Discussion
I hear these cupcakes are good but DAMN this seems overpriced even WITH the discount. I’m still buying though, I live a block away.
It is overpriced but so are most things in the world. The cupcakes rock though. One will cost you $4.25.
They donated cupcakes to an event I was at last night. They are definitely worth the price. Make sure to try the red velvet.
Actually, the regular price for yummy goodness is $3.50 ea. and there’s always a free sample of something on the front counter to try. If there isn’t, ask and we’ll cut something up.
Can I buy 2 $20 groupons? Do I have to use both at one visit?
so, if i buy this groupon, i can use it for the gluten-free cupcakes? there isn’t a restriction on what kind of cupcakes you have to buy, is there?
Can I buy in advance for now and pick them up for thanksgiving?
Yum, yum! Can the Groupon be split between two visits?
Really people, a discounted cupcake @ $1.67 is worth it? That’s why the economy is in such bad shape, overpriced everything and we get suckered into buying things we don’t need. No offense Swirlz Cupcakes, but this should be the regular price.
Yummy yummy yummy! Make sure to try the chocolate peanut butter crunch. Great food, awesome atmosphere.
Do I really have to use this groupon by tomorrow if I buy it? That seems a little bit unreasonable. This is my fave place in the city, but I don’t think I’m going to have time to go pick up a dozen by 7 tomorrow…
@Ashley Spencer:
Read the fine print: Expires 11/06/2010
Awesome! I knew I had to be missing something!
Sylvia, Swirlz needs to pay for their ingredients, building (indirect costs), workers, labor, etc. If charging 3.50 a cupcake helps pay for the costs of running a business, well, it’s consumer’s choice to keep their business going.
You can definately place your order in advance and pick the cupcakes up the day before Thanksgiving. We are closed on Thanksgiving day.
A single Groupon must be used in one visit. You can buy 2 Groupons if you need cupcakes for two occasions.
“tax not included”? so you present your groupon and then have to pay another 4 bucks for the tax? really?
Can you use more than 1 groupon per visit? I wanted to get some for my neice’s birthday party and may need 2-3 dozen.
Can I use 2 groupons in one visit? (Like if i put 2 dozen cupcakes in one order?)
Can I use this groupon for delivery orders also?
What?!?! They’re charging taxes? I looked at recent deals and most snack/fast food-ish places had tax included in groupon. I might just have to cancel my groupon for this one.
I just called the bakery and was told that if I purchased 2 groupons, I would have to use both in one visit, contrary to what’s posted here by Pam Swirlz Cupcakes. Please clarify.
Yeah, I’d have to agree… There’s been way too much inflation. $1.75 is a reasonable price for a gourmet cupcake. OK, maybe $2.
Still, almost $3.50 for a cupcake – I think Starbucks has convinced everyone that we should always be willing to part with $4-6 (including tax) every time we enter a small item food shop.
Just my 79 cents.
I can’t imagine how they would make you use both groupons in one visit if you bought two. You get two completely separate groupons and print them separately and they each have their own number. Bring them in on two different occasions, they have no way to know how many you have.
Blaine, I would guess the answer you got when you called is simply miscommunication among those working there.
I agree with Luke, $2 or so for one fancy cupcake should be the regular price.
I understand the vegan cupcakes will be loaded with transfats but are the non vegan cupcakes transfat free?
Thanks
I have been all over the city – Molly’s, Sweet Mandy B’s, More, Phoebe’s to list a few and I absolutely adore Swirlz!!! They are the best in world (that is not even hyperbole). They truly do make people happy!!!
Actually – when you get more than one groupon they DONT have two different numbers. For example, they would be numbered something like 123456-1 and 123456-2. They also normally have a list of people and how many groupons they have ordered. However, I do agree that if the rep here has written something to answer a question that would most likely trump info from a phone call to someone who may be less informed.
Also – people, if you don’t want the cupcakes at that price – don’t buy the groupon. And if you don’t want the cupcake for the regular price – don’t go back. To each their own, if someone wants to pay more for what they think is worth it and they have the funds to do so, their decision. Are we really going to make cupcakes a global statement of the economy? Well…I guess that’s your choice as well.
I am happy to hear that. We just had Sweet Mandy B’s for halloween, and they were delicious. If these are better!! Getting them for my mother’s b-day.
I would like to buy multiple dozen cupcakes… can I use 3-4 groupons at one time if I call in davance?
