I know that this has been talked about so much, but it finally happened, and even though I thought I'd be okay about it, I'm feeling kinda snubbed.
My next door neighbor didn't ask me to do her daughter's 24th birthday cake. She not only knows I do cakes, but she has helped me out when I've done a number of them. She ALWAYS tells me to call her when I've finished a cake so she can come see it, and I've had her taste a number of cakes and fillings. She asked me to do cakes for each of her 3 kids 2 years ago, but none since. I've never said anything and still probably won't, but it just hurts. Oddly enough, I'd feel better if she just told me straight to my face that she wasn't interested in getting more cakes from me and/or what the problem is. If she likes somewhere else better, that's fine. I guess it's just the not saying anything that bugs me. I get rave reviews on all my cakes and a repeats, so I don't know what the issue is.
Anyway, like I said, I know this isn't a new issue, I just needed someplace to vent.....thanks for listening.
Sarah
That was going to be my guess... although she OBVIOUSLY adores your work, perhaps the budget just won't allow your level of quality, and she had to stoop to a more affordable level!! Don't let it get to you... I am sure it's nothing personal!
Edited to add: At least you didn't end up having to start a thread about your neighbor who came to you and said she needed cake for 100 people, fondant, etc. etc. for $35!!! hahaha! Take your blessings when and where they come I guess!
i know it hurts and it is seems easy for me to say dont let it bother you but i know better it is my in-laws that hurts me but i dont know what your cakes taste like but i have seen your photos and they are just beautiful and thae have to taste wonderful it is her lost and the bakerys around here are not that pretty as yours are try not to let it bother you you can look at your photos and see for yourself dorothy from tenn
Yep, I think it's probably a matter of her budget. I just looked at your cakes and they are fabulous! Don't feel snubbed, she may just be in a financial slump. (which is a private thing and may not want to mention it)It happens to the best of us.
Amy
Keep that chin up!!!!!!!!!!!
well maybe she is too close and didnt want to "bother you" for a cake? I know sometimes my family will get cakes from elsewhere because they know i am busy (work full time and single mom) and they have said "we would rather you just come ENJOY the party than worry about the cake" On the flip side when i insist upon bringing a cake they really appreciate it and rave over it (but those are usually freebies) like others i feel funny taking money from family, maybe she feels like family and feels arkward doing business with "family"
just my 2 cents!
My fiances grandmother does that all the time and it really hurts my feelings. She'll invite us all for supper for whoever's birthday it is and bake her own cake...really not a big deal EXCEPT when she's cutting it up (they're usually funny looking...LOL) she'll look at me and say "gee, I never even thought of asking you too make a cake" Thanks a bunch grandma...just finished culinary school and I work in a really great bakery...glad you didn't even think of me...I don't think she does it on purpose and I really don't think she means to hurt my feelings...some times people just don't think...or can't afford...(I would never charge her BTW) I just mean in your case...LOL Cheer up!!
I'm sorry that has happened to you Sarah. If it makes you feel any better I have been a volunteer and a member of the board of our community center for ten years. I have donated cakes for every event they have had, one was a $600.00 cake to feed 200 people last year. One went at a dessert auction for $300.00 and one of my cake gift certificates was raffled off for $200.00, so the center made $500.00 in one evening from my donations. In ten years do you know how many members of the center have ordered from me? Two, one woman has had me do probably 6 cakes for her and another person had me do one.
It is disappointing and yes, sometimes it hurts. But you just have to let it go and move on. Others will order from you and will spread the word to their friends as well.
I'm sorry that has happened to you Sarah. If it makes you feel any better I have been a volunteer and a member of the board of our community center for ten years. I have donated cakes for every event they have had, one was a $600.00 cake to feed 200 people last year. One went at a dessert auction for $300.00 and one of my cake gift certificates was raffled off for $200.00, so the center made $500.00 in one evening from my donations. In ten years do you know how many members of the center have ordered from me? Two, one woman has had me do probably 6 cakes for her and another person had me do one.
It is disappointing and yes, sometimes it hurts. But you just have to let it go and move on. Others will order from you and will spread the word to their friends as well.
I tried that sort of thing and it really did not work... I didn't get any extra word of mouth orders from it at all. Oh well!
My best word of mouth has been from satisfied customers who have large parties...and occasionally a fancy cake that ends up at a restaurant party and attracts attention from a nearby table. I love that kind. 
I can relate--unfortunately.
I do all of the celebration cakes for my church--about 8 cakes for 125 people every year. I'm known as "the CakeLady" to everyone there. I do it as part of my tithe, so they pay nothing. In general, they're very appreciative, but it amazes me how often they'll plan special events, decide that they want a cake and then never have anyone call me to let me know! I usually get let in on the plan when I ASK if they want/need a cake--and someone says, "Oh, gosh, didn't so and so call you about the date??? Yes, yes, we definitely want one of your cakes!"" 
Recently, I also had more than a little pang when I was going down the steps to the community hall--bringing in one of 12 King's Cakes for the Mardi Gras celebration--and saw a photo of a 1/2 sheet cake on the bulletin board next to the photos of new members--I think it was from a local grocery store 
All they had to do was ask--but I bet someone forgot to... or didn't want to "bother me"...again.
I've tried.....but people just don't get it, sometimes.
Rae
I totaly understand. My own sister didn't have me do my nephews birthday cake this year. She ordered one from Wal-mart!!!
I honestly think maybe some people just don't want to be a bother! For instance I know several people who would willingly babysit my kids for me but I HATE HATE HATE asking them because I just feel like its putting them out, or "using" them. So I don't unless I absolutely HAVE to have a sitter.
I bet its the same thing...I know if I didn't make cakes, I would feel really bad about asking the same person to make my cakes time after time after time.
That's usually why, if I want to make a cake for something, I volunteer because I know most ppl will feel bad asking me or "putting me out".
Thanks for all the support everyone. 
I know somewhere on this thread is the reason, and no matter what I'll just keep smiling. They didn't have a b-day party for her except for close family, so when I see her next I'll just ask, "How did her b-day go?" I won't even bring up the cake because I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable. Maybe she feels bad because she knows that I wouldn't ever charge her what it was really worth - I don't know, but whatever the reason, I knew you'd understand.
I have to say that nobody understands what it's like unless you've been there, and you all do such beautiful work that you KNOW how much work goes into even the simplest looking cake. Isn't it the truth that sometimes the easiest looking cake is actually the hardest thing to do. (Oh, what's that? You don't want ANYTHING on the wedding cake? Where are the flowers to hide my flaws???) Guess I'm feeling better already! 
Seriously, thanks everyone.
Sarah
You never know....her daughter is a grown-up who may have very specific tastes and preferences. Maybe she has her own friend who does cakes that she wants to have do this one. Maybe there's something they've always done in the past that won't be the same if someone outside the family does it. Maybe she likes PIE for her birthday instead of cake (like my ex hubby) . Maybe she has a particular family favorite cake that is always her birthday cake. In our family, it was white cake coated with coconut. Not exactly something a cake decorator would need to do. Try not to personalize this. It's probably not about you at all. Don't let it create tension between you and your friend.
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