Do I Hear "been There, Done That?" (Long)

Business By OzCookie Updated 25 Sep 2007 , 9:39pm by OzCookie

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OzCookie Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:06am
post #1 of 126

I haven't been able to make cakes for a few months because of a hand problem, but I still get calls from referrals and friends-of-friends.
I have a couple of wonderful, talented people that I can pass these on to, but both prefer that I deal with the client and just pass on final design and details of the cake.
Well... Saturday Morning, 5:45 a.m. icon_surprised.gificon_surprised.gif
MOB to say that wedding is next Friday, but no-one remembered to order the cake, can I help? OK.... But I'll call back after I've had a heart-starter! (No, Fran - I mean coffee! icon_wink.gif )
The conversation goes something like this:

MOB: I know it's short notice, but we know exactly what we want and the wedding is only 450 people (Only? icon_surprised.gificon_surprised.gif )

ME: I'll do the best I can to help, but I do need to contact the cake-maker to see if she is free this week. What did you have in mind?

MOB: Well, we were at *****'s wedding, and we'd like something like that, only a little bigger. (BIGGER? photo of ******'s cake is attached below - each tier from bottom to top, chocolate mud, caramel mud, white mud and fruit, covered in chocolate fondant and with handmade chocolate roses)
BUT...... we'd like the alternate tiers completely covered with chocolate roses! icon_surprised.gificon_surprised.gificon_surprised.gif

ME: I'm sorry, I don't think it will be possible to reproduce exactly what you're after in the time-frame, but I will enquire and get back to you later today.

MOB: That's fine. Now ***** tells me you gave her that cake as a wedding gift - can you do a special price for me? (Uh.... why? icon_confused.gif ) I wouldn't ask, but we are on a......

drumroll, please......

BUDGET!!!

ME: What did you have in mind?

MOB: Well, we're looking to spend under $200.00 (that's AUS$200.00 - about US$168.00)

ME: I'm sorry, that won't be possible - tthe ingredients alone will cost more than that!

Now, I won't go through the entire conversation, but I will mention that this woman has since called me 8 times, trying various (ridiculous) arguments to produce that cake for the price she wanted to pay - I have been reduced to asking her to stop "harassing" me, or I will take legal steps to make her stop!

Just thought this might amuse you all! icon_rolleyes.gif
LL

125 replies
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indydebi Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:20am
post #2 of 126

It's amazing isn't it? If she badgers you long enough, she thinks you'll break down and do it? And some nerve! You did it as a gift for one person so somehow she thinks she can get a cheap price from you??

I wonder if these people go to the bridal shop to pick out the wedding gown and describe a gown similar to Lady Diana's and then tell them they want the David's Bridal $99 pricetag on it? I wonder if they tell the photographer they want 300 proofs and 150 final portraits but they are only wanting to pay $125 for them?

You tell me what you want and I'll tell you what it costs. ----OR----
You tell me what you want to spend and I'll tell you what that buys you.

You do NOT get to tell me what you want, in detail!, and then tell ME what you are going to spend.

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melysa Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:21am
post #3 of 126

all i can do is shake my head...unbelievable.

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manders Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:25am
post #4 of 126

wow... people amaze me sometimes!!! But good for you in sticking to your guns..i hate when people think they can get an amazing cake for next to nothing. Why is your time any less valuable than anyone elses?

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mgdqueen Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:28am
post #5 of 126

OMG-she must be out of her flippin mind!!! Not even a brand NEWBIE would do a cake for $.40 a person!!!! INSANE!

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Melvira Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:29am
post #6 of 126

o...m...g... What are people thinking when they make these phone calls?? I had someone call me this week for a wedding in 2 weeks, and I was like... uh, sorry, I'm going to be at OSSAS. I am so sorry she has resorted to stalking you!! But you're right, it gave me a chuckle!

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DelightsByE Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:30am
post #7 of 126

Too bad you don't have Wal Mart in Australia, I'd tell her to go there icon_twisted.gif

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Erika513x2 Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:34am
post #8 of 126

I don't understand why people have weddings ad have a "budget" in my opinion is thats the case then don't have a wedding or just wait more time until you have enough............lol@the harassement

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tyty Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:39am
post #9 of 126

That was funny, thanks for the laugh. I have to show this one to my cake friends. She should pay double for waiting till the last minute.

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rezzygirl Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 2:50am
post #10 of 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by tyty

That was funny, thanks for the laugh. I have to show this one to my cake friends. She should pay double for waiting till the last minute.


