How to Price Custom Cakes for Your Baking Business | Pricing Tips | Home Bakery Business Tips

Giving you tips on how to begin pricing your single tiered cakes.
I am Ashleigh from Sweet Dreams Bake Shoppe!
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[@stephaniealexus7209]

Thank you so much for this. I struggle with prices. ! I underestimate myself so much then regret it lol

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

We have ALL had cake pricing regret for sure!! 😂. You’re so welcome! Happy baking 🥰🥰

[@SherrySmith0304]

ME TOO!

[@graceturaga5616]

Imagine being one of her past customers and finally understanding why her prices were as such.... Keep the tips coming sis!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I always wonder if anyone that actually knows me or has ordered from me watches 🤔

[@goofy3oh3]

I always wondered specifically about pricing for CUSTOM orders. Having a base to work off makes alot of sense. Thank you!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You’re welcome!! 🥰

[@lexuss4258]

This helped me a lot your pricing definitely makes sense! I’ve been underpricing so bad to please everyone and try to bring in business! To where the amount that I was charging was only covering some of the ingredients and I mean not even half of them ! It’s stressful not seeing any progress in your business!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Totally. We all have this issue in the beginning I think! You want to be competitive with your pricing, but still value your work and it can be a tough balance. I hope you start to see some progress soon!

[@littlelady3895]

I am a hobby baker, a novice. I have had to tell ppl they needed to at least cover costs.... Which when I explained the cost of baking a cake, and that what you actually pay when ordering a cake is the talent, not the cake, I learned really quick, when giving that knowledge to someone who has not yet paid you anything, and still has the option to pay you what they feel your worth, and they stick to just the cost, it was more damaging to my self-esteem then not even being paid for my craft or costs. I would rather give the cake away, then for someone to act like they should not have to pay me what I am worth. I learned with the last cake, I am worth more then even I think. I made a cake, the pay didn't cover costs, when I showed the pictures to my neighbors, she miss understood what I had said ... I told her I was paid $25 for the cake. She was like wow you only paid $25 for that. I said no I made the cake and was paid $25. She first started with the wow that is a beautiful cake. She then compared my cake to one she bought a yr ago for her daughter b-day, she said that cake was $80, (was a sheet cake, like a double sized sheet cake, ad the basic shortening pipped frosting for boarders, and a editable printed picture.... That was it! Made at a grocery store bakery. She looked at me so very seriously and said, if I had bought this cake I would expect to pay every bit of $125 for it.... I was like wow, it was just an 8"-4layer cake with a Simi Naked buttercream frosting, basic pipping, but the sugar glass art work on it is what she felt was the best part of the cake. It had 16 clear hearts, with hand painted gold trim, and 2 sugar sail/ bowls, clear with a gold trim. One inside the other one. Very beautiful. I knew it was worth more, obviously. But $100 more?!?! That's when I started looking into it. No one here does anything but fondant, buttercream/shortening frosting, pipping, and print outs. To be able to do other techniques would be very profitable here. Anyways.... The cake is the Canvas, charge a base rate for the different sized canvases you offer, with a flat rate to cover basic paints (buttercream frosting and boarders). Special fillings, decorations, (designs) should be an added cost, on top of the base price

[@tabathahagan6913]

Love your videos, they make so much sense. I will have to get on the computer, and make a price list of these cakes that I make... It was so hard for me to ask the price it is worth, but I know I can't short change myself either. Thank you so much. I am watching all your videos and I am learning alot from you... Thank you again for being on here for us to enjoy....

[@lifewithzinnah]

Thank you so much! I’m gonna start selling cakes because I got so much positive feedback from my first cake I made for my grandma and I needed help with prices!

