Charging for Kid's Cookie Decorating Party

I'd start by asking yourself how much you want to get paid for your time? $10/hour, $50/hour, $100/hour? Tally all of the hours that will go into this project from start to finish (making cookies, gathering supplies for all, traveling, setting up the space for the kids, cleanup, etc), multiply by your hourly labor rate, add the cost of materials and gas, and then mark up so you make some margin on all of the above. It's really the same process for pricing out anything.

 

Price should be driven by the number of hours you invest and less so by the number of students, as there is a large amount of fixed prep time that does not vary much with number of students when setting up for a class.

 

A more cost effective solution for the client would be bringing the kids to you, as few people are going to want to pay for 3 hours of driving time. But I would charge for it.

 

Are you hoping to make this a regular part of your business? If it's your first time, and you are hoping to drum up a lot of business from referrals, you may want to give her a better price. Just make sure you let her know its an introductory price because you are trying something new, and that the rate will be higher in the future. You can also call around and find out how much other people in the area charge for party hosting or entertainment, and what they provide.

Also, what exactly does "hosting a baking party" mean to the parent? Some parents might just want you to bring the supplies and help out, but others may expect you to run the party and keep the kids entertained while they sit back and take photos. Will it be like a tea party featuring cookies? Will you be showing them how to make dough, roll it, and bake it? Simply letting them go crazy with the icing on pre-baked cookies? Teach specific techniques? Piping outlines on the cookies for them to fill in might be the way to go. Are you expected to pass out recipes? Favors? (Little baggies of cute sprinkles with a ribbon might be nice.)

Consider potential problems too, such as food coloring staining their clothes etc. Do any of the kids have allergies or special requirements you need to take into account? Is it an indoor party? Will anyone be helping you clean up? 10 sugar-high 8 year olds won't necessarily have the patience to learn much. It might be better to do something like a carnival/face painting booth, with the girls taking turns requesting a design, and watching you make it for them. What tools and supplies will you need to bring, and will you charge for any that get damaged or lost? Should you suggest the mom buys squeeze bottles or little rolling pins/cutters for the girls to use or have as party favors?

Once you have all these things hammered out, it will probably be a lot easier to decide what to charge. You could also ask the parent what they are willing to pay, and let them know what they could expect for that price. You could then offer a few extra "premium" options and renegotiate from there.

Remember to take photos and make notes afterwards if you want to do it again, and to follow up later and find out what everyone liked. You might also consider making a thank you cookie for the parent, or a special one for a sibling. Hope something in this long comment helps, lol. Either way, have fun with all the little bakers!