Now She Wants To Order A Cake???
Decorating By cassandrascakes Updated 7 Apr 2007 , 8:47am by Housemouse
My husband and I went to a wedding of one of his really good friends. (The one I posted about previously where the bride didn't shave her armpits.........) I don't personally know the couple, but I was kind of wondering why I wasn't asked to do the cake since I do so many cakes for my hubby's co-workers. Anyway, when I got to the wedding my DH's ex was there and I found out she's a close friend of the bride. Well, maybe that's why I wasn't asked! She got her cake from the local grocery store.
So, yesterday, my DH tells me that this lady wants to order a cake from me to "try" my cakes since she has heard they are so good. He said he told her to call me later, but instead she stopped by! She seemed very nice telling me she was craving some cake, and heard how good mine were and wanted me to make her a cake. Now, this cake was for no reason, she didn't care if I even decorated it or not, she just wanted to taste it.
I am kind of wondering what's going on because I can't understand someone "craving" cake 2 weeks after their wedding. And just ordering a cake for no reason?? I did the cake, just a 1/4 sheet, simply iced and bordered with a few roses.
OK, and here's the kicker..........the daughter of my DH's ex wants me to do her child's birthday cake. Maybe I'm making too much of this, but it seems strange to me. This lady (the ex) doesn't like me at all. I don't understand her friends and relatives wanting to order cakes all of a sudden. My mom thinks I should be leery. I had to ask all of your opinons.......
I know what you mean about being leery and you probably should be. However, I would bake them cakes and take their money! Maybe they are looking for a "freebie" source and seeing if you are it. Just a thought. All might be well but from a couple of experiences I know about you would be wise to be cautious and charge them for the cakes.
Its possible that the bride was encouraged not to buy your cakes by the ex...but had heard good things about them and waited until after the mayhem of the wedding to try them out? Definately charge for them though, no freebies...
As far as the daughter...who knows, its possible if the ex is giving out negative information, the individuals have decided they want to find out on their own?
Yeah, that's a lot to think about. I bake from home in Florida, so there's the answer to that question. I really don't think she's smart enough to know it's not legal. She makes sure I know she doesn't like me, so I'm more worried about word of mouth. I did charge the lady and she was very nice and thanked me twice when she picked it up. I just don't know about the one for the daughter, though. That would involve her coming to my house to pick it up and all that good stuff. I just don't know!
in my family, ex's are still considered family. My mom's ex husband has been called Uncle Chris all my life and I've recently had contact a few times with my dad's ex wife. She and I get along great and we thoroughly enjoy each other's company.
I do know that some people are not this way. So, I'd say trust your gut. Also....if you're not legal, and you feel a tinge that they may be out to get you, I'd steer clear of it.
Would the cake for the daughter be fairly simple? I'm only asking because if the ex is looking to get a cake from you only so she can then talk about how bad or ugly it was, maybe you should give her one for the birthday. I mean, if it was going to be a pretty simple cake, you could just tell her, "Gee, you know, it was so nice of you to think of me, and I'd love to be able to do something to help you out, this one's on the house!" The kindness will probably leave her speechless (and maybe furious-hehe) and then she won't be able to say a SINGLE bad word about you...I can totally understand why you wouldn't want to do that, though, or even not want to do the cake at all. Maybe your best bet is to just tell her that you're flattered she thought of you, but your schedule can't accomodate her request or something. 
Oh , I like the idea of giving it to her for free. That way if she or her mother are trying to catch you not being legal, you never "sold" her a cake. 
I'd steer clear of the ex.
She makes sure I know she doesn't like me
If this is true why would you even consider doing a cake for her? Sounds like a head ache, at the least, if you get involved with her. Personally, I wouldn't be that anxious for the business.
Hmmm...., that is true about the free cake. I also agree with Carol Ann.....I'm not that anxious for the business. My DH is a really good man, and he was with her for 5 years. She had children and they still speak to him and stuff when they see him. I don't have a problem with that, because I understand it is hard on children when men come in and out of their lives, even if he's not their father. They don't ever call or ask for anything, but if we see them at a ball game or something, they'll say hi. Maybe they know their mom is nuts. I was told they were very embarrassed that she was dating a 19 year old. (she's about 45) I hate to do it, but right now I am leaning more towards the whole, Thanks for asking, but I'm busy thing.
Don't ever forget; word of mouth is the best and the worst form of advertising.
Of course be nice to the kids! But I wouldn't give the woman a reason to wheedle her way into my home/life in any way. Just my feeling on it. And why do a free cake? I just don't see why there'd be any obligation there.
No obligation, it's her grandson.
I have to ask, what does 'leery' mean in the US? You said your Mum said you should be 'leery.' Now, in the UK 'leery' means like a sleazy drunk man 'leering' at women - i.e. looking them up and down in an unpleasant way. I'm assuming your Mum doesn't want you to do this!
I would steer clear of the lady as there is a chance she might possibly be a bit leery (sly). You're right to be leery (cautious) as your business is a bit leery (not legal). I wouldn't rely on her being too ignorant to know about whether you're legal or not, she may just have a smart friend! Many years ago I had a customer who was... shall we say 'dense'? Her friend was a bit more 'savvy' and egged her on to make a complaint to avoid paying up. It was unjustified and I was vindicated by the small claims court, but still ended up feeling 'leery' (unwell) over the whole thing.
Rely on the instinct that made you raise this matter on CC, and avoid by making an excuse and declining politely. Just my twopence ha'penny's worth.
PS In some areas of the UK 'leery' also has the informal meaning of 'sly', and a meaning of 'not right' as in not legal/legitimate. I have also heard 'leery' to mean 'not feeling right' (as in unwell).
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