Just Another Venting Post (Long Oh So Long)

Decorating By nmrunyon Updated 20 Jun 2008 , 7:27pm by all4cake

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nmrunyon Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 1:52pm
post #1 of 32

Ok here we go. My husband and I own a bakery (mainly a donut shop, but a ton of cakes go out of the shop). My husband does most of the bakery stuff because I am a nurse and have a full time job. I basically do the cakes and cheesecakes etc. (he couldn't decorate a cake if he had to). The problem being.... over a year ago a lady approached him about doing cakes for her daughters wedding. They wanted cakes for every table roughly 25 double layer cakes. My husband gave her some ridiculously low price, it could have been because we had not been open long or it could just be the fact that he is a moron icon_cry.gif . No other communication had been made with the lady until last month when she wanted to sit down to plan the cakes. In the meantime she had had some of my cheesecakes and wanted to add cheesecakes to the order, once again my husband cut her a deal-idiot. The order went as followed....

2 white cakes with strawberry filling
2 white cakes with lemon filling
2 chocolate cakes
2 carrot cakes with HOMEMADE cream cheese icing
2 blueberry swirl cheesecakes
2 strawberry swirl cheesecakes
2 raspberry swirl cheesecakes
2 turtle cheesecakes
1 german chocolate cake 10 in, 8 in, 6 in stacked cake for the bridal party.

Yes I know it was not the original 25 cakes but...............................
Ok are you ready for the grand total?? Drumroll please

$350

That price was increased because I went crazy with the original $250 that he quoted her. I didn't want to totally screw the lady because she went for an entire year thinking she was going to get roughly 25 double layer cakes for $250 and I didn't want to drop the ball 3 weeks before the wedding so I did it for the $350. Should I mention that for a 10 inch swirled cheesecake I charge $25.99, let's do the math....

Then my husband informed me that he told them that I would deliver and set up all the cakes hummmmmm icon_evil.gif

Does anyone know a good divorce attorney?????

31 replies
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BREN28 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:07pm
post #2 of 32

OMG,ARE YOU KIDDING?! ALL THAT FOR $350?! i'd be furious too! but maybe he was just trying to give her a good deal since at the time you hadn't been open long. thats too good of a deal though! good luck!!

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krazykat_14 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:11pm
post #3 of 32

Wow. I don't know a good divorce attorney (I got screwed) but I'm thinking a shotgun would work better...

Why does he think he can commit you to do these cheesecakes and set up? Is that part of your business deal? I suppose if you own the shop together then you should do the work together... but then again, you should also work out prices together, too...

That being said, you should sit down with him and explain your feelings as calmly as possible. If he wants to set ridiculously low prices, he should learn how to decorate cakes... I really hope he didn't promise any elaborate decorations on these cakes...

I'm sorry to hear about your dilema- hang in there, you'll get through this! >>hugs<<

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nmrunyon Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:23pm
post #4 of 32

NO... that is not part of the business deal. He is supposed to call me and check before cake orders. He has taken some orders for some pretty elaborate cakes in the past. I got started decorating cakes because he started taking orders for birthday cakes and when I asked him who was going to decorate them he quickly said "you". I had never decorated a cake and quickly had to learn by using a Wilton book. My skills are NOT great by any means, I am self taught and have limitations. So he is supposed to check before orders are taken. As mentioned before I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts, so cakes have to be made after I have pulled a 12. With the prices he is quoting I think I will keep my day job.

I wonder how he would feel if I sold a doz long johns for $1 hee hee.

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moxey2000 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:38pm
post #5 of 32

He made the deal and there's really no way out of it, but there is a way to make it easier on *you*. Give him the recipes for the cakes and all of the details, sizes, # of each layer, etc. Tell him what day/date they need to all be done by. Then give him the icing/filling recipes and tell him day/date needed and how much of each. Give him a list of all the rest of the supplies you'll need, boards, foil, bags, etc. ALL you're doing is assembling and decorating. Put all the rest of the work on him.

Then choose the day/time you'll be making cheesecakes WITH him and give him a list of all the ingredients and extras that he needs to have ready to go.

The only way you're going to get through to him and force him to see how much work this takes is to get him involved in the process. You can teach him a thing or two along the way. He can do all sorts of chores to make things easier on you, like assembly all of your tools onto your work space, washing tips, fetching things. Make him work for YOU!

