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JillK
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 24, 2005
Posts: 93
Location: Buffalo, N.Y
Birthday: Jun 15
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Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:21 am |
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Just a word of warning for those of you who routinely deal with brides ...
I work at a newspaper ... and what should come across the AP wire today but a story on cutting wedding costs.
A worthy goal, no doubt. Much to my relief, they didn't mention the old "get a dummy cake & sheet cakes" line — although foregoing a wedding cake altogether was mentioned as an option. One couple went with grocery store cookies and brownies.  But, really, many people will do that?
In the accompanying "tips" file, however, was this line: "Ask wedding vendors you’re dealing with for discounts. The worst thing they can say is 'no.' "
So if you see an upsurge in the number of would-be haggling brides, you can blame the Associated Press.  Do they think cake decorators get discounts on their ingredients? Where do I sign up for THAT? |
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Mike1394
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 1288
Location: Michigan
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Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:27 am |
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Toast away ladies.  What is so really wrong with a bride asking for a discount? I have to admit I'm a cheap sob. I ask for a discount, try to haggle with almost everything I buy LOLOL. It never hurts to ask.
Mike |
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Petit-four
Frequent Member
Joined: Feb 21, 2008
Posts: 454
Location: upstate NY
Birthday: Mar 20
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Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:06 pm |
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Maybe pre-empting haggling by suggesting ways to economize is the way to go, especially in this economy?
I have added "prices depend on the complexity of the design," and "we are happy to give you a range of price options" as two ways to indicate to brides ways they can save money. I got the idea from Ron Ben-Israel's site, of all places.
He has: "When meeting with you, we like to present several possible, available variations and propose a few price tiers from which to select."
www.weddingcakes.com
Interestingly, brides have chosen the "upper end" quotes in 90% of my cases. I also mention to them something I am happy to "include" in the price (that is no big deal for me). Of course, each business is different.
Thanks for the heads-up!  |
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dkelly27
Forum Addict
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Joined: Aug 16, 2008
Posts: 551
Birthday: Nov 16
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Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:49 pm |
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With the price of gasoline, heating oil, food and utilities, who can blame people for looking for discounts.
Unfortunately, wedding cakes are not a necessity, you can definitely have a successful marriage without one. WE would notice the absence of a cake, but I doubt the average person would. So I think we all need to be prepared to offer slight discounts, it's better than not selling anything at all. |
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indydebi
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 07, 2006
Posts: 15085
Location: Indianapolis IN
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:30 pm |
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| Petit-four wrote: | | Interestingly, brides have chosen the "upper end" quotes in 90% of my cases. I also mention to them something I am happy to "include" in the price (that is no big deal for me). Of course, each business is different. |
I'm not surprised. In any of my past-life-sales-positions, I always presented the client with 3 options ... 8 out of 10, I sold the middle one, which was my target anyway. I offer 3 buffets .... $15, $18 and $20 ..... brides who are buying buffet only, pick the middle one 99% of the time, which is what I'm targeting anyway. Brides who are not buying buffet only, pick my $37/person package.
I have a photographer friend who had package A, B, C. Brides bought package B most of the time. So he dropped A, added "D and now offered B, C, D. Brides are NOW buying his "C" package.
I LUV the psychology of buying habits! Fascinating!! |
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cakesbyamym
Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 22, 2006
Posts: 548
Location: Newton, NC
Birthday: Nov 11
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:21 pm |
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LOL....I just had a bride to ask me if they paid early, would I take the tax off of the balance?  Sure, and I'll ask them at Sam's to take the tax off of my order when I buy the supplies for your cake, too.  Astounding! LOL. |
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Cyndi1207
Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 13, 2006
Posts: 516
Location: South TX
Birthday: Dec 07
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:31 pm |
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| indydebi wrote: | I have a photographer friend who had package A, B, C. Brides bought package B most of the time. So he dropped A, added "D and now offered B, C, D. Brides are NOW buying his "C" package.
