ALL CAKES AREN'T CREATED EQUAL!

Do you have customers who expect grocery store prices for your custom cakes? It happens all the time! In this video, I want to address this issue that cake decorators frequently encounter. I will explain the differences and let you know why custom cakes cost more!
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Karolyn’s Kakes provides cake decorating tutorials and tips to help you make amazing cakes.
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[@vpardo53]

Every cake decorators needs to share this video on their social media pages! Also the cakes taste a lot better!!!

[@maggieburris1081]

Skilled labor isn’t cheap and cheap labor isn’t skilled. I had a cake order this past weekend and this was an issue. She wanted a cake for cheap, didn’t expect the price to be as high as the quote. We talked, she understood. We changed the design a bit, she loved her cake and already ordered another for May.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I think it's important for us to educate people because a lot of people don't understand. For some reason, they can see why a motel costs less than an all-inclusive resort, but don't get it when it comes to cakes!

[@ninibren]

I would change one thing in your video. Sams Club frosting is not buttercream. It’s some chemical and shortening stuff that comes in a bucket. 😂 Like you have said before, some customers will get it and some won’t. I posted this on my facebook page. Thank you for making this. ❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

I totally forgot to mention the quality of ingredients! Love you girl!

[@tacocat8137]

I've worked at multiple grocery stores. The cakes are baked at a separate location and shipped in frozen. The frosting comes out of a bucket with a 6 month shelf life. Because of the volume of cakes I was expected to do per day, I only had 15-20 minutes to spend on each cake.

[@joannevargas9638]

I get that!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you so much for letting us know how it is!

[@MultiGemgirl]

ok that makes sense

[@Naomi_NaeNae]

It irritates me when people expects us to make a custom cake that takes a full day AT LEAST to complete and price it at supermarket prices. Sorry but no.. you go stand in a kitchen for that long and create art and sell it for supermarket prices. If I come across anyone that is judging the price or asks for it cheaper I will instantly say “sorry I can’t do the cake for you”. I will not put my time, love and care into a cake when a person doesn’t value my time and effort. If they wanna talk about supermarket prices then they can go get that supermarket cake but the quality will be low just like the price.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly! I just let people know that with their budget, they may want to check out Shop Rite or Sam's Club!

[@Naomi_NaeNae]

@@KarolynsKakes exactly! They wouldn’t work endless hours plus pay for everything you need for pennies and lose out.. so why do they think it’s acceptable to ask someone else to do that.

[@tiahnarodriguez3809]

I used to work at a bakery, and one day a lady came in expecting this very detailed cake for grocery store price. When I told her the price of the cake she wanted she got upset, and said she could find much cheaper at Walmart. I told her to have a good day, and my co-workers and I all had a good laugh at how silly the whole thing was.

[@Naomi_NaeNae]

@@tiahnarodriguez3809 I bet she got it cheaper too.. but certainly didn’t get the cake she dreamed about 😂 They must think we are hurt or would regret not saying yes to them thinking we lost out on money but in reality if we took on the cake we would be losing out on time and money. These people are laughable.

[@Childfree334]

Another thing the store bakers shared with me is that just because someone orders a cake does not mean they will pick it up and pay for it. I had to cancel my nephew's birthday cake because his stepmother had already ordered him a special basketball cake for his party. When I called to cancel my cake, the staff was so grateful and thanked me profusely for not wasting their time and money baking a cake I was not going to need. They said they have a lot of waste from people not having the courtesy to cancel. You are a smart and savvy business woman to have your cakes paid in full in advance of you expending your labor to make them. That is a rule grocery stores need to adopt.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's insane that they don't at least collect some kind of payment in advance because there's no commitment. I don't trust anyone on their word!

[@doloresjonusas866]

I couldn't agree with you more... I love it when someone calls me and the first thing out of their mouths is "I'm having a small gathering!"- translation - I'm looking for a cheap cake. When you ask what they have in mind, they send you a picture of a 3-tier cake with all the bells and whistles. When you give them a quote based on the picture they sent, they either don't call you back, or they tell you that's way off their $100 budget... So, I usually have a smaller, less labor intensive cake option ready. I also love it when they balk at doctored up cakes without knowing that most bakeries use cake mixes... It's not easy being a cake decorator - thank goodness for the fact that we love what we do in spite of it all!

