The Nerve Of Some People...need To Vent!

Decorating By Mama_Mias_Cakes Updated 12 Jun 2010 , 6:26pm by FullHouse

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Mama_Mias_Cakes Posted 6 May 2010 , 6:44am
post #1 of 49

At a function at work today, a co-worker came to me and said I love your cakes. Then she pulls me aside and said "hey, I know what you can do for me. Donate a cake for my graduation party". REALLY??? icon_eek.gif Donate, c'mon. Then she said that she will put a sign out that will say "cake donated by" in order for me to drum up some business. No thank you ma'am. I do not have to have her help to drum up business. My new business has grown just fine on it's own without her help. This lady is not a family member or even a friend. We just happen to have children who are friends and on the same sports team, now she works at my company. I just can't believe the nerve of some people. I would never ask this anybody. icon_mad.gif Well, I couldn't really talk to her since I was in a middle of an event (I'm an event planner), but definitely will follow up with an email that I do not donate cakes and if she wants one from me my prices are ....

48 replies
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Nacnacweazel Posted 6 May 2010 , 7:45am
post #2 of 49

I had this same thing happen to me just a few days ago. One of my wife's massage clients is hosting an event of some sort. He, very pointedly, told her that I can donate a cake for the event. icon_eek.gif He didn't even ask...he, essentially, gave PERMISSION for me to DONATE a cake to feed at least 350 people. He then went on to tell her that I could ALSO donate a cake (of no less than $500 value) to be raffled off! Oh, HOW NICE OF HIM TO ALLOW ME TO BE INCLUDED!!! icon_mad.gif I told my wife to tell him that my answer is "BITE ME!!!" But, I told her to feel free to put it in her own words. icon_wink.gif

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Texas_Rose Posted 6 May 2010 , 8:05am
post #3 of 49

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."

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mamawrobin Posted 6 May 2010 , 11:05am
post #4 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."




I agree with Texas_Rose. I wouldn't email but rather wait to see if you hear from her. Texas also has posted a great way for you to respond. Sounds very professional but also gets your point across. thumbs_up.gif

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cakemom42 Posted 6 May 2010 , 11:30am
post #5 of 49

Ditto... don't e-mail her let her contact you & then say
"I'm sorry but I am booked that weekend"

Being a fundraiser I am familar (as you are) that companies have quotas for how much they donate per year, per month... My DH imposed this on me... I happily follow this rule & donate only so much per yr & per month.
Mostly I save it for my children's events (as what's the point of having a mom who can do great things with sugar if she can't make you proud :0)
I also do charity events where I get the cost of ingredients and design the cake for them instead of full price....

Lastly some companies have a rule where you have to submitt in writing your donation request & this is reviewed yearly... Then they give the donation once a year.. We as cake designers are too tender hearted and I think need to be more business like...but then again this is what makes us so wonderful!!!!!

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dalis4joe Posted 6 May 2010 , 11:36am
post #6 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by mamawrobin

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."



I agree with Texas_Rose. I wouldn't email but rather wait to see if you hear from her. Texas also has posted a great way for you to respond. Sounds very professional but also gets your point across. thumbs_up.gif


I LOVE Texas ROse's answer.... tell her that... and start with just that... T THOUGHT YOU WERE KIDDING....

now if u bake cakes... people want a free cake TO HELP US..... ahem.... a free ANYTHING will not make me a profit... hellooooooo

My hairdresser said to me: "Dalis, you bake cakes right?"
I said: Yeah!
She said: "Can you give me your recipe... I need to bake a cake for church"
I said" "_______ how would you like to teach me how to do my highlight touch ups every 3 weeks? Oh and can you also teach me how to cut my own hair?


it's one of those things that u just have to laugh at it...

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artscallion Posted 6 May 2010 , 11:48am
post #7 of 49

I wouldn't tell her you're booked. That just prolongs the inevitable and you'll just have to keep going through it every time she has an event until, maybe, she eventually gets the hint.

Be honest. There's no shame in not giving your work away for free, especially when it's not even a charity. Hold your head high and say, "sorry, I don't do those kinds of arrangements. But if you would like to talk about purchasing a cake from me, here's my number." Or, as Texas suggested, treat it as if the idea is so ridiculous you didn't think she was even seriously asking.

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LindaF144a Posted 6 May 2010 , 1:52pm
post #8 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."




I agree with Texas Roe. Only I wouldn't give a discount price. I would quote the full price. A graduation party is not a charitable event that warrants a discount price. You said she was a coworker and not a friend. What you could do is quote your initial price 10% higher and then tell her you'll take 10% off.