I talked to SWIRLZ and they said these groupons can be used as gifts too. I am buying a few because it really is a sweet deal.
I can’t believe you people who are griping about the price! Have you never purchased a pastry from Starbuck’s or Panera? It’s hard to find a dessert at your neighborhood eatery for under $4 and these are literally single-serving gourmet cakes. A little perspective, please. I think one taste will tell you these cupcakes are worth every penny.
I love Swirlz, SugarBliss, Molly’s and some others – yet I do feel that their regular prices are a bit high. Comparing to Starbucks (others did – I’m just moving forward from that comparison) – I purchase their brownies and I think they’re priced at about $2. Looking at similar bakeries in other cities (Portland, Seattle, Atlanta and others) – their prices tend to be lower but their rent is probably a little lower as well. Frankly, not sure what I’ve paid for cupcakes @ Magnolia Bakery in NYC but my best recollection is that they’re still a little less expensive that our local spots – but not by much. Hopefully the current economy will push these entities to lower their regular prices going forward. Until then, I’m grateful for the Groupon!
Is this groupon also good for customized cupcakes? i.e. Could I use the groupon to order customized cupcakes for a bridal shower?
Price is objective, value is subjective. I would be VERY surprised if the ingredients in a single cupcake cost them more than .25 to .30 cents, and doubling that amount to cover labor, tripling it to cover overhead on the space, and quadrupling it to allow for profit comes up FAR less than 3.50/cupcake. I agree with the folks here who say they are overpriced and the folks who buy them are foolish, if not actually fools….. the same folks who’ll spend $75 on a few ounces of balsamic that (honestly) is what a single mom two doors down might have to feed herself and two kids for a week…. these little “boutique” places bank on folks placing a premium (value) on something actually worth a LOT less (price)….. geesh!
(off my soapbox now – but places like this really do get my dander up)
If I purchase a dozen the day before an event, how do I store them? Do I just leave them on the kitchen counter? Thanks!
I agree people should not gripe about the price. However, there is a problem with the taxes. Moments ago I placed my order and was informed the tax would be $4 and change. This is wrong. I am purchasing an item(s) for $20. The tax is based upon the $20 and therefore should be $2 something. They sound like nice people so I assume they are not charging $4 and keeping $2 which would be unscrupulous at best and possibly illegal.
However, they should not be remitting the $4 to our at the best wasteful and at the worst corrupt state government.
I really think someone has confused the need to TIP based upon the original price with the need to tax upon the original price.
Finally, if this is confusing I will provide a useful analogy. If one goes to Macy’s and purchases a 1/2 off sale item with a gift card, the tax is based upon the sale price not the original price. This groupon is simply a $20 gift card and Swirls is selling a dozen cupcakes at 1/2 off.
Now I need to walk 10 miles which is my good faith estimate of what it will take to burn off these very delicious calories!
This post is not to be construed as offering legal advice.
J.J.
When you order they ask if they are going to be eaten the same day and if not they wrap the box in Saran wrap.
Oh, thank you for answering, c.j. hughes. Also, I agree with your observation concerning the tax… and walking :)
Instead of placing an order 24hrs in advance, can you just go into the store and choose 1 dozen mixed flavors of cupcakes?
I love the fact that the main groupon is for overpriced cupcakes and the side deal is for a workout deal. makes you think…
We love Swirlz, especially the attention they give to their gluten-free cupcakes! The price makes it a special treat for us, but every now and then we enjoy splurging. We’ve been considering Swirlz cupcakes for our wedding next summer, and were wondering if multiple Groupons could be used to place an order next July? If so, what would the limitations be?
It seems to me that a more applicable scenario on this tax issue would be the following: you go to a store with a gift certificate and buy a regular priced item that totals $40. The tax would be applied to the total purchase and that total would then be $44 and change. Then you present your gift certificate for $40. The tax would still need to be covered for the total purchase so you give an extra $4 and change in cash. Capice?
I think this is a great price. I mean, isn’t a Ho-Ho from Walgreens about a dollar? These are not mass-produced items. I don’t understand why people continue to gripe even when they are getting half off! C’mon people!
I am sorry about the misinformation on taxes. We will be charging tax on the $20 purchase price whic is $2.25
I had the same question as Facebook User: If I purchase a bunch of groupons, can I use them all at once (if ordering, say, 200 cupcakes)? I called the store this morning and was told I would hear back from them, but haven’t gotten an answer yet.
