Karolyn, you are the definition of community and not competition. The way you openly share your tips and tricks and everything basically helps us all out so much. I have been baking for others since January and i follow your cookbook recipes and my cakes have always been so good and people have always been so pleased. Thank you for all you do!!
Your descriptions of why you price your cakes are perfect...NO need to apologize and give lots of explanations...Lady, your time (and yourself) are valuable...remember to stand your ground...and I liked the way you wrapped the pound cake...very wise method...the only things you owe the customer are these: your honesty, a high quality of cake (or chocolate chip cookies), and prompt delivery...what you do NOT owe a customer is haggling over price(s) of services...as you maintain your standards for pricing, service, and quality...you will continue to be a success!...there's a reason why in all aspects of life...we all must "maintain boundaries."...needless apologizing and needless explanation only weakens your case and your business...a pleasure to watch your videos...Happy Holidays to you!
This is great! I totally agree. Boundaries are important. You shouldn't let other people tell you how to run your business. Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!
This is all wonderful information! I totally understand what you mean when you talk about pricing for smaller cakes vs. larger cakes. I’ve been keeping a journal of my cake designs, the number of hours they took and the amount I charged for them. That’s been very helpful for quoting future cakes! I recently had to practice boundaries when a family member tried to extend my “family discount” to her friend... I had to politely decline after said family member told me that her friend had a $100 budget. Knowing that I average 10-12 hours on a cake, I just couldn’t do it. Additionally, I didn’t feel comfortable recommending a fellow baker to work so cheaply.
The journal is a great idea! And I think that people who never made a cake really don't understand everything that goes into it. If people come to me with a very low budget, I politely recommend Sam's Club or something along those lines lol
Love the video. I low balled myself several times just to make people happy. And I end up mad with myself because I knew it was great work. So thank you for letting me know that I should stand firm on my pricing. My time, efforts and ingredients cost. Thank you kindly and Blessings from California.
Well said! Stick to your guns. Some people won't order because of price (it happens to me all the time). But that's okay! There will always be other orders. 😊
We should not need to look for the right words on explaining why we charge what we do for a cake but I guess there are people that think of cost of living only when they get their own weekly pay check. But they forget of others having the rights of making a living or they don’t care. You explained the process of cake charging to perfection. 🤗Do we need to send a detailed explanation on why we charged what we do in every receipt? Some people are ridiculous. 😣Love your videos an your personality so much. Thanks for sharing🙏🏻🥰 Sorry for my writing,English is not language.💓
I love you Karolyn 🥰. Your feedback is really good, explaining and entertaining at the same time, each detail through your experiences. Thank you!! From NJ
I’m so glad I found your Chanel , someone sent me a cake that u did and I tried to replicate what I could . I watch u all the time now, I’m still learning and been baking for about a year now. I’m def under priced for everything I do, so this video is very helpful. I live right outside of Philly too in de county if you ever start classes I’ll def be there.
Hi Karolyn! I’m new to your channel and thank God I discovered it! I understand what you’re trying to say about pricing and I also experienced losses when I was starting. I learned a lot from you and Thanks to you, I will stand firm on my pricing coz you’re right, it really depends on your skills and the time consumed while making it. Thanks for sharing your tips! 😊
It is hard to be firm at first. But it gets easier! You'll be much happier when you're making the cakes you want to make at the price you want to charge!
When I was working full time and operating my business, staying up half the night to bake and decorate I never got the hang of this concept. Many of my customers came from work contacts and they expected a great product for box store prices. You are successful because you are confident in the value of your time and talent.
Thank you! Yes, you have to be confident when you charge what you want. You must believe you are worthy of that price. It happens all the time. We spend more for handbags because we can see the quality and value in them. You gotta do that for yourself!
Thank you for this video. Don't we all rumble tho. Anyhow, when I first started 10+ years ago i was asked to make a barbie cake I don't know back then how to price a cake. Now because i was just starting its taking me awhile to figure out how to make things easier and quicker. I think i charge her $75 but she end up paying me $50 aud. It's because were "friends" apparently haha. After that I don't have friends anymore. I almost did not continue making cakes but im still here. So thankful for your videos. Learning a lot and actually having fun with my cakes.
The friends thing is challenging! What I prefer to do now is offer friends free cupcakes or a less expensive simple design, maybe with edible images. Fondant decorated cake will be charged at full price.
I’ve said this before, I truly love your videos! Thank you so much for all the great info and advice, I remember asking you a while ago about how you price your cakes (it’s still my #1 struggle) And p.s. totally agree with you on the Minecraft squares, what a pain they are lol
This was for you! Sorry it took so long, with videos like this, I have to plan them out in advance and wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything. And F Minecraft! LMAO
Hi just found your channel so i am working my way through all your videos i have found them all very informative and help full i live in the UK so something i have had to work out or change, but really enjoying them, please keep them coming.
