Ugh... here we go again. I got an order for a wedding cake on the phone (this is quite common for me). She said she would mail a check by the 12th. No check. She calls me a few days later and gives me the "I've been busy" story and wants to know if she can pay me when I deliver. I say, "NO! I need full payment 2 weeks before the wedding but since it won't get here that soon, send me the check today and it will be fine." I received the check today, but... she didn't sign it. Her wedding is 8 days away!! Aggghhh. Am I being scammed?

I live 30 minutes out of town, so it isn't like I can meet her at the corner store. What would you do to get your money? Should I demand cash?

yes!! call her, and tell her if she wants her cake you are sorry but she will have to bring you cash, and you will give her, her check back. But unfortunatly you can't start her cake with out payment first. And set a date as in tomorrow for payment and if she doesn't come threw then no cake.

Make her meet you at her bank. Seriously. That way you can get the check from her and cash it IMMEDIATELY. Tell her that this is the only way she will have a cake for her wedding.

Do not back down. I've dealt with too many people pulling this crap on purpose to try and get out of/delay payment. If she doesn't agree to give you a check AT HER BANK or cash, tell her you won't make her cake.

Good luck!

Personally I would call her politely tell her (as we know that brides can be a little, how can we say this.....emotional) that she did not sign the check. At this point I would tell her that you need the cash to purchase supplies and ask her to bring you the money because I have a feeling if you wait to get paid the day you deliver you will probably get the 'I forgot my wallet' story. Let us know what happens

She didn't sign her check???? Uh well then I say she is going to pull the Oopsey I forgot story but when actually she knows darn well she didn't sign that check. Just trying to drag it out and then her next story will be I am just so stressed out and forgot and really can't afford the cake kinda story.. I would call her and tell her if she does not come by Sunday and give you a payment in CASH then you will not be able to complete due to no payment. Kinda of a hard decision but then again adds stress on you to. I don't know but good luck with it... Let us know what happens

Call her back and tell her (like she doesn't already know yea- right ) that the check was not SIGNED!
I think that you need to explain to her that you are feeling uncomfortable about the situation!

I'm not in this situation and I don't feel good about it!!

She's playing the STALLING GAME!!
Question is, if she is doing this now, who is to say that she will pay at all?

Something smells

simple protection for future:

cash, money orders, or cashiers check only.....no personal checks.

I called her and she said "Oh I forgot to sign it. ha ha ha Bring it by and I'll sign it. The money is in the account." Like a wimp I said OK. If I take it to her bank, can I cash it if I don't have an account there? I'm going to tell her to forget it if I can't get the money tomorrow. It's a tiny cake in the first place.

If you have to "Bring it by", then I would tell her its a $20.00 fee for your time and travel.....
Don't be a wimp!
You are more valuable than that!!!

I am a wimp! Actually I have a delivery nearby tomorrow or I wouldn't have offered.

You shouldn't have to bring it to her.

I would call her and schedule a day with her, like witihin the next 24 hours and tell her to meet you somewhere in the middle of the both of you, just for the sake of it, try to show her you're willing to work with her.

But, tell her that the wedding is only 8 days away, and a check takes 10 days to come through, you'll have to have cash.

She WILL do what you need or she won't have a great cake. If she chooses to go elsewhere....she's gonna have a time finding a good place.

Just be polite and understanding, I'm sure she's stressed, but when it comes to making a payment, that's not something to laugh off.

Good Luck!!

OK! Thanks to my cheering section I called her back and told her I must have cash. I got the usual- "I don't have cash; it won't be credited until Monday; you said I could pay with a check; it's gonna clear." After lots of wiggling and complaining she said OK. I'm betting she won't show up to pay me because she sounds mad. Oh well, better to know before I make the cake. NO BIG LOSS!

THANKS GUYS!

I agree get the money or don't do the cake.
I have a wedding cake June 24th, the bride paid me in full yesterday "so it's one less thing she'll have to worry about". I asked for 50% and full payment by the 24th, I feel like if they are an honest person, it would show by her efforts.

