I have my first big cake order ($275) and I know I should require some sort of payment from them up front..but what? I've heard some people charge a 10% deposit, others require payment in full a few weeks before the event. What's best? Does anyone ever have a problem w/ a client not wanting to pay for the entire cake ahead of time before they actually see the finished product?

Thanks for the advice!

yes.

as in...

both...

deposit upon placing the order (i ask for 25%) -- gives you $$ to buy the supplies.

and balance due X days before (wedding = 14, event depends upon size of cake)

I used to do 1/3 up front, 2/3 2 weeks before the wedding.

CoutureCakes spooked me a few months back, now it's 1/3 up front, 2/3 one calendar month before the wedding.

I do 25% deposit and the balance due 1 week before.

For weddings and new customers, I require 50% of the cake paid in advance. I've never had anyone balk or say that was unreasonable.

I ask for 1/3 up front, not to buy supplies as much to know that they are serious customers that really want the date. I ask for the balance 3 weeks prior. Any payments made less than 14 days prior must be in cash.

Thanks for all of the input everyone. You've really cleared things up for me! I'll be sure to ask for a deposit and payment in full before the event.