[@Isipfam]

Thank you so much! I love all your tutorials and Videos 😊 it helps me a lot! specially this one and pricing in Canadian dollars, been looking for this ever since I started a home baking business. 😍 thank you so much!😊

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You are so welcome, Sophie! 🥰

[@chicthemesandbuttercream-d4729]

You are amazing.. I just binged watched almost all of your videos.. so so so helpful!! Thank you!!!!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

That is so awesome to hear. Thank you 🍰🥰

[@FlixKnacks]

This is great stuff! Thanks for sharing this video! Your pricing criteria verifies my own criteria. More on the details and level of effort, plus the raw materials, and time to create / decorate.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Thank you! I'm glad it was reaffirming :)

[@anitagomez9315]

What I do for custom is I charge for labour(hourly), skill,and special decorating tools if used.Also a little more if it is short notice. Great video btw😃

[@geetikawadhwa8418]

me: **isn't a cake decorator, doesn't even bake** hmmm I should know how to price cakes... just in case

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Hehe I love that! 💕

[@ruchelleholben4822]

Great explanation, i feel you completely! Thank you for the tips cake buddy!😉

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You’re so welcome, Ruchelle!!

[@itsmeeandrea]

This video was so helpful !!! Because i literally struggle so much to figure out pricing since i am fairly new to this. It all makes sense when you break it down

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I’m so glad! I STILL struggle with it sometimes. It’s definitely an ongoing process. Good luck with your cake biz!

[@itsmeeandrea]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe thank you! It def has been gaining some traction lol. And i love it bc o honestly do it with care and passion and i show it thru my work 💗

[@arianasuarez5739]

Thank you for your tips I always was wondering how to price them🥰

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You’re so welcome! I definitely needed to ask around when I first started out. Happy baking!! 🥰

[@lisaanderson135]

I just stumbled across this episode! People don’t think about or understand why the pricing can be so high or low. The area of my business is in a very affluent area so I don’t feel uncomfortable when quoting prices. I specialize in sugar flowers, scratch cakes and pastries and I only use quality ingredients. Butter has to be the most expensive ingredient lately 😳 I’m not sure if it’s because I only use European style butter. There really are different factors when it comes to pricing. Location, ingredients, time, special items or designs that require you to purchase a new mold, color or ingredient… and so much more

[@stephaniedoerksen4223]

Love it. Very helpful 🙂👍

[@leilakabgrad123]

Thank you this really gave me confidence!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I’m so glad! Follow those cake dreams!! 💕🥳

[@mizzstizzie]

Wow. I live in Toronto and I've definitely been under pricing my cakes. This was very informative. Could you do a pricing video for maybe cupcakes, cakepops.. things of that nature? That would be great! Thanks so much for this xoxoxo!! ❤

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Sure can! Great idea...why I haven’t done that already I don’t know!! 🤣 yes, I feel like Toronto and Vancouver pricing is very very similar.

[@arimababe40]

Whats ypu instagram / website?

[@richabhagat4205]

Very useful video! Thanks

[@mysticarts8787]

Hope to hear from you... Your videos have given me confidence

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

💕🥰

[@wandamiller9043]

Thank you I greatly appreciate it, as I'm just starting out.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Hope you find it useful!!

[@lovey1186]

This helps so much! Thank you!!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You’re welcome!!

[@Cheffy602]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos, help me a lot.great ideas God bless.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

So glad you're enjoying them :)

[@patriciastuckey5060]

Thank u love ur channel

[@juliamariec.2635]

How do you charge when someone wants a bulk order of cupcakes such as 5 dozen standard cupcakes? Also what percentage do I charge a customer for a chocolate mold I have to purchase to complete the order?

[@mildredsaldana2861]

are your prices based on double tiers.. like a 4 inch tall cake ? Thank You

[@payneeavis7366]

What profit margin would you recommend when doing cakes?

[@pepperfateman3049]

That was great!! thank you!! Did you do a video about pricing tiered cakes???

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I did one on carved cakes! 🥰

[@comewithsualiha]

I follow your recipe, zabardast

[@edlynpz]

Thank you!! It help a lot !

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You’re welcome!

[@enasbitch6988]

Meta moment; would Turrón de Doña Pepa be possible as a custom cake order?

[@MsCapri83]

Are you baking 2 pans and cutting them in half to make 4 layers?

[@grownathomevt1726]

How many cake layers do you use for each tier?

[@airamilona1555]

I add up my ingredients total,boxes ribbons and usually I charge 40.$ for my labour. I live in the Caribbean though.