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's smart to have options! And I like being transparent about using doctored mix recipes. Be proud of it!

[@laurazeller2014]

Definitely happens to me all the time! I give each customer and breakdown of cost from the spreadsheet I have. And then, I tell them how much I charge per hour.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Love that!

[@joannevargas9638]

Yes, as a former grocery store cake decorator, you have to work fast and make MANY cakes during your shift. In some stores you stop your decorating to help customers, as well. You work as fast as possible yet, do your best for the order. Whew!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'm loving these replies from grocery store decorators! Thank you for sharing this!

[@deborahpruitt2796]

Thank you for this! We as bakers have to not let people devalue our skill

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!

[@jessicastephens1761]

I have worked in restaurants since I have been 16. Most people outside the industry do not appreciate a lot of the work that goes into cooking or baking food for everyone day in and day out. One problem I think is people have gotten use to convince products that make things cheaper and so they expect this with other food. Then thw other part of it is they don't understand the time and skill that goes into the food and cakes to make them . I completely understand your frustration of that people want cakes for cheap. I love watching your videos and I find them very helpful. I am using your method of freezing and thawing cakes to make my daughter's birthday cake. Also I will probably be looking at your icing videos again for reference when finishing her cake.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I feel like it's common sense, how can they not realize that anything custom will cost more than something that's mass-produced?! It's so frustrating! And I'm so glad my content is helping you 😊🙏

[@maibycruz4783]

I have seen people post cakes they want from the Walmart website with the Walmart price posted on Facebook and expect us to make said cake for that price. Then they will post…who can make me this cake for tomorrow? No one 🤷‍♀️ Is crazy 😮

[@pavang348]

Yes!! I agree! I know I had a harder time not wanting to charge. I would make the cake along with all the other desserts like macarons, cheesecake cups, cookies etc. That was many hours of work. My sister and brother convinced me to start charging. It really is very time consuming to do custom desserts. Thank you for this video. I like when you share your stories and advices!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Custom desserts take a LONG time to make! I've stopped offering the cake as a gift to friends / family. It's HOURS of work and I'd much rather buy a gift than spend all that time. Now, I'll offer free cupcakes or a pound cake. Much easier!

[@victoriamalthaner7123]

Well put!! I made a 3 tier with a rotating hand painted carousel topper, for my besties baby shower...I've had customers ask for the exact same cake and was shocked at the price I gave them (much less than what I should charge), replying back, "that's to much, I thought it would be around $100" 😂 the cake took me over 3 days to make!! I wish I could sometimes say back, "If it were that easy and cheap to make, then maybe you shouldn't be calling a cake artist to make it for you!"

[@KarolynsKakes]

And, not to mention that, these people would NEVER work for 3 days at their job for $100!! How do they not understand this?!

[@lorrainehicks9172]

I hate when friends and family want this great cake made but don't want to pay or give you 20 bucks for your time. I know I was under charging for my cake when I started watching Utube. You always give b e the best advice. So Philly girl when are you going to have me over to bake cakes lol 😂. Thank you for sharing and keep on caking 💜

[@KarolynsKakes]

I think we all are tired of it and have no qualms about telling them to make it themselves! 😂😂 Love youuuuu!

[@sarahlamas9238]

Yessssss!!! Preach sista lol... people can be soooo ridiculous. Thank you for this.

[@naleniamarnath292]

Thank you for this video. It speaks volumes. I have had such issues before. I always tell customers to shop around and get the best deal. There is absolutely no pressure to order a cake from me!😊👍🏽

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! It's not worth the stress, send them elsewhere!

[@louiselemon9717]

Karolyn great subject! I totally agree with everything you said. Also, your pricing that you share is good information to know but also your disclaimer, “Prices may differ in your area”. That statement is so true! However, you have to know your worth in the work you do and be okay with what you charge to make a profit. After all it’s a business. Thanks Karolyn!❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! We all deserve to make a profit on our work. No one wants to work for free!

