they usually find a box and bring it along. No complaints from customers yet. I personally don't have room to store the boxes. My basement, walk in closet and pantry are already over run with cake supplies and pans.
If I had a store front, I would definately raise prices and provide a box to my customers.
Date: August 16th, 1998 03:39:33
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
Going back to the days when I began, I did not provide boxes either unless it was a box like a coke (pop) flat that I could salvage from a nearby store. No one seemed to care. Now that I am more of a full fledged shop, I usually provide the box. In my area, they don't really seem to care - they're usually just happy to get one of my cakes rather than the grocery store cake.
Date: August 16th, 1998 11:14:55
From: Jennifer
e-mail: gigimama@aol.com
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
As Marida said, it is very difficult for people to transport a cake without it being in a box to protect it. If you want to be perceived as a professional, then cake boxes are a must! They really don't add that much cost, either. Depending on the the size you need, where you get them, and how many you buy, they usually run only 50 cents to a dollar a piece.
Date: August 16th, 1998 11:59:00
From: Diane
e-mail: rbracke@fuse.net
Subject: Re: Re: How important are cake boxes?
As Mirida said, it is very difficult to drive with a cake unprotected.
Cake boxes look very professional. Get mine from our cake club which is
a lot cheaper than buying from a store. Cake clubs are very informative
and HELPFUL!
Date: August 16th, 1998 09:09:03
From: Marida
e-mail: binsted@erols.com
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
We always provide cake boxes for our cakes. When you think about it, it
is very hard to drive with a cake in your car not in a secure place.
Check out your local paper supply houses and you might be able to buy
from them at wholesale prices. Many hotels send word by the bride that
they would like to have a cake box provided for the top piece. We have
always provided a box for the top cake. I know that is an added expense
for you, but in the end it will help establish you as a professional.
Sometimes it is the little things that count. If you need to, just add
that into the cost of your cakes.
Date: August 17th, 1998 09:55:52
From: Lisa
e-mail: LISASCAKES@aol.com
Subject: Re: How important are cake boxes?
HI Julia,
I think you need to feel out the people you are selling to. I usally try to provide a box, but sometimes it is not always possible. Some party supply stores sell cake boxes singlely which is more expensive but when you have no space to store them they can be worth it.
Also this may seem strange but some of the store boxes you get at Christmas can work in a pinch. Sears usally has some nice robe boxes that will fit a 1/4 sheet. Lots of time there white and they are free so ask any time you buy clothes. then if you don't use the gift boxes someone in your family will surely use them.
Date: August 18th, 1998 11:41:40
From: Zelia
e-mail: zjstill@internetcds.com
Subject: Re: Re: gumpaste flowers
Dolores, thank you for the information - I am on my way to Erlenes' web
page to see if she can give me any more help. I do plan to purchase the
Wilton kit and see what I can do. I suggested to the bride that she
could use silk lilies, but they want everything "edible" on the cake.
Date: August 18th, 1998 09:08:06
From: John
e-mail: piferj@ptsi.net
Subject: Gingerbread Houses
Hi everyone, Christmas is comming, and I usually am asked to do a few
gingerbread houses. I absolutely love doing them, but don't know if I
am charging enough. I get the patterns from some old Wilton books, and
decorate them very elaborately with different candies, and also make
some of the candies myself. I have usually charged from $50.00 to
$70.00, but spend a lot of time on them. I feel bad charging more, and
I love doing them. Just wondered if anyone else had any advice on
charging. Thanks, this message board is GREAT!!
Date: August 18th, 1998 05:53:20
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: gumpaste flowers
Wow! What a flower to start out with! I would say that if you don't have
any tools and are just beginning to learn, that you should purchase the
Wilton gumpaste kit for about $20.00. This is the most economical way to
start out. ...But you'll need to learn fast!
I do carry some of those big flowers at Sugarcraft...and I sure would be
buying them if it were me!
