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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect to be paid more than half? (Pic included)

817 replies

MrsA2015 · 10/10/2016 17:58

Background: I'm a home baker using decent/top quality ingredients in my cakes, friends and family buy off me for special events and am trying to kick start a little baking business from home ( after receiving loads of compliments and encouragement which I'm thankful for!) A friend has requested a cake (pictured) and offered well below the asking price knowing what quality I use and usually the one to berate others if they take the mick when it comes to price. I don't over charge and usually find I've undrecharged when adding up costs ( new to this). How much would you expect to pay for this cake? I'm just feeling a little upset really, I love her and will still make it just surprised at asking to pay less than half. I understand mates rates and all...
Before you ask
Yes she can afford it
I don't buy wholesale ingredients
No I didn't stick to my price (out of shock)

To expect to be paid more than half? (Pic included)
OP posts:
Thread gallery
32
FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 12/10/2016 21:53

I'm confused by the notion that a cake made with cheaper ingredients wouldn't taste nice though. More expensive might be better but that doesn't mean cheaper isn't nice.

frikadela01 · 12/10/2016 21:55

I agree Felicia. I mean basic cake ingredients are exactly that... Basic. Its the decoration, food colouring etc that costs the money.

zoemaguire · 12/10/2016 22:00

Flour and eggs maybe, cheap marg instead of butter is another question altogether!

Original poster
MrsA2015 · 12/10/2016 22:03

Just having a think about it now. You're all correct, I shouldn't jeopardise potential custom by providing cake to a fair few people that just won't taste as good if I weren't to use what I usually do. I'm going to stick to my usual recipe and not lower my standards, plus I'm not going to risk the cakes not baking properly due to sub-standard ingredients. Thank you for making me see things clearer

OP posts:
frikadela01 · 12/10/2016 22:07

Fair enough about the marg (althoigh my Gran only ever baked with stork and her cakes were lovely) bit I'm still at a loss what ingredients are so substandard op won't risk them in case her cake doesn't rise.

frikadela01 · 12/10/2016 22:08

Sorry not rise, not bake properly.

Not having a go, jusr curious.

dillite · 12/10/2016 22:20

So all this agony and pages and pages of reading, for everything to just stay as it was? I demand free cake as a compensation!

SpookyMooky · 12/10/2016 22:23

A friend of mine who makes very nice cakes for money uses value flour with a bit of extra baking powder, and supermarket brand stork equivalent. It's the chocolate, glitter, cakeboard etc that really add up.

Mary Berry prefers Stork to butter, just as my mum taught me

zoemaguire · 12/10/2016 22:27

Fair enough! My baking tastes rubbish whatever quality ingredients I use :)

HarryPottersMagicWand · 12/10/2016 22:32

What?! So after that, younhave decided not to use cheaper ingredients so are going romuse your usual expensive ones and she still gets cake for £40.

She really found a mug in you I'm afraid OP.

I use the cheapest ingredients when I bake. I've never had any complaints about them. If they turn out right they can be bloody lovely.

scootinFun · 12/10/2016 22:32

I'm confused - so OP is accepting £40 for the original size cake? What happened to the plan to have friend provide ingredients and charge her a small fee. That way if cake doesn't taste as nice she could shrug and say it must have been the cheap ingredients given to her :)

Bogeyface · 12/10/2016 22:41

So...you are doing exactly what she wants for the piss take price?

I give up!

Original poster
MrsA2015 · 12/10/2016 22:49

I'm so conflicted, just sent a text saying it will still cost more with either type of ingredient because of the work going into it, I've asked for £70 and will see what happens.

OP posts:
HarryPottersMagicWand · 12/10/2016 22:53

Blimey you need to make your mind up here.

She isn't.going to come back and agree with £70. She has already shown herself to be a chancer. Grow a back home and say "no I can't do it for £40, £70 is.my final price or feel free to go elsewhere and take the piss out of them"

HarryPottersMagicWand · 12/10/2016 22:54

Bone not home! Bloody phone.

MoonStar07 · 12/10/2016 23:00

FFS show her this thread

WalrusGumboot · 12/10/2016 23:00

If you're going to run this as a business I think you need to be more decisive and stick by your decisions. I understand that it's hard to do this with a friend, but let's face it your 'friend' isn't shy about looking out for number one is she?

If the cake is too expensive for her, it's too expensive for her. End of.

Original poster
MrsA2015 · 12/10/2016 23:06

Blush I know I've no courage at all I'm annoying myself, awaiting reply :( I'm not business minded at all I've got so much to learn! And there's me thinking at 24 I'd have my own cafe by now! Dream on eh

OP posts:
Chippednailvarnishing · 12/10/2016 23:07

Who would have thought a cake would result in such long complex negotiations.
It's like Brexit, but slightly more frustrating.

WalrusGumboot · 12/10/2016 23:21

Grin Chipped.

OP don't beat yourself up. You're clearly one of these people who are too nice. And someone has cottoned on to that and is taking advantage. This will be a learning experience (as so much of life is).

Bogeyface · 12/10/2016 23:29

So when she comes back to you trying to negotiate and whining at you, have this text ready to send.

"When we originally discussed it I was taken on the hop a bit, and didnt realise just how expensive the decorations are that you want. It isnt so much the cake ingredients as the decorations, there is no cheap option those I am afraid, and of course there is my time. If you really want that cake then it will cost £70."

Type it out now, have it ready to just send!

Bogeyface · 12/10/2016 23:31

on those I am afraid...

RockinHippy · 12/10/2016 23:34

I'm so conflicted, just sent a text saying it will still cost more with either type of ingredient because of the work going into it, I've asked for £70 and will see what happens.

Im really glad to see that update, I was getting annoyed for you at the brass cheek of themAngry

Even £70 is still a bargain. If they argue, ask how much they earn an hour & do they really expect you to work for free, when effectively that is what you will doing. Even worse as whether they believe you or not, £40 will mean you are paying to make them the cake & you just cannot afford to do that. Finish with, I understand you are dissapointed, but doing it for less than £70 really doesn't work for me, you are still getting a big discout, but if you want to get someone else to make it then of course I will understand & leave it at that - they KNOW they cant get it cheaper, but they are cheeky feckers & are trying it on

Rachel0Greep · 12/10/2016 23:50

I think she knows exactly what she is at - your 'friend'. Having the sister ringing you saying she was excited about the cake... Seriously Hmm

Vulty · 13/10/2016 00:14

I paid £50 for this at the time, the girl who I later found out was my second cousin also delivered it for me! :)

To expect to be paid more than half? (Pic included)
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