Question For All You Seasoned Sellers

Baking By riSHEL Updated 31 Jan 2009 , 11:42pm by navyseawitch

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__Jamie__ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:45pm
post #31 of 54

Wow...way too much drama for $10. This is going end up being a headahe for you and won't be worth your time. Trust me. Get out while you can.

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cvoges Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:47pm
post #32 of 54

Bless your heart. You are way nicer than I am. I think this might be the reason that I shouldn't try to sell my work as a day job. I love decorating, but I don't think I could handle all the back and forth you've had with this woman. I think I would be at the point of offering her money just to leave me alone. BTW-your cookies look great! Don't let this woman rip you off.

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eldag0615 Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:48pm
post #33 of 54

She IS crazy! Would it affect your business if you cancel this order? I think she needs to learn something. I know it is a great opportunity for your cookies to be seen and tasted by other, but, well, I don't know what I would do in your place, maybe the same thing, try to reach a middle point with a client. I think by this time, she already checked for prices some other place and can see the great bargain she is getting with you. Good luck.

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__Jamie__ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:49pm
post #34 of 54

This would have been nipped in the bud as soon as my labor was going to be "free" toaccomodate her budget....no flipping way lady.

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GeminiRJ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:51pm
post #35 of 54

Yikes! I have to ask how you've refrained from telling this lady where she can put her $6? It sounds like you've kept your sense of humor, but wow, I don't know how you've done it. I salute you.

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BlondiezBakery Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 5:54pm
post #36 of 54

oh my God!! What a witch! This, folks, is why I hate the corporate world! I know exactly 'who this woman is'...in the since that I have worked with ladies like her too many times.

Argh...she is an idiot for thinking that she can get so much for so little. It is unfortunate that she has taken advantage of you.

At this point, you can only write it off as a 'lesson learned', and just remind yourself that your work is being sent out to 90 different welcoming hands and hungry mouths.

I think you are an angel for doing this for her, and know that only good (and hopefully referrals) will come from this.

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__Jamie__ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:00pm
post #37 of 54

Ugh...send her to Dean and Deluca or Eleni's...that'll show her how much she'd be ripping you off for.

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pouchet82 Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:05pm
post #38 of 54

Um, tell her next time that you are booked, but "Mr Christie" would be happy to take her order. This woman's got some real chutzpah.

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-K8memphis Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:10pm
post #39 of 54

Are you still gonna do this?

If you do get all the money up front--cash the check and hold your breath that it gets through the bank.

I mean you're really going through with this? And you're doing an extra cookie?

I'm really concerned about you and the lady who's essentially pushing you around, a lot. Are you ok with all this from her?

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riSHEL Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:11pm
post #40 of 54

The thing of it is, I'm just doing this because I do cookies for a friend of mine, and she gave her my name. I don't sell my cookies. This was all just me being put in a situation and I am too much a wuss to say no. I'm just gonna get through this (a little wine may help) and add it to my "life lessons" list. If ever she approaches me in the future, I will not be a push over. I will simply be truthful and tell her I do this for friends and family only. (which is what I should have done in the first place) My hat is off to you women that sell your baked artistry. People outside of our CC world, just don't seem to get it. Thanks for all your support ladies. Love you!!

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__Jamie__ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:16pm
post #41 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by k8memphis

Are you still gonna do this?

If you do get all the money up front--cash the check and hold your breath that it gets through the bank.

I mean you're really going through with this? And you're doing an extra cookie?

I'm really concerned about you and the lady who's essentially pushing you around, a lot. Are you ok with all this from her?




Thank you. What is the motivation OP? Because when I first started doing this, I would jump at the chance to do anything! I got so excited for whatever request came along....then I realized I was being taken advantage of, allowing people to use the thinking and persuasiveness of "it's juuuuuust cake", etc.....no way man!

There is loving what you do and giving it away. If it doesn't hurt your family's finances, and you really don't mind it, then by all means, continue giving away your artwork. Yes artwork.

