Is This Viral Cake Worth $1000?

[@jennsmith2668]

I'm a baker and I agree with you. Alot goes into making custom cakes. She did not overcharge. I would have charged the same price.

[@teshekarobinson4827]

Same

[@denesestanley7011]

The price is right. People need to understand all that goes into a custom made cake.

[@ednamiranda9367]

I so totally agree with you. I do the same with repeat customers. I would add a little extra. But some people want a two-tier cake for $100 or less. Charge what you're worth.

[@sophisticakesbymary]

I just love you, and the way you explained this issue that all of us custom cake designers face;) I just wish we could make all of our customers watch this the MINUTE they start questioning the price. I might send my viewers your way when they ask me the same question.;) They probably already follow you, though;) Keep it up!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Mary! You're so sweet, thank you love!

[@maggieburris1081]

Well said 👏🏻. I give at least 2 options when quoting a cake. When people scoff at the price I will point out how many different colors are on a cake. Ok so let’s look at that and let me tell you every color is a piece of fondant I have to color and knead and roll out and cut and attach and… they usually get it. You have to make sure that you are not condescending when you express this, be mindful of your tone. Then I ask what is your budget. Let’s try to design something beautiful for you within that. It gets my position across while bringing it back around to, I want to work with you. Great video! That baker did an amazing job and that cake is worth every penny!

[@KarolynsKakes]

You're absolutely right! A lot of people tend to get frustrated and, in turn, end up talking with the wrong tone. A little empathy and understanding goes a long way!

[@pavang348]

I totally agree. I used to think custom cakes were pricey until I started making them. It is very time consuming since I do bake and make everything from scratch. The cake along with the cookies, dessert cups, macron etc all takes time. I spend hours perfecting my recipes and designs. Just like you, I usually throw in some extra items to make the dessert table look amazing and complete for the party. That cake is beautiful and was totally worth the $1000.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! It really is something you can't fully appreciate until you try it yourself!

[@pavang348]

@@KarolynsKakes I agree!

[@marlettaengland1513]

I agree with you. I quilt and people have no clue how much time it takes to cut each piece precisely don’t get all fit together nicely.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Quilting looks like it takes forever!! I think anyone who does custom art can appreciate that.

[@mokuntzmann5745]

That was a huge beautiful cake. All buttercream (sans decorations). My back hurt watching. I decorated cakes years ago, 40? So much work, I think her work was worth all of her time, researching designs, custom filling, and decorations which were hand-made. There is also a huge skill-set that had to be developed before she could produce such art. Could I afford it? No, but folks can and I am happy for them! Know your worth.

[@mokuntzmann5745]

ahem closer to 50 years, lol.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Wow, things have really changed since then!

[@cathcuomo1]

I totally agree, She charged the correct amount. My cakes are so custom and packed with so much detail that you will never get anything close in the grocery store.

[@lisagarza3313]

You are absolutely right!!! I worked for HEB... mass production frozen. I am a cottage baker now. Insane the work time and money it takes is incredible!!! Thank you for explaining!!

[@vnil1313]

I get it. It is sometimes hard for people to see the value in edible art.

[@louiselemon9717]

What a great video! I remember growing up our slogan was “Time is money”. I believe this is a true statement no matter a persons job ex.. if at the end of your scheduled work day your boss needs you to stay an extra hour, you expect to be paid and if it is considered over time that may be time & a half pay. I say this to add on what Karolyn said but in a different way. ❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Well said!🙌

[@jesskakesllchorton4940]

This is funny! A women sent me a picture of a similar super hero cake about 6 years ago. I quoted her the price of $900, and that’s with a discount. She said her budget was $250. I couldn’t believe it. Champagne taste with a beer budget😂😂😂😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

Oh that happens all the time! You wanna be like...you should make it yourself then 😂

[@vidattaramnauth287]

She did not over charge! The problem is that people see these videos and feel that it is easy to make , when it have a hard work behind it

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?!

[@lisasuban4236]

I agree with you ppl don't understand the work that goes into a custom made cake.

[@lorymattos1118]

This video of yours is very useful and informative. Thank you for sharing. We cake decorators have a lot of problems with customers without information like this. xx

[@juliesigmund3836]

Custom cakes are works of art. I only make cakes for my close friends and family and it's a lot of work. My 9 year old grandson wanted me to make him a Demogorgon from Stranger Things busting out of the top of his birthday cake. He loves creepy monsters! 😂 It took me two weeks to sculpt the Demogorgon out of modeling chocolate and it wasn't easy. It did turn out awesome and my grandson was so excited about his cake. It was totally worth it!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Sculpted decorations take a LONG time to make! Awww, he must have been so excited for that cake 😊🙏

[@anasofiaruedasebastiani3874]

Hola Karolyns de acuerdo contigo. Pero pienso que si lo saben pero simplemente no les importa tu trabajo, las horas invertidas en un pastel personalizado, quieren lo mejor pagando menos , es deshonesto pero no les importa. Gracias por compartir tus experiencias. Un fuerte abrazo y bendiciones

[@louiezarantonello6081]

Love this video, love your prospective on the subject, and loving all these comments. We are NOT Home Baker's. We ARE Cake Artists! If you take your car to maaco to get painted, your car painted, your looking for a cheap job done at a cheap price. But if you find a guy/gal that Air Brush a picture of your favorite design, you are fully expecting to have to spend thousands on it, versus hundreds at Macco. We are Artists, we too have to hone in on our Skills, to profect the product we make. Why do people not understand that this is worth more then a grocery store cake?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'll never get why people don't understand when it comes to cakes!