[@robingriffin42]

I also live in the Caribbean. I do something similar. But as the intricacy of the cake increases, so does my rate. I have a set rate per hour. Based on my practice, I know long it would take me to do a cake (baking, crumb coat, details etc).

[@kiaracaskey349]

Could we get an updated version for now? Of the same cakes!!!!

[@yvettequinones7231]

Do you have any tips on how to sell gumpaste flowers?

[@nahrinjando5463]

So 2d fondant 20$ for each flower?

[@Cristiscakes]

Muchas gracias por toda la información, me va a ser de gran ayuda!😉

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

💕🥰

[@leesacarter4165]

Thank you, this helps a lot

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You are so welcome ☺️

[@delmonwhyte8019]

Thanks for this. Question. I believe that you would also add the price for packaging and delivery as well since those come at a cost too. Thanks again. This sure helps.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Yes! Delivery is always extra and sometimes I even implemented minimums for orders to even qualify for delivery.

[@delmonwhyte8019]

Thank you for reaching out. Bless you

[@yolandamoore4971]

Appreciate this thank you ☺️

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

You're so welcome!

[@brandyj.8321]

This is awesome!!!! Could you please elaborate on how many layers your cakes are? thanks

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Inside it’s generally two pans cut into two layers each 💕

[@patriciastuckey5060]

Just watching this I have really been under charging myself on my cakes

[@melaniebuckless5473]

How many layers are you basic cakes?

[@mysticarts8787]

Aww you are like a guidance teacher ive been binge watching your videos love your content. I'm from Oshawa, I am going to make 2 layered angry bird 8inch buttercream cake. She just wants a buttercream transfer on top. I am new to pricing but i was wondering is $25 for the buttercream transfer enough?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

It depends what the buttercream transfer is and how long it’s going to take you to make it! 💕

[@mysticarts8787]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe thanks for replying you are so very nice. Its an 8inch round angry bird buttercream transfer with three of the main birds i would say medium level of difficulty and 2 shades of each colors of the birds. You always mention it depends on your skilllevel i would say i can pipe and design cakes on a medium pro 😄any advice🙏

[@adaobinwabueze2918]

For packaging, dowels etc do you calculate that separately for the cakes and add on to the cake price?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I do; I look at it more like a “total package” of having to dowel and support the cake.

[@ttnguyen6984]

Hi, thank you very much for your tips. When you say an 6 inch or 8 inch cake, how many layers, how tall the cake is? Does the naked cake have any buttercream coverage other than the crumb coat? Thank you.

[@eringobraugh24]

This is a good question. I came here to ask something similar with layers. It sounds like her cakes are around $2 per serving. If it’s for each layer, this would be great info.

[@IfTheOvenMittFits]

Hi! I need help! What if it was a 2 layer, how much would the base price difference be as oppose to 4 layers. Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Hard to say because some people might put more filling into those two layers! That probably wouldn’t make that much of a difference and I would keep the price the same.

[@IfTheOvenMittFits]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe I appreciate you answering me, thanks!❤️

[@ranaeneese2378]

Hey! I know this is off topic, but do you know how to make a cream cheese frosting super stiff when living in a humid climate?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I don’t!! To stiffen it up I usually add more icing sugar and butter. Have you ever tried a whipped cream stabilizer? They sell it at my local cake shop and I’ve heard it can work for that as well though I’m not sure of the validity of that!

[@ranaeneese2378]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe no I’ve actually never tried that!! But I am going to go look for it at my shop now ☺️ thank you!

[@canteringgallop4323]

Hi! This is very random, but I’ve recently been feeling a little bit uncertain about my current cake pricing. I’m just starting out, I’m technically a minor(although I feel that my baking is as impressive or more so than the other bakers in my area, with the exception of decorated sugar cookies lol), and I’m a home bakery. I feel like I’m waaaaay undercharging(for example, I recently charged $45 for a custom, 5-layer unicorn-type cake, whereas the other home bakery in my area charges a minimum of 75 for pre-designed 6-inch cakes), and I don’t even know where to start when it comes to tiered cakes(I’ve made them before, I just don’t know how to price them). I just had an order come in for a two-tier birthday cake made up of three layers each of 6-inch and 4-inch cakes. It’s mostly covered in buttercream but has a few fondant details(the client’s son’s name will look like the Hot Wheels logo, for example). Do you have any pricing tips? Thanks so much in advance, your videos have helped me a ton!!