I LUV the psychology of buying habits! Fascinating!! |
This is so funny because I have to admit whenever my Dh and I are buying something specific---we don't want to buy the "cheap" one but we really can't afford the expensive one. We always shoot for the middle priced item. |
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darcat
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Mar 13, 2006
Posts: 1226
Location: Montreal Canada
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:32 pm |
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Nothing wrong with asking. Any one that has ever battered will tell you anything is fair game. Heck even when people buy big ticket items like houses they ask if the appliances come with. Some car dealers will throw in something if they think they'll make the sale. What do they have to lose by asking? lol The most you can say is no. |
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bettinashoe
Regular Member
Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 180
Location: Bartlesville OK
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:47 pm |
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It all part of the economic times right now. I imagine it will get worse before it gets better. People will probably start having relatives bake their wedding cakes in order to cut costs. Once the economy recovers we'll see less haggling over prices as people return to the feeling of "going all out" for their special day. Until then, I'm all for plan A, B, C. Let them choose what they want to add to their cake. |
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Mac
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 20, 2005
Posts: 2278
Location: East Texas
Birthday: Aug 29
Gallery Supporter Member
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:47 pm |
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Funny story--
DH and I went to Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon. DH was approached on the beach by a "vendor" and bought a T-shirt for "full price" of $20. I told him that you never pay the first price asked. So he got in the swing of things the enitre trip...haggling with vendors.
Came home and went to Wal-mart...cashier gave us the total. DH said "That's too much. We will give you XX". You should have seen the look on her face. I told her he was still in "Mexico-mode". |
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chutzpah
Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 12, 2008
Posts: 846
Location: nowherenearchurch
Birthday: Mar 12
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:04 pm |
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I haggle. I would never go to the grocery store and haggle with the cashier... it's not his fault/responsibility, but certain things are haggleable.
I recently bought a mixer, with both 10-liter and 20-liter bowls, brand new. I haggled. He asked six thou and I haggled him down to five thou PLUS an extra 10-liter bowl.
Bought a used commercial dishwasher last week.. same company... he asked 2½ thou... I haggled him down to two PLUS installation.
I can haggle and I'm darned good at it, but I hate it when people try to haggle my cakes! |
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Petit-four
Frequent Member
Joined: Feb 21, 2008
Posts: 454
Location: upstate NY
Birthday: Mar 20
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:42 am |
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Yeah -- I know what you mean, it stings when people ask for a break on all of our hard work.
After I did a one-quote only cake, and had a customer haggle on it (and I was feeling taken advantage of), I began doing 2 or three options. For some reason, having myself "in charge" of the haggling makes me feel better.
Also, while I meeting with them, I can say things like "the chocolate fudge is very popular" (a premium flavor), and if I see they are looking for ways to save a bit "but you know, people tell me they love the chocolate too" (a regular flavor).
On the inevitable question of how much cake to order, I give them the honest statistics for me, that X% of the brides go over the rest are comfortable with a closer margin. That also helps them feel responsible for the decision, so I have never had a problem with someone saying "we got [too much/too little] cake 'cause SHE was pushing us..."
Cake Psychology 101...starts this fall. |
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JillK
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 24, 2005
Posts: 93
Location: Buffalo, N.Y
Birthday: Jun 15
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:31 am |
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It doesn't matter so much to me -- I'm just a hobbyist -- just thought everyone might like to know what could be coming your way. I know some people get frustrated when people don't appreciate the work that goes into a quality cake and want a deal ...
On the other hand, if you don't mind haggling, go for it! |
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tracycakes
Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 731
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Birthday: Apr 24
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:23 pm |
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I hate to haggle and I hate for people to haggle with me. You ask a price, I pay or not. I set a price - you pay it or not.
It's one of the reasons that I despise buying a new car. Just give me the price and if I'm willing to pay it, we have a deal, otherwise I walk. |
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Lenette
Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 30, 2004
Posts: 893
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:19 pm |
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I am not a haggler but I do think that in some situations it is acceptable. I think there is a big difference between haggling over the price of a car or appliance vs. something you want custom made just for you. That is what I take issue with.
It is one thing to want suggestions on how to stay within your budget but I would not appreciate someone coming to me asking for a deal on something I am customizing just for them. They won't go into Macy's and do that for something off the rack why do I deserve any less respect? I for one would rather not "make the sale" than to kick myself later. What about when they tell their family/friends how they talked me down? Then everyone and their cousin is going for the same deal. It will devalue my reputation and business.
If I don't respect my business no one else will. This is not a flea market!
Thanks for the heads up, we need to keep each other informed about these things!
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