I was thinking the same thing. She should have offered you more for the last minute request. Now they may end up with a slab/sheet or no cake for the wedding! Wow.. some people just don't get it..


______________
-Rezzy

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OzCookie Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 3:19am
post #11 of 126

You have to laugh, don't you!
She did mention that she'd gone to a local cake store, who could do a cake for the price she wanted to pay - but that their cakes were "just gross".
I'm so proud of my restraint - I didn't offer to produce "gross" for that price, too! icon_wink.gif
P.S. Just received another call from her - sorry for my bad manners, but I just hung up.

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nicolevoorhout Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 4:42am
post #12 of 126

You've got to be kidding me, do you think she could really even get cake for 450 people for $200 bucks from Woolworths PUH-LEASE! Oh my gosh the cheek of some people!

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indigojods Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 4:57am
post #13 of 126

I am in shock. That lady would be lucky to get anyone to make her daughter's wedding cake with such short notice and she has the nerve to asks for it basically for free?!?!?!

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GI Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 5:13am
post #14 of 126

450 people all dressed up in their finest and NO CAKE!!!

That Bride is going to be very icon_redface.gificon_redface.gif

I'm laughing -- I shouldn't --- icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif -- I'm very happily div for 12 years --- sorry --- icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

Wedding = (1) Groom (2) Minister (3) Dress (4) Cake

Well, If it were ME: #1 would be THE CAKE!!! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

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lynda-bob Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 5:13am
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WHAT a LOON icon_lol.gif That cake is beautiful btw... I don't think you can even get Wal-Mart cake for the price she's suggesting icon_razz.gif Sorry for your trouble thumbsdown.gif . Thanks for the laugh icon_biggrin.gif

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redpanda Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 5:27am
post #16 of 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Erika513x2

I don't understand why people have weddings ad have a "budget" in my opinion is thats the case then don't have a wedding or just wait more time until you have enough............lol@the harassement





I agree that you can't expect a champagne wedding with a beer budget, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a small, tasteful wedding. Why should the couple have to wait until they don't need to have a budget?

Even if DH and I made twice (or triple) what we make now, I would still want to have a budget for anything big-ticket, whether that be a wedding, home remodel, vacation trip, or whatever.

I think that it's smart to think about what things will cost. Even if you can afford "the best", why would you want to spend more on that than you need to? If you have more money than you know what to do with, there are lots of very worthwhile charities out there.

Shutting up and getting off my soap-box now.

(Obviously, in the case of the phone-stalker, wanting a huge cake for the cost of a much, much smaller, simpler cake, she isn't planning a small, tasteful wedding--or the budget is so low for the cake only because it is an "unimportant afterthought", after they blew tens of thousands on the reception hall, food, dress, etc.)

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Carolynlovescake Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 6:05am
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This is the exact reason that when I do any discounts I ask that it be kept between the reciever of the cake and I.

I am subtle about it but very clear in my comment and the point is made.

I always give a laugh and say in a friendly voice "now please remember that this discount is something that needs to not be discussed with anyone. If asked tell them the value of the cake is __________. The amount of my discounts to you just as important to keep quiet just like salary, tax returns, and a good color job by your beautician to cover grey hair when we get to that age. "

They usually ask "what happens if I tell them I got it for _______".

My reply is... the next time you pay full price plus 15%. That 15% i smy charge for pain and suffering due to someone trying to fight me for the same price you got this for."

I don't think I've ever had anyone get mad due to how I present it and laugh about it. If they did they never said anything to me.

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miss_sweetstory Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 6:06am
post #18 of 126

Forgot the cake??? More likely the original decorator set her loose because of her unreasonable expectations and behavior!

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SugarFrosted Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 6:58am
post #19 of 126

The other question is (and not that we care icon_twisted.gif ) will there actually be 450 in attendance at this wedding? With planning like this (forgetting the cake!!!) I wonder if the invitations were sent, or if the church/whatever was booked, or if a gazillion other things went undone... Makes me wanna go "hmmm..." but not that we care icon_lol.gificon_razz.gificon_twisted.gif

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ValMommytoDanny Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 7:34am
post #20 of 126

Oh my goodness.... I can't believe the gall of some people...

If I give a cake away or at a good rate I tell the person that this is for THEM and if it comes back to me that they told so and so about it they would be banned for life.

It makes them feel special and so far I haven't had a problem with someone trying to get someone else's pricing...

Twits... makes you wonder what planet some people have fallen off of....

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OzCookie Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 7:57am
post #21 of 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by miss_sweetstory

Forgot the cake??? More likely the original decorator set her loose because of her unreasonable expectations and behavior!