You are spot on with this video but unfortunately the customer does not understand the cost of ingredients or the work that goes into making cakes. It's a struggle we will always face. You are getting your message across, for anyone who has made cakes! Thanks. Xxx
You're right, people don't understand...until they try to make one themselves and then they come to me and say "OH MY GOD...I didn't realize how hard it was!" But stick to your guns and don't lower your price. It's better to direct someone to a grocery store than to lose money or break even on making it yourself!
Gosh I just love ❤️ how u explain stuff… thank u I always go back and forth with pricing in my mind…. Thank u sooooooo much you’re so so gooooood such a blessing to me..
Vee! I'm so happy I'm able to help you out! Pricing is tricky. Sometimes you get it right and other times you get it really wrong and end up crying while you're making a cake that you didn't think would take 8 hours 🤣🤣 But you learn for the next time! 💜🙏
you did a great job explaining what you were trying to share. and I know exactly what you mean about those Mindcraft cakes...UUGGGG! I've had one of those also! Your phrasing of a few things also helped me with some of the wording I want to add to my own website that I'm trying to get up and going so THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Hi, I’m just starting my bundt cakes business and wonder how much would you charge for a 12” bundt with no frosting; kind of like a pound cake?.? Thank you! 😊 I’m learning so much from all your videos ❤! You, totally, ROCK!!! Thank you so much!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
I think you explained the cost per serving with smaller cakes vs bigger cakes perfectly!! People definitely try to make you feel bad. But those are not our customers. And that's ok. That was a hard lesson for me to learn. I do have a question. I make about 5-7 cakes a week varying from simple buttercream to 3 tier all the fondant details. I'm working on all of them together through the week. Like batch baking and for instance making all the red fondant details at once. How can I determine how long it takes to make a cake? I definitely think I am undercharging. 🤦♀️
I feel you on this one! That is the number one question I get from customers, how long does it take you to make this? It is difficult to tell because you don’t do one cake start to finish, especially when you are working on so many others. What I do is really pay attention to how long it takes just to decorate the cake. And then figure in another hour for baking and an hour for filling and icing. To this day, there are cakes that I still under charge and I wanna smack myself as I’m making it. 😂 It’s definitely a learning process that you will constantly be going through!
this is awesome advise and info! I was a Wilton method instructor at Joanns fabrics in Fairless Hills PA for a few years back in 2013. I live in Newtown and used to make cakes from home for friends and family and going through what a newbie in this industry go through lol. Now I am moving to Fl and planning to continue baking but now using all the advise you have given in your videos which I highly appreciate. I am a big fan of yours and thank you for all you share! Do you think you could make a video on how to get started with your baking business in a new place and when you are not a newbie anymore as a cake decorator? like what to do and from where to start? thanks a lot!!
I've never started a business in a new place, so I'm not sure what to recommend. Here is a video I made with some tips though. Good luck in FLA! ruclips.net/video/CUd87rD82zo/видео.html
No u did great u explain everything very well.n yes people be saying that my cakes are to expensive they don't understand how hard u work when putting detail on there cakes
Exactly! I've had friends text me "I don't know how you do this" after trying to make a cake. People really can't appreciate what goes into it until they try!
You're welcome Debbie! I get them at a local restaurant supply store. Online, you can go to sites like Webstaurant Store or Amazon. The ones I get are similar to this (in different sizes). I cut the lid off and wrap the cake in plastic. amzn.to/3eVKvJq
Omg! I’m soooo much better knowing that it’s ok, pricing can be so tricky and overwhelming. Thank you so much. Can you talk about serving ? Some people want a 100 serving cake but on a two tear cake😳 🤔 I’m like really?
Lol, I was just asked the opposite. Someone asked me to make a three tiered cake at 12 servings. Hmmmm cupcake, large cupcake on jumbo cupcake? 🤔Lol. I politely told the lady that it’s not doable for 12 servings… of course I offered suggestions … funny how extreme from one end to the other here lol
I actually had a cake customer who worked for a lawyer so she got me an appointment with him and he did it for me. So you can find a lawyer in your area who does that and he / she can draw up the paperwork for you! I'm not sure how much it would cost now, but when I did it, I paid the lawyer in free cakes LOL
❤❤ it is very hard specially family and friends. I’m in the Miami area and it’s horrible. They wanna pay you nothing and they rather go to somebody else that’s my experience I know everything I do is pretty good. I used to work in the hotel people weird
Hi I made the frosting using the Walmart shortening last night for my cupcakes I like the firmness and hope it holds up better to the elements if they are going to be outside this weekend. And for traveling. All butter tends to get a little soft. 💁🏻♀️. Thanks for the video.