I understand helping each other out and that kind of thing, but that only works if it is reciprocal. I also sew. I don't do it as a business. But you would not believe how many "friends" will ask me to do tailoring work on store bought items. I have learned to say NO loud and clear many, many times. I usually tell them that I don't know how to do "XYZ", which they probably see through seeing how I make almost all of my clothes (although not recently, too busy learning cake decorating!). I make one exception for my best friend and that is only because she has asked twice in 10 years. I can see you making a free cake for someone you consider a good friend, but not a coworker who is looking for a way to cut costs, which is what her real motive is. It is certainly not to help "boost your business".

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Texas_Rose Posted 6 May 2010 , 1:55pm
post #9 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by LindaF144

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."



I agree with Texas Roe. Only I wouldn't give a discount price. I would quote the full price. A graduation party is not a charitable event that warrants a discount price. You said she was a coworker and not a friend. What you could do is quote your initial price 10% higher and then tell her you'll take 10% off.




I didn't mean she should give a discount...tell the un-friend that she is giving her a discount and charge whatever her regular price is. Let the un-friend think that she's getting a discount when she's not.

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mamawrobin Posted 6 May 2010 , 1:57pm
post #10 of 49

Actually Texas said "insert REGULAR price here" after saying that she was offering a "discounted" price. Too funny thumbs_up.gif

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mamawrobin Posted 6 May 2010 , 1:58pm
post #11 of 49

Texas guess we were posting at the same time. icon_lol.gif

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LindaF144a Posted 6 May 2010 , 1:58pm
post #12 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

Quote:
Originally Posted by LindaF144

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."



I agree with Texas Roe. Only I wouldn't give a discount price. I would quote the full price. A graduation party is not a charitable event that warrants a discount price. You said she was a coworker and not a friend. What you could do is quote your initial price 10% higher and then tell her you'll take 10% off.



I didn't mean she should give a discount...tell the un-friend that she is giving her a discount and charge whatever her regular price is. Let the un-friend think that she's getting a discount when she's not.




Ooops! I forgot all about your last sentence in the time it took to read all the message and respond. You are so clever! Sorry.

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Mama_Mias_Cakes Posted 6 May 2010 , 2:19pm
post #13 of 49

Thank you everyone! My DH said the same thing, don't respond to her. So I will take Texas Rose's and his advice and not email. icon_smile.gif

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Mama_Mias_Cakes Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 1:28pm
post #14 of 49

Okay. I did not email her and have not heard from her until last night. It was at our kids' 8th grade graduation. She came up to me and said "don't forget my cake" then walked away. I didn't see her at all later that evening as there were a couple of hundred people there (I live in a large school district). I am just so angry about this. Well, I shot her an email today stating what you guys have said above. I have not heard from her yet. But good golly..the nerve of some people!

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Laura102777 Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 1:46pm
post #15 of 49

That's just crazy! Tell her she can "donate" $500 to your bank account and you'll do her the courtesy of writing "donated by so-and-so" on the deposit slip. =)

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mim1106 Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 1:47pm
post #16 of 49

Wow!! I think I would have said, Whoa! Before you walk away....I didn't forget your cake - I'm not doing your cake! What nerve! Can't wait to see her reply

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Bluehue Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 1:59pm
post #17 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mama_Mias_Cakes

Okay. I did not email her and have not heard from her until last night. It was at our kids' 8th grade graduation. She came up to me and said "don't forget my cake" then walked away.
Oh sorry for bursting out laughing at that sentance - but it is just tooooo rude - how flip of anyone to say that .. icon_surprised.gif I didn't see her at all later that evening as there were a couple of hundred people there (I live in a large school district). I am just so angry about this. Well, I shot her an email today stating what you guys have said above. I have not heard from her yet. Something tells me that if she has that much *front* you might just hear back from her - sadly you will have to see her again during school/sports times - how sad -
be ready - better still .................... be armed icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

"don't forget my cake" ..........unbelievable

Bluehue.


But good golly..the nerve of some people!


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PattyT Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 2:09pm
post #18 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mama_Mias_Cakes

Okay. I did not email her and have not heard from her until last night. It was at our kids' 8th grade graduation. She came up to me and said "don't forget my cake" then walked away. I didn't see her at all later that evening as there were a couple of hundred people there (I live in a large school district). I am just so angry about this. Well, I shot her an email today stating what you guys have said above. I have not heard from her yet. But good golly..the nerve of some people!




As I was reading this thread up till this point, little voices were going off in my head that said "No - No! Email - email...this is the kind of person who will ASSUME that just by telling you what she wants that it is done". Sadly I was correct.

Looking forward to hearing her response to you..

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jadak Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 2:15pm
post #19 of 49

WOW...people NEVER cease to amaze me. Can't wait to hear how she responds to your email.......and I think with her brazenness, she's SURE to respond.

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cricket0616 Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 2:20pm
post #20 of 49

I had a Dad of one of my son's baseball team mates call me three weeks before Christmas and said "hey, I want to do something special for my kids for Christmas and I want to do a cake. I bought a pan and I was wondering if I could bring it over and you could make for them." WHAT!! He wanted to do something special.....don't you mean you want me to do something special for your kids. I told him that I would not have the time to do it during the holidays and would be out of town and wish him a Merry Christmas.

