I Guess You Really Can't Please Everyone All The Time!
Decorating By gmcakes Updated 28 Jan 2006 , 5:07pm by lionladydi
Ok, so here's my little rant!
I took an order last week for a full sheet cake (18x24"), 2 different fillings, 2 different flavors. No sweat right? Took the order on Monday for Saturday, no problems. I called the "lady" on Wednesday to finalize a couple of details, when she tells me that another decorator was supposed to make a second sheet, but has now backed out, can I do that one as well? I told her no problem, but I only have one board cut for that size sheet cake, the biggest I was going to be able to do was a 15x22" sheet cake. The first cake was paid in advance and she was to pay for the second sheet when she picked it up. I knew these people, and trusted I would get paid. The day she picked up the cakes, she forgot her checkbook. Since her husband is a friend of mine from school I toldd her not to worry about it, I would get the check when I got my boards back. Talked to her Tuesday of this week, she had my boards ready whenever I was able to pick up. I asked her if all went well with the cakes? She said yes. I go to her shop today to pick up my boards, and she pulls me aside to "let me know" the second cake was too dry and crumbled when it was cut, the other was "perfect". I was very professional, told her I was very sorry she was displeased with the cake, and I asked her if she need me to reduce the price since she was unhappy with the product? She said no, not to worry it was fine. I told her that on her next order to remind me if I forgot (like that will happen), and I will cut her a discount on her next order. I have heard from people in my town that this is simply how she does...she's never satisfied. I feel like I did the right thing in offering her a discount. I am not worried about loosing my customers over this woman. However, I am concerned that people who don't know me might get the wrong idea over my cakes. I have probably done well over 100 cakes in my town over the last 3 years, and have never had one single complaint until this. If she was so displeased shouldn't she have called earlier in the week to discuss her concerns? Sorry so long, just confused by this "lady". I guess it's true...you just cant please everyone! 
I can see why you are using quotes for the "lady", I have my doubts that she really is one! Sounds as if she has a pretty good little con game going on if she uses that technique with everyone!
With your pleased customer base, I don't think I'd worry too much about this one person! Janice
I think I wouold use the word "lady" very loosely when referring to this woman. She thought you would just tell her to forget paying for the second cake. I think you handled it very well and I wouldn't worry about what she has to say. If you have made over 100 cakes in town then people know you and your work. Would be nice if you could talk to someone who attended the event and ask them how the cakes were. I would find myself "extremely busy" if she should ever have the nerve to ask you to make another cake. In dealing with the public you meet all kinds!
My sister-in-law attended the party that the cakes were at. She said she didn't eat any but saw/heard no one complaining. Her husband said this party was all they talked about on Monday, still no comments about the cakes. I do plan on asking others that attended their opinions as well. If there truly was a problem I want to know!
My feeling is if she was so unsatisfied by the quality, shouldn't she have notified me sooner? I wouldn't have waited a full week to voice my opinion is I was displeased with a service. She paid me full price. My conscience is clear, I offered her a discount and she didn't take it. I feel like I did the right thing.
...and yes you're right...I've checked my calender and I am indeed busy the weekend of her next order (whenever that may be!!!)
I don't think it will hurt your business at all, because I bet everyone in town knows how this woman operates. Plus, as you said--if there really WAS a problem, she would have let you know much sooner and also would have taken the discount!
I always complained at weddings that had white cake how horrible the cake was--until I started doing my own and it finally dawned on me that I just don't like white cake! Maybe she's just as stupid as me and simply doesn't care for whatever flavor the "bad" cake was and doesn't even know it!
You know what...You did your best and that is ALL that matters! I'm pretty sure the "lady" was just looking for something to complain about. You totally did the right thing...and I know how upsetting it can be. Just don't let it get to you like my customers have gotten to me!
I always complained at weddings that had white cake how horrible the cake was--until I started doing my own and it finally dawned on me that I just don't like white cake! Maybe she's just as stupid as me and simply doesn't care for whatever flavor the "bad" cake was and doesn't even know it!
I never thought of that... before she place the order, she had already told me she didn't like chocolate cake (her husband does). This entire sheet cake was chocolate with chocolate buttercream. Also, they had hired someone to cut the cake (NOT ME). It was getting later in the evening and the cakes had not been cut. They told the woman that was supposed to do this that it was time for the cake. She told them it would have to wait a little because she had something else to finish first.
Her husband admitted that he just started WACKING INTO IT (exact words he used). Homemade chocolate buttercream can get stiff sitting at room temp. This was like 9:00 or 10:00pm! She told me the cake was only out of the box for "about an hour" before it was cut. The party started at 4:00pm, and I can't help but wonder if the cake hadn't been out since then? He might not have wiped the knife down between slices and the icing build up on the knife could have ripped it into pieces instead of cutting slices. I have a feeling this party simply did not go as she planned, and she had to blame someone, and I lost on this one!
Thanks for understanding everyone! 
The dizzy broad. No wonder you can't deal with her. Anyone that doesn't like chocolate cake has a problem. Seriously, it sounds like the whole event was unorganized. Her second decorator backed out at the last minute, the lady hired to cut the cake backed out. Duh! They probably didn't want to deal with her either. I can't see where the cake would have gotten dry in that length of time. I still think she was trying to get the cake for nothing.
Lotsoftots, I am amazed at how many people say that they don't like wedding cake. When I question them, it is usually a cake that was purchased at Walmart, etc. I have never figured out what the difference is in wedding cake and any other. Maybe people just don't like weddings or the concept of marriage. 
It's not WEDDING cake--it's WHITE cake I can't stand. It's too dry. And usually flavorless. And even if it DOES have flavor, it's not one I care for--at least in a cake. White cake is just not my thing. I didn't have white cake at my own wedding!
Edited to add: Because I'm sure that my opinion will undoubtedly offend a white cake lover, please understand that this is just my own opinion. Some of my best friends adore white cake.
Put her in your "crap" list...I wouldn't deal with her again if I were you.. I'm sure you do a great job w/ your cakes.. can she even boil water ? Ignore her ..give a crazy excuse not to do her cakes next time...
In my experience usually doesn't buttercream make a cake moister, this lady doesn't deserve a second thought or a discount. I mean if it was you it happened to would you of waited that long to complain. Chin up
Lotsoftots, I didn't mean wedding cakes. Sorry. You said "at weddings that had white cake" and I didn't mean to imply that all wedding cakes were white cakes although around here I hardly ever see a wedding cake that isn't a white cake. We're pretty boring here in the Ozark hills! I prefer chocolate to anything whether it be cake, ice cream, candy, pie, or whatever. I do like the French Vanilla and Natural Vanilla cake mixes better than regular white.
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