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Petit-four Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:41pm
post #6 of 32

I realize this won't help the current situation, but when I was researching cake prices and options in our area, I visited several local bakeries (I always bought something and I also recommend them when I am booked or as options to customers).

While I was there, I'd ask about custom cakes too. I was always told, "Here's a photo book [or price sheet] to get you started, but our staff decorator will have to call you back."

I, of course, did not want to be a pain, so I'd say, "Ok, just looking."

Just a thought. In other words, having DH say "My specialist will have to call you back" can make a custom cake seem even MORE special. And your cakes are indeed quite special!

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BREN28 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:41pm
post #7 of 32

as if nursing wasnt stressful enough,then have to deal with this too?wow,i dont know how you do it. looking at your gallery, its no wonder why your husband doesnt think twice about asking you to decorate all of the cakes,you do a beautiful job!! if you decide to sell long johns at $1 a doz, let me know, i'll order some!!!lol icon_biggrin.gif

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cheeseball Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:49pm
post #8 of 32

If it's not too late, could you gently remind her (and him) that food costs have greatly increased since last year?

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jmgr91 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 2:58pm
post #9 of 32

Well....... icon_cry.gif
I would check your area for competitive pricing w/ other bakeries.....
and then make a "price list" for your husband.
That lady got a really GOOD deal......
Just my 2 cents worth

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krazykat_14 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 3:08pm
post #10 of 32

Ooh! Yeah! I agree with that- make up a price list for him and post it in the store- in the front so customers can see it ahead of time... that way people will think there's something wrong if they're walking out with 5 $25 cheesecakes for $20!

Maybe once he sees how much money he's not making, he'll figure out that he shouldn't be undercharging so much. It's interesting how most husbands I've heard of are always complaining about how much everything costs and how much money they're not making but yours is the opposite!

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eatdessert1st Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 3:23pm
post #11 of 32

I like what moxey2000 suggested. The measuring, mixing, and baking are what is sooo time consuming... and less fun than the decorating part icon_biggrin.gif especially when you're doing a TON of it. Definitely what moxey2000 suggested. He'll understand the amount of work and time involved if he's directly involved in the making of the order. Time for him to learn some basic decorating skills and now is a good time!!
I'm a RN in an ICU and CAN'T imagine working on anything except going to sleep after my shifts... totally wiped out. I feel for you.

Melanie Mc.

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Doug Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 3:32pm
post #12 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by moxey2000

He made the deal and there's really no way out of it, but there is a way to make it easier on *you*. Give him the recipes for the cakes and all of the details, sizes, # of each layer, etc. Tell him what day/date they need to all be done by. Then give him the icing/filling recipes and tell him day/date needed and how much of each. Give him a list of all the rest of the supplies you'll need, boards, foil, bags, etc. ALL you're doing is assembling and decorating. Put all the rest of the work on him.

Then choose the day/time you'll be making cheesecakes WITH him and give him a list of all the ingredients and extras that he needs to have ready to go.

The only way you're going to get through to him and force him to see how much work this takes is to get him involved in the process. You can teach him a thing or two along the way. He can do all sorts of chores to make things easier on you, like assembly all of your tools onto your work space, washing tips, fetching things. Make him work for YOU!





hmmm....

a new kind of "nurse"

the cake nurse ---

similar to a scrub nurse who preps everything for the doctor and provides tools as needed (make him stand there and fill those bags, hand over the tools, change those tips!)

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tyty Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 3:43pm
post #13 of 32

I'm so sorry this happened to you, I was mad at my hubby for trying to get me to take on another cake this week after I said no. After reading this, I guess I will keep him around LOL.

I would make sure he helped you or hire someone to help. I couldn't imagine doing all that for so little. The customer really got a deal. Maybe she will give you a big tip. Hang in there, and talk tu hubby about not taking any orders until they speak with you.

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LeanneW Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 3:53pm
post #14 of 32

oh my goodness, husbands!

My husband thinks he can save the world by giving my cakes away for free.

everytime he starts a story by telling me about someone he met that has hardship I just wait with a smirk on my face for the part where he tells me that he promised them a cake for free.

Don't get me wrong I am sympathetic to people who have disabilities, deaths in their family, and financial hardship, that doesn't mean that I need to make them a free cake.

the funny thing is that when I make free cakes for publicity purposes he is all over me about how much $ I am just giving away.

never has anyone he has given free cake to ever placed another order, every single time I have given away a strategic donation I have got at least one fully paying order from it.

