I had an order for a cake this Friday, my first 'gift' cake, two small squares stacked to look like presents. I didn't get a deposit (I know, stupid!) and just got an email (not even a phone call) cancelling due to a 'family emergency'. When I spoke to her Saturday about it, she sounded a bit strange, I almost had to remind her of her order (she placed it over a month ago). I should have seen this coming.

I have other cakes coming up so at least I can still use most of the ingredients, but I bought frozen strawberries for the cake and thawed them already, so I'll have to find something to do with them. I'm SO glad I was lazy last night and didn't bake the cake like I was going to... but I did start on the fondant bow - how long can you keep dried fondant pieces?

Now I'm totally bummed, but I've learned my lesson - always get a deposit!

Edencakes.. I am so sorry this happened to you. I have only had one (thank goodness) cake that I made and decorated and the person never came to pick up. when I called.. they said she wasnt there and practically hung up on me. Thankfully, I have an elementary school at the end of my block.. the teachers had a nice treat that Monday morning and as a result I do all the cakes for the teachers functions now!!

awwww edencakes... I'm so sorry to hear about your cake order cancelling I always ask for a deposit on my wedding cakes .. I guess I should on all my cakes and not just the wedding cakes ... again, I'm so sorry about the order cancelling on you

edencakes,
I'm so sorry to hear about that. Maybe I should start thinking about getting a deposit too. I have been just trusting their word.
I noticed you live in Memphis. I live 2 hours from you. It's a small world after all.

Thanks, I guess it really could have been worse - at least I learned a lesson!

ckirkland - I *actually* live in Horn Lake, MS, but no one knows where that is. I just say I live in Memphis since I practically live there anyway!

It's cool that we're so close - maybe we should get together sometime, I'm sure you could teach me a thing or two!

I've just started getting cake orders and I was worried about wether or not to require a deposit. So just to test it....I required a $15 deposit for 2 orders (refundable w/in 48hrs of delivery date) and both people didn't mind. I also filled out an order sheet I made and and gave them a copy...both were happy to get a sheet that showed exactly what they ordered..cake size/flavor/decorations/price and deposit requirement!!!

I'll require a deposit and give all customers an order sheet now for every cake order!!!

I am sooooooo Sorry to hear about your order being Cancelled =0( .
Strawberry shortcake sounds good to ME!
& I am Right down the Road from you Make that cake I will come eat it with ya! hahaha. & your right HornLake is just a dot.. blink your eyes and didnt even realize that you passed it up! & Your birthday is just days after mine! =0)~
What a Small world!

~Sweet~ =0)

Terrible customer!~EX-customer!

You should be able to save the bow and anything else you have made with the fondant. Package them safely in an air tight container and they should stay safe & ready for the next project!

That is right JSCakes, if you place your bow carefully on top of foam or bubble wrap or something to give it padding and enclose it in a cardboard box, it will keep for a year or more. Just keep it in a cool dry place.
Sorry for your disappointment!
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

Their loss! Your cakes are adorable!

I know where Horn Lake is!! My sister used to live there!! She has since moved closer to Memphis. Horn Lake is very pretty!!

On cakes other then weddings & groom's cake I charge up front. If they cancel 7 days before they needed the cake I'll refund their money. If not I give no refund.
On wedding cakes, groom's cakes or any large cakes I charge 1/2 of the price up front, then I require (listen at me.. all this big talk!! LOL!!) the other 1/2, 5 to 7 days before the wedding... because the wedding day is too busy. They sometimes "forget" to pay when you deliver the cakes.

Sorry that person cancelled Just look at it like this... Now you have a bow ready for the next bow order you get! Good deal!!