And when it comes to family and friends, don't start what you can't finish. When you do for one, the other will expect cos out of anxiety they tell each other. Charge them with discount and let them know the actual price. If you do it for free, they will think its easy, while you are busy for days making their cakes they are out there working.
OMG, That was real talk! I always get the discount because they see this is my hobby but my hobby doesn’t pay for itself. I’m always underestimating my skills but my husband told me that I needed to charge more because he sees the time and detail. I’m a work in progress😊. LOVED this video!
You definitely do need to charge to make it worth your time! How many hours go into just one cake?! And not to mention that you have to purchase the ingredients and supplies. Some people want to pay you what would equal to a minimum wage for your work, when we know they wouldn't be willing to work for so little! So don't be afraid to speak up. If they won't pay, someone else will.
You are so much more organized and articulate than you give yourself credit for! There’s a reason we all keep coming back to watch your videos! Thanks for this and always “keeping it real!”
I cannot explain how much I love your videos. You literally know exactly what we need to hear. I am in central PA and just found you on here and you have taught me so much already and also put my mind at ease, made me feel better/confident. You always apologize for being “all over the place” but that’s how I am when I talk and explain so you are literally so perfect for me to learn from instead of a super scripted “professional” person. You are so real and make me feel like I can continue to do this. Thank you so much for the effort you put into these videos. You are amazing for this trade!!!! ❤️
Sandra! I love this so much, it's nice to know that I'm relatable because I don't talk in a super professional way! LOL I'm so glad I'm able to help you 💜🙏
Its so true. When people appreciate you, you go above and beyond for them. Im learning that when people appreciate and respect your work, they will pay for your service/product.
I got interrupted so many times watching this video that I had to put my phone on do not disturb but finally I just finished it! I just have to say how much I love you and I appreciate all the time you take for all the questions that I’ve had for you since like freaking eight years ago! You will always be my Sharon Zambito! 💕
I like what you say about discounts. A true friend will not ask you for something free every month. The friends you do a birthday cake for, once a year is not taking advantage of your friendship, if you are doing a single layer edible prints, less time and cost cakes. Cakes for your mom is practice, lol, and of course she helps you on things when needed. I just stumbled on your channel and love it so far. Something you can do for discounts on acquaintances is maybe 10% if they get the cake in a slow season, or pick it up in the middle of the week. I mean I would never ask a discount from a photographer on a Saturday in middle June, the discount I would ask of a friend would be to save the weekend for me at regular price if they haven't booked solid already. I would squeeze a cake in for a friend where I ended up doing an extra 4 hour day until 2 am to take care of them. But I couldn't do it for free, and a true friend would not wait to the last minute and ask for a discount.
Loved this video! I got so many new ideas that I’ll be trying out like the delivery fee and the pick up option! Like you mentioned I also give my clients options so they can choose which price is best for them. Regarding the discount, I personally have a set discount of 20% off only to close family and friends if they ask 😅 I’m just like you my closes family and friends it’s always free for them as a gift. Although I’ve seen that many of them prefer to pay full price and even tip simply bc they want to support me 🥰 while the people I barely talk to are the ones who are asking for discount 🤦🏻♀️ Thank you for all the great information❤️
Honestly I stumbled across your page and you’re information and tutorials have helped my business so incredibly much!!! I absolutely love what you do and I live north of you near Scranton so if you ever do an in person class I would 1000% attend that lol thank you for everything you do!!!
Awww this makes me so happy! I have to figure out what I am going to do in regards to offering classes or courses. But I will post about it once I have things together!
The stress behind making cakes, most times I prefer to buy gift. I charge friends with discount, I do more than they ask for. Cos I believe when you pay for something you will know the value for it.
I fell into this trap where I made someone's wedding cake as a gift and realized after getting all the materials that there was no way I'd have spent that much on a wedding gift. Oh well. Never again!
Yesss! I wish more of the PUBLIC could watch this video!lol…. I’ve run into every scenario there is! Now lately, my Daughters friends go to her to be “IN CHARGE” of the cake and or dessert table like she’ll get it all for free! (Although She always tells me to charge her what I would normally charge but I wouldn’t do that) So not only are they taking advantage of me, but they’re taking advantage of my Daughter as well 😏 So yes, I had to finally say something….