Sugarfrosted, I think miss_sweetstory may be right! I have made enquiries about this lady and her daughter (who apparently makes the term "Bridezilla" sound like an endearment!) No only is the wedding going to be bigger than Ben Hur, but the wedding dress alone cost AU$12,000.00!!!!

The friend (of mine, not hers! this woman is my friend's client) showed her the cake out of pride that her friend would "give her such a wonderful gift for her wedding" (her words, not mine!). There is not even the most tenuous relationship that would persuade me to offer her a discount - let alone the fact that it is not me that would be up all night, every night making this cake, but two wonderful people who are helping me through a difficult time.

Oh well.... The good news is, I could go on for pages about the wonderful people that I have met through this work, so one way or another, I am the winner!

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MustloveDogs Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 10:27am
post #22 of 126

Crikey Ozcake, That is incredible. I have had some customers who cannot understand the words "fully Booked" before, but your story is incredible! icon_surprised.gif
I am curious as a cat though, what did she say to try to convince you to do it in the 8 phonecalls? I mean seriously.. did she offer Hugh Jackman to give you a massage or what? icon_lol.gif

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OzCookie Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 10:41am
post #23 of 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Curvy

Crikey Ozcake, That is incredible. I have had some customers who cannot understand the words "fully Booked" before, but your story is incredible! icon_surprised.gif
I am curious as a cat though, what did she say to try to convince you to do it in the 8 phonecalls? I mean seriously.. did she offer Hugh Jackman to give you a massage or what? icon_lol.gif




Now, THAT might have worked!! icon_lol.gificon_twisted.gif

No, she just kept trying to push the (non-existent) relationship between us - my friend, a chiropractor, has her as a client, we've never even met!
When that didn't work, she tried to play the "have pity on my darling daughter" card. At no time did she actually agree to pay a fair price. I even offered names of bakeries that might have provided a cake but, no.. she wanted THAT cake at HER price.

I haven't heard from her for a few hours now, so maybe she got the message - how very exciting, a CAKE STALKER!!

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Shelle_75 Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 10:45am
post #24 of 126

There must be some magazine article floating around somewhere that tells brides to "Never pay full price for your wedding cake!" Good job sticking to your guns, that's an inspiration for me!

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MustloveDogs Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 10:46am
post #25 of 126

ooh, if only I was that popular! No stalkers for me! icon_cry.gificon_lol.gif
I hope she ends up with a donut king tower for her silly price and lack of notice! That'll impress all her guests!
I can't stand cheap customers and it annoys me more when they drive around in their mercedes but refuse to not pressure for price cuts! icon_mad.gif
My motto is now .. a good cake is not cheap and a cheap cake is not good! icon_smile.gif

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gingerkitten79 Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 11:00am
post #26 of 126

she did what???!! What freaking planet does she live on?? Give me her number i'll sort her out.
I cant believe the gall of some people, that really is amazing, not just the constant calls but the 6am wake-up in the first place! How rude! I would have told her then and there to bugger off- i do to my friends! Not to mention telemarketers...
$200.. that is just amazing... you'll pay 12,000 for a dress she will never wear again but for the cake you are serving 450 (??) guests you can only afford 200 smackers?!
Thanks for that ozcookie, that was my best belly laugh today!

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kidscakelady Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 11:41am
post #27 of 126

" My motto is now .. a good cake is not cheap and a cheap cake is not good! "

That is great!! Something we should all remember.

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ktm00n Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 12:03pm
post #28 of 126

I agree with gingerkitten... how can you spend 12,000 on a dress, "forget" the cake, then expect to only pay 200 for it? For 450 people? People just flat out amaze me.

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mamacc Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 1:17pm
post #29 of 126

Yeah, I love how they say they are on a "budget" when they are having 450 people!!! Ridiculous!!!!


Courtney

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lynda-bob Posted 17 Sep 2007 , 1:17pm
post #30 of 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by Curvy

Crikey Ozcake, That is incredible. I have had some customers who cannot understand the words "fully Booked" before, but your story is incredible! icon_surprised.gif
I am curious as a cat though, what did she say to try to convince you to do it in the 8 phonecalls? I mean seriously.. did she offer Hugh Jackman to give you a massage or what? icon_lol.gif




icon_eek.gif DID she offer THAT?! I'LL DO THE CAKE! RRRRROOOWWW! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif Just kidding! Or AM I? icon_razz.gif For the massage from Jack, I'd give her cake for 100 people icon_wink.gif

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