Don't ask me why. For some reason when I was cracking eggs for my yellow cake today, it occurred to me that I didn't use enough eggs in my 10in yellow I made the other day.

The more I think about it, I believe I'm right. I kinda thought to myself that the cake didn't look as yellow as usual. Then I had some trouble icing it since a little of the side crust fell off, and the icing wouldn't stick to the crumb.

So I weighed my egg whites, and sure enough, I don't have enough! I think I only used half the eggs! What the heck do I do now??? I've already delivered the stupid thing, and even if I could call him and tell him, I can't make him another cake today, I have a wedding cake due tomorrow.

Do I call and ask how it was, then offer a refund? The cake looked fine coming out of the pan, didn't even have to level it. It tested done. He's in my karate class so I see him often, and he's my first repeat customer, so I really wanted him to be happy. I'm so mortified I can't stand myself.


What would you do??

I think I'd wait and see if he says anything. If he doesn't, then you might casually ask him "how was the cake?" or "did everyone enjoy the cake?", but don't say it in a way that sounds like you don't think it was good. Then he can give you his response. If he seems pleased, then be pleased, and let it go...you still have your repeat customer. If he has a complaint, then tell him you're really sorry and tell him you'd like to make it up to him. Offer to make him a (similar size) cake for his next occasion for free/half price/whatever you think is right. I wouldn't offer a refund unless he asks for it.

Anyway, it's all up to you, but I think that's how I'd handle it. And by the way, sorry you're going through it....we all make mistakes!

I feel for you!!!!

You might have put the correct number of eggs in the cake but if it were me, I would probably just make a nice little free cake for the person..just take it and say you are virtually certain you forgot 1/2 the eggs and would like to offer this little cake to them because of that.
If you know him, he will probably not want to say anything if you did forget so the cake is just a nice gesture.
Probably the cake tasted and looked great but you could do this if you felt uptight.

Don't feel too bad..I glanced at your cakes and they are fab!

Jane

definitely call him. we all make mistakes on occasion so there is nothing to be embarrased about. but i don't think hinting around the "problem" is the right way to go. call and explain what happened, if he says the cake tasted fine, then great. if not, then offer a refund. i'm sure he'll appreciate the fact that you value him as a customer and want to make sure he is satisfied with your cakes.

I agree with Laura102777 on this one--don't tell him you screwed up...he may not even know...no reason to shake his confidence in you over nothing. But, definitely ask him if he enjoyed it and offer to make it right if he didn't. Much sympathy, we've all been there...you're just human, it's fine.

You may be able to say that you used a different recipe and since he is a repeat customer, you wanted his opinion. (it''s the truth right!!) Who knows.. maybe be liked this one better!! lol this is how recipes are born!

-Rezzy

After thinking about it for a while, I took dailey's advice and called him.

He said the cake was good. A little crumbly, but good. (His words). I explained why I was calling. He asked what the missing eggs do to it, and I replied that it is probably what made it crumbly, and would have probably made it dry. He said it wasn't dry at all.

He said that none of them are connosieurs at his house, and they liked it. He pooh-poohed the idea of a refund.

Do you think I should give him a certificate for 50% off his next order?

I would, just because he was so cool about the whole thing.

Oh, good. I'll do that. Thanks everyone.

LOL... This reminds me of when I was a young stage performer and had a show go less than expected. My trainer told me "Whatever you do, even if YOU think it's the WORST performance of your life, SHUT UP! in front of the client about it.. If THEY tell you something was wrong you can correct it easily, if you tell them something went wrong or didn't meet expectation, you're on the rebooking..." Let's just say, experience of the years taught me it's an invaluable lesson! Whether it be cakes or stage, it holds true for both industries.