I think they’re way over priced. I agree with Sylvia and Barry
How long do the cupcakes last without being eaten, and can they be frozen?
PS I LOVE Swirlz!!
These cupcakes are the best that I have had in the city! I agree the price is a bit steep, but that is why I only buy them on special occasions or when there are discounts, like these wonderful groupons. I love that I will be able to treat my family to these delicious cupcakes for only $20! In fact, it is a good idea that they are somewhat expensive, because it prevents me from ordering them too often!! :)
The cupcakes should be stored at room temperature in an air tight container and are at their best for 3 days. Please let us know if they are for a different day when you arder and we will be happy to saran wrap the box for you.
Thanks Pam! this is my favorite groupon yet. I must say that I have had cupcakes in a lot of cities and Swirlz is by far my favorite. Definitely beats out the infamous Magnolia’s in NYC!
You can freeze the cupcakes. They thaw perfectly.
Just received a call back from Swirlz, they are instituting a limit of 2 Groupons per order. Bummed — wanted to get the Groupons for our wedding. They do have a wedding discount if you order in bulk, but unfortunately that will still put us over budget. Good buy for anyone who isn’t doing a large party though.
I have a question for Pam Swirlz Cupcakes…Just to be clear… if I order two groupons they must be used at one time?
This may be a silly question but I would like to use this groupon to pick up cupcakes tomorrow afternoon. Would this be possible? I didn’t get my last groupon until after 7 pm the next day.
Can I order the cupcakes today, before I receive the groupon in my email?
If you order 2 Groupons you do not have to use them at the same time. You can use them for 2 seperate occasions
can anyone comment on how swirlz cupcakes compare to sweet mandy b’s? my kids are asking for them for their bday coming up and i’d love to try this place out! thanks in advance.
There are no silly questions. Groupon states that you need to allow 1 business day for receipt of your Groupon. Most credit cards process quickly, and most of the time e-mail is working. If you place an order with us for tomorrow and you want to use your Groupon, you must have it when you pick up the order.
Hi Groupon people,
Sorry about the confusion on the 2 Groupon limit per order. Since Groupon does not state a limit we will be honoring the Groupons for any size order. Michelle can you call the store when you get a chance?
Just ordered my Swirtz cupcakes groupons. The best gluten-free dessert ever. I live 50 miles from the store and when I can I stop by to treat myself. FYI Many restaurant charge $5 – 10 for their desserts. Thanks for the half off coupons.
Thumbs down Goupon on the next day expiration. 2,078 and counting people in the next two days will be ordering $40 worth of cupcakes.
um…. that’s 2010
cannot believe the amount of commenting on this groupon… can’t believe i’m reading them all… this is about cupcakes right? : )
Barb was just thinking the same thing. hahaha
I commented that it was pretty pricey and the debate went from there!
cannot believe the amount of commenting on this groupon… can’t believe i’m reading them all… this is about cupcakes right? : )
cannot believe the amount of commenting on this groupon… can’t believe i’m reading them all… this is about cupcakes right? : )
WHOA! When did the tax go up to 11.25%? All along I was under the assumption that we payed the highest tax in the country, but at 10.25%.
the collectors of taxes will be expecting $4 in taxes for every dozen cupcakes this store sells. if they give it to you for $2, THEY are the ones taking the $2 bath. if they did it for EVERY groupon sold… come on now, do the math, that’s over $4,000 so far!
they are not cheating you out of two bucks, they’re covering their responsibility to pay their taxes.
Sharmila- hope you see this in time! Mandy B’s was a fave of mine until I stumbled upon Swirlz always moist always wonderful cupcakes that has me saying Mandy Who?
Swirlz are the best! The price is right for it being so beautifully created, from the moist cake, delicious Italian butter cream frosting and the different ingredients and toppers used to make their special flavors. Thank you Swirlz for always making the events I go to so much more better! Swirlz Cupcakes make people happy!!!
melaine… if you read the rep from swirlz response… very many responses before (can’t believe i read through all the comments) they are taxing on $20 not $40, the tax will be $2.25, that is good, however, that is not how most restaurants work, if I use my $20 groupon for an order at a restaurant that comes up to say $20, but the groupon does not cover tax, they will still charge me… what, 2.25 from the tax, I think its nice that they are basing the tax on the lower price, specially consdering that most places that I have been to treat the groupon as the equivalent of currency, they basically deduct the value of the groupon from the total.
a dozen of the finest tasting cupcakes at $20 does not seem to pricey to me, its the idea of a dozen cupcakes that will last for 3 days that worries me…
Does anyone know if there is expiration date for the groupon itself? I understand that you can only buy them for the next hour or so, but once purchased, how long before they become invalid? I was not able to find anything in the “fine print” to address this. Thanks much.
