Wedding Favor Samples?

I have a photo album that I show my decorated work in.  I provide plain cookies for sampling and I have decorated ones to show.  Right now Im doing the same thing for a bridal shower.  I showed my album and my computer of what I have done.  Basically no deposit no cookies.  Its hard because your excited to do the order.  I usually ask for the deposit 6 weeks in advance and it offsets the cost of supplies. 

I'd charge her full price for fully decorated samples. I always did this in my bakery, and most people understood that custom work takes time and were willing to pay. If they didn't, I took it as a signal that they were probably not a good customer for me to have.

If they want you to provide an exact copy of what their design will look like, I charge $35 for 2 sample cookies (even though it's two cookies, you have to account for your time and materials...especially if they don't end up booking in the end). If they just want generic samples, them I give them 2 small, plain samples to taste for $5 (if local) or $5 plus shipping if not local.

I agree with Julia, if they have a problem with paying for the samples, then that's a good sign that you might not want to do business with them.

Good luck!!

I also always asked for a 50% deposit at the time of booking BEFORE ever starting on ANY order and I additionally had contracts for all wedding cake orders (orders above a certain $ amount). I would never start work on anything without a deposit. I'd really advise against not taking deposits because it's all too easy for people to bail on you after you've started work.

I agree with all your comments.  It's time and money out of your pocket to provide cutom samples.  I love the The Tailored Cookie charges $35 for the samples, since she has to come up with the design too.  And 50% non refundable deposits are a must.

I have had 3 designs 'taken' (stolen) by one local party planner ... you'd think I'd have learned after one and two ... but anyway ... from now on, if anyone wants a design drawn up, I ask for a deposit on that, which will be credited towards their total once they place their order (with a deposit).  At least if they don't order I've been paid for the time it take me to sit and come up with something.  It's hard to ask when you're just starting out (why? I don't know!) but think of it this way ... you couldn't walk up to a clothing designer or a cake designer and say I'd like a free custom sample of what I may or may not order from you .... ahhhh they'd laugh at you ... so same goes with custom cookies!

TTC - It was awful and I couldn't believe it when I saw them posted on Facebook, no less!  I'm giving the benefit of the doubt to the cookier that she didn't know they were my designs, (this day and age you can cut and paste anything and no one would know) but then again, it could be that she is one cookier that has no business ethic ... the party planner sure doesn't! Needless to say, I have heard terrible stories about the PP and was told if I EVER was to do business with her to get payment UP FRONT! (as she is known in my business) community as untrustworthy.  BUT rest assured, I will never do business with her no matter what.  

@LumaeSweets ... from these few posts, as a new business ... don't give anything away for free that you have to work hard to produce!  and best of luck in your new cookie business (it really is a lot of fun)!

Hi Lumae Sweets.  We both come from the same area so I know the problems your having.  Everybody here expects something for nothing.  They don't ever take in the time and cost of any crafts done here.  For custom design work you have to charge your time and costs.  I agree $35.00 sounds about right.  I know exactly where your coming from and the frustration but that's all part of the dream.  Don't sell yourself short.  Your work is really good and that takes time.  I know youll be fine.

Thank you SO much for all of your responses.  

Starting this business has been so overwhelming, mostly positive!

This customer originally wanted me to reproduce work by another cookier, which I of course said no to.  

I think $35 is a very decent price for what she's asking, thank you TTC! For me coming up with original designs is half the battle and I can't imagine not being compensated for the time spent on them. 

A question about deposits.  I always ask for 50% but this is the first order I've had that is being booked so far in advance.  Once I create the design, give her the sample cookies, and hopefully book the order should I reimburse part of the design charge?  Take the deposit right away or wait until 6 weeks before order's date? 

Again, thank you, your advice is absolutely invaluable. 

- Cynthya

I wouldn't refund any part of the design charge.  You've done work and were compensated.  She may come back with design changes and then you'll have to do spend even more time doing revisions.  

I'd take the deposit as soon as she commits, because you're going to book that time off your calendar.  If someone else calls and you can't fit them in because of her and then she back out because she hasn't left a deposit then you are down two orders.  Hope that makes sense.  Bottom line is, take the deposit as soon as she says it's a 'go'.  And make sure you have a clear contract or email setting out exactly what you are giving her, packaging, design etc so she can't come back later with a dispute.  Everything in writing.  If you speak with her on the phone, follow up with an email and ask her to confirm everything in writing.  

Best of luck to you!  It's really is fun and quite a learning experience!

Hell NO!! DO NOT refund the sample monies. You earned that and as far as I am concerned, they are two separate orders. DO NOT offer to apply that amount to their order. That is completely separate from their future order! If by some unfortunate chance they back out at the last minute, you do not want to be, like Cynthya said, out two orders (plus whatever else you refused to do because of that future order). Remember, this is not for a family member, this is business. You are not in the business to give cookies away, you're here to make a little moola!

Agree with all that The Tailored Cookie just said. 

I have been out of action here -still Stateside, trying to keep up with you all. So upset I was out during yesterday's chat. I saw this and just had to jump in.

I too was asked the other day for a 100 of my bridal cake cookies for Oct. by a friend whose daughter is getting married. I know how long it took to make those but if I ask for what they are worth in time she will tell me I am crazy. But the other hand I really need the work. I have no idea how to value my work or get the respect deserved. I'd so much rather work with strangers. 

Any ideas, ladies?

Tina, it would depend on how close a friend she is. Otherwise, what about telling her how much those cookies are that she saw and if she says that's too much, then suggest you could do a beautiful one that is more in line with her budget.  There's nothing wrong with letting anyone know just how much work goes into making a custom decorated cookie ... especially 100!  And just as an aside ... why do people give quantity discounts on custom cookies when it takes you that much longer to produce?  Okay, sorry back to your query.  Offer her something that you can make some money on.  If it was a hobby, that's one thing but especially if you need the work, don't give her the big  and best discounted.  If she says no, you're no worse off because you'll put hours into something that you have to discount, where's the profit?  

Sometimes, friends are the worst offenders...I would tell her your normal price and let her know that if it's too much, you can create a design to fit her budget.

Also, like Gigi's said, it might be wise to clue her in on how many hours you'll be slaving over her cookies...

Good luck!!

I honestly cringe when friends say they'd like to place an order.  It's so nice they want to support my business but  it's so hard.  It takes time in your schedule when you could be working on someone else's order and making $. And 100 cookies is no joke!

Just be honest.  I've found honesty is working for me so far.  And educating people on just how long it takes to make these darn little things! ;-)

I have a personal rule since I started decorating: if I offer my work to a friend is for free or with a discount. If a friend ask me to decorate for them, it is a normal order. Them I can really deal with them as a costumer. 

I agree with most of the replies asking for a fee.  I have been burnt many o' times by people asking me to make a "sample" show them a picture and then have them no follow through on an order.  I once spend an entire day on 3 character cookies to show a prospective client who did not even bother to tell me she was not interested after weeks.  Never again, they want a sample...sure, after we receive a payment  I love what I do but it feels like a smack in the face when you have spent hours working on something and nothing comes out of it...at least my kids enjoy the "extras".