[@tacocat8137]

Your screenshot of my comment made me feel like a celebrity. I screamed.

[@KarolynsKakes]

😂😂 I appreciate your input!!

[@janetrodriguez8247]

People who don’t consider a cake as a work of Art are the ones whom have no taste for art in the first place! There is plenty of people out there that would pay enough to have a pretty/Artistic cake displayed throughout their entire event time and at last U can eat it too which is Better!! It also puts a smile on lots of people whom don’t see themselves creating anything like it! MY ADVICE DONT WORRY ABOUT WHAT ITHERS THINK DO WHAT WHAT U NEED TO DO AND KEEP GOING THERE R PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO LOVES BEAUTIFUL CAKES!!👌💕💕

[@KarolynsKakes]

I love this, thank you Janet!

[@lorrainehicks9172]

You are right so many things affect the cost of a cake. Location ingredient cost how detailed the customer wants the cake plus more. I think you charge appropriately for all the details you put in the cake. Too bad you can't charge for all the love you put into your cakes. Thank you for sharing and keep on caking 💜

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! A little love fee is perfect! 💜

[@mothertwinkles4198]

You're so right. I'm a crafter, and people want Saks 5th Ave at Dollar Tree prices.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's sad that this is something most artists experience.

[@VeraCherevko]

I would love a video about running the business itself, like the license requirements, requirements or laws about working from your own kitchen? That would be great

[@KarolynsKakes]

Just answered this in today's video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5DTlH-phpxsj7c

[@Cookiesfantastique]

You nailed it!!! I've watched many of your videos even though I'm a cookie decorator :). The decorating ideas you have are unique and it's fun to see you execute excellence in your work for your customers! I have run into similiar situations with customers who say I over charge. But, as you said, there is a LOT of time, experience, personalization, and love that goes into each and every cookie I make. In a nutshell, you're paying for art! Thank you for your transparency. I love it :)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Cookies take FOREVER!! I tried a few times and decided they weren't for me. Some of them are SO detailed, I think they should be at least $25 or more for one! And I'm sure people think it's just a cookie. Chips Ahoy is just a cookie, not one that takes 30 minutes to decorate!

[@Cookiesfantastique]

@@KarolynsKakes I love that you've tried cookie decorating :). I decorated a cake for Easter and it wasn't Too bad (lol). It was a blast and I'm sure that I'll do it again. I couldn't have said it better that people tend to think "it's only a cookie, why does it cost so much?" Your videos are great! Thank you for sharing with such generosity!!

[@leriagordon6505]

Very well said. I am a professional baker and I agree with you.

[@CynthiaL54]

Very much related Ms.Karolyn

[@jenscheibner792]

Free Market: what ever the market will bare.. If you ever make a custom cake, which I do for all 4 of my grandkids for their birthdays. It takes a couple days of work to make them and the mess in the kitchen!!! Try it and you'll appreciate the cost...

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!! I always say that you can't appreciate what goes into custom cakes until you make one yourself!

[@debtink5756]

Well said Karolyn

[@yristejeda2764]

Absolutely well explained. 👏 😊❤

[@cakesbykristip]

If the customer values the baker and their skills. It’s no one’s business how much they paid to have the custom cake made. But it’s also good for fellow bakers to know what she charged and why.

[@sandramendoza4735]

Preach sister.

[@racheltrevino6459]

Thank you for all the info you share! ❤

[@Clarky1951]

People who make negative comments have never baked and decorated a custom cake!!!! Heck most of the remarks are probably from people who don’t have a clue how to bake, period. There will always be naysayers. Her cake definitely was well worth what she charged. It’s her pay cheque. And being a hobby baker, I know those details, as you said, take lots of time and experience. Custom cakes aren’t for everyone. My sister-in-lw thought she could do a cake like me. I know she thought, how hard can this be??!!! I’ve done a ton of self learning and courses. Let’s just say my sis-in-lw’s cake was an epic fail 😂😂 And she actually admitted how hard it was to do. Me for the win 🥰🥰

[@KarolynsKakes]

Not that we want people to fail, but we want them to just try and realize what actually goes into it!