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I would personally raise my prices--especially if you can try your best to objectively look at the skill level of that baker that charges $75 minimum. Although I'm not big on just 'raising your prices to keep up with the competition' my personal opinion is that $45 is QUITE low. Again it's difficult to say because areas really vary in pricing. For anything that is tiered, it starts at $200 for me! Hope you're able to price things that will best suit your biz and customers :)

[@shreyashiromani5714]

You mentioned that the base pricing is for a 6 inch cake (and so on) but how tall are these cakes? Or do you know the weight of your 6 inch basic cake? Trying to relate to our standards of cake by the kilo pricing.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Oooo I would say around 4-5 inches tall 🥰

[@chelij2751]

So when you say 6 in or 8in, how many layers would that include? 2 or 3?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

3-4!

[@jacquelinelozano2037]

When they ask you for a 10” cake how many single round 10” pans do you bake to make a 10” cake for a customer?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I make two pans and there's 4 layers in the cake :).

[@marikoflores7347]

For the $40 for a 6 inch cake, do you include the labor costs like baking and making the buttercream and filling?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Yes, but honestly since I made this video-I would raise prices again. The cost of supplies and groceries are a LOT higher now than before.

[@marikoflores7347]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe yes for sure! Ty 🥰

[@princezzpuffypants6287]

$15 per cake per size? So you charge $30 extra for the 8 inch cake? I'm so confused...

[@kirajustine6079]

Are the base prices for a double or triple layer?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

4 layers of cake and 3 layers of filling :)

[@kiaracaskey349]

Could you make a newer version of this exact video??? With updated pricing

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I really should-so much has changed!

[@kellypena2012]

So I've been making cakes forever but only for family and friends.. just got an order for cake pops decorated with colorful sprinkles (24) (24) oreo balls (24) cupcakes that look like microphones... How much would you charge?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Probably around $2.75 per cake pop, $2.50 per Oreo ball and $10 per cupcake, but that’s only because to decorate them like microphones in my mind sounds complicated and requires extra things like an ice cream cone, fondant/modelling chocolate and airbrushing.

[@kellypena2012]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe thank you I'm totally under charging

[@ashruz_3095]

Are you showing them all the prices or just the base naked price?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

I truthfully can’t remember every price I show in this video, but for more specified pricing all of my videos include the price I would personally sell my cakes for 🥰

[@airamilona1555]

What would you consider to be a custom cake

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Anything where they’re asking me to make something to their specifications :)

[@susannelandte1762]

Thanks for your answer, in Germany lots of peoples won't pay that much. This dobby cake I made half a meter high only was 60 euro. I think I should move to your place.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Oh my goodness! Carved cakes are very expensive here!! You should come here-we would love to have another fellow decorator. 💕💕

[@susannelandte1762]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe 💕

[@robingriffin42]

This is sad. I guess you just have to find your niche or is that generally how Germany is? In Jamaica, the average person doesn't want to pay that much because they see it as "just cake"...they don't care for the art behind it. That is why you would want to cater to individuals who appreciates time and effort.

[@nitaspastries]

Hi. This ombré frozen cake you totaled @$85, didn’t include your labor and indirect cost right? Or you don’t charge for that? 🙈🙈🙈

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Eek I made this a while ago so I can’t quite remember, but I would probably raise that a bit now!