Other than this...I think I know just one person who can tell you how to
do that...Earlene Moore. You could go to her web site and see what she
has done. Or email her: http://members.aol.com/pwdsugar/index.html
Date: August 18th, 1998 06:01:40
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Re: How important are cake boxes?
I third it...
I did try not to use boxes too at first...mainly I didn't know anywhere
to buy one...back 30 years ago that wasn't so easy!
But I see now that my cakes look much more elegant and special in a box.
My cakes taste better and I charge more...so they NEED a box.
One thing...wherever you find boxes...CHARGE so that you are including
the cost of abox with the cake. It will be appreciated.
We have small labels that we place on each box as the cake goes out too.
This label tells people what to 'do' with the cake...keep it
covered...freeze unwanted portions...the cake doesn't need refrigerated
right away...and especially our name and phone number are on that label
- great for potential new customers!
Date: August 19th, 1998 08:16:14
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Gingerbread Houses
Another idea might be to offer two, a simple one and a fancy one.
We charge $25.00 for the simple. Just 4 sides and the roof. Small amount
of candy. The fancy one we get $45.00. House with the dormers.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 19th, 1998 08:19:08
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Gingerbread Houses
LOVE to do those! I think your prices are fine...for my area, that is.
In NY city that may be a dif. story. But for here, it is fine.
Have you visited my GB house section here? Its listed under SPECIAL
TECHNIQUES
Date: August 20th, 1998 04:04:11
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: What to charge for larger cakes
We say that the largest a birthday cake round is 10 inch. Anything
bigger would be at wedding cake price.
Does she realize how many this will serve? Are you doing one or two
layers? One layer would be two cake mixes, but four for a double layer.
Maybe she'd like a 10 and 6 stacked cake? Easier to handle then the 14
inch plus easier for her to pick up and carry home.
We charge 65 cents per serving when not doing a tiered cake and $1.25
per serving for basket weave.
Just a few ideas.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 20th, 1998 02:12:33
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: What to charge for larger cakes
I charge for shower cakes like I do for birthdays. I did one recently that size (2 layers) and did a basket of flowers on the top and I believe I charged her $50. The sides were not basketweaved, but I don't charge extra for that anyway. Try using about a #18 tip for all of your basketweaving rather than some of the other ways. I think you will like it better and it is so much faster and gives a nice depth to the cake. To do, just pull a line of #18 or whatever tip close to that from top to bottom. Then with the same tip start about 1/2 inch to the left of the line and pull your lines across and past the first line. Makes these lines about every 3/8" to 1/2". Then come down again with a line from the top to bottom and continue all around the cake. You could practice this on a flat cookie sheet or just some wax paper.
Date: August 20th, 1998 12:22:58
From: Diane
e-mail: rbracke@fuse.net
Subject: What to charge for larger cakes
A lady recently called me for a 14" round cake for a bridal shower. She
wanted basket weave on the side. Do you charge like you would for a
bithday cake or a wedding cake? What would a charge like this be?
Thanks for any info.
Diane
Date: August 21st, 1998 10:55:07
From: Sherry V.
e-mail: srv@enter.net
Subject: Applying for Decorator Position
Hi!
Today I picked up a job application for the new Wegman's supermarket opening here. I have been mothering and homemaking for 10 years now, and I used to be a word processor and a singing telegram messenger before that, so I have no idea what to say on this application as to why I should be considered for this job. Obviously, I will include the info about the formal classes I've taken, etc., but I was wondering if any of you could give me some idea as to what might be important points to include/discuss?
Thank you so much for your expertise,
Sherry V.
Date: August 21st, 1998 11:23:31
From: Diane
e-mail: rbracke@fuse.net
Subject: Re: Re: Re: What to charge for larger cakes
Sue, This lady has one idea on her mind and that is it! Tried to explain
how many this would serve and she said that was alright, she wanted cake
left over. Thanks for the info on cost per servings. I always wondered
about that.
