Cake maker invoice template

How do cake makers usually invoice?

Cake makers quote per cake from a design consultation, take a non-refundable deposit of around 30% to secure the date and require the balance two to four weeks before delivery, with celebration cakes paid in full at order. The invoice describes the tiers, sizes, flavours and servings so the design is on record, and delivery and setup are separate lines because they carry VAT if the maker is registered while the cake itself does not. Stand hire deposits are held separately.

Cake makers in this example are paid on receipt, after a 30% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £15 to £30.

What should a cake maker put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, cake makers should:

• Describe the cake fully: tiers, sizes, flavours, finish and servings.
• Take a non-refundable deposit at booking and state the balance due date before the event.
• Keep delivery and setup as separate lines; they are standard rated even when the cake is zero rated.
• Note any allergens and that the customer confirmed dietary requirements.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do cake makers charge VAT?

Cakes are zero rated food, so a VAT-registered cake maker charges 0% on a wedding or celebration cake delivered to the customer or venue; only cakes supplied as part of a catering service, such as served and plated at an event you are catering, are standard rated. Delivery and setup charges are standard rated at 20%. Registration is compulsory above £90,000 turnover, which few home-based cake makers reach, so most charge no VAT and show no VAT rate.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for cake makers is usually “Manufacturing food” at 9% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.