How do you all work your deposit system? I have always just asked for a deposit if the cake order was over $100. I figured people would not go to the trouble of ordering a special cake if they were not serious about ordering.

However this weekend I am pretty sure I got stood up on a Christmas Barbie cake. There is a chance she may pick up the cake tonight (a full day late) but I called and her mom answered and explained her daughter has neither a phone nor a car, and she did not even know she had ordered a cake. Soooo we'll see. The cake was $50.

Should I have asked for a deposit? The lady had even offered me a deposit, which I said "that's ok" because it was under $100...so I figured she was serious if she offered me one. Again, she may come tonight...but its a full day late so the chances are slimming.

Thanks for any tips!

Unless for a very close friend (whom I can haunt if they renig) get at least enough to cover cost of ingredients and utilities which would be at 25%.

For really big/involved projects, like a wedding cake, at least 50% down.

All of my orders are prepaid in advance. Generally, if a person pays for a cake, chances are they will not skip out on you. I have had no problem with prepays!
Leslie

Unless it is a wedding cake...I am very guilty of not requiring a deposit. I have been lucky and not had people stand me up.

A good habit that I do is that I like to phone the customer and confirm their order before I make it. Then we discuss pick-up or delivery. If I am unable to reach them...I will leave a message saying that I need to talk to them before I can make their cake. I have been really fortunate so far!