Awesome info, how do you price a cake when people bring you a picture? Like wedding cakes? I find it hard to estimate. Thank you, love love your videos. I follow you in IG , by the way Dam girl love your GUNS!! 💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you! I pick things up and put them down LOL You have to really break down the design and think about how long it will take you to do the design. Sometimes cakes look simple, but have tons of small details that really take a long time to do. So I like to sit with it for a few minutes and really figure out what I can do and how long I can estimate it will take. Does that make sense?
Thanks for this and for saying everything you've said. It does take a long time to make a cake with tons of detail! I understand EXACTLY what you're saying. I've learned my lesson and will no longer feel bad because they can't afford it, or reduce my price to accommodate someone else. Enough folks now know how my cakes taste, and the quality of my work. I HAVE a full time job. I make cakes on the side so I don't NEED the money!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that lost money in the beginning. It's definitely trial and error. Next up? Roblox! Lord help me! Lol. I will be charging accordingly. 🤗
Hi karolyn My granddaughter saw the rainbow unicorn cake and she wants me to make it, my problem is I don't know how to make the unicorn the cake was for Ykla help
Hi Karolyn, this was very insightful! I have a question dating back to your sheet cake making -- any chance you made half sheet cake 12x18 in fat daddio's 3" deep cake pan? I'm having such a hard time knowing how much batter to put in. Their reference charts say two different things (20 1/2 cups) and baking capacity chart says 29 7/8 cups. Also any tips for prepping the pan/amount of time / temp of oven for these? I plan to use 2 heating rods but I recently baked a funfetti cake using the heating rod in a 6x3" FD pan and it did not come out well - burnt edges, toothpick can out clean but when I went to level it middle wasn't done (yet the toothpick came clean!) Any help is greatly appreciated. I have to make 2 half sheets in a couple weeks and looking for tips! Thank you!!
I haven't used that size. However, I would probably fill it 1/2 way full. And I'd use heating core nails in there and wrap the outside with wet towel strips so it bakes evenly. I hope that helps!
On your cake pricing you’re right on location for pricing. In my RURAL are in Indiana people do not want to pay for the time and material. Sad I can’t make money because I love baking and decorating cakes.
Hi Karolyn. Thank you for this information. I’m in the process of reviewing my pricing. And you just touch an area I am stucked at. I discovered that my 6 inches cake per serving is almost like $6 per servings, then my 12 inches is like $4.5 per servings and I was very confused. So how do I go from here. Oh I’m in New York so everything is expensive. 😂
When you do figure your prices, do you figure the amount of time it will take and have an hourly rate that you basically use (plus ingredients of course)? Or do you charge specific prices for things like fondant work and edible images? Not sure how to ask this clearly...lol!! I am having trouble with figuring how much to charge when adding something like fondant details to my buttercream cakes.
I don't have specific prices for certain decorations. I really try to figure out how long it will take me to make what they want, and then add the costs of ingredients and supplies. It's trial and error. I've done 4 tiered simple cakes that have cost less than 2 tiered detailed cakes. For me, the decorations take the longest to do!
@@KarolynsKakes Thank you for answering!! I love your personality and your videos. Tons of down to earth, useful info without being a monotone (LOL) robot. This is information that people look for and are never able to find!! Keep up the great work!!
I so totally get what you are saying! I love decorating cakes and My husband would tell me you just spent call that time and that’s all your going to charge ☹️ 🙃
When having to tell someone who is expecting you to drop you rate because they can't afford it, simply say "I am sorry, I understand your on a budget. But if my prices are not within the budget, maybe you can look into other options?" Then follow up with a cake that you can make with in their budget, and or suggest a local big store bakery like Walmart or Brokshires. You don't have to be ugly or mean about it. Just explain they may be able to accommodate the budget. Calling a At Home Baker, or even a Bakery, where Cakes is the specialty, you expect to pay for the Talent, not just the Quantity. I don't do 4" 4 layer cakes because I can't fathom frosting such a tiny thing without messing it up. So I can see paying $20-30 for one with even the minimal decorations. (I live in TX where if your paying $$$'s for a cake you are looking at 4 tier multiple sections kind of cake.
Could you somehow help us starters and do a set pricing chart as an example? Your videos are the best at explaining but I feel like this helps me get an idea but I’m still so stinking confused.
I want to be sure I’m being fair to everyone and charging about the same for similar cakes yet I want to be fair to myself and make sure I’m not under pricing.. like I’ve got 5 future orders and 3 past orders and I feel like my past orders I’m barely making anything but idk if I’m just being greedy or what!
You should be making a profit! If you're spending hours making a cake, you shouldn't be barely making any money. The people who are ordering those cakes wouldn't work for barely anything, so you shouldn't either. You deserve to be compensated for your work! I don't have a pricing chart. But you can decide how much you want to make per hour after you subtract cost of ingredients and supplies. And use that as a guide for what to charge.
