I made this graduation cake, delivered it this morning to the woman who ordered it, accepted payment and left. I'm now feeling guilty for not giving this woman a discount. She seemed happy with the cake, but I didn't do a very good job on it and shouldn't have charged her the full price. The cake had all of the elements she requested, but the "fireworks" and stars are horrible. At least I know it will taste good. Anyway, do you ever voluntarily give a discount when you aren't happy with the result?
Rule Number #1 - Never point out "problem areas" to a customer. They usually don't notice the imperfections that we do.....
Rule Number #2 - Never offer a discount because YOU aren't happy with how a cake came out, only if the customer points out something and asks for a discount. And then I ususally give the discount as a percentage off their next cake order.
I think you have perhaps not had your coffee this morning.... this cake is lovely and your fireworks look great! Borders are straight I am loving the mixed color weave on the sides. Congratulations!
As for you other questions about discounts, yes, if there was a problem I was unable to fix I take money off. I just don't think it's necessary with this cake! 
I think it looks great. You should have no problem in accepting the fee for your beautiful work.
I really think this looks terrific, like everyone else. I've never seen fireworks piped onto a cake before and I think they look great too! And your basketweave is very very good.
The only thing I'd think the customer might notice is the misspelling of congratulations (no g) - not that I'm trying to feed your guilt trip in any way 
but it's the only thing I see that might be noticed.
But great job!!!!!
I think it's a beautiful cake! Your stars and fireworks are great. Love your borders and basket weave.....however, isn't the "g" in "Congratulations" missing?! Oops! Sorry to point that out, I'm not trying to make you feel worse about the cake! I think you should be very proud of it!!
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you charge? I just had the opposite problem with a cake that looks about the same size. Is that one 12x16? I thought I was under charging and the customer kinda did that, "yeah, its real nice..." attitude. I really wanted to let her know she was lucky to get such a deal.
BTW, I am terribly jealous of your rope border, and I think I will two or three tone my next basketweave. Cool effect!
Thank you all so much. I feel better. It's so hard to bake for a paying customer that you don't know personally. You feel like it needs to be perfect because they're spending a lot of their money on it. Much easier to make cakes for family and friends who will love anything you do!!
Oh my gosh. The G is missing! I didn't even notice it. Now what should I do?
I wouldn't do anything at this point. If the customer notices, and they call you, be apologetic. If they ask for a discount, accept.
Don't do anything unless the customer comes to you and says something about the mispell.. appologize and offer her a discount on a future cake. I think it's hard to notice. If she is angry, you could give her an immediate small refund. I doubt she will call or anything... but then, if that happens, you don't want her to be too embarassed to call regarding a problem and then lose her future business so maybe if you don't hear from her, call and offer the future discount due to the misspell.
** I still think that cake rocks! ** They'll be so wowed by the borders and basketweave they won't even notice the writing!
Oh my gosh. The G is missing! I didn't even notice it. Now what should I do?
Leave it!! Maybe noone will notice. I once didn't cross the "t" in the word and no one noticed. So, unless it is mentioned, forget about it. BTW-the cake looks great!! I think the fireworks and stars look really good and love the weave. 
I think that you did a great job on this cake. If it helps, I didn't notice the missing "g" until someone else pointed it out. I think that you should be very proud of this cake. I love the 3 tone basketweave also!
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