Diane
Date: August 22nd, 1998 08:07:12
From: Sandra
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Applying for Decorator Position
In reply to your question I think you should mention on the application
your passion for cake decorating and the fact that you are creative.
Actually I was wondering if you had any idea how much cake decorators
earn as employees at bakery shops, is it minimum wage? I also love cake
decorating but have no idea what the job market is like.
Date: August 23rd, 1998 12:07:08
From: Torla
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Applying for Decorator Position
you would not believe the big demand for experienced cake decorators...
In major supermarkets their hands are tied on what they pay(where I work
8.15 hr.) but usually it's pretty good after you have been there awhile
after raises along with benefits..
1.paid holidays
2.paid vacations
3.401k plan
4.profit sharing plan
5.paid sick days
6.insurance
7.funeral pay
I'm guarranteed 2 days off with one of them on a weekend usually Sun.
These reasons are why I haven't gone independent.
Torla
Date: August 24th, 1998 11:34:07
From: Renee
e-mail: reneeraeg@aol.com
Subject: How much to charge for round & slabs?
Hi everyone,
I am a fairly new decorator and was wondering what to charge for the following buttercream iced cakes and also what the serving sizes would be:
1) 10" round, 2 layers
2) 12" round with 3" depth, 1 layer
3) 12" x 18" slab, 1 layer
4) 15" x 21" slab, 1 layer
5) 16" x 24" slab, 1 layer
Thanks in advance,
Renee
Date: August 25th, 1998 05:12:56
From: Carolyn
e-mail: Bridal1
Subject: Re: Cupcake charge?
I'm in the Midwest and I currently charge $8 a dozen - not enough if you put much time into them. Most of my customers don't want the plastic picks stuck in them and I really can't blame them.
Date: August 25th, 1998 06:37:41
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Is it legal to sell character cakes?
this ? comes up almost every week :) i hope you can read at least some
of the archives about it. this has been hotly debated from time to
time.
i guess most of us would not know what the laws are in canada:(
you might call your local zoning office or health dept. if there is
such a thing. try not to be too specific, just talk in general terms.
call city hall or your county (province?) office.
hope this helps you.
lynne
Date: August 25th, 1998 06:33:18
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Prices and Serving per size?
oh shirley i'm sorry you have gotten sooo confussed :(
what dolores sayes is right. for what i would call an everyday cake
which includes all kinds of events, sizes and shapes i charge more by
how many mixes used than per serving. these usually are simple b.d or
shower or office cakes. they can be rounds, sqs, hearts, special
shape, or sheets. almost always single layer.
for a 1/4 sheet i use a magic line pan 12x8 - holds 1 mix nicely ($15).
for a 1/2 sheet " " " " " " 12x16- holds 2 1/2 mixes (25)
for full sheet " " 2 " " " " using 2 1/2 each. (50-65)
the only time i would charge by the serving is for tiered cakes. it
dosn't matter what the event it is for -- tiered is by the serving.
and of course that price varies according to how elaborate it is
decorated. (and sometimes how it turned out :) if it dosn't turn out
well as expected i have dropped my price a couple of times).
yes, from time to time things just will not turn out for you. just
imagine working alone in a shop and the phone rings just as you start
to write a name w/a dk color icing and you 'jump out of your skin'--
often i am concentrating so hard on what i'm doing i am startled bythe
phone; or someone comes into the store when you start to smooth your
icing and you must stop to see who is there. get into a conversation
and your icing is messed up :(
hope this will help you figure out prices.
lynne
Date: August 25th, 1998 04:12:04
From: Sophie
e-mail: wylie@mychoice.net
Subject: Cupcake charge?
Is there a standard charge for cupcakes?
Date: August 26th, 1998 12:55:02
From: Cindy
e-mail: chouchou@flash.net
Subject: serv. per size chart
I look on Earlene's site for a servings/size chart and didn't find
one. Is it still there? Sorry if it was obvious and I just missed it.