Thank you...this really helped me a lot. Do you have any advice for using a website for taking orders. Right now I’m using Facebook messenger & it’s like pulling teeth to get a complete order from some customers. Any advice is much appreciated. TIA
I have an order form on my website, which gets emailed directly to me. Most of my orders come from direct email, Facebook and Instagram. And there is A LOT of back and forth with people to get all of the information needed. You can see my order form on KarolynsKakes.com. It has some required info and some additional info boxes that people can fill out. I hope that helps!
It's also a much more complex industry than for example, the lash (beauty industry) or nail industry.. Where you can price for something specific. I have had people ask me how much does a cake cost? 🤷♀️🤦♀️
Can anyone help me to charge for a cake that feeds 40 people with fondant flowers on top is a vanilla cake and pineapple and coconut filling how much should I charge???
It's difficult for us to just tell you a price. A lot has to be taken into consideration (as mentioned in this video.) How much were the ingredients? How long do you think it will take to make it? Are the flowers basic flowers or detailed ones that will take 2 or more hours to make each one? How many tiers are you doing? Are there other decorations on there or just some flowers? Ask yourself all of those questions and see if that helps. :)
@@KarolynsKakes I guess I'm still confused..like per serving plus your time and supplies ...im working on my first cake for a customer and I never wanna again some much time and I only charge 100.00
Came here because I am charging a lady 80$ for a 3 tier 8 inch round with a 2D fondant grinch face and hat on the face of the cake and now I'm feeling like she won't choose me and maybe I charged too much..... it's hard to figure out prices!!!
I personally don't think that's too much! Think about how much time that is going to take you and the cost of ingredients and supplies. You want to make sure it's worth your time.
Thank you so much for the info. very much apperciated oh and Jesus is returning soon so repent from your wicked ways and accept the gospel and love of Jesus Christ (if you haven't already) have a blessed day
Karolyn, you are the definition of community and not competition. The way you openly share your tips and tricks and everything basically helps us all out so much. I have been baking for others since January and i follow your cookbook recipes and my cakes have always been so good and people have always been so pleased. Thank you for all you do!!
Thank you honey! This makes me so happy! 💜🙏
Your descriptions of why you price your cakes are perfect...NO need to apologize and give lots of explanations...Lady, your time (and yourself) are valuable...remember to stand your ground...and I liked the way you wrapped the pound cake...very wise method...the only things you owe the customer are these: your honesty, a high quality of cake (or chocolate chip cookies), and prompt delivery...what you do NOT owe a customer is haggling over price(s) of services...as you maintain your standards for pricing, service, and quality...you will continue to be a success!...there's a reason why in all aspects of life...we all must "maintain boundaries."...needless apologizing and needless explanation only weakens your case and your business...a pleasure to watch your videos...Happy Holidays to you!
This is great! I totally agree. Boundaries are important. You shouldn't let other people tell you how to run your business. Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!
Well said 👏 👌 👏
This is all wonderful information! I totally understand what you mean when you talk about pricing for smaller cakes vs. larger cakes. I’ve been keeping a journal of my cake designs, the number of hours they took and the amount I charged for them. That’s been very helpful for quoting future cakes!
I recently had to practice boundaries when a family member tried to extend my “family discount” to her friend... I had to politely decline after said family member told me that her friend had a $100 budget. Knowing that I average 10-12 hours on a cake, I just couldn’t do it. Additionally, I didn’t feel comfortable recommending a fellow baker to work so cheaply.
The journal is a great idea! And I think that people who never made a cake really don't understand everything that goes into it. If people come to me with a very low budget, I politely recommend Sam's Club or something along those lines lol
I love the journey idea.. I’ll implement that into my business .. Thanks
Love the video. I low balled myself several times just to make people happy. And I end up mad with myself because I knew it was great work. So thank you for letting me know that I should stand firm on my pricing. My time, efforts and ingredients cost. Thank you kindly and Blessings from California.
Well said! Stick to your guns. Some people won't order because of price (it happens to me all the time). But that's okay! There will always be other orders. 😊
We should not need to look for the right words on explaining why we charge what we do for a cake but I guess there are people that think of cost of living only when they get their own weekly pay check. But they forget of others having the rights of making a living or they don’t care. You explained the process of cake charging to perfection. 🤗Do we need to send a detailed explanation on why we charged what we do in every receipt? Some people are ridiculous. 😣Love your videos an your personality so much. Thanks for sharing🙏🏻🥰 Sorry for my writing,English is not language.💓
Thank you honey! I understand people wanting to get a discount or whatnot. But expecting people to work for pennies is just unreasonable!
I’m so happy you mention about the details. I tell people all the time that the decorations is what really determines the price!
Yes! Baking and icing aren't the time consuming parts!