Ugh. And people will keep doing it until you say something. Like I don't mind helping you out (here are some cupcakes). But what have you done for me lately?! LOL
LOL Yeah, that's why I stopped doing cakes. Nobody wanted to pay what the cake was really worth. Also, you might want to take a few minutes at the computer and write a bullet point list of topics you want to cover. Once you start on that you can keep it on track for each idea. I totally get it that you are super busy but, yeah. Your cakes are pretty amazing!
(off subject) my husband owned his own mechanical shop and people would say. How much for you to put new brakes in my car/ truck. We would quote them the price / with parts and they would say well I have my own parts how much for that. His answer was always. Well I do not use other peoples parts. So if you want to put your own parts in you are free to do that. If you want a professional to do it then this is my price(yes he is quite blunt) when someone would go further trying to insist he use their parts this is what he would say. Well when I buy my parts and put them in a vehicle I guarantee my work. If I put a part in and it is faulty the company I bought them from pay me to take that part out again and put in a new one plus the part. If I put in the part you give me and it is faulty you have to pay twice for me to pull that part and reinstall a new part and pay for a new part.....and then I am still not going to guarantee it because it could be a part that will break before the warranty is up and you'll have to pay me to take it out and put a new part( that you provide) in. If they still wish to debate it he likens it to .... do you take a steak to the keg and get them to cook it so you get a discount? NO? that is becuase they do not do that and neither do I. I am not going to lie I really used to find it entertaining to watch.
OMG no business owners are exempt from the abuse!! LOL! I love the steak reference. It's so true! Next, let's ask them where they work and then come in to their job and demand a discount and see how they react.
Such a great topic! I am one of those who are SCARED to talk about money and tell how much a want for a service, I guess you need to have principles in advanced before you do anything and stick to it no matter what, but yes, it is easier said than done, practice is key too. Thanks for this video! off topic, your ARMS are so well trained :-) How do you have time to working out? Have a blessed Wednesday
It is uncomfortable especially when you are just starting out. But when you make enough cakes and feel like you're just breaking even, you get tired of not being compensated and you'll feel much more comfortable asking for it! Just stick to your guns, don't let people talk you down. And speaking of guns LOL I used to work out a lot more, but now that I'm busy, I only get to the gym 2-3 days a week. (That's not a lot compared to how much I used to go!) I always try to schedule an hour or so to take a gym break because it keeps me sane!
@@KarolynsKakes Thanks for your reply😊🌺 yes, we need to practice and know our worth! Love your videos and thanks for your free videos and time you put on it!! ❤️ Your body looks amazing even if You were more sculped before you wrote🙌💯
Great video! By any chance do you have a video on how to charge for cakes? I am going to start selling vegan cakes. Btw, I really enjoy your videos and even though I am a vegan baker, your techniques have been very helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome Jeanette! Here ya go, this video gives some pointers and lets you know things to take into consideration when coming up with a quote. th-cam.com/video/PmHxyvyfkoQ/w-d-xo.html
Jeanette, I recently tried a vegan cake for my friend and it was not like a real cake 🤣 HOW do you make a vegan cake and it be good?! And not crumble out of the pan. I think I've tried 2 or 3 different ones and I wasn't to thrilled. They said it was good but, they could have just been saying that. Lmao
I know this is a question and it doesn’t really apply to this video. Anyway I have a small wedding cake for this coming Saturday and they want my peanut butter buttercream frosting. Do you think adding Walmart shortening to this recipe will work the same as a regular buttercream recipe? I am worried it might be too greasy and won’t turn solid enough. Thanks
I make PB filling and I add a little shortening in there so you definitely can! You may need to add less liquid as well so it doesn’t thin out too much.
Sadly true, how do you guys respond if someone in the family asks for a cake and because they know how much you charge, they tell you: I buy everything you need for you to make me a cake? I'm upset, mad and feel that sometimes family feel entitled just because we're family or friends 😮💨
By them saying they will buy the ingredients, they are basically saying that your time isn't worth any compensation. Yes they will pay for the up front costs. But some of these cakes people ask us to make will take 8 or more hours to make! I'm sure if their boss told them to work 8 hours for no pay, they wouldn't do it. So they shouldn't expect you to do the same. If you feel like you need to do something, give options. For example, I would say... I will make you 3 dozen cupcakes for free. Or, if you want a cake with a simple design, it will be $100 If you want a detailed cake, it will be $250. Don't let people make you feel bad for it!