Just tell her point blank, NO MONEY, NO CAKE !!!

Did she sign a contract ? maybe next time use a contract.

Being a Bridezella is no excuse ! and neither are her emtions.

Way to GO!!!!!

Good for you!

I hope everything turns out ok for you! Let us know what happens!

Good for you! Some people will always try to get out of paying...that's the truth!

Good for you Jenn it gives me hope that some day I won't be such a wimp!!!

Keep us posted. Enquiring minds want to know if you get your money!

Theresa

YOU GO GIRL!! Let us know if she shows or what ...
Way to stand your ground gf!

YAY! I got cash and we were very nice to each other! Thanks everyone for kicking the "WIMPY" out of me and for the encouragement. It is so nice to have so many people rooting for you.

This was an different sort of order. She ordered on the phone and knew she was supposed to pay 2 weeks in advance. She was just trying to slide the payment back by innocently "forgetting" to sign the check. I don't see that a contract would make any difference. Contract or no, she wouldn't get a cake without paying first. I never have this trouble normally and I do a lot of weddings.

I like the invoicing idea. That is a great way to gently remind them that it is time to pay. I think I will start doing that.

Is a contract binding without a lawyer or a notary? What does it do for you other than give them your requirements in writing? I'd love to discuss the contract issue and see if everyone thinks it is helpful and why.

Jenn: I get your point about contracts & alot of the time I don't use them either. I would suggest though that you get the flavors, design, price, location,etc in writing & have the bride sign it. It doesn't have to be a full contract, just something that shows all the little things that you have agreed upon.
Having that signed paper would avoid a situation like this one....

Lets say the bride orders a cake...she tells you what she wants, you deliver it & she swears up & down thats not what she ordered, you ruined her day cause its the wrong cake, etc etc & she wants her money back . If you don't have anything in writing its your word against hers, but if you have that paper with her signing all the details it protects you.

Thats a bad example, but you get the point.

I not only have what kind of cake etc in the contract, but I have things like not responsible for acts of god, (like a hurricane destroys my kitchen) or what happens to the cake once I deliver it and have left (like a guest falling on it). (I have them sign a receipt once they have approved the cake upon delivery) A contract isn't just for if someone sues you, but its also for your reputation. A bride is going to be less hestitant to go around and say you didn't deliver as promise when you did, when they know it is in writing. It also just looks more professional...brides EXPECT Contracts. Its for their protection too..they want to make sure they are getting what they are paying hundreds of dollars for! Its part of the wedding business. If you don't have a contract, brides will not take you seriously and you will have problems like non payment or they want you do something extra or they want you to add flowers the day before, things like that. A contract makes it very clear your role as cake decorator. A contract is also important for deposits on returnable items. I also have in my contract that there is a fee for returned checks and if I have to get a collection agency after them, they pay the fees. All of this is legal and binding. You don't need it notirized..its just like when you buy a car or furniture or fill in a credit application. You don't have it notorized. .

btw, I use quicken for business, (don't really need quickbooks as I don't have any employees) and it has a built in invoicing program, that automatically places everything in the register as a deposit when it is paid. It really helps me keep track! (especailly when I have deposits to keep track of and for whom!)

[quote="Jenn123"]This was an different sort of order. She ordered on the phone and knew she was supposed to pay 2 weeks in advance. She was just trying to slide the payment back by innocently "forgetting" to sign the check. I don't see that a contract would make any difference. Contract or no, she wouldn't get a cake without paying first. I never have this trouble normally and I do a lot of weddings.
quote]

My contract reads that all changes and payment in full are due 14 days prior to the date, and that any payment made after this date must be made in cash. This is to protect me in case the check doesn't clear. If it doesn't, I don't do the cake. I also give a separate receipt (got a little receipt book from Staples or some such that does duplicates) when I receive any kind of money. And 4 weeks before the event I send a reminder letter that tells how much is due and when, and reminds them that if there are any changes I need to know about them.

I just had a bride book me 2 weeks before her wedding, and she was more than happy to pay me in full. Any loose ends we left open in the contract can always be adjusted.