I Just Shot Myself In The Foot.

Business By karateka Updated 17 Nov 2006 , 11:36pm by msauer

karateka Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
karateka Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 9:56pm
post #1 of 8

A lady called and said she wanted a cake for her daughter's wedding in June, the 15th. My first reaction was, shoot, we're going to be on a cruise.

So we chatted for a minute about pricing, and she said she was looking at the Bonbonerie, and they want $1000 for a buttercream cake to serve 350.

I said that was about par for the course in this area, I would charge a base of $700, extra if there were a bunch of flowers or such.

I hung up, disappointed that I couldn't help her, told my DH about it. He says "We'll be back by then, why didn't you take it?" My jaw dropped open....I was mixing dates....the kids' vacation to Disney runs the week of January 12-20. icon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gif

I could've paid for my magazine ad with this cake. I tried to call her back, but it just rings and rings, no voice mail, no answer. I could just shoot myself, how could I be so stupid?

7 replies
OhMyGoodies Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
OhMyGoodies Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 10:04pm
post #2 of 8

Keep trying to call her back, explain to her that once you talked to your husband about it and double checked you calendar you had mistakenly mixed up the dates and that date is available if she'd would still like you to do the cake. Even if she has already booked it with someone else by the time you get back into contact with her June is a good deal away she can call and cancel with them saying that she changed her mind. icon_smile.gif Good luck with it!

OhMyGoodies Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
OhMyGoodies Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 10:05pm
post #3 of 8

And you're not stupid!!! It was a mistake anyone of us and anyone of our HUSBANDS lol could've made icon_wink.gif

msauer Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
msauer Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 10:07pm
post #4 of 8

Stay on it...keep trying to call her back! Have you looked for an alternate telephone #? Do you have her daughter's name that you could call her directly?

Let us know how it works out!

-Michelle

karateka Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
karateka Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 10:43pm
post #5 of 8

I didn't write her name down....she mentioned it at the beginning of the call, but I don't remember it. The phone number is like a business number, ie 361-0000. From now on I'm answering the phone with a pencil in my hand.

Sometimes I can be so stupid. I'll try the number again tomorrow, but if it's a business, how do I ask for her? And what if it gets her in trouble at work, using the company phone to call bakeries?

icon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gif

playingwithsugar Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
playingwithsugar Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 10:49pm
post #6 of 8

If they ask, all you have to say is that it is a personal business call, and if they cannot come to the phone, would they please take a message. Then give your name, with the message that you will be available for that appointment after all, and would she please call you back as soon as is possible.

Theresa icon_smile.gif

karateka Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
karateka Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 11:03pm
post #7 of 8

That's a good thought.....I hope that either she answers the phone or they know immediately who the lady is who's daughter is getting married. How embarrassing is this? Gee, lady, I forgot your name and messed up my own vacation dates, but I wanna make a wedding cake for your baby's wedding! icon_redface.gif

I'll try again, and let you know what happens. DH suggested a reverse directory search, too.

msauer Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
msauer Posted 17 Nov 2006 , 11:36pm
post #8 of 8

Could you just say that you can't remember her name because when you were not able to book the date, you disposed of your notes, but now have become available in the meantime?

If someone answers the phone, admit that you are embarrassed about tossing the notes and if it is not your customer, confide in them that you really need their help...I bet you could get all kinds of information from the receptionist.

-Michelle

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%