I’ve had people ask me to do a cake for them, but they wanted to supply the ingredients. I was like absolutely not. But honestly can they go to a regular bakery and ask the same request??
For friends and family I will make them a list of materials and charge them for that but not my labor. Everyone else pays full price or they can take their a** to a local supermarket.
I don’t know how to charge😢 I’m also a people person and it makes it hard for me to say no. Unfortunately friends of friends expect the family discounts😞
Again, ask yourself...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?! Oh, you met me at a party one time and you want a discount? It just blows my mind how much that happens. You'll get better at charging the more you do it. It's a trial and error process that I still go through! Just be confident in yourself and your product. People will value you and pay what you ask!
I do a $50 deposit that isn't refundable if cancelled within 2 weeks of the due date (just because I have turned down other orders). And I require the balance to be paid in full 10 days prior to the due date with no changes able to be made after that date. Some people require more of a deposit, but I like to stick with $50.
@@KarolynsKakes I did own a bakery about 15 years ago. I just do it now for a hobby and fun. I don’t pay the bills with it. But if I found myself in that arena again I definitely would up my game price wise.
Sorry, but issa no for me dawg🥴😂😂 but seriously, why should you constantly give discounts to friends/family? That adds up and then you realize you've lost $1000+ because you gave "discounts". The LOYAL customers deserve that sometimes. You have to develop that thick skin, be firm, but polite😊.
Many people really don’t understand the concept of fair trade. Trading favors isn’t meant to grant them a life time membership 😂🎉to Karolyn’s 😂😂 Cake 🧁 Club! Sometimes I think the people from that category are the ones that feel they’re entitled. Everything has always been done for them. It’s got to be worth the other person’s 😂 time and effort too. My bottom line? YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE Thank yob for making these fun and enthusiastic videos. Love the time I spend with you. You bring a smile to my face every single time❣️
How do you respond to discount requests? I'd love to hear your stories or advice!
I give them a discount by charging what $10 more than I normally do than charge them my actual price when I take them off if that makes sense lol.
And when it comes to family and friends, don't start what you can't finish. When you do for one, the other will expect cos out of anxiety they tell each other. Charge them with discount and let them know the actual price. If you do it for free, they will think its easy, while you are busy for days making their cakes they are out there working.
@@ODY0319 ahhhh I see what you mean!
@@Royalilsbraids right?! It's like a snowball effect.
Another thing you can do is just say your booked! I know it’s wrong… LOL. But lately it has saved me!
OMG, That was real talk! I always get the discount because they see this is my hobby but my hobby doesn’t pay for itself. I’m always underestimating my skills but my husband told me that I needed to charge more because he sees the time and detail. I’m a work in progress😊. LOVED this video!
You definitely do need to charge to make it worth your time! How many hours go into just one cake?! And not to mention that you have to purchase the ingredients and supplies. Some people want to pay you what would equal to a minimum wage for your work, when we know they wouldn't be willing to work for so little! So don't be afraid to speak up. If they won't pay, someone else will.
You are so much more organized and articulate than you give yourself credit for! There’s a reason we all keep coming back to watch your videos! Thanks for this and always “keeping it real!”
Awww thank you Lisa! I get inside my head a lot and words can be hard LOL I appreciate you for reaching out!
I cannot explain how much I love your videos. You literally know exactly what we need to hear. I am in central PA and just found you on here and you have taught me so much already and also put my mind at ease, made me feel better/confident. You always apologize for being “all over the place” but that’s how I am when I talk and explain so you are literally so perfect for me to learn from instead of a super scripted “professional” person. You are so real and make me feel like I can continue to do this. Thank you so much for the effort you put into these videos. You are amazing for this trade!!!! ❤️
Sandra! I love this so much, it's nice to know that I'm relatable because I don't talk in a super professional way! LOL
I'm so glad I'm able to help you 💜🙏
Its so true. When people appreciate you, you go above and beyond for them. Im learning that when people appreciate and respect your work, they will pay for your service/product.