You 43!!!!! Girl I need you to tell me how you keep yourself looking so young!!!! I thought you were 25-28 👏 👏👏👏….and thank you for this tutorial
Yessss, I love that movie, ‘FRIDAY!’😂You are so well rounded, intelligent, & funny!! I really learn a lot from your videos!! Thank you!!🌹
That's my bike punk!!! LOL!! That's one of my favorites! And thank you Santedra, you're so sweet!
I love you Karolyn 🥰. Your feedback is really good, explaining and entertaining at the same time, each detail through your experiences. Thank you!! From NJ
You're so sweet, thank you! Sending love back from PA!
Well said and a great explanation on how tricky pricing can be. Thanks for the heads up re minecraft cake!
I’m so happy I found your channel!
You’re so amazing! 🤗
Maria! Thank you girl!!💜🙏
Thank you for the valuable information you give us,really you are the best.
Liliana, you're the sweetest!! 💜🙏
I’m so glad I found your Chanel , someone sent me a cake that u did and I tried to replicate what I could . I watch u all the time now, I’m still learning and been baking for about a year now. I’m def under priced for everything I do, so this video is very helpful.
I live right outside of Philly too in de county if you ever start classes I’ll def be there.
Hi Ann Marie! I'm so happy that my videos are helpful to you! I still underprice cakes every now and then. It's a constant learning curve!
I love how natural your videos are. You funny and I enjoy watching your videos😍🤣
Thank you Martha! Did I already thank you for thinking I'm funny? I appreciate when people say that because I crack myself up! LOL
Hi Karolyn! I’m new to your channel and thank God I discovered it! I understand what you’re trying to say about pricing and I also experienced losses when I was starting. I learned a lot from you and Thanks to you, I will stand firm on my pricing coz you’re right, it really depends on your skills and the time consumed while making it. Thanks for sharing your tips! 😊
It is hard to be firm at first. But it gets easier! You'll be much happier when you're making the cakes you want to make at the price you want to charge!
I love youuuuu! Your personality EVERYTHING YOURE THE BEST! Thank you!!
Awwww you're the cutest, thank you! Love you back! 💜
When I was working full time and operating my business, staying up half the night to bake and decorate I never got the hang of this concept. Many of my customers came from work contacts and they expected a great product for box store prices. You are successful because you are confident in the value of your time and talent.
Thank you! Yes, you have to be confident when you charge what you want. You must believe you are worthy of that price. It happens all the time. We spend more for handbags because we can see the quality and value in them. You gotta do that for yourself!
Carolyn .. big smile 😊!! Lol ya crazy and funny in the laugh.. lol.. but you and the spider did a great job! Good info.. thkx
I still haven't found that spider LOL!!
Thank you for this video. Don't we all rumble tho. Anyhow, when I first started 10+ years ago i was asked to make a barbie cake I don't know back then how to price a cake. Now because i was just starting its taking me awhile to figure out how to make things easier and quicker. I think i charge her $75 but she end up paying me $50 aud. It's because were "friends" apparently haha. After that I don't have friends anymore. I almost did not continue making cakes but im still here.
So thankful for your videos. Learning a lot and actually having fun with my cakes.
The friends thing is challenging! What I prefer to do now is offer friends free cupcakes or a less expensive simple design, maybe with edible images. Fondant decorated cake will be charged at full price.
I’ve said this before, I truly love your videos! Thank you so much for all the great info and advice, I remember asking you a while ago about how you price your cakes (it’s still my #1 struggle)
And p.s. totally agree with you on the Minecraft squares, what a pain they are lol
This was for you! Sorry it took so long, with videos like this, I have to plan them out in advance and wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything.
And F Minecraft! LMAO
@@KarolynsKakes thank you again!!
I am from uk and I love love love your videos, thank you so much for taking the time to do them xx
Awww thank you my dear, I appreciate you!
Hi just found your channel so i am working my way through all your videos i have found them all very informative and help full i live in the UK so something i have had to work out or change, but really enjoying them, please keep them coming.
Thank you Helen, I'm so glad you like them and I'm able to help you out! 🙏
Thank you. ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS are very, very helpful. You are so selfless to be doing this. You are awesome!!
Sherri! You're welcome, I appreciate that! 😊🙏
Hi Karoline!!!, I'm so happy to find your chanel, you are awesome, I'm learning a lot from you.
You are spot on with this video but unfortunately the customer does not understand the cost of ingredients or the work that goes into making cakes. It's a struggle we will always face. You are getting your message across, for anyone who has made cakes! Thanks. Xxx
You're right, people don't understand...until they try to make one themselves and then they come to me and say "OH MY GOD...I didn't realize how hard it was!"
But stick to your guns and don't lower your price. It's better to direct someone to a grocery store than to lose money or break even on making it yourself!
Gosh I just love ❤️ how u explain stuff… thank u I always go back and forth with pricing in my mind…. Thank u sooooooo much you’re so so gooooood such a blessing to me..
