Comments on: The Art of Negotiating, Part 1

By: JSweet

JSweet — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:28:12 +0000

I would really like to thank you for what you wrote on cakes. I am a cake maker/decorator and run a small business. While I dont get many wedding orders I always have people trying to haggle my cake prices…and I have really good prices! I once had a customer get insulted at the price that I gave her because she was a friend of a distant family member of mine..and I was giving her a very very fair price considering that the cake was custom designed and carved.Take it from me..a small tiered fondant cake with minimal detail like say polka dots can take anwhere from 1-3 hours to do..plus baking time. Some people dont appreciate the art, time, and energy that goes into making a cake. I really thank you for pointing that out.

BTW, I do not and would never charge someone more because its for a wedding.

By: The Art of Negotiating, Part 2 - DIY Bride

The Art of Negotiating, Part 2 - DIY Bride — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:22:02 +0000

[...] [Part 1 of the Negotiating Series] [...]

By: Jewel at Savadelis Films

Jewel at Savadelis Films — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:53:58 +0000

Great idea for a series that will educate both sides! Can’t wait for the next “episode”.

By: Rachel Nelson

Rachel Nelson — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:38:12 +0000

I totally agree with you. I’m getting married in April, but I’m also a professional singer who sings a lot of weddings. I’ve been asked to sing an entire Mass plus several solos by a bride getting married over an hour away for $75. It’s just plain insulting. Like you said, negotiation is expected, but offering a fee that will barely cover the cost of gas is disrespectful.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:27:57 +0000

Coming from the other side – you mention wedding and the prices go up. I know scores of people who priced say a cake for a wedding – exact same cake not mentioning wedding was priced at half the price.

Is it because vendors know that people are more willing to pay it for a wedding and therefore up goes the prices, or is this common in Australia where I am and not so much overseas? will be interesting to discover as I plan my wedding

By: Andi

Andi — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:35:40 +0000

Thanks for this topic! Negotiating is good, as long as both parties are working together. One of my friends is a professional photographer & as she says “I wouldn’t call a plumber & then ask him to fix my sink for free because I know somebody who knows somebody!”

By: Michael Warf

Michael Warf — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:09:08 +0000

We are all facing tough economic times, I believe vendors would rather negotiate prices than to simply be passed by for a “cheaper” vendor.

By: Brandi of Glitz & Glamour Events

Brandi of Glitz & Glamour Events — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:17:20 +0000

Excellent post. Negotiating is definitely an art and can be beneficial to both parties when handled delicately (and not like a bull in a china shop). Can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

By: Liene at Blue Orchid Designs

Liene at Blue Orchid Designs — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:53:06 +0000

This is a GREAT post. Looking forward to the rest of the series.