[@Clarky1951]

@@KarolynsKakes Exactly, you don’t want people to necessarily “fail”. But as you say, realize, it’s not as easy as you think. But as in my sis-in-lw, it was more of a come uppence. Because she really was dismissive of my cakes, and what it took to make them. I must say now, she’s the first to compliment me.

[@CeeJay587]

Thank you for this video!

[@BecauselifeHappens-y1j]

Also, grocery cake taste like chemicals.

[@beenachor08]

I agree

[@MultiGemgirl]

I agree 100%. I didn't know you could get $500 bridal dresses at David's, good to know

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!! Theres a BIG difference 🙏

[@michaelmebane6116]

I do custom cakes as well. I learned early on not to under charge just to get clients. Charge what you’re worth and don’t compromise. You may lose a few clients in the beginning. But the serious clients that know your work will pay the price. Heck, I still think I overprice my cakes, but my true clients still think it’s cheap for the quality I give them. (May have to increase my prices! LOL!) Stick to your guns people. Your work is worth it.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Love this message, it's so true! I think in the beginning, a lot of people undercharge just to get the order. But you quickly realize it's not worth hours of your time to barely make a profit!

[@ivoryabelardo289]

Hi Karolyn! Part of the comment on this viral video about the copyright designs. Any thoughts?

[@angiep8708]

My whole thing was even if she wildly overcharged (I don’t think she did but IF she had), she quoted the cake and price AND THE CUSTOMER AGREED TO IT. It’s not like cakes are something that you just find out the price when you’re picking it up. The customer was clearly willing to pay for the product and was ok with the price point.

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's exactly what I feel!

[@virginiavelez7549]

I understand what you say when we want to eat a good peace of cake you going to pay for it

[@coraq6000]

Amen!

[@GinnySmith700]

Exactly

[@Narrowpathcustom]

Thanks!

[@Narrowpathcustom]

This is Alicia’s sweet Tooth. Thanks for helping me the other day. Love your videos. And how down to earth you are, hope that can buy you a coffee. 😂😊

[@KarolynsKakes]

Alicia! You're welcome honey! I really appreciate this, thank you!!

[@ninibren]

I commented on Facebook but I do not think she overcharged.

[@Lollos_Cakes]

HAHA! WHY do some people get UPSET if someone have a "high price" cake? or sell if for 1000 dollars? It is just jealousy or they get mad because they can't do it themself. If you create something, you are the one who choose what to sell it for, and no one should be mad about that! just go to someone else then.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right? The customer gladly paid, so I don't get why it's a big deal!

[@olgagordon3003]

Is awful ! Some comments even said “those cakes are always dry” 🙄 I agree the cake worth that price !

[@veganbeets]

This is far more than a 1k cake! Minimum 1600 I’d charge and I’m a cake baker

[@jennd9091]

I am going to say this and it might not go down well with some, and it's only one opinion, but I believe that there is an issue of sexism here. We see tons of men charging a fortune for expensive chef dishes, cakes, chocolate sculptures and so on and very few say anything - after all 'he is the breadwinner;, but as a society we expect women to work for free. We get this idea from our fathers who expect mothers to go to the ends of the earth for us and so when a female puts a financial value tag onto something and on to her time society doesn't like it. Women need to 'be kind' and so on. Women are full of love and very giving on the whole so this is adds to the 'low value' that our work has. I have started adding up the finacial value of my time and communicating this with my son. His washing, cleaning, cooking etc because as women we need to do more culturally to expect gratitude and be valued.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Wow, this is a great point! I never thought of it, but it's so true!

[@Childfree334]

Many times, people have an issue because it is a WOMAN charging for what her work and time are worth. Guaranteed that if it were the Cake Boss guy or Gordon Ramsey, no one would bat an eyelash at $1K for that cake.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Wow, great point!

[@maibycruz4783]

The word custom should come with a price tag just for saying it 😂. I make custom cakes not Walmart cakes…. Should be the beginning of each costumer interaction 😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's great 😂😂

[@Brandi_the_Baker]

Cake is worth what people are willing to pay for it.

[@mombux]

I charged 225 for 35 cupcakes and a cake for 35 people all with strawberry filling and fondant Daisy flowers I think I will not charge that again it's way to little for 8 hours of work

[@KarolynsKakes]

Oh my gosh, yeah that's low! I'd probably charge around $400 for the cake and $50 for the cupcakes (depending on design).

[@divinetouch3084]

❤❤❤

[@Shakeitupcreationsmia]

People pay for what they want. I can’t afford $1000 for a cake but that MY problem not anyone else’s. She charges what she’s worth and it’s that simple. Why don’t people bitch and complain about how expensive a Mercedes or BMW is. Smdh

[@KarolynsKakes]

Great point!

[@cw4537]

Her cake was easily (or not so easy 😂) a $1000 cake!!

[@paulastrong7571]

Many times I think you should charge more!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Me too! 🙏

[@dianeolson3098]

Did you purchase the rights to use all those copyrighted images?

[@KarolynsKakes]

This isn't my cake, I'm not sure what the original artist did.