Could someone tell me specifically how to find it. I would appreciate
it. Thanks, Cindy
Date: August 25th, 1998 10:44:54
From: Rania
e-mail:
Subject: Is it legal to sell character cakes?
Hi!
I just wanted to know if it is legal to sell character cakes from home.
I thought that character pans had copyrights to them and could not be
used for profit. Also does anyone know if I need a permit to sell cakes
from home, I am in Ontario, Canada.
I would appreciate any responses. Thanks!
Date: August 25th, 1998 06:43:51
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Prices and Serving per size?
We calculate the 11x15 to be a half sheet. But for the 1/4 sheet we use
the cheapy 8 1/2x 11 pan. That 7 1/2 x 11 is a bit too small of a cake
than most people want I think. And my pan holds one mix very nicely
We say the 8 1/2x 11 serves between 12 and 20...give them a WIDE range
so they don't get mad at you when they run out of cake : )
We say that the 11 x 15 is a half sheet and serves 30-40
We use the 12x18 for 40-50 servings...and many times you can fit another
cake on top of the 12x18...like a bible cake or a character cake
etc...for elaborate -or more servings.
Just make the calculations a little smaller if you are using a sheet
cake for wedding.
Also, Earlene Moore has a serving chart that IS measured exactly. You
could count on hers. Download it from her web site...link on mine.
[[[ Somewhere on this board I read that someone was charging anywhere
from $1.25 to 2.50 per serving(depending on the cake). That would mean
that even an 11 x 15 inch cake serving 48 people would come to around
$60.00.]]]
We may have been talking about wedding cakes? We would carge that for
wedding cakes. It takes skill to do wedding cakes...the setup is the
first challenge, then stringwork and fancy icing flowers. Base your
price on your level of expertise and the amount of detail. AND charge by
the serving....according to amount of work on a particular cake.
For wedding cakes, I have a 'cheat sheet' which lists each wedding cake
design. To figure the cost, I set a base price (say, $1.10 per serv),
then I add the extras onto that...2 colors, stairways, fountain, etc etc
A lot depends on where you are and the cost of living. In NY everything
costs more...so they must charge more than we do in mid-USA.
Date: August 25th, 1998 06:54:26
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Applying for Decorator Position
Torla is SO right. There IS a big demand for cake decorators. I've
always had my own shop, but when my sis wanted a job decorating cakes
(not a perfectionist like me!), she took her cake albums along to apply.
She went to 4 places and got a job that day.
Base pay can be anything around my area! From minimum wages to $12.00
per hour tops.
Questions you may want to ask are:
Will I be only doing cakes? If so, how many hours can I expect?
Sometimes I've had girls tell me they got good pay BUT, then only worked
2-3 hours per day. If the store gives you time doing other things so you
make a decent pay check, not so bad.
Once you get established, there is no prob getting more pay. Other
bakeries actually called my sis to ask her to come to work for me...in
fact someone did that to me til he found out I owned it LOL. So, you go
to the next job for another $1.00 per hout or more benifits, then to the
next for more, etc.
BUT, they usually expect you to be fast NOT good. If you are a
perfectionist, you'll never be happy working in a bakery. Supermarkets
sometimes are staring at 200 cakes to do. They CAN'T allow much time for
each. I've been told they like an average of 5-10 minutes to decorate a
1-mix cake....I can do that...roses, borders & 'HB'...no extras.
Hope this helps....but DO take your albums with you to apply. Think
about it...they know enought to know this IS a skill thing and if you
have nice cakes, it will help you to land the job.
Date: August 25th, 1998 02:27:38
From: Shirley C.
e-mail: SugarRushs@aol.com
Subject: Prices and Serving per size?
I too am confused as to what to charge for cake! There was quite a
discussion about what a 1/4 sheet, 1/2 sheet and whole sheet sizes were
before. From all that information I decided that the 11 x 15 was about
average for a 1/2 sheet. That would make the 1/4 about 7 1/2 x 11.