100 freakin percent!
Absolutely
Girl I completely understand! I agree with you. It's having morals. People will take advantage of you!
It's hard to set boundaries. But you're so much happier once you do!
I got interrupted so many times watching this video that I had to put my phone on do not disturb but finally I just finished it! I just have to say how much I love you and I appreciate all the time you take for all the questions that I’ve had for you since like freaking eight years ago! You will always be my Sharon Zambito! 💕
Awwww Love you!!!
I like what you say about discounts. A true friend will not ask you for something free every month. The friends you do a birthday cake for, once a year is not taking advantage of your friendship, if you are doing a single layer edible prints, less time and cost cakes. Cakes for your mom is practice, lol, and of course she helps you on things when needed. I just stumbled on your channel and love it so far. Something you can do for discounts on acquaintances is maybe 10% if they get the cake in a slow season, or pick it up in the middle of the week. I mean I would never ask a discount from a photographer on a Saturday in middle June, the discount I would ask of a friend would be to save the weekend for me at regular price if they haven't booked solid already. I would squeeze a cake in for a friend where I ended up doing an extra 4 hour day until 2 am to take care of them. But I couldn't do it for free, and a true friend would not wait to the last minute and ask for a discount.
Exactly!!
Loved this video! I got so many new ideas that I’ll be trying out like the delivery fee and the pick up option! Like you mentioned I also give my clients options so they can choose which price is best for them. Regarding the discount, I personally have a set discount of 20% off only to close family and friends if they ask 😅 I’m just like you my closes family and friends it’s always free for them as a gift. Although I’ve seen that many of them prefer to pay full price and even tip simply bc they want to support me 🥰 while the people I barely talk to are the ones who are asking for discount 🤦🏻♀️ Thank you for all the great information❤️
Right?! Yes, I sat next you in Algebra class so here's a free cake LMAO
You don't need to change anything...we appreciate you just as you are and that is why we are watching❤️ You're doing a great job.
Thank you love! :)
Honestly I stumbled across your page and you’re information and tutorials have helped my business so incredibly much!!! I absolutely love what you do and I live north of you near Scranton so if you ever do an in person class I would 1000% attend that lol thank you for everything you do!!!
Awww this makes me so happy! I have to figure out what I am going to do in regards to offering classes or courses. But I will post about it once I have things together!
Karolyn thank you so much for this wonderful video I really appreciate the time and thoughts you put into this video.❤️
Thank you Bertha! :)
The stress behind making cakes, most times I prefer to buy gift.
I charge friends with discount, I do more than they ask for. Cos I believe when you pay for something you will know the value for it.
Great point! And I agree, I have been steering towards just buying a gift recently.
I fell into this trap where I made someone's wedding cake as a gift and realized after getting all the materials that there was no way I'd have spent that much on a wedding gift. Oh well. Never again!
Yeah, unfortunately we all have made those mistakes and you learn from them and know you'll never do it again!
Yesss! I wish more of the PUBLIC could watch this video!lol…. I’ve run into every scenario there is! Now lately, my Daughters friends go to her to be “IN CHARGE” of the cake and or dessert table like she’ll get it all for free! (Although She always tells me to charge her what I would normally charge but I wouldn’t do that) So not only are they taking advantage of me, but they’re taking advantage of my Daughter as well 😏 So yes, I had to finally say something….
Ugh. And people will keep doing it until you say something. Like I don't mind helping you out (here are some cupcakes). But what have you done for me lately?! LOL
I love watching you thank you so much for all of the input that you put out it has helped me a lot
I'm so glad this helped you, it can be a touchy subject. Just stick to your guns!
LOL Yeah, that's why I stopped doing cakes. Nobody wanted to pay what the cake was really worth. Also, you might want to take a few minutes at the computer and write a bullet point list of topics you want to cover. Once you start on that you can keep it on track for each idea. I totally get it that you are super busy but, yeah. Your cakes are pretty amazing!
Yeah it’s super annoying! And I make lists now for my videos! 🤣🤣
IMPORTANT VIDEO.. thank you so much!