Vee! I'm so happy I'm able to help you out! Pricing is tricky. Sometimes you get it right and other times you get it really wrong and end up crying while you're making a cake that you didn't think would take 8 hours 🤣🤣 But you learn for the next time! 💜🙏
@@KarolynsKakes lolllll thank u !!
Thanks Karolyn for this 🎉
Another great video! Thanks so much for your insight and experience!
Thank you for your great honest advice. You are very helpful. With sincere gratitude 🙏
I appreciate that Anna! 💜🙏
I was literally thinking about needing to work on this an hour ago. Thanks!
you did a great job explaining what you were trying to share. and I know exactly what you mean about those Mindcraft cakes...UUGGGG! I've had one of those also! Your phrasing of a few things also helped me with some of the wording I want to add to my own website that I'm trying to get up and going so THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Seriously eff Minecraft! 😂😂 And I'm so happy I was able to help you! 😊🙏
Hi, I’m just starting my bundt cakes business and wonder how much would you charge for a 12” bundt with no frosting; kind of like a pound cake?.? Thank you! 😊 I’m learning so much from all your videos ❤! You, totally, ROCK!!! Thank you so much!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Hi love! I actually do sell bundt cakes, they are $30 for a half and $50 for a whole. But that's with glaze. So you can adjust accordingly!
I think you explained the cost per serving with smaller cakes vs bigger cakes perfectly!!
People definitely try to make you feel bad. But those are not our customers. And that's ok. That was a hard lesson for me to learn.
I do have a question. I make about 5-7 cakes a week varying from simple buttercream to 3 tier all the fondant details. I'm working on all of them together through the week. Like batch baking and for instance making all the red fondant details at once. How can I determine how long it takes to make a cake? I definitely think I am undercharging. 🤦♀️
I feel you on this one! That is the number one question I get from customers, how long does it take you to make this? It is difficult to tell because you don’t do one cake start to finish, especially when you are working on so many others. What I do is really pay attention to how long it takes just to decorate the cake. And then figure in another hour for baking and an hour for filling and icing. To this day, there are cakes that I still under charge and I wanna smack myself as I’m making it. 😂 It’s definitely a learning process that you will constantly be going through!
I appreciate all the tips you give
Thank you!! Awesome information
Been there with the lessons learned the hard way...
Unfortunately we learn more from our mistakes! But at least we know what not to do in the future.
I've I'm watching again & I'm cracking up for real BUT so true!
this is awesome advise and info! I was a Wilton method instructor at Joanns fabrics in Fairless Hills PA for a few years back in 2013. I live in Newtown and used to make cakes from home for friends and family and going through what a newbie in this industry go through lol. Now I am moving to Fl and planning to continue baking but now using all the advise you have given in your videos which I highly appreciate. I am a big fan of yours and thank you for all you share! Do you think you could make a video on how to get started with your baking business in a new place and when you are not a newbie anymore as a cake decorator? like what to do and from where to start? thanks a lot!!
I've never started a business in a new place, so I'm not sure what to recommend.
Here is a video I made with some tips though. Good luck in FLA!
ruclips.net/video/CUd87rD82zo/видео.html
@@KarolynsKakes thank you Karolyn!
LMAOOOO “anyone watch Friday” ! YES GIRL! I love this channel
And you know thisssssss!!!!! LOL!
Preach!!! You told the truth!! Thank you so much!
No u did great u explain everything very well.n yes people be saying that my cakes are to expensive they don't understand how hard u work when putting detail on there cakes
Exactly! I've had friends text me "I don't know how you do this" after trying to make a cake. People really can't appreciate what goes into it until they try!
Thank you! It helped me! Where do you buy your boxes!
You're welcome Debbie! I get them at a local restaurant supply store. Online, you can go to sites like Webstaurant Store or Amazon. The ones I get are similar to this (in different sizes). I cut the lid off and wrap the cake in plastic.
amzn.to/3eVKvJq
Omg! I’m soooo much better knowing that it’s ok, pricing can be so tricky and overwhelming. Thank you so much. Can you talk about serving ? Some people want a 100 serving cake but on a two tear cake😳 🤔 I’m like really?
Dude. That is going to be in my video I post on Dec 8th! You read my mind LOL
Awesome! Can’t wait! 🤗
Lol, I was just asked the opposite. Someone asked me to make a three tiered cake at 12 servings. Hmmmm cupcake, large cupcake on jumbo cupcake? 🤔Lol. I politely told the lady that it’s not doable for 12 servings… of course I offered suggestions … funny how extreme from one end to the other here lol
Great video content! What steps did you take to get your LLC? I live in Washington DC.
I actually had a cake customer who worked for a lawyer so she got me an appointment with him and he did it for me. So you can find a lawyer in your area who does that and he / she can draw up the paperwork for you! I'm not sure how much it would cost now, but when I did it, I paid the lawyer in free cakes LOL
@@KarolynsKakes Okay Thank you for this information.