Then there is loving what you do, charging appropriately, and having the guts to declie orders and PITA's to retain your integrity and sanity.

I hope you choose to follow the latter of the two ideals.

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__Jamie__ Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:17pm
post #42 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by riSHEL

The thing of it is, I'm just doing this because I do cookies for a friend of mine, and she gave her my name. I don't sell my cookies. This was all just me being put in a situation and I am too much a wuss to say no. I'm just gonna get through this (a little wine may help) and add it to my "life lessons" list. If ever she approaches me in the future, I will not be a push over. I will simply be truthful and tell her I do this for friends and family only. (which is what I should have done in the first place) My hat is off to you women that sell your baked artistry. People outside of our CC world, just don't seem to get it. Thanks for all your support ladies. Love you!!





thumbs_up.gif

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-K8memphis Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:20pm
post #43 of 54

You probably already ordered stuff huh.

But there's one good thing about not having much patience left. icon_biggrin.gif

You don't get much. icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

(I've said in past posts that I used all my patience up raising my hyperactive boy and besides when the estrogen levels drop you got a dwindling supply at best. I'd a sent her packing at the first $10 remark. I'm glad you will next time.)

She is coughing up the money in advance yes?

"Cause she is gonna try to screw you. (some more)

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sari66 Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:50pm
post #44 of 54

I saw this on the homepage and after reading this no matter what you've already put out, get out of this now! This woman is a witch and cares nothing for the time it's taken you to provide her with lovely cookies and more for just about nothing!
Just tell her you can't do it for 6 and let it go. Your work is too good to let her take you down this road.

sari

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Beckalita Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 6:50pm
post #45 of 54

Your first mistake was letting her dictate what she would get for $10........BIG no no. A budget is fine, but she is making you bend over backwards for NO PROFIT. You have great talent, and if you decide to become a for-profit business ~ you really need a stronger backbone. People like this can only walk all over you if you let them!

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BlondiezBakery Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 7:17pm
post #46 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by riSHEL

The thing of it is, I'm just doing this because I do cookies for a friend of mine, and she gave her my name. I don't sell my cookies. This was all just me being put in a situation and I am too much a wuss to say no. I'm just gonna get through this (a little wine may help) and add it to my "life lessons" list. If ever she approaches me in the future, I will not be a push over. I will simply be truthful and tell her I do this for friends and family only. (which is what I should have done in the first place) My hat is off to you women that sell your baked artistry. People outside of our CC world, just don't seem to get it. Thanks for all your support ladies. Love you!!




You go girl. You are a good person, and I can tell that no matter how much you hate doing this, there is no way you are going to turn her down at this point. Like you said...this is a lesson learned, and you will certainly view any further opportunities with a different eye.

I do recommend, however, if the demands get any more out of control, or it becomes more of an investment than it already is, you simply tell her is a nice way "I am sorry, but I can no longer meet your requests for the budget that you have in place". That simple, and she has to understand that.....she is in the business world afterall.

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riSHEL Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 7:49pm
post #47 of 54

You're absolutely right Becalita. If I ever do decide to bake for profit, I will need a backbone. Maybe it's because I'm not a "business" that I let her dictate things from the beginning, and then before I knew it, she was calling all the shots. If I should ever be lucky enough to turn this hobby into a legit business (woo hoo...I'd be able to MAKE $)... then I will be able to look back at this newbie experience and KNOW how to conduct my business with a much different attitude. Again, thank all you ladies for your input. I hold all your opinions in high regard and soak up everything I learn here on CC like a sponge. Have a great day all!

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tinygoose Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 8:28pm
post #48 of 54

[quote="riSHEL"]The thing of it is, I'm just doing this because I do cookies for a friend of mine, and she gave her my name. I don't sell my cookies. This was all just me being put in a situation and I am too much a wuss to say no. I'm just gonna get through this (a little wine may help) and add it to my "life lessons" list. If ever she approaches me in the future, I will not be a push over. I will simply be truthful and tell her I do this for friends and family only. (which is what I should have done in the first place) quote]

Oh, I'm sorry. I know how hard it is to say no. I thankfully learned this early on, and very grateful that I did grow a backbone with friends, and friends of friends.

