I have a consultation on Tuesday to discuss the particulars of a wedding cake in March - they have already decided to "hire" me to do the cake we're just going to hammer out the details - my question is we're meeting at Applebees and I'm wondering am I expected to pay - even if it's just for appetizers and drinks??? I've always had informal consultations before and never run across this. All help would be appreciated.

Thanks

I personally would not expect you to pay for my tab if I was going for a business meeting. You are not their boss or employer. I may be wrong on this but it's just my personal opinion. When the server asks 1 check or two i would just pipe up "2".

Well, I think it depends.

I have gone to a few consultations at restaurants--I will say the majority of the time the couple has offered to pay, and a few times I have taken them up on (especially when I've given them a deal on a cake), and other times I have felt uncomfortable and paid my own way.


On the other hand, I am also planning my own wedding, and I have noticed that many of the people I have consulted with have suggested we meet at a restaurant, and they have paid--BUT, I also am willing to bet that they can write it off as a business expense, and it doesnt come out of their personal pocket.

So...I guess my general policy is (1) I never suggest meeting somebody at a restaurant (I feel that if I suggested it, I would be obligated to pay) (2) If they suggest it, I am willing to go and pay my own way (3) I am willing to accept a reasonable meal on them (but I would not allow them to pay more than $15-$20)

Just my thoughts...

I would not think you would need to pay for the check. I would not expect it if I was the one ordering the cake.

I have to agree with the part about who suggested it. Generally if someone asks you to a place, it SHOULD be their treat. If it's a mutual agreement to meet somewhere, "like Applebee's" then it's up to you to pay for yourself. I'd go into it thinking that THEY are paying, but have enough money for yourself, just in case they dont't think that way.

Come to think of it, the last time I was "asked to lunch" I was being let go from a job "because of September 11th" (yeah right). Must be why I don't do that unless it's casual.

Mmmmm, I have never heard of meeting at a restaurant. I personally never would. I would find too many distractions. Can you change it?

I agree with candyladyhelen. I have always found restaurant meetings to be very distracting. Maybe it could be changed? If not, I personally would not feel I was obligated to pay for their meal unless it was my invitation in the beginning.

I love meeting at restaurants...it seems less formal to me than at the shop..and less distracting that meeting at my home office where my kids are..lol. I wouldnt think you would be required to pay. I sometimes do offer, unless the customers have ordered the whole menu..lol..but if it is only a drink or drink and appetizer I might....if (and I know this sounds mercenary) but if it is a very expensive cake. Usually I DO pick up the tab if it is a customer that has me doing their whole wedding ( catering and cakes and maybe even flowers and deco as I do it all) if I am looking at a several thousand dollar job I will try my best to pay the check for dinner or whatever. I am not however paying a 40-50.00 tab if making a 200.00 cake only.

thanks for all the tips