The bottom line is we have to get into thier heads and find out why they do what they do.

nmrunyon - I think youre husband was probably just excited to get such a big order for you and proud to come to you and say look what I did, in a good way.

I know my husband is proud of my cakes and wants everyone in Seattle to eat them, free or otherwise.

I agree with giving hm to tools he needs to manage the cake sales the way you would like. Perhaps he can just say my wife does all the wedding consulting, I will have her call you.

I hope you aren't swamped with a bunch of other wedding cakes for the same day as this one.

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indydebi Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 4:22pm
post #15 of 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by cheeseball

If it's not too late, could you gently remind her (and him) that food costs have greatly increased since last year?




You mean since last month ... I mean since last week ... oh wait, I mean since YESTERDAY!!! icon_surprised.gif

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michellenj Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 4:34pm
post #16 of 32

You know what else?

The lady who got the deal of the century will probably go blabbing to everyolne what a killer deal she got, and all of her friends will want the deal that she got. MEN!

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terrylee Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 4:37pm
post #17 of 32

Shoot..... I have been quilty of that myself....you have a breif meeting via phone, e-mail or what ever but no confirmation...you quote a price and then you feel obligated to honor it.....

With the way everything is going up....food, gas, everything.....I have to remember to state that it is an estimated cost........hopfully that will give me an out should cost sky rocket.

I might explain it to her like indydebi said.....hopfully she will understand and you can come to an agreement that is good for both of you.

Good luck....you have your work cut out for you, thats quite an order.......

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Jayde Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 4:43pm
post #18 of 32

My hubby was the same way when I started making cakes. He would take orders for me and let me know how much I was supposed to charge, fortunately it was mostly for friends, who get the special friends discount anyways. Still, I ended up doing several cakes, for less than cost because he didnt realize how much it cost to make a cake. Yes, yes ingredients may only cost $30, but what about the tips? bags? boards? etc. I have to buy those too!

He too, then would say well why did you go to the store and spend $40 and you only charged $20 for the cake? Once I gently reminded him that HE took those particular orders, he was really embarrassed. He didnt realize what he was doing. We had a talk about it, and now if someone approaches him with a cake order, he tells them to give his amazing wife a call icon_biggrin.gif .

The funniest part about the whole thing is that he is so proud of me and my cakes. You should hear him talk about the cakes, he sounds so pompous, it makes me laugh. "She makes fondant from scratch, because the stuff that others buy at the store is so awful tasting." "All of her icings are made from scratch." "She came up with this flavor/filling combo all by herself, this one isnt from a recipe." It makes me smile evertime I hear him. He really is my best supporter, and garbage disposal.

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gateaux Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 4:46pm
post #19 of 32

Your cakes are beautiful, really good job teaching yourself. WOW icon_eek.gif


Quote:
Originally Posted by jmgr91

Well....... icon_cry.gif
I would check your area for competitive pricing w/ other bakeries.....
and then make a "price list" for your husband.
That lady got a really GOOD deal......
Just my 2 cents worth




Quote:
Originally Posted by indydebi

Quote:
Originally Posted by cheeseball

If it's not too late, could you gently remind her (and him) that food costs have greatly increased since last year?



You mean since last month ... I mean since last week ... oh wait, I mean since YESTERDAY!!! icon_surprised.gif




Wow I so agree with all of these.

In the last 2 months I have gone over my "household budget by 15-30% just because everything has gone up.

Also aggree that you need to check the competition and get a firm list of prices for your husband to share. I like your idea of the douzen for $1.00.

I would make a "form for him to fill out. With the customer's info, what they want and when they want it and give them the base price for the cake without decorations. Then you can contact them and tell them how much it will be for all the extra's they want.
Make sure to have a spot for pick up (free) and delivery/setup I dont know $25 or more.
I am sure that if you explain calmly all the dollars he let go out of that order and the 2 plus hours it will take you to deliver and set up, I dont know. With that many cakes should delivery and set up not have been $250.00 ok maybe I am fueling the fire but with $4.00 a gallon of gas.... I dont know. icon_twisted.gif


Sorry it was so long. I too would be furious. You hubby will learn that he need to have YOU give the quotes, not him when it comes to cakes. icon_rolleyes.gif


Good Luck.