Omg u nail it .it so true wow thank u so much ❤
THIS.RIGHT.HERE 👏👏👏👏👏
😊🙌🙌
🤣I love the comment "ask for more money when the customer ask for a discount" 😆
Right?! I so wanna say that one day!
Thank you for sharing! Your videos are so helpful
Glad you like them!🙌
This was great information I’m just starting my at home bakery. Thank you for the video
You’re welcome Nhowell! Good luck with it ☺️☺️
@@KarolynsKakes thank you I appreciate it
Loved this👍🏼. Thx for sharing your experiences and thoughts 😍
You're welcome! :)
This is great info. I appreciate all of it.
I’m happy to help!
I just love you! You really crack me up😆🤣😂
I get delirious being alone in the kitchen all day so I have to entertain myself! LOL
We used to breed Pedigree cats. Family and friends were constantly asking for free kittens. It's a nightmare.
Damn! It happens with all businesses! Again, what have you done for me lately?! It's insane. (Now I want a kitten LOL)
Yes yes yes I love this video
(off subject) my husband owned his own mechanical shop and people would say. How much for you to put new brakes in my car/ truck. We would quote them the price / with parts and they would say well I have my own parts how much for that. His answer was always. Well I do not use other peoples parts. So if you want to put your own parts in you are free to do that. If you want a professional to do it then this is my price(yes he is quite blunt) when someone would go further trying to insist he use their parts this is what he would say. Well when I buy my parts and put them in a vehicle I guarantee my work. If I put a part in and it is faulty the company I bought them from pay me to take that part out again and put in a new one plus the part. If I put in the part you give me and it is faulty you have to pay twice for me to pull that part and reinstall a new part and pay for a new part.....and then I am still not going to guarantee it because it could be a part that will break before the warranty is up and you'll have to pay me to take it out and put a new part( that you provide) in. If they still wish to debate it he likens it to .... do you take a steak to the keg and get them to cook it so you get a discount? NO? that is becuase they do not do that and neither do I. I am not going to lie I really used to find it entertaining to watch.
OMG no business owners are exempt from the abuse!! LOL!
I love the steak reference. It's so true! Next, let's ask them where they work and then come in to their job and demand a discount and see how they react.
Such a great topic! I am one of those who are SCARED to talk about money and tell how much a want for a service, I guess you need to have principles in advanced before you do anything and stick to it no matter what, but yes, it is easier said than done, practice is key too. Thanks for this video! off topic, your ARMS are so well trained :-) How do you have time to working out? Have a blessed Wednesday
It is uncomfortable especially when you are just starting out. But when you make enough cakes and feel like you're just breaking even, you get tired of not being compensated and you'll feel much more comfortable asking for it! Just stick to your guns, don't let people talk you down.
And speaking of guns LOL
I used to work out a lot more, but now that I'm busy, I only get to the gym 2-3 days a week. (That's not a lot compared to how much I used to go!) I always try to schedule an hour or so to take a gym break because it keeps me sane!
@@KarolynsKakes Thanks for your reply😊🌺 yes, we need to practice and know our worth! Love your videos and thanks for your free videos and time you put on it!! ❤️ Your body looks amazing even if You were more sculped before you wrote🙌💯
Great video! By any chance do you have a video on how to charge for cakes? I am going to start selling vegan cakes. Btw, I really enjoy your videos and even though I am a vegan baker, your techniques have been very helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome Jeanette! Here ya go, this video gives some pointers and lets you know things to take into consideration when coming up with a quote. th-cam.com/video/PmHxyvyfkoQ/w-d-xo.html
Jeanette, I recently tried a vegan cake for my friend and it was not like a real cake 🤣 HOW do you make a vegan cake and it be good?! And not crumble out of the pan. I think I've tried 2 or 3 different ones and I wasn't to thrilled. They said it was good but, they could have just been saying that. Lmao
Thank you for this video
My pleasure, I'm glad it helped you 😊
Another great video
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Can you please make a video about what #molds to use for certain # of serving according to you
What kind of molds are you referring to?