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JulieMN Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 2:31pm
post #21 of 49

People never cease to find ways to amaze me with their sense of entitlement or....? I'll be interested in hearing the outcome of this story....

Best...

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KayMc Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 3:03pm
post #22 of 49

I am bumping this to keep it up to the top, as I know we all want to hear how this story ends. Unbelievable.....

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moralna Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 3:18pm
post #23 of 49

Some people really are something - aren't they? I would like to see myself how this ends.

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Mama_Mias_Cakes Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 3:23pm
post #24 of 49

No response yet.

This is what I wrote.

Sorry, I cannot donate a cake and I am booked that weekend with other cake orders. Sorry, I cannot help you out and congratulations on your graduation.

My hubby thought it was too nice, but I didn't want to be as rude as her - it's just not me to do that. I am also booked that weekend with 2 other big cake orders so I wouldn't have time even if I wanted to. Even if I wasn't, I really don't want to do a cake for her even for pay.

Thanks everyone for letting me vent.

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Reimagining_Confections Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 4:52pm
post #25 of 49

Vent away- that is what the forum is for. Now if someone can send me to the forum to vent about my hubby,non- cake related, just male dna relate, that would be great thumbs_up.gif

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FullHouse Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 5:09pm
post #26 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by CookiesbyMomME

Vent away- that is what the forum is for. Now if someone can send me to the forum to vent about my hubby,non- cake related, just male dna relate, that would be great thumbs_up.gif




The lounge icon_smile.gif.

I can't wait to read her response. Some people, arrgh.

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Danielle1218 Posted 3 Jun 2010 , 5:17pm
post #27 of 49

Good point Dalis......I love that. People are so dumb, aren't they?


Quote:
Originally Posted by dalis4joe

Quote:
Originally Posted by mamawrobin

Quote:
Originally Posted by Texas_Rose

I wouldn't even bother emailing her. Let her get in touch with you if she's going to, and then just say, "Oh, I thought you were kidding. My business has been growing way too fast for me to have time to donate cakes. I'd love to make your graduation cake, and since you're a friend I can give you a discounted price of (insert regular price here) per serving."



I agree with Texas_Rose. I wouldn't email but rather wait to see if you hear from her. Texas also has posted a great way for you to respond. Sounds very professional but also gets your point across. thumbs_up.gif

I LOVE Texas ROse's answer.... tell her that... and start with just that... T THOUGHT YOU WERE KIDDING....

now if u bake cakes... people want a free cake TO HELP US..... ahem.... a free ANYTHING will not make me a profit... hellooooooo

My hairdresser said to me: "Dalis, you bake cakes right?"
I said: Yeah!
She said: "Can you give me your recipe... I need to bake a cake for church"
I said" "_______ how would you like to teach me how to do my highlight touch ups every 3 weeks? Oh and can you also teach me how to cut my own hair?


it's one of those things that u just have to laugh at it...


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DerrellC Posted 4 Jun 2010 , 2:25am
post #28 of 49

Cookiesbymom, you KNOW that being a caker's husband,automatically entitles us for Sainthood !!!!

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Karen421 Posted 4 Jun 2010 , 2:39am
post #29 of 49

I think your email to her was very nice, I hope hers back to you is equally as nice! Good Luck!

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JCE62108 Posted 4 Jun 2010 , 2:44am
post #30 of 49

Dont forget my cake!!! LOL!!!! I can't believe that.

Honestly though, in her mind, she thinks she is doing you a favor. Im sure she has no idea how rude and insulting she is being. Ive had people do that to me. It seems to be family and friends usually.

My own mom....aaarrrrghhhhh. She and a coworker of hers call me and say the co-worker wants a cake. I used to have a deal where you could get a $50.00 9" dessert cake (generic decor) intended for people to take to parties, use on a dessert table at weddings, etc. They were NON-CUSTOMIZABLE. This was in big print on the website. So my mom sees this and says "oh that $50 cake will be perfect". Ok, but they are non-customizable and dont come in vanilla with buttercream icing. " Oh but she just wants something simple. Like a Christmas package or some sort of Christmas theme." Mom, the $50 cakes are not customizable. A cake that size that if decorated costs between $84 and $108. " No, no. Just something simple. Something Christmasy" The whole time she is on speaker phone with her co-worker. It was so embarrasing that I had to argue with her like that and she just wasnt getting it. I ended up making a Christmas package for her for $50.00. That's a big discount that I really wasnt willing to give to someone I dont even know. I don't give in anymore.

Im about to start letting some family members know that I cannot do a cake every weekend at cost for them either. Some people take advantage if you let them.

What am I doing!!!! This is your rant, not mine!!!! lol Back to you.

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