Have you ever encountered a “customer” who seems to always ask about prices and designs but never actually places an order? Let me share a story that might resonate…
A cake decorator was dealing with a serial enquirer—someone who repeatedly requested quotes, asked for design options, and inquired about prices, only to respond with, “It’s too expensive!” every single time. It started to feel as if this person wasn’t actually interested in buying at all, but rather in figuring out her own prices, perhaps for her own cake business.
Sound familiar? It can be so frustrating, not to mention time-consuming! After all, working up detailed estimates and unique designs takes time and effort, especially when you’re crafting something beautiful. Yet, the decorator was left empty-handed with each conversation.
So, what’s the solution?
One thing she could do is ask about a budget up front. This helps establish a realistic range from the beginning, making it easier to craft a design within what the customer is willing to spend. Rather than designing elaborate cakes that may exceed their price range, you can save time by focusing on options that actually fit their budget.
And let’s be honest—have you ever heard a customer say, “That price is too low, I was hoping to spend more”? It’s rare, right? Most people will look for ways to save if they can. But understanding their budget early on can also help you establish whether they’re serious about buying or if they’re simply window-shopping.
A quick cautionary tale:
I once ordered custom curtains and, when asked my budget, I gave a clear range. But when the designer presented the designs, the price was double what I’d mentioned. It felt frustrating because they hadn’t even attempted to work within my budget! In the end, I paid more than I’d planned because my daughter loved the design, but it didn’t give me confidence in the designer’s professionalism. If they’d respected my budget and shown me options within my range, I’d have felt much more valued.
So, a tip: If you ask for a budget, respect it! Show them designs that fit within that range before branching out with premium options.
Dealing with these “price-only” queries and feeling worn out from endlessly quoting with no result is exactly what we help with in our Abundant Cakers and Bakers group. We dive into questions like:
- “How do I get my quotes to stick?”
- “How can I attract clients who actually buy?”
- “How do I get more repeat business?”
Inside the group, we’ve got strategies and support for cake decorators who feel like they’re giving away too much for too little and want to break free from “quote fatigue.” If that sounds like you, we’d love to help you take back control of your pricing conversations—and maybe even save a few hours in your week.eating beautiful cakes, and remember that your time and expertise deserve fair compensation!ur policies serve and protect you, and setting a solid framework for customers. And when situations like these arise, you can refer to your terms with confidence and peace of mind.