❤❤ it is very hard specially family and friends. I’m in the Miami area and it’s horrible. They wanna pay you nothing and they rather go to somebody else that’s my experience I know everything I do is pretty good. I used to work in the hotel people weird
Thanks. Yes this helps. What about cupcakes. I use my favorite bake shop as a price guide.
I really don't like to make decorated cupcakes. I'll do plain ones or simple decorations. So those are priced per dozen.
Hi I made the frosting using the Walmart shortening last night for my cupcakes I like the firmness and hope it holds up better to the elements if they are going to be outside this weekend. And for traveling. All butter tends to get a little soft. 💁🏻♀️. Thanks for the video.
@@KarolynsKakes how much do you charge for a dozen?The simple ones☺️
I love your channel 💕
Thank you so much!!
It depends on the design and detail.
Awesome info, how do you price a cake when people bring you a picture? Like wedding cakes? I find it hard to estimate. Thank you, love love your videos. I follow you in IG , by the way Dam girl love your GUNS!! 💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you! I pick things up and put them down LOL
You have to really break down the design and think about how long it will take you to do the design. Sometimes cakes look simple, but have tons of small details that really take a long time to do. So I like to sit with it for a few minutes and really figure out what I can do and how long I can estimate it will take. Does that make sense?
Thanks for this and for saying everything you've said. It does take a long time to make a cake with tons of detail! I understand EXACTLY what you're saying. I've learned my lesson and will no longer feel bad because they can't afford it, or reduce my price to accommodate someone else. Enough folks now know how my cakes taste, and the quality of my work. I HAVE a full time job. I make cakes on the side so I don't NEED the money!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that lost money in the beginning. It's definitely trial and error. Next up? Roblox! Lord help me! Lol. I will be charging accordingly. 🤗
I think it's all something that we go through. But once you set the boundaries, people will respect them. :)
I love your videos 💕😊
Awwww thanks boo!!
Hi karolyn My granddaughter saw the rainbow unicorn cake and she wants me to make it, my problem is I don't know how to make the unicorn the cake was for Ykla help
Hi Karolyn, this was very insightful! I have a question dating back to your sheet cake making -- any chance you made half sheet cake 12x18 in fat daddio's 3" deep cake pan? I'm having such a hard time knowing how much batter to put in. Their reference charts say two different things (20 1/2 cups) and baking capacity chart says 29 7/8 cups. Also any tips for prepping the pan/amount of time / temp of oven for these? I plan to use 2 heating rods but I recently baked a funfetti cake using the heating rod in a 6x3" FD pan and it did not come out well - burnt edges, toothpick can out clean but when I went to level it middle wasn't done (yet the toothpick came clean!) Any help is greatly appreciated. I have to make 2 half sheets in a couple weeks and looking for tips! Thank you!!
I haven't used that size. However, I would probably fill it 1/2 way full. And I'd use heating core nails in there and wrap the outside with wet towel strips so it bakes evenly. I hope that helps!
On your cake pricing you’re right on location for pricing. In my RURAL are in Indiana people do not want to pay for the time and material. Sad I can’t make money because I love baking and decorating cakes.
Yeah it must be tough when you're in an area like that. I'm sorry to hear that!
Hi Karolyn. Thank you for this information. I’m in the process of reviewing my pricing. And you just touch an area I am stucked at. I discovered that my 6 inches cake per serving is almost like $6 per servings, then my 12 inches is like $4.5 per servings and I was very confused. So how do I go from here. Oh I’m in New York so everything is expensive. 😂
As my cakes get bigger, they get cheaper per-serving. It’s like when you buy in bulk at Costco, it’s cheaper. So there’s nothing wrong with that!
@@KarolynsKakes thank you Karolyn. So I’m going to put my price per serving is btw- let’s say $4-6 per serving. Does that sound right?
Great information people don't understand how much time it take to do a cake
Right?! They really don't get it until they try to make one themselves haha
When you do figure your prices, do you figure the amount of time it will take and have an hourly rate that you basically use (plus ingredients of course)? Or do you charge specific prices for things like fondant work and edible images? Not sure how to ask this clearly...lol!! I am having trouble with figuring how much to charge when adding something like fondant details to my buttercream cakes.
I don't have specific prices for certain decorations. I really try to figure out how long it will take me to make what they want, and then add the costs of ingredients and supplies. It's trial and error. I've done 4 tiered simple cakes that have cost less than 2 tiered detailed cakes. For me, the decorations take the longest to do!
@@KarolynsKakes Thank you for answering!! I love your personality and your videos. Tons of down to earth, useful info without being a monotone (LOL) robot. This is information that people look for and are never able to find!! Keep up the great work!!
