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sarahnichole975
Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 27, 2006
Posts: 794
Location: Down in South Louisiana
Birthday: Sep 21
Gallery Supporter Member
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 Posted:
Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:40 pm |
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A regular client picked up a bridal shower cake today for a shower tomorrow. She had dropped off an invitation to match colors to. She ordered the chocolate and blue wedding cake I have in my pics and said that she wanted it to be chocolate and pink instead of the blue and add a ring to the top. So I did...I replaced everything blue with pink and added the ring. The invitation had several shades of fuschia pink on it, all the same tone, different shades, so I went in the middle with it. Well a few mins ago I got a call saying she wasn't pleased with the cake. She said she thought the pink was way too bright and asked if there was anything I could do. I offered to try to pull off the pink and replace it with a lighter shade, but that I may have to redo it as it would probably pull the fondant with it. She said she'd figure it out and let me know. After contimplating what else I could do, I decided I could tone it down by painting it with some pearl luster, so I called her back and made the suggestion. At that time she said that they had discussed it and had decided it was the white on the cake they weren't liking. We both came to the realization that it was miscommunication as they were wanting the entire cake to be done only in pink and brown, no white. Though this was never mentioned to me. We communicated all the details through emails and myspace messages, and the only specifics were, pink and chocolate, instead of blue, the size of the cake, and the flavors/fillings for the cake. The cake in general is a precious little cake...or so I think, and I think she's happy with the work in general, just not the colors. She finally ended up saying not to worry about it, that they'd keep it as it was. She didn't sound upset, but a little disappointed. Now I know I've learned a lesson here myself, make sure I ask "you want it the same only replace/add _____ or do you want all the colors different?" File that under learn the hard way. But I was wondering if I should offer her some sort of refund or discount on this or a future cake, as she is a loyal client. I'm attaching a pic of the cake and the original is in my pics. TIA for any advice....I'm just so not use to unhappy clients.
Wish me luck that this is just a fluke cuz I'm on my way out the door to deliver my first 4 tiered cake....  |
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CakesbyMonica
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Apr 15, 2007
Posts: 2807
Location: Day-go baby!
Birthday: Jul 28
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:53 pm |
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Beautiful cake!
She seems happy with the cake as is, and if she is a loyal customer - I'd offer her a % off the next cake or perhaps a small free cake or other goodies if you sell them. |
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dandelion
Frequent Member
Joined: Jul 21, 2005
Posts: 339
Location: California
Birthday: Jan 08
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:58 pm |
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You should not be the one to pay for her poor communication! You created a gorgeous cake and I'm sure you deserve every penny you charged for it. |
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Texie
Newbie
Joined: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 2
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:01 pm |
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This is an absolutely beautiful cake and you have nothing to apologize for. You did exactly as asked. If she's really not satisfied maybe paint a thin veil of light pink luster dust over the white; if you normally charge extra for the dust then offer it free, if not then give her a small discount on a future cake. This cake was made as she asked for it, she just didn't ask as clearly as she needed. I assume the invitation she gave you had white, it wasn't all colored? That would give you plenty of cause to believe there would be white on the cake. But it is amazing and she knows from personal experience that you're great at your job and she gets what she pays for or she wouldn't keep coming back. Offer a little something for next time to ensure there is a next time. |
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2Cupcakes
Regular Member
Joined: Aug 22, 2005
Posts: 114
Location: Kentucky
Birthday: Jul 28
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:01 pm |
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I just looked at the blue/chocolate cake in your photos. I would not give her a discount. She gave you a pink napkin which you used to match the pink color. She told you she wanted the blue/chocolate cake but pink/chocolate instead and add a ring on top. That is EXACTLY what you delivered her. If she wanted other areas of the cake different, she should have been more specific. I don't think she is entitled to a refund or discount. |
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2Cupcakes
Regular Member
Joined: Aug 22, 2005
Posts: 114
Location: Kentucky
Birthday: Jul 28
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:04 pm |
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Both the cakes are beautiful!
Good luck on your 4 tier cake delivery! |
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PattyT
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 30, 2007
Posts: 250
Location: South Jersey / Philadelphia
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:13 pm |
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| 2Cupcakes wrote: | | I just looked at the blue/chocolate cake in your photos. I would not give her a discount. She gave you a pink napkin which you used to match the pink color. She told you she wanted the blue/chocolate cake but pink/chocolate instead and add a ring on top. That is EXACTLY what you delivered her. If she wanted other areas of the cake different, she should have been more specific. I don't think she is entitled to a refund or discount. |
I agree! I just had the pleasure of searching through your gallery of amazing cakes - and was able to pull the blue cake immediately....because it is exactly the same design as the pink picture above.
Not sure what they were expecting, but looks like they got just what they ordered. |
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disneynutbsv
Frequent Member
Joined: Jul 27, 2007
Posts: 449
Location: N. Woodstock, NH
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:14 pm |
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That is one beautiful cake! |
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Zooie
Newbie
Joined: Jul 24, 2007
Posts: 19
Location: Utah
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:18 pm |
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I think having the white done in pink would have been too much pink. Personally, I don't think it looks bad at all. You did a really good job on it and should be proud of the work you did!
Maybe you will both just have to chalk it up to a learning experience. (sometimes they're good for customers as well)
Either way, I think it's great!  |
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fondantgrl
Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 11, 2007
Posts: 523
Location: Atlantis
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:32 pm |
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I would say no. Unless they are being difficult. The whole thing is not your fault. |
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indydebi
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 07, 2006
Posts: 15102
Location: Indianapolis IN
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:36 pm |
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I couldn't find the blue/brown cake in your pics (must have just missed it or something) but an order of "just like this blue/brown cake except use pink instead of blue" does NOT say anything about "....and don't put any white on it."
It's like the bride I had who said, "That's the cake table". So I set the cake up. Half hour later she is SCREAMING, "DEBI! WHY IS THE CAKE ON THAT TABLE?" I said, "Because that's where you TOLD me to put it!" (She said, "I did?"  Uh, yeah, 'zilla, ya did!)
This is what you said ... this is what you got. what's the problem?
I think it's a bit unreasonable that a refund might be due because the cake decorator couldn't come up with ALL the things the customer MIGHT have meant and didn't clarify. |
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ladyonzlake
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jan 20, 2006
Posts: 1764
Location: Lake Tapps, Washington
Birthday: Aug 22
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:38 pm |
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Your cake is beautiful. If anything you could offer her a discount off her next cake order (says 15%) for the misunderstanding. You know the "customer is always right" thing. It will make her feel better and come back and give you peace of mind. I wouldn't give her a refund on this cake. |
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indydebi
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jul 07, 2006
Posts: 15102
Location: Indianapolis IN
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:41 pm |
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Mike1394
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 1301
Location: Michigan
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:43 pm |
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That's one helluva nice cake. On the matter of the discount. For the confusion no way, for future $$$$ yes. I know I'm alot of help LOLOL. Here's what I mean, how soon can you recoup the cost of giving her a discount on a future cake? Even though it was thier mistake I would offer her something.
Mike |
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raquel1
Frequent Member
Joined: Apr 02, 2008
Posts: 200
Location: Richmond, Texas
Birthday: Oct 15
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:44 pm |
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That is a beautiful cake, it is exactly what anyone would interpret per instructions given. No refund, no % off, no guilt! She is the one who has to chalk it up to experience for not communicating what she wanted, you did and outstanding job |
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