I have to cancel an order for the first time ever, and I just need some advice. I took an order for a 21st birthday cake with a casino theme, to be delivered Dec 26th on our way out of town. However, my husband's deployment just got bumped up to Dec. 27th instead of January 15th, and there is just no way I am going to spend my precious last hours with him working on this cake. I've already deposited the check for the cake, so I can't void it. Do I just send the client a money order for the amount of the cake? I feel like I should try to find somebody else to make it for her... but who else is dumb enough to accept a detailed order for the day after Christmas? I feel so bad. She was ridiculously excited about this cake.

I would call her and explain about your family situation and tell her you are no longer able to make the cake and you will return the deposit immmediately.She will probably be upset and mad but oh well.That is the best you can do.Offer to drop the deposit off right away to her...

Call her ASAP so she has a chance to find another option. I agree with KiddieKakes, just be upfront and honest. She won;t be happy, but you have to do what you have to do. You might want to be eady with a few numbers of other cakers for her to try calling, but I wouldn't search someone out for her.

I would definite start phoning your caking network to find someone to take this from you. It would be disappointing to have a cake canceled on me (although your circumstances are TOTALLY understandable!) but it would make me feel much better if the caker also provided me at least the names of a couple of people who are waiting for my call to make my cake.

Definitely be up front with her and try and hook her up with someone else.

Last year, my son - who is NEVER sick - was diagnosed with swine flu two days before I was to have a birthday cake done for a co-worker's son. I had already spent time making toppers and had bought all ingredients. It was a free cake anyway, since I cannot sell out of my home. There was NO WAY I was sending anything edible out of my home not knowing the dynamics of that flu.

Needless to say, she was originally very perturbed, both at having to find someone and at having to actually pay for it. But once I had her booked with the other lady, it all worked out and she "graciously forgave me." (her words)

Yes, definitely cancel the order. She'll probably be upset but her cake is not more important than spending time with your husband before he leaves. She'll just have to deal with it. Return her money and offer a couple of recommendations, one custom cake decorator and one bigger bakery who will most likely be able to take her order. She may just be getting a sheet cake but that's ok. I know it's blasphemous but it's not the end of the world if they have to get a sheet cake.

You absolutely should not spend those last precious moments worrying about a cake. This is just unfortunate, and I'm sure she'll understand. But it wouldn't be at all a bad thing for you to call some cake people you know and *try* to find someone to do the original plan you had worked out with her, just as a courtesy. I know she would probably think that was just the nicest thing you could do. And, hopefully it won't take too long to do, so you can get right back to... um... ya know... spending time together... just talking... and *stuff*.

Ok you called her left a messege and she has not returned your call, it took you time to call around to find someone else and she still has yet to return your call, you also offered her a dozen free cupcakes and have given her some numbers to try, return the deposit in full ASAP you have done what you can end of story. Things happen in everyday life that can not be helped, her cake is not the end of your world you have other more pressing issues to tend to your family comes first period, if she does not understand your situation than it's her problem.
You have tried to the best of your ability to help her, enjoy the time you have with your husband and family before he deploys.

kimmuse2009 what a funny comment that your customer "graciuosly forgave you" in her words, had she taken a cake from you and gotten the swine flu she would have been cussing you from here to eternity for passing such an illness, some people are so full of themselves and royal pompus pains in the rear.

Please thank your husband for his service. My family and I are eternally grateful for all the service men and women who sacrifice so much to ensure our freedom and safety. My girls say a prayer every night for the soldiers, thanking them for their service and asking God to be with them and keep them safe.

Enjoy your last week with your husband before he goes. You did what you can to help her to get another cake. Like you said, there is always Walmart!!!! God bless you all.

Thank you all for your support and prayers. And thank the Lord for sweet people. This was my client's response:
Hey Kristan,

I'm sorry to hear that your husband will be deployed right after Christmas, before the New Year. I really wish that you could do this cake for me, but I definately understand. I will keep your name in mind for future cakes because I admire your work. I do not have paypal so would you just send me a check in the mail?

Thanks for telling me as soon as you found out. I appreciate it.

How wonderful that she was so understanding and supportive. Enjoy your time with your husband and a big thank you to him and you and your family for all of the sacrifices that you make.

A classic example of a great customer, you lucked out and your cakes must be awesome that she would be so gracious and indicate that she will be using you in the future Have a wonderful Christmas with your husband!

Thank you so much for sharing that gracious reply. I'm so glad all your concerns have been layed to rest so you can now enjoy the time with your husband. Have a lovely Christmas.

Thank you both for your sacrifice of service to me and my family and to our country and the planet. God bless all y'all and may strength and fortitude be your closest and most dependable companion until you are together again.

xo

I glad everything worked out now you can get to the business at hand your family without worry now. Hope your husband is safe and God watches over you and your family while he is away.

I am glad she was understanding. If my oven was not broken, I would do something for you and this lady. (Please know that my skills pale in comparison to yours.)

God bless your family and thank you for your sacrifices.

I'm glad it worked out and that she understands (though if she didn't, she wouldn't deserve your guilt anyway). Thank you so much for the sacrifice you, your husband and family are making to keep us safe. God Bless!

From my 11 year old son: "Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for your service & sacrifice. You're a hero!"

From my 8 year old son: "I'm really glad that you're protecting us, thank you. You're a hero!"