I so totally get what you are saying! I love decorating cakes and My husband would tell me you just spent call that time and that’s all your going to charge ☹️ 🙃
YUP!! He's right! Don't be afraid to charge to make it worth your time. You deserve to be fairly compensated!
When having to tell someone who is expecting you to drop you rate because they can't afford it, simply say
"I am sorry, I understand your on a budget. But if my prices are not within the budget, maybe you can look into other options?" Then follow up with a cake that you can make with in their budget, and or suggest a local big store bakery like Walmart or Brokshires. You don't have to be ugly or mean about it. Just explain they may be able to accommodate the budget.
Calling a At Home Baker, or even a Bakery, where Cakes is the specialty, you expect to pay for the Talent, not just the Quantity. I don't do 4" 4 layer cakes because I can't fathom frosting such a tiny thing without messing it up. So I can see paying $20-30 for one with even the minimal decorations. (I live in TX where if your paying $$$'s for a cake you are looking at 4 tier multiple sections kind of cake.
Yes! Never make someone feel bad for not being able to afford it. Giving options is the best way to help!
Could you somehow help us starters and do a set pricing chart as an example? Your videos are the best at explaining but I feel like this helps me get an idea but I’m still so stinking confused.
I want to be sure I’m being fair to everyone and charging about the same for similar cakes yet I want to be fair to myself and make sure I’m not under pricing.. like I’ve got 5 future orders and 3 past orders and I feel like my past orders I’m barely making anything but idk if I’m just being greedy or what!
You should be making a profit! If you're spending hours making a cake, you shouldn't be barely making any money. The people who are ordering those cakes wouldn't work for barely anything, so you shouldn't either. You deserve to be compensated for your work! I don't have a pricing chart. But you can decide how much you want to make per hour after you subtract cost of ingredients and supplies. And use that as a guide for what to charge.
Thank you...this really helped me a lot. Do you have any advice for using a website for taking orders. Right now I’m using Facebook messenger & it’s like pulling teeth to get a complete order from some customers. Any advice is much appreciated. TIA
I have an order form on my website, which gets emailed directly to me. Most of my orders come from direct email, Facebook and Instagram. And there is A LOT of back and forth with people to get all of the information needed. You can see my order form on KarolynsKakes.com. It has some required info and some additional info boxes that people can fill out. I hope that helps!
It's also a much more complex industry than for example, the lash (beauty industry) or nail industry.. Where you can price for something specific. I have had people ask me how much does a cake cost? 🤷♀️🤦♀️
OMG I get that all the time too! I wanna be like...5 million dollars LOL
Can anyone help me to charge for a cake that feeds 40 people with fondant flowers on top is a vanilla cake and pineapple and coconut filling how much should I charge???
It's difficult for us to just tell you a price. A lot has to be taken into consideration (as mentioned in this video.) How much were the ingredients? How long do you think it will take to make it? Are the flowers basic flowers or detailed ones that will take 2 or more hours to make each one? How many tiers are you doing? Are there other decorations on there or just some flowers? Ask yourself all of those questions and see if that helps. :)
I know that Minecraft cake sucked.........all those boxes.......and the detakl in those.....bless your heart
Still have nightmares! 😂😂😂
Do you charge per serving and for your time as well
Yes, I charge per serving. The size and the detail of the kake determine the price. And I have a minimum order as well. :)
@@KarolynsKakes I guess I'm still confused..like per serving plus your time and supplies ...im working on my first cake for a customer and I never wanna again some much time and I only charge 100.00
How can I send you pics of my work ?
You can email me at KakeAcademy@gmail.com! I may not be able to reply right away, but I will check them out ASAP. I can't wait to see!!
I believe 100% profit is good.
Came here because I am charging a lady 80$ for a 3 tier 8 inch round with a 2D fondant grinch face and hat on the face of the cake and now I'm feeling like she won't choose me and maybe I charged too much..... it's hard to figure out prices!!!
I personally don't think that's too much! Think about how much time that is going to take you and the cost of ingredients and supplies. You want to make sure it's worth your time.
I made a Minecraft cake today. lol. I didn’t know would take me time. I undercharged it.
I think we all undercharge for Minecraft at first!😂
Did the spider eventually leave🤣
Probably not! LOL!!
People also have NO IDEA how much work goes into planning the cakes before you even start.
Seriously!! So much goes into it before you even start baking!
Thank you so much for the info. very much apperciated oh and Jesus is returning soon so repent from your wicked ways and accept the gospel and love of Jesus Christ (if you haven't already) have a blessed day
Another thing how do I know how many slices in a cake ?... Gosh poor me …lol
This video helps explain it!
ruclips.net/video/KiX9tQP9im8/видео.html
@@KarolynsKakes thank you 🙏 you’re such a great help.
I’m so happy I found your channel!
You’re so amazing! 🤗