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all4cake Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 5:01pm
post #20 of 32

The $1.00 for a dozen long johns INCLUDES shipping and handling, right???? :->

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rkbakescakes Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 5:10pm
post #21 of 32

Here is a suggestion: if your husband will not help you, hire a helper just for that order. He will then understand the cost quickly. My ex husband and I were in business together for 13 years... he gave away the farm when I was not looking, and then I told him he would have to get another job to support his "business hobby" because I had to do that, also. It is a real business death knell to try to help everyone that gives a sob story... everyone knows the cost of everything has gone up... this woman patron cannot actually believe the cost for that many cakes was so low!

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chutzpah Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 5:39pm
post #22 of 32

No wonder she jumped all over that. If I were to do this I would charge almost $2000. And that's just cake. Plain cake. Undecorated cake. I haven't even charged for picking up my piping bag yet.


DH did this one and only once. Years ago, when I had my café, this guy walked in and asked about cheesecakes. I had never seen him before. He said that he worked with DH and that DH said he could order a cheesecake for $20 (I charge $75). I was like, WTF? I called DH and asked did he promins this guy a cheesecake for $20? He said yes, so I made the cheesecake and it was picked up and he paid $20. I never said a word to DH about anything. I wrote an invoice to DH for the remaining $55 and sent it, via snail mail, to him at home. He asked what this was all about and I told him that he had cheated me by 55 dollars and I need to be paid. Well, he paid up, and has never done this again.

I do, however, get lots of folks calling about cakes because I is very generous with my business cards. But he never gives a price.

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nmrunyon Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 5:40pm
post #23 of 32

Well I just finished decorating the last of the cakes and cleaning buttercream off my ceiling from all the throwing and cussing lol. I failed to mention that the wedding is tomorrow. I spent all week making all this crap. I must say they did turn out beautiful (if I say so myself). I will have to post a picture of the finished TA-DA after I set it up tomorrow. Thanks for all the comments!! I still don't think any suggestions would help with the "moron" because he is "much too tired" to do anything after a day the shop".

I think I will have a drink now (oops it is only 1:30)!!!

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cocorum21 Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 6:02pm
post #24 of 32

I'm confused.

Did she just inquire about cakes a year ago or did she actually place an order? I don't think you can expect someone to hold a price for a year if there isn't a contract or deposit. I wouldn't expect the price to be the same if I went price something and then a year later go and order it. I think you should have said that that price was from last year and these are the new prices. One month, 2 or 3 months maybe but not a whole year.

So while DH might have been in the wrong to give out a low price, you still could have fixed the price issue with explaining to her that since she didn't actually place an order the price is now different. Even if you did throw in a small discount.

Just my opinion. icon_smile.gif

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Gefion Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 6:06pm
post #25 of 32

Remind your hubby that every penny he discounts on your behalf, is money taken directly from his own wallet. Less income means less income for him too.

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nmrunyon Posted 13 Jun 2008 , 7:49pm
post #26 of 32

When she inquired about it a year ago there was no deposit or contract. When I confronted my husband about the low price he said "Well that is what I told her last year". I told him that that job should have been priced by the piece and he said.....get this... you ready..... he said "we are not a cake shop we are a bakery!!!!!" LOL I about fell on the floor!!!!

God help me because the booze isn't lol!!!!!!

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krazykat_14 Posted 14 Jun 2008 , 8:02pm
post #27 of 32

My response would have been "if we're not a cake shop- WHY DID YOU TAKE AN ORDER FOR A BUNCH OF CAKES!?!?!"

You know, if the market wasn't so bad, I'd say trade him in on a new model! icon_lol.gif

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nmrunyon Posted 20 Jun 2008 , 5:19pm
post #28 of 32

This is my follow-up on the "discount wedding cake ordeal". The cakes turned out great. I was very proud to have filled that entire order even though I was so darn mad at my husband.

Well the banquet hall called the shop today to tell my husband that everyone at the reception as well as the staff were raving on and on about the cakes. Now the banquet hall wants to contract out with me to do cakes!!!! They host a ton of different venues outside of weddings so I think they might keep me busy. As well as they are going to refer me to people reserving the hall for weddings!!

I guess this whole ordeal didn't turn out so bad, even though I am still pissed at the hubby!!!! icon_lol.gif

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krazykat_14 Posted 20 Jun 2008 , 6:00pm
post #29 of 32

Yeah You!!! Don't forget to post the pics! And remember to tell hubby (and the venue) that the prices have gone up!!!!

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mixinvixen Posted 20 Jun 2008 , 6:10pm
post #30 of 32

i priced gas last year, it was $2.30/gallon..i'd like to fill up my tank now, please. icon_rolleyes.gif

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