I Need To Vent!!!

Decorating By laneym Updated 20 Jun 2007 , 3:16am by angelcakesmom

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laneym Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 1:50am
post #1 of 42

I received a call three weeks ago about possibly doing a birthday cake for a child that is in my sons class. The mom was going to check with the local super center and see what they had for decorations and cakes and she would get back to me. Well.......the little girl in my sons class told me earlier this week that her mom had already ordered the cake! NO Problem. WELL....I get a call at 8:00 last night, telling me what a hard person I was to get in touch with!! (I work at her daughters school...at least 3 days a week) She said she had picked up some things for the cake that she needed for this Saturday and had gone to the local cake store and picked up some decorations and stopped at the grocery store and picked up some canned frosting, and what else did I need to make this cake that she had all drawn out for me icon_mad.gif I told her that the store bought frosting wasn't what I needed and told her what was needed for the cake. Her husband arrived today with 2 bags of confectionary suger, the decorations that she had someone else make and two cake mixes!!! THATS IT. He caught me at a bad time, I had people here and just took the things from him. I don't do cakes as a business, but this Mom as seen some that I have done and liked them. Should I charge her anything for this cake? I know her through my young son, but she isn't what I would consider a "friend". I kind of feel like the other places she has gone to get the cake was probably too expensive, so she decided to call me back. I hate to feel this way, but don't like to be used! She wants an 11 x 15 sheet cake with the decorations to her specification. Any input on what if anything I should charge?

Thanks for reading my ramblings!! You guys are always great.

41 replies
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karateka Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 1:57am
post #2 of 42

Um, yeah, I'd say charge her. And make sure it's worth your while to drop everything. And if she says anything, tell her that however hard you are to get a hold of, you were told she already ordered a cake, so you didn't leave time in your schedule to do this for her. Some people....

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Momkiksbutt Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:05am
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Ditto! Definately charge her!! My goodness!! The nerve of some folks!!

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brwntab Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:10am
post #4 of 42

I agree, charge her because that was very inconsiderate of her to act like she was trying to get in touch with you and waiting to the very last minute.
Your time is precious and you should get compensated for it. Did she even ask you how much you charge? If she didn't its because she thinks it will be free since she provided the items. But stick to charging her and dont let her take advantage the situation...

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woodyfam Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:10am
post #5 of 42

Oh yeah, charge her!

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OhMyGoodies Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:13am
post #6 of 42

I charge a starting base price of $35.~ for an 11x15. If I have to purchase roses or go into major detail on it... the price goes up. (I don't know how to make roses and my clients know that, and they understand that I have to purchase them so I charge them double what I pay {I pay .50 cents a rose} for the gas and trouble of having to go to the store to get them lol) they don't mind they love that I have "connections" where I can get my roses pre-made and don't have to fight with it myself lol. Anyway I'd charge her at the very least $30.~ just because her husband didn't bring everything needed to make the cake so you have to go back to the store and get the rest, she waited until basically last minute to finalize the order and never called in between to say yes I need you or anything like that. She just expected you to keep that day open for her... how rude!

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mareg Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:14am
post #7 of 42

YES charge her! I can't belive the gall!

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tiggy2 Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:17am
post #8 of 42

I'd charge by the hour and for all the supplies you have to use (butter, crisco, boards, box, etc.) I'd call her tonight and give her a price and ask her what time she'd like to pick it up on Saturday.

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SugarBakerz Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:18am
post #9 of 42

yes for your eggs, your oil, your water, your time in your oven, your time spent cooking it, your spray or non stick product, use of your pan, board, covering, use of your time, time away from your family, need i go on, heheheheheh... definitely charge her something even if it is $10 to teach her a lesson to not expect something for free... good luck and let us know what happens!

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SugarBakerz Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:19am
post #10 of 42

yes for your eggs, your oil, your water, your time in your oven, your time spent cooking it, your spray or non stick product, use of your pan, board, covering, use of your time, time away from your family, need i go on, heheheheheh... definitely charge her something even if it is $10 to teach her a lesson to not expect something for free... good luck and let us know what happens!

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SugarBakerz Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:20am
post #11 of 42

yes for your eggs, your oil, your water, your time in your oven, your time spent cooking it, your spray or non stick product, use of your pan, board, covering, use of your time, time away from your family, need i go on, heheheheheh... definitely charge her something even if it is $10 to teach her a lesson to not expect something for free... good luck and let us know what happens!

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SugarBakerz Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:21am
post #12 of 42

yes for your eggs, your oil, your water, your time in your oven, your time spent cooking it, your spray or non stick product, use of your pan, board, covering, use of your time, time away from your family, need i go on, heheheheheh... definitely charge her something even if it is $10 to teach her a lesson to not expect something for free... good luck and let us know what happens!

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CranberryClo Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:23am
post #13 of 42

Honestly, I'd be pissed and I wouldn't do it. It's ballsy to drop off cake mixes and powdered sugar. What about the butter? The eggs? Etc. It's a slap in the face that she thinks she can just drop off those two little things and you can do the rest.

I'm feeling feisty, so maybe I'll feel differently in the morning, but a box of C&H and a box of Duncan Hines do not a cake make.

You're worth more than that.

Christy

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SaraO Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:24am
post #14 of 42

Charge her but be polite about it. If her child is the same age as your son you might end up having to see more of her than you would like in the future. Tell her that you are happy she has been impressed with your cakes before and that you can make one for her for such and such an amount to cover some of the cost of materials and time. Say something like, "Even though I usually like to have more notice than this, I'm going to do it for you because I want your child to have a nice birthday cake." That way she knows that she can't just spring it on you in the future. It's important to charge so that she knows that she can't take advantage of you and also so that other people don't start thinking you're the free cake lady.