I've actually had friends say. "Well, if you want to do my sons birthday cake it is going to be a pirate ship." "Sure." I say, knowing darn well they want it for nothing. "What is your budget?" They GASP hard, and I try hard not to giggle. "OH....UH...oh.....well I just thought you like to do it for the fun of it. It's ok, I can just make it myself" I say. "I'm sure it will be great. Feel free to call me if you run into trouble with it." Some call, some don't, but I don't run over to their house and take over. I give them a few pointers that's all.

I usually nicely tell them how long it takes me to do that sort of cake, and how much just in materials (I quote full retail + gas, travel time BTW). By the time I'm done with them, they get it...sort of.

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shiney Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 8:45pm
post #49 of 54

Tinygoose, If they actually attempt a cake like you would do, then they will definitely 'get' that you don't just whip those up in no time, and they will have much more appreciation for what you do!!

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tinygoose Posted 30 Jan 2009 , 9:05pm
post #50 of 54

Oh Shiney....and they do attempt and their result is what you would expect. icon_wink.gif

LOL...What I SHOULD do is tell them that if they:
1. Bake the cake (here's the recipe I use for carved cakes)
2. Make the buttercream (here's another recipe)
3. Make the RI (yet another recipe)
4. Do they want filling? (recipe)
5. Order necessary supplies. Oh and here's the place I buy fondant from you will need 3 colors, and a list of other ingredients I will need, i.e. food color, gum paste, cake boards, vodka etc, etc, etc.
6. Get it all baked, mixed, layed out, and ready and I'll come over (oh, you'll be ok watching my 3 kids while I work on YOUR cake right?)
7. I guess I can bring my airbrush over, but you'd better tape off an area in your house where I can spray it. Oh and here's where you can buy airbrush colors.
8. Then SURE I'll come over and make the cake for free!!!

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SweetDreamsAT Posted 31 Jan 2009 , 3:21pm
post #51 of 54

riSHEL - you are such a sweetheart, so I know how hard it would be for you to tell her she's crazy! icon_wink.gif I tend to be a "yes" person myself, so before I know it, I've over committed myself to things that I'm not being compensated for. I'm also not a business person by nature - I have my husband for that part.
So I totally understand that when you LIKE what you do and you like sharing it with people, it is easy to get into a situation you find yourself in. But I have to say, that after selling my cookies for the past 18 months, I'm finally GETTING it. I set my price, take it or leave it. And if customers choose to "leave it" I have more time for myself and my family, and making cookies just for fun icon_smile.gif
Good luck on this job - you have the patience of a saint!!

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adonisthegreek1 Posted 31 Jan 2009 , 3:46pm
post #52 of 54

When she first emailed you with her demands...all on a budget of $10, you should have given her a real world quote. If she didn't want to pay it, then walk away. People who nickel and dime you are nothing but trouble. I usually ask for discounts on everything, but when someone is firm on their price I pay their asking price if I really want the product. Even if you do this as a hobby it is not work the pain, aggravation and cost to you.

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yellobutterfly Posted 31 Jan 2009 , 9:36pm
post #53 of 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by adonisthegreek1

When she first emailed you with her demands...all on a budget of $10, you should have given her a real world quote. If she didn't want to pay it, then walk away. People who nickel and dime you are nothing but trouble. I usually ask for discounts on everything, but when someone is firm on their price I pay their asking price if I really want the product. Even if you do this as a hobby it is not work the pain, aggravation and cost to you.




well said!

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navyseawitch Posted 31 Jan 2009 , 11:42pm
post #54 of 54

If you are really thinking of doing it as a business (and I think you should), make sure YOUR name is in the box. A small, simple card or ribbon tucked in with a telephone number or a tasteful label glued to the underside of the box...think of it...90 business leads in one shot! Free advertising!

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