I recently did a cake order for someone who is related to my aunt (through her husband). When picking up the cake he did not pay and then sent an email indicating that he forgot. Well its now a month later and he still hasn't paid. Whats a nice way to remind someone that they haven't paid? I dont think he did this on purpose. But at the same time it makes me upset cause the cake was on time, pretty and delicious. Its my fault for not asking for the money when he picked up the cake. So now I feel like I got stiffed.

Send him a reminder email that includes your address. he may truly have just forgotten.

I would pick up the phone and give him a call. A bakery would not think twice about calling and reminding us if we walked out and did not pay. Be friendly...... but business is business.

bj

Ok, stop being a sweetheart to everyone and start demanding a non-refundable 50% deposit at the time of order, with the balance due 7 days prior to the event. This way, even if you purchase your ingredients, etc, you have that covered, and if they don't pay the balance by the time due, you have their deposit for your trouble. Or you can deduct the cost of any ingredients, supplies, etc that you have already purchased from the deposit and give them the remaining balance.

You are too kind to those you know, and they know it, because they keep taking advantage of you. You have to toughen up or you are going to be out of business before you know it. In business, there should be nothing for nothing.

I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, but somebody had to say it. Here's a big hug for your troubles.O!!

Theresa

Another one !!
What can I say, a sucker is born every minute !!

Sorry to hear that you were victimized by one. Maybe dollar bills will fall from Heaven..if you just let it go..

Call him or stop by his home and charge him what is yours... I think you have all the right to do so and an email would be a easy way for him to continue forgetting his balance due. Don't feel bad on doing so, you have all the right!
If he says I'll stop by, just tell him if you have his address that you have to make a delivery nearby and won't be a problem picking the money there...

Good luck!
Diane

Oh, Diaeli, I like that!

tmriga...THANKS!!! thats just what I needed to hear.

thanks guys....i'll keep ya posted.

You know, if they were picking up a cake (God forbid!!) from Wal-Mart or somewhere there wouldn't be any "forgetting" to pay for it. I finally put it on all my proposals in bold letters: "Deposit of 1/2 the amount due at booking, remainder due at delivery." I give everyone a proposal/invoice at time of booking even if I have to e-mail it to them.

i want to believe it was on purpose so you shouldnt feel bad having to demand for what is rightfully yours. it wasnt a charity cake but business. goodluck

send him a friendly reminder that he still owe for the cake .......next time you will know what to do

To follow up, since he did send you the email saying "I forgot" I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. But sending a reminder as a reply to the "I forgot" email would be a pretty gentle way to get him to pony up.

I've been through this sort of thing too, recently. But at least your guy did acknowledge that he had forgotten. I would just send him a friendly reminder email with an invoice attached. You can easily type one up on your computer and attach the file to the email....this will be very business-like and I would also recommend in the email that he print it out for his records and send a copy with his check when he pays it. Make sure he has your address and phone number, too. If you don't have his address, you could ask for it...that way if he doesn't pay you after the email, you can then send a him an invoice through regular mail. Hopefully he is just very forgetful and needs some prodding....prod away, girl!

I would send him an email asking for feedback on the cake LOL>..........What would he rate the flavor, texture, decorations, etc....how courteous were you in the transaction...tell him you're thinking about going into business and would like the feedback.....maybe include a question on when money should be taken for the cakes HAHAHAHHAHH

That's what's wrong about this whole thing..he owes you money, so why should you be the one to feel uncomfortable and find a way to be so gracious about asking him to pay ? If he has any concience and decency, he should pay you, whether you remind him or not. Just walk up to him or call him and ask : Are you sending me a check ? or do you want me to come pick up your payment for the cake ?" why should you be the one to figure out the best way to ask what's owed to you ???

Good idea, KHalstead! I love it! That's how I'd do it to! He'd probably use himself as an example as why money should be collected up front. HAHA!

I've been in a simular situation and its not a very comfortable spot to be in. What I did was contact my customer and let her know that I needed to close out the account but needed her money to do so. She truly had forgotten and made the payment with a tip immediately.

Wish I had advise for you.....I am one of those people who are way "too nice". I need to throw the doormat sign posted on my forehead away! Good luck to you, I hope he had just forgotton.

Hi ladies!!! Thanks for all your helpful advise. I shot him a quick "reminder" email and yesterday when I got home from work there was a check in the mailbox. I guess he did just forget.

My lesson learned is this...get a DEPOSIT!!!!

Thanks again ladies!!!!!!!!
Happy Baking!

very good glad you have your check best of luck in the future