?? should be the first line in the fine print… I think people have been posting about their expiration date being in 11/6/2010, unless you meant something different…
Doh! I need to learn how to read. Thanks for pointing out 2010.
SO MAD. Called to order my cupcakes for tomorrow (the reason why I bought the groupon for swirlz) and was told that they are not taking any more groupon orders for tomorrow. They told me I needed to call 24 hours in advance – I did. That is the only condition on the groupon! Then they told me they needed to have cupcakes there for people walking in wanting to buy them – ok, I get it, but I am walking in and want to buy them too, and it should not matter that at the end of the transaction I hand over a groupon.
GRRRRRR.
Not good PR Swirlz, my love for you has plummented.
After reading all the comments, I feel compelled to add one. Swirlz: Relax, you did good. Most of us understand you’re a small business, not Jewel, and can’t overnight make a few thousand extra cupcakes. Note to self: Never again start reading Groupon comments.
I agree Zoe, I had the same experience today. I was told that I couldn’t order any cupcakes for tomorrow, which is my birthday, but that I was welcome to come in and buy 2 dozen from the shop and not actually use my groupon. I feel like that was $40 down the drain. I’m sure I’ll find another use for it and I understand that there are a small bakery, but you shouldn’t offer things that you cannot deliver on.
Dang! I can’t believe I missed this one!! Grrrr.
You had me at vegan.
Oh yeah! And this was pretty convenient. My birthday was on the 5th and I was looking for a place with vegan birthday-type cake foods and this showed up! I’ll be doing the cake part late, but I’m happy I found out about it.
Ok, so I take it back Swirlz – I still love you. Went in today and got myself some cupcakes (gluten free) and you guys were swamped with orders and absolutely frenzied. Your cupcakes still rock and an earlier poster is right, your a small business. So all this means is that I still have an excuse (* cough * or five) to buy a dozen cupcakes :-)
So the conditions of the offer include language around using the Groupon for advancedorders, but say nothing about being able to use it on a walk-in basis. The offer doesn’t say it is for advance orders only, but when I went into the store today I was not allowed to use the Groupon, and had to fork out $40 for a dozen cupcakes. They were good, but not $40 good. Sweet Mandy B’s is just as good, and a little cheaper.
This is the second time I’ve had an issue with offer restrictions on Groupons, where the conditions are not explicit and the vendor refuses goods or services. Groupon – please be clear in the future, this is really irritating. And Swirlz, I’ve gotta say this was pretty annoying today; I know it’s a holiday, but there were literally hundreds of cupcakes in the store when I came into the store. Just put a dozen in a box and honor the Groupon, make my customer experience positive so I will want to come back and not anchor on the hassle.
Fine print specifically states: Orders must be made 24 hrs. in advance. Orders for major holidays must be made 48 hrs. in advance
I already acknowledged that, Dee M. Read my comment. The offer is silent on walk-ins; you can’t go to the shop and buy cupcakes with the Groupon. I went to the store and they had wall-to-wall cupcakes, yet they forced me to pay retail or wait 24 hours. It’s a lame business practice, and apparently we need our own personal lawyer to interpret when we can redeem a frickin coupon. They’re cupcakes for crying out loud, it shouldn’t be this hard.
Honestly, not a fan of Swirlz cupcakes. Get me a groupon for Sweet Mandy B’s and I’m all over that one!!
I agree, they ARE very pretty, but the taste just isn’t there….. not HALF the punch of a simple Ann Sather’s, and THEY (Ann Sather’s) have always WELCOMED walk-in!
Finally used my groupon last week. These cupcakes were fantastic and the staff were delightful. Will go back again!
If anyone purchase this groupon and does not want it anymore, I would be willing to purchase it from you. Thanks!
s Y. – if you want this groupon, I have an extra I’d be willing to let you buy off of me. Let me know how to get in touch with you. Thanks!
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