The whole sheet would be 4 of those about 15 x 22. Right or wrong,
that's what I have in mind. Please someone out there say that I'm
atleast close!
Now the question???? How many servings for each? Wilton says that the
11 x 15 (or 1/2 sheet)should serve 48. It doesn't say in the yearbook
but was I'm guessing that these were wedding size servings. But the
math doesn't come close! Party size servings are larger so they must be
Party size servings.
Please help this lost soul!!!!
How can I figure the price of a cake if I don't know the number of
servings for each size.
Somewhere on this board I read that someone was charging anywhere from
$1.25 to 2.50 per serving(depending on the cake). That would mean that
even an 11 x 15 inch cake serving 48 people would come to around $60.00.
I'm sorry that I have rambled on and on, but I was not kidding when I
said I was confused!!!! You have all helped before so I'll thank you
all in advance this time too! THANK YOU!
Shirley C.
Date: August 26th, 1998 10:50:03
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: serv. per size chart
cindy; it is in the june, 98 issure of acd. maybe you can get a copy
of that.
lynne
Date: August 27th, 1998 01:47:06
From: Kay
e-mail: cakesavy@aol.com
Subject: Using pudding for fillings
Our "Smart and Final" store sells a very large can of lemon pudding for less than $5. Can I use it to fill cakes (after damming, of course) straight out of the can or do I need to add something to it?
Date: August 27th, 1998 01:55:19
From: Kay
e-mail: cakesavy@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: serv. per size chart
Lynne, this isn't about serving sizes. I read that you closed your business in central Ca. I'm curious where you are. We owned a Bed and Breakfast in central Ca until June 1997 in a little town called Lemon Cove which is near Visalia. I only started cake decorating after I got my "life" back. I'm sure I would have had a hard time selling cakes in that area. Is it anywhere near you? We are now in Simi Valley and I love waking up knowing I don't have to feed guests. Best wishes, Kay
Date: August 27th, 1998 08:12:23
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: copyright laws
Copyrights legal in the US may not be legal in Canada and visa versa.
For instance, Wilton sells some copyright pans in Canada that they never
oferred here. I have no idea why this is.
We should all honor other's copyrights without question. I don't want
anyone to infringe on work I developed, nor I them...THAT is the real
key to why we should not infringe I think.
Any cartoon character is copyrighted and may not be reproduced for
profit. Edible Images ARE legal because Luck's bought rights to make
them and it is okay for you to put them on your cake. Everytime you buy
one, you pay something for the rights. The copyrighted stuff is more
expensive than other pictures or pans...the 'extra' goes to the owner of
the rights.
Date: August 27th, 1998 08:07:16
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Help...What should I charge for my cakes?
Sorry, I read your note but didn't reply because prices vary according
to localities (cost of living is much higher in one place than another)
and also according to your level of expertise.
Try starting out trying to get about $10-12.00 per cake mix...unless you
live in NYC, then you must charge more. Don't charge too little. Let
people know you are special right off.
Date: August 27th, 1998 08:20:19
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Re: serv. per size chart
Just checked Earlene's page and its there. Its called her CAKE ORDER
FORMS. They are on as pictures and one file is text. The files are
compressed into one file. Download that file, then it uncompresses into
several...I know, I did that for her :)
Date: August 27th, 1998 08:15:17
From: Dolores
e-mail:
Subject: Refrigerate if using pudding! (NT)
Date: August 28th, 1998 12:25:29
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: What should I charge for my cakes?
hi renee; i'm sorry i did the same as dolores. i ment to get back to
you, but just didn't :(
2 layer 10" would take 2 mixes so i would get $25
12x18 would take 3? for about $45 (i don't use this size)
15x21 don't know about this one.....that's an odd size :)
16x24 is dbl the 12x18 in size, but you don't dbl the price so i would
get about $60-$65.
i am in central calif. we are a very depressed area w/about 13%
unemployment. i know in l.a. and other areas they get about dbl my
prices. hope this info will help you.
lynne
Date: August 27th, 1998 06:19:05
From: Renee
e-mail: reneeraeg@aol.com
Subject: Help...What should I charge for my cakes?