[@sharonmaher6208]

Everything you said is so true, but also nor only is the cake designer made it also tastes amazing , you have to pay for quality, and that's what you are in all you do. Just love watching all your videos, you not only speak the truth, you bake and decorate to the highest standards. 😊😊

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's a great point that I forgot to mention, so thank you for saying it for me!

[@Cakegirl485]

You forgot to mention how our cakes taste better. I use premium chocolates and expensive vanillas cake flower, mass produced cakes are the generic cereal of cakes.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!🎉

[@Mairiain]

I started out at a grocery store and then worked at Sam's Club for a few months. At Sam's and at some stores, they cannot do the same designs as cake decorators because they can only do designs that are in the book due to copyright. So that's another reason why it's cheaper at a grocery store or Sam's Club/Costco.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Great point!

[@8702shelly]

Yes!!! I get tired of customers wanting an elaborate 2 tier cake for 40.00. They say it looks easy ugh then why don't they make it if it's that easy lol

[@KarolynsKakes]

THIS!! Seriously!

[@kimgaddatmakeitsweetyeg5820]

Only industry I’m seeing prices go DOWN as inflation skyrockets. Keep seeing people write ‘what’s a fair price’? Fair for who? Certainly not the baker! Can you imagine Tesla posting ‘what’s a fair price?’

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG great point!!

[@sweetmimisestscha]

Karolyn agreed!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-nt9so2gl8s]

I did custom decorating for many years....its like the customer who wanted Priscilla curtains which took yards and yards of fabric. She couldn't understand why "home made" ( a custom drapery house) costs SO MUCH more than ready made from JC Penny! If your customer doesn't understand quality, move on 😂😂😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's insane that it happens across all industries. If you go to a professional, you're not only paying for the product, but the skill and experience!

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

There's also something to be said about us bakers taking on the "mental load" of the cake. The customer orders and doesn't have to give it another thought. They have put all the "cake stress" onto our plate. 😉

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!

[@darlinmartinez528]

Silly questions, how much would you sell a vanilla cupcake vs a carrot cupcake

[@kkh6035]

100% I worked in grocery store bakery's and our cakes come in frozen (mass produced by a machine not that I don't think they are tasty but they are not made by the decorator standing there ) and the icing is usually mass produced and sent in boxes. the cake kits are bought and brought in plastic bags that we as decorators just rip open the bag and place on a cake. Most designs are not custom other then maybe colour you just do as the picture is and put a written happy birthday on it or a plastic sign. we had 30 or 40 cakes to do in one morning before making everything for the showcase. and we really don't care if there is some air bubbles in the cake or not totally smooth cause we have so many to do in a short time frame and you get what you pay for. they are selling on quantity not quality. Now when I bake at home. it is hours and I do care if my icing has bubbles and if the top of the cake is smooth and flat. I do not open a bag to decorate your cake I make figures out of modeling chocolate or fondant and the product first cause more and is WAYYYYY more beautiful. I live in the middle of no where and people here do not have a ton of money so I do not sell a lot of my cakes however when I do and someone asks for a special cake the first thing I tell them is I CAN NOT NOR WILL I MAKE A CAKE FOR THE SAME PRICE AS THE GROCERY STORE if they say oh I know but I want something special I carry on. If they are like???? I am like sorry I can not help you. As usual Karolyn your cakes are beautiful and you are so very talented. Thank you for showing all of us that even someone as accomplished as you run into the same problems. Wishing you even more success. Have a great day!!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I just screen shot this so I can refer to it in the future! I like hearing stories from people who have decorated in discount bakeries like that. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@Childfree334]

Oh please Karolyn. Your kakes make those Sam's Club cakes look like they were baked in a kindergarten class with an easy bake oven. My eyesight is not that great, but even I can see the flaws in all those Sam's Club cakes. Yours are perfection and I guarantee the taste is also light years better than those too sweet concoctions. Children don't care about stuff like that anyway. They just love bright colors and the flavor of sugar. The people who have a problem with it just can't afford your kakes.