I know this is a question and it doesn’t really apply to this video. Anyway I have a small wedding cake for this coming Saturday and they want my peanut butter buttercream frosting. Do you think adding Walmart shortening to this recipe will work the same as a regular buttercream recipe? I am worried it might be too greasy and won’t turn solid enough. Thanks
I make PB filling and I add a little shortening in there so you definitely can! You may need to add less liquid as well so it doesn’t thin out too much.
Challenge accepted! Next time someone asks for a discount I will ask if they’re willing to pay more, lol
I’ll let you know how it goes. LOL
Please!! LOL!
Sadly true, how do you guys respond if someone in the family asks for a cake and because they know how much you charge, they tell you: I buy everything you need for you to make me a cake? I'm upset, mad and feel that sometimes family feel entitled just because we're family or friends 😮💨
By them saying they will buy the ingredients, they are basically saying that your time isn't worth any compensation. Yes they will pay for the up front costs. But some of these cakes people ask us to make will take 8 or more hours to make! I'm sure if their boss told them to work 8 hours for no pay, they wouldn't do it. So they shouldn't expect you to do the same. If you feel like you need to do something, give options. For example, I would say...
I will make you 3 dozen cupcakes for free.
Or, if you want a cake with a simple design, it will be $100
If you want a detailed cake, it will be $250.
Don't let people make you feel bad for it!
I’ve had people ask me to do a cake for them, but they wanted to supply the ingredients. I was like absolutely not. But honestly can they go to a regular bakery and ask the same request??
For friends and family I will make them a list of materials and charge them for that but not my labor. Everyone else pays full price or they can take their a** to a local supermarket.
I don’t know how to charge😢
I’m also a people person and it makes it hard for me to say no. Unfortunately friends of friends expect the family discounts😞
Again, ask yourself...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?! Oh, you met me at a party one time and you want a discount?
It just blows my mind how much that happens. You'll get better at charging the more you do it. It's a trial and error process that I still go through! Just be confident in yourself and your product. People will value you and pay what you ask!
@@KarolynsKakes: Thank you for your respond to my comment and for all of the awesome videos you post👍💕
@@mariahutter7081 just say no. It’s hard, but what can they say or do? Nothing bad can happen.
@@Ms.NoNo2
Thank you for your reply 💕
Girl, believe me I know but the girl chels who been getting cakes from you, I have someone just like that I love her and I do extra for her as well!
THAT'S when people deserve a discount, right?! Not just because they know you!
@@KarolynsKakes right!!!!
You and I are so freakishly similar.
Do you ask for a deposit that if they cancel is not refundable? If you do, how much do you ask for?
I don’t deliver, I don’t drive on the freeway😞
I do a $50 deposit that isn't refundable if cancelled within 2 weeks of the due date (just because I have turned down other orders). And I require the balance to be paid in full 10 days prior to the due date with no changes able to be made after that date. Some people require more of a deposit, but I like to stick with $50.
@@KarolynsKakes
Thank you for the reply to my question 👍💕
🤣
I never charge enough for my cakes.
Still to this day, I find that I undercharge. It's an ongoing process!
@@KarolynsKakes I did own a bakery about 15 years ago. I just do it now for a hobby and fun. I don’t pay the bills with it. But if I found myself in that arena again I definitely would up my game price wise.
Sorry, but issa no for me dawg🥴😂😂 but seriously, why should you constantly give discounts to friends/family? That adds up and then you realize you've lost $1000+ because you gave "discounts". The LOYAL customers deserve that sometimes. You have to develop that thick skin, be firm, but polite😊.
Yes!! It's hard to draw boundaries at first, but then people will respect them. :)
Lots of great tips, but video way too long. You should have cut it down to 5 mins.... 10 min MAX. I couldn't finish watching.
I appreciate the feedback!
Many people really don’t understand the concept of fair trade. Trading favors isn’t meant to grant them a life time membership 😂🎉to Karolyn’s 😂😂 Cake 🧁 Club! Sometimes I think the people from that category are the ones that feel they’re entitled. Everything has always been done for them. It’s got to be worth the other person’s 😂 time and effort too. My bottom line? YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE
Thank yob for making these fun and enthusiastic videos. Love the time I spend with you. You bring a smile to my face every single time❣️
Awww Kris, you’re so sweet! And you’re so right!!