Help!
I posted my question a few days ago and got no response. I need to give a customer an answer a.s.a.p. about slab cakes. I need to know what I should be charging for the following sizes:
1) 10" round with 2 layers
2) 12" round with 3" depth, 1 layer
3) 12" x 18 " slab with 1 layer
4) 15" x 21" slab with 1 layer
5) 16" x 24" slab with 1 layer
Thanks - Renee
Date: August 27th, 1998 02:06:52
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Using pudding for fillings
hi there; i'm told many people use it as is. i've also heard it is
slippery so be careful using it. ck to see if it needs to be
refrigerated after opening -- if so the cake will need to be refrig'd.
let us know how you make out.
lynne
Date: August 27th, 1998 09:03:16
From:
e-mail:
Subject: Re: copyright laws
Sorry pressed the wrong button. This reply was referring to the
August 25th question of " Is it legal to sell character cakes " from
Rania. Buttercream fingers HA! HA!
Date: August 27th, 1998 08:52:02
From: In the same boat
e-mail: c.guay@arnprior.com
Subject: copyright laws
Dear Rania
I too have wondered that same question in the province of
Ontario. The local bakeries and cake decorators are all doing this kind
of work. When questioned they deny the existence of such a law. Can the
copyright laws be so different than that of the states. Please let me
know if you find any information about this controversial subject. Sorry
I couldn't be a better help!!!
Date: August 29th, 1998 11:59:10
From: Kay
e-mail: cakesavvy
Subject: Message to Lynne
Say Lynne, did you happen to get my message under serving sizes Aug 27?
Date: August 30th, 1998 01:45:39
From: Sue
e-mail: proicer@one.net
Subject: Re: Re: Cupcake charge?
We charge .45 cents each but get 30 per mix. Includes a swirl iced with
sprinkles. They pay for plastics, icing decorations, etc.
Sue at Sugarcraft, Inc.
Date: August 30th, 1998 10:52:54
From: Kay
e-mail: cakesavvy@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: Message to Lynne
Hi Lynne, My email is cakesavvy@aol.com. Hope to hear from you soon.
Date: August 30th, 1998 07:16:14
From: lynne
e-mail:
Subject: Re: Message to Lynne
yes, tried to e-mail you but it was returned. send me your e addy.
lynne
Date: August 31st, 1998 11:50:20
From: Mary Rogal
e-mail: rogal@ptd.net
Subject: lollypop prices
Hi, I am from eastern Pa, and need some help pricing homemade candies. any help in figuring how to charge for painted lollypops, painted pretzel rods, old fashioned hard lollys or anything else would be very helpful. I have been making candies for lots of years, and have recently decided to sell them. Seems like a good sideline to my cakes.
Thanks so much . Make it a great day. Mary
Date: August 31st, 1998 09:13:31
From: Shanon
e-mail: cimba33@aol.com
Subject: Re: Using pudding for fillings
Hi
I have done well using puddings for fillings. I started because I am a wilton instructor and in the first night of course 1 when we are showing how to fill a cake one of the snack puddings is the perfect size to fill one 8" layer. Yes you need to refrigerate it. Although a few hours won't hurt it. I have noticed though that pudding tends to soak into the cake a little. It makes the cake moist NOT mushy but there sometimes isn't a lot of filling left. So my advice is fill it the day you plan to serve it and no more than 1 day in advance. I have never had a problem with slippery but than I haven't done a wedding cake with pudding either. :)
Good luck
Shanon
Date: August 31st, 1998 09:16:36
From: Shanon
e-mail: cimba33@aol.com
Subject: Re: Cupcake charge?
Hi
I charge $1 each decorated with either a flower or figure piping. That is in the Pacific NW (Washington) If they needed a cake to serve 12 they would be paying at least $12, so $12 a dozen is reasonable in my mind.
Shanon