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melsherard Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:25am
post #15 of 42

Wow, that is pretty amazing that she thinks you would do it for free... I would decide what you want to make an hour (I would say no less than $15.00) and figure your price from there, plus the cost of your supplies. That is, if you want to do it. She can probably still get a cake from her local grocer.

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Jazz2U Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:29am
post #16 of 42

From what you wrote, she is more of an acquaintance. She would have real nerve to ask you to bake a cake for nothing even if you are not selling them, and she should ask your price. If she doesn't offer to pay and you don't feel comfortable asking, ask her to make something for you next time you have a party. Find out what she does best and ask her to do it for you. Hopefully, she's a good window washer! icon_rolleyes.gif

Jasmine

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adonisthegreek1 Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:30am
post #17 of 42

Even if she provided everything that you needed, you must be paid for your time and your expertise. Giving her a discount is fine if you decide to, but definitely don't bake and decorate for nothing.

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indydebi Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:31am
post #18 of 42

yes, charge her but be sure she is aware of it up front AND AGREES TO IT, and don't just spring it on her when she picks up the cake.

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StephW Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:45am
post #19 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by indydebi

yes, charge her but be sure she is aware of it up front AND AGREES TO IT, and don't just spring it on her when she picks up the cake.





I totally agree with Indydebi and another post where they said to call and tell her you can do the cake for $XX.XX. And what time would she like to pick it up on Saturday. I don't think I would give her a huge discount either. She barely provided you with anything - and she has barely given you any notice. Did she actually bring the decorations for the cake? I didn't figure out if she did or not. But how involved will this cake be?

You would definitely need to let her know you are charging her - before you start. Maybe say something to the effect that you were busy when her hubby came with the 'supplies' so you did not have the chance to discuss the price with him - so you wanted to be clear about it now to avoid issues later.

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DelightsByE Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:50am
post #20 of 42

This happens to me all the time now that I'm more established. I finally started enforcing a firm agreement policy....when people talk in generalities or hypotheticals (like - how much would you charge for...?) and use the word "possibly" - I assume all plans are soft until I receive money or a firm commitment in enough time to prepare and make sure I can get the job done. This rule is only bendable for close friends and family.

Personally I would tell this person that since you were not aware you had committed to the project, you have already made plans and do not have time.

On the other hand, if you really want to do it, charge her $10 an hour for your time and add up any other ingredients you have to add to what she provided. I'm sure she'll soon realize she can't treat home bakers the same way you can treat Wal-Mart....it's not like you have a case full of cakes ready just waiting to be decorated. And your sole purpose in life is not to be at her beck and call.

Oh - and Indydebi is 100% right on that you have to let her know first what it's going to run her.

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olana11 Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:51am
post #21 of 42

Dunn Duh da dun CHARGE!!!!! I had a similiar situation with an aquaintance and got screwed because I felt uncomfortable giving her a price,...I have since learned that I rather have the person NOT want to buy the cake for the price I quoted than to work my butt off,feel all resentful as I'm doing it,..and get nothing in return... You're a busy girl! Time is money! Especially for a higher quality cake than a Walmart special.

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londonandi Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 2:59am
post #22 of 42

Totally agree with everyone!
It is a hard place to be since many people do not understand how much time and money goes into a cake.

Many people think that because its something you enjoy doing its no trouble, but you need to make sure people don't turn something you like doing into something that causes you stress

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BlakesCakes Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:00am
post #23 of 42

Well, to be honest, I wouldn't have done it at all--not the way this woman handled it. I'd have told her that I had a family emergency and I'd have taken my whole brood out of the house at 6 am Sat. morning and not returned until 10 pm that night.

Given that you're now basically committed, I wouldn't turn on my oven until I'd called this woman and told her the cost of the cake--being VERY fair to myself--and the pick up time. Any waffling on her part and I would tell her that I'm boxing up the stuff her hubby dropped off and returning it to her immediately--and I wouldn't back down on it, believe you me. She still has time to go to the local bakery, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc. and get a cheap cake from them icon_evil.gif


Rae

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jmt1714 Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:10am
post #24 of 42

ok, I have to ask. Why did you agree to this at all? Also NEVER have people bring you ingredients. and why didn't you agree to a price beforehand? Likely she thinks you agreed to make it if she brought the ingredients.

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Ironbaker Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:11am
post #25 of 42

Debi beat me to it....don't start on anything until you've discussed price with her. The nerve of some people - that was just plain tacky and rude.

If she had all the decorations, she could've easily taken her mix and canned icing and made the cake herself. She obviously wants the "talent" involved - that will cost her.

Image

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zubia Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:17am
post #26 of 42

I would not do it no way .To me, providing ingredents is like slap on your face.Its like your time and talent is for free ,and worthless.I would not do it ,just because I think its an insult . icon_mad.gif

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indydebi Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:21am
post #27 of 42

"Hi, Olive Garden! I'll need a table for 4 and here is my pasta, head of lettuce and salad dressing. If you can just whip those up for me real quick, please? Thanks!"

Yeah. THAT'LL work!

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Ironbaker Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:28am
post #28 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by indydebi

"Hi, Olive Garden! I'll need a table for 4 and here is my pasta, head of lettuce and salad dressing. If you can just whip those up for me real quick, please? Thanks!"

Yeah. THAT'LL work!




icon_lol.gif But don't you wish you could do that sometimes? It never tastes the same when you do it...

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Cynita Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 3:49am
post #29 of 42

Indydebi, I am always reading your comments and you are hilarious and you also give great advice. I really like you....you make the time in here really fun.

Thanks,
Cynita

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indydebi Posted 15 Jun 2007 , 4:19am
post #30 of 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cynita

Indydebi, I am always reading your comments and you are hilarious and you also give great advice. I really like you....you make the time in here really fun.

Thanks,
Cynita




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