[@KarolynsKakes]

😂😂 Thank you!! Like I said, not every occasion warrants the need for a big beautiful cake. You're right, little kids sometimes just want to see their favorite character or their name on the cake, they could care less how it looks!

[@mariahutter7081]

So true 😊

[@dianetermini33]

I work as a cake decorator at a grocery store and I agree with you. Corporate expects us to decorate a cake in 15 minutes, and the price reflects that. But customers bring in their pictures from pinterest expecting to get a very elaborate cake done on the cheap. I have to remind them this is a grocery store, not Cake Boss.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you for this! It's interesting to know that you guys get it as well. Do you ever tell them to find a custom decorator that can do the design? I'm always referring people to the grocery store / Sam's / Costco.

[@dianetermini33]

@KarolynsKakes We try to accommodate them as much as possible, but if their heart is set on the extra tiers and elaborate fondant work I do suggest to them that they find a local bakery or decorator that can help them. Customers have to realize that if they don't want to spend a lot of money, they have to settle for what the grocery store can offer them.

[@Childfree334]

​​@@dianetermini33Exactly. I am a consumer, not a baker. I usually buy cakes from the local Publix and they have strict parameters for what they will accommodate. When customers are permitted to design a "custom" cake, the size, flavor, icing choice, and decorations offered are limited because of the price of the cake. Even the wedding cakes. You are also right that the difference in taste is unmistakable. I always know when I am eating store bought cake, even though people have tried to hide it. If I really want a custom cake built to my specs, then I will pay the money to a custom baker. Just watching Karolyn gave me a whole new respect for the labor and time that goes into these beautiful creations, and that costs more money. 😊

[@nalyetnaylet4668]

😊❤❤❤❤ it's true!

[@MultiGemgirl]

the Sam's club cakes look like they were made in 30minutes or less

[@KarolynsKakes]

I've had quite a few people who used to work for bakeries like that confirm that they had so many cakes to make during their shift and had to complete them in about 20-30 minutes so you're right!

[@DaughterofDiogenes]

This is such a topical video. I am wondering if it would be wise for me to post a video like this on my webpage. I’ve been struggling to break into wedding cakes and this year business has been terrible because everyone expects me to charge them grocery store prices. I literally spent 2 hours doing a consult, was told by the one paying that the sky was the limit. She kept egging the couple on to add more and more to the cake and when I sent her the invoice which was already heavily discounted, she wanted me to do it for less than $4 a slice. A 3 tiered wedding cake for 200 people with full marbled fondant and a bouquet of custom edible orchids and she was shocked that I charged $8 a slice. When I explained that I couldn’t come down because I was already heavily discounted, she suggested we remove all the florals from the cake. When I informed her that still wouldn’t bring the price down cuz I was basically doing the flowers for free, she apologized and said she had no idea cakes were so expensive and I haven’t heard back yet. This has happened 3 times in the last month and I just don’t know ow what to do anymore. One thing I’ve decided is to stop responding to anyone who doesn’t give me a specific dollar amount they want to spend. I just don’t know how to do it respectfully. I’m thinking of just giving up and getting a regular job if I can find one. I just don’t have the community I need to make this into a fruitful business right now.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I think it's important to educate our customers in advance and always give options. Seems like she wanted to spend around $600 - $700. So I would let her know what I would be able to do within that price range. (Smaller size, less detail, etc.) I just had someone call me because they called a local bakery and thought $350 for a cake to feed 50 was high and I told her my cakes cost even more than that! I would just tell them they may want to try a place like Sam's Club if they don't want to pay custom cake prices. A lot of people don't realize how long it takes to make a custom cake! I hope you don't give up completely. I did cakes on the side for a few years before I was able to make it my full time gig.

[@teshekarobinson4827]

Kim K cake on a Goodtimes budget

[@paulastrong7571]

These are the type of people who complain the most!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! How don't they understand that custom work costs more and takes much longer?!