[@CaitlinClarke]

It’s a great guideline. Butter where I am from in rural Australia is $7.99 for 500g. Correctly charging has always been my issue, Just this weekend I charged $100AUD for an 8inch double barrel (4x4cm H) chocolate mud cakes, Ganache filling, SMB iced with buttercream details, chocolate drips and (store bought) macaroons 😅🤪 that was just to cover the ingredients 🙊

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Butter is like gold for sure!! It takes a lot of trial and error to price cakes where you feel happy and confident with your pricing. I definitely had a period of time in my life where I undercharged and was working overtime. You will get it right!! 🥰

[@amyirbybooks]

Thank you so much for this! I am planning out selling gluten free cakes from my home. I have struggled with all the variables of decorations.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

The more you price the better you will get-though from time to time I still misjudge! 💕🍰

[@preetigupta6477]

can u explain what is glute free cake ?

[@sylviadamelio8095]

What would you charge (if anything) for wedding cake tasting?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

$50.00 non refundable deposit that can be used towards their cake if they choose to book with me. :)

[@esperansanoronha8831]

How did you started your bakery???

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Here is a video on what I did to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnKxoJRoedqto6s :)

[@aprilramdeen717]

Would you charge the same price even though it's different filling such as a strawberry shortcake

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

If I have to put in extra work or extra ingredients that are costly I would charge more 💕

[@eirol67]

How many layers Is the cake?

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Which one?

[@suouperman]

😀

[@godisgood9340]

I'm charging $70 for a custom cake 🥺 9", whipped cream, fresh mango. Dragon ball theme. Is it undercharged? 😭

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

In my region that would be undercharging, but it really depends on where you live!

[@Thebluediamoundvision831]

How much will I price a wedding cake of 4 layers including icing? I am new to cake baking but already day dreaming about the sky.lol

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

It really depends on the amount of detail, but a 4 tiered cake would start at $500.00 for me!

[@Thebluediamoundvision831]

@@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe thanks so much.

[@vanilaicecream2011]

We need you to re do the video after everything price going up like crazy

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Definitely!! omg!!

[@lindyannfarrier8463]

I really underprice... I normally charge for cake n throw in decoration basically free...

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

😮 wow! If you feel comfortable I would definitely suggest raising them 🥰🥰

[@kashiefarakiep8131]

No t mentioning electricity aswell

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Definitely!

[@MF12318]

When you say that you charge only $25 for a cake in fondant, you practically is charging only for the fondant and not for your job to cover the cake with the fondant.

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Definitely! Edit: I’m understanding what you’re saying now; that’s really just a starting price for a 4/6 inch cake base. For me, the fondant doesn’t cost nearly that much.

[@mariannfrancis7676]

Your plan cakes with just iccing is really expensive 😫

[@SweetDreamsBakeShoppe]

Cost for food where I live is quite pricy so this is pretty mid range. Definitely price your cakes accordingly to what works for you and your area! Happy Baking 😊

[@karengonzalez1209]

honey I sadly paid 400 for a naked cake n it was super small

[@erickamorban8987]

My based price for a 6in is $55 , you have to make profit , your time is valuable !

[@Mels1125]

No, its not. I'm a home Baker as well, and it takes a lot of time to make a nice custom cake. Factor in time and cost of ingredients, and that's a reasonable price. Anyone can go to Walmart and get a $20 cake that they mass produce and looks like crap.

[@MissBridgyWidgy]

My base price for an 8" is $60, my minimum order is $50, and I don't do any plain cakes under 8". I'll only do 7" and under if the design adds enough extra $$. And that's for buttercream, fondant is more.

[@dianaday1]

I understand why you are now in the video-making business instead of the baking business. Your prices are way too high for what you offer. You can justify it any way you want, but in the end, it's just a cake that's going to be eaten. You are misleading home bakers by telling them to price their products so high. A home baker cannot price their products at the same prices as a professional baker with a storefront.

[@lifewithzinnah]

This is not expensive at all. And remember to convert her prices from Canadian dollars to USD. $50 CA is like $30 something USD

[@bygraceonly182]

Just because a random home baker doesn’t value their time properly does not mean everyone should work for free or almost nothing. She’s not over charging. Cake takes TIME and materials cost a pretty penny. She’s being fair and not price gouging anyone. Many independent Baker’s charge MORE and they are justified in doing so based on their skill/talent/desirability. Don’t price your stuff to attract the lowest paying customer or you will just be paying them or working for free.