CakeCentral.com Forum

I don't want to make "The Phone Call" Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next      CakeCentral.com Forum Index » Cake Decorating Business Author Message IsaSW Regular Member Joined: Jul 01, 2009 Posts: 129 Location: Virginia Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:52 am  I am so scared... The bride is late a week with her final payment of $700. Sent her an e-mail last week, no respond. This is a bride that has been calling me constantly to add stuff, to request special things, etc. And all of the sudden she has disappear. All the fondant flowers are ready, months working on them. And now, the baking week... How do I say "No payment-No cake" in pretty words. There was a thread on this not too long ago, can somebody lead me to it. Thanks, PS This only my third real bride. Of course I don't know how to handle this. K8memphis- Forum SuperStar! Joined: Mar 21, 2005 Posts: 5166 Location: Memphis 10 C Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:59 am  IsaSW wrote: ...How do I say "No payment- No cake" in pretty words... Keep it simple, CakeBuddy. I think you got your script all prepared there~ that's about as pretty as you can make it. Ok, you could start with, "I have a policy..." "No payment- No cake" And wait for them to respond I mean if you get them on the phone. Otherwise just leave a pretty message, "Your cake's been canceled for non-payment Have a nice day." LaBellaFlor Forum SuperStar! Joined: Jan 16, 2009 Posts: 2066 Location: Enjoying C.C. while still dealing in the real world. Birthday: Jul 15 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:01 am  Are you fricken insane!?!?!? It's 700 dollars!!! 700 dollars! You call her & say per our contract I have not recieved your final payment of $700. If I do not receive payment by the end of the day 6PM (or of you feel generous 6PM tomorrow) in cash, your order is cancelled. There is no crying . pleading whining. It's business. She curses you out, tell her I understand, you order is cancelled. I'm assuing she gave you a 50% deposit. Please tell me you got a 50% deposit! LaBellaFlor Forum SuperStar! Joined: Jan 16, 2009 Posts: 2066 Location: Enjoying C.C. while still dealing in the real world. Birthday: Jul 15 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:02 am  And you can say all of the above in a pleasant tone of voice. thats as nice as you need to be. K8memphis- Forum SuperStar! Joined: Mar 21, 2005 Posts: 5166 Location: Memphis 10 C Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:06 am  I think op gets that a lot is at stake here. The name of her business is sweet caroline though. Just take a deep breath and jump off the "your cake is cancelled" cliff. It'll be ok--you gotta face it. K8memphis- Forum SuperStar! Joined: Mar 21, 2005 Posts: 5166 Location: Memphis 10 C Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:07 am  LaBellaFlor wrote: And you can say all of the above in a pleasant tone of voice. thats as nice as you need to be. Yeah, inside we and you are all going nuts. But on the outside nerves of steel like melted ice scream. heavenlytiers Newbie Joined: Oct 23, 2008 Posts: 6 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:13 am  I agree with the above...in a nice voice...I have in my contract that payment in full 2 weeks before delivery or order will be cancelled. I know some people who try to collect on delivery...my time is worth alot more than that...and you can bet, if you deliver...they eat it...they will find a reason not to pay...even if they ate every bite and got lots of compliments on it...put it in the contract..no payment ..no cake..that's just business... Auryn Forum Addict Joined: Jun 08, 2007 Posts: 846 Location: south FL Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:58 am  Take a deep breath. Think of your favorite book or movie heroine that doesn't take any bs from anyone, Elizabeth Bennet comes to mind when she sets Mr. Darcy straight. Princess Leia maybe Are you still willing and able to make the cake if she shows up today with cash?? If not, don't waiver. You don't have to be mean about it. Just call her up- I'm sure she won't answer so leave a message. Let her know that she is now in breach of the contract and you will not be supplying her with cake and you wish her luck in her future endeavors. If she does answer and gets belligerent with you on the phone- hang up. Thats what I do with customers who think they can treat me like dirt. You don't need to take verbal abuse from anyone. This allows you to speak to her nicely on the phone and not get pulled into the trap of being emotionally/verbally bullied. Don't feel bad for her either - none of this "oohh the poor girl won't have cake at her wedding"- she obviously doesn't care that much about it otherwise she'd have paid you by now so don't feel bad. You have nothing to feel bad about. If she calls back and asks why you hung up- You only deal with people that speak in a civilized manner. If you are willing to still do her cake- get payment today- not tomorrow since u are a week behind in your schedule already- and get it in CASH ONLY, no cashier's check, no credit card, no money orders- CASH ONLY. Good luck and let us know how it goes. ccr03 Forum Fanatic Joined: Sep 16, 2005 Posts: 1794 Location: Independence, MO Birthday: Jan 31 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:01 am  On certain orders I do COD and once the lady asked me what if we don't pay, I told her - then I take the cake home with me! I have a big family! She said it jokingly of course (she's turned out to be a great customer), but since I do do COD that is my policy. klat7292 Regular Member Joined: Apr 22, 2008 Posts: 131 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Birthday: Mar 30 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:16 am  IsaSW...I just looked at your website...(BTW - BEAUTIFUL work!!) Right there on the wedding cake page at the bottom...you specify that "Balance is due 14 days prior to an event" SO THERE'S YOUR JUSTIFICATION!! GO AFTER YOUR HARD-EARNED $$$$!! I think you've made it quite clear that this is your policy and if it is posted on your site, then surely it's in your contract?! Good Luck and God Speed!!! __Jamie__ Forum SuperStar! Joined: Aug 16, 2008 Posts: 5033 Location: The less seriously you take me, the better off we'll all be! Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:19 am  Oh heavens....yes, all of the above. Good luck. kjskid Regular Member Joined: Jan 28, 2009 Posts: 111 Location: East Hartford, CT Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:25 am  You do good work. Don't let her stiff you. amy1988 Newbie Joined: Apr 22, 2009 Posts: 9 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:35 am  Just be as pleasant as you can to her and let her know what's going on. That's really not cool what she did! Good Luck!! newmansmom2004 Forum Addict Joined: Jan 22, 2007 Posts: 796 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:37 am  I wouldn't sugar-coat your conversation with her. I'm not saying be mean, but be firm and confident...she needs to know you mean business. If she senses the least bit of hesitation she may see an opportunity to possibly bully you or intimidate you into letting her out of the remainder of the payment. Be strong, girlfriend!! You can do it!! ShariB-DivineDesserts Junior Member Joined: Jan 17, 2009 Posts: 29 Location: Nebraska Birthday: Jun 25 Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:55 am  I agree with above, be assertive and strong. I would love to hear the outcome. This is good info because this is territory that none of like to be in !!! Good luck!! Display posts from previous:   All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year  Oldest FirstNewest First     CakeCentral.com Forum Index » Cake Decorating Business Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum Translation: