Good morning everyone
Hope you had a better weekend than me.
I was hired to make a 4 tier elegant 18 cake to go with the birthday girls' Starry night theme. She gave me a printout of a cake she wanted me to copy. I did my best. I worked on this fondant covered cake for 40 hours from start to finish. I made stars on wires that I then painted gold. I made sure my construction was solid with wooden dowels and a center dowel going through the entire cakes.
When it was picked up I got oohs and aahs and even a big hug. I was so happy. Until an hour later when I get the dreaded call.
The bottom cake was destroyed they said. What? How?
The top three cakes "slid???" of the bottom cake!!!
Can I "fix"it? they want to know. I will try I say. I waited 30 mins.
They call again. They are taking it to the reception hall and they will try to save it. I was a wreck!!! I know they were rushing to do many things before the party and perhaps they were going a bit too fast or stopping short. I'm thinking that would cause the dowel to possibly break at the bottom and the other cakes to slide off. I really don't know. I still haven't heard from them as to what finally became of the cake. I hope they weren't waiting for an offer of refund. I had already cut the price by $100.
It was 14",12",10",7"and 4 inches high each.
I still feel like crying. 
OH NO!
Hopefully they will call and let you know what they did with it. I'm sure it still tasted fantasic!
Oh no!!! I don't have any advice, but you do have my shoulder....
It happens to the best...
Keep on bakin!
I'm so sorry that happened. But what were they thinking when they agreed to pick up a 4 tiered cake? I barely let my customers pick up a two tiered cake. They probably threw it in the back and drove normally. I recommend delivering the cakes yourself separated and then stack them on site. I know it's a pain but sometimes that's the only way to make sure they end up like they are supposed to. your cake turned out beautiful and the picture you have of it is worth more than the cake since you can add it to your portfolio.
Ooh no! So sorry that happened to your cake - it's a really cool cake! You did a great job! I agree w/ jsmith... you cannot be held responsible once that cake was picked up and transported - especially that many tiers! I always tell my customers who want to pick up a 3 tier cake, that I've doweled it, and it is structuraly sound, but cannot be responsible for them transporting it. I usually try and deliver 3 tiered cakes. Regardless, I know you feel horible... and I wouldn't think about refunding the money. Let me ask you what kind of dowels you used?
I used 1/4 " dowels as I was taught in my cake decorating class. Never had a problem with any of my cakes before. I'm sorry to say I don't own a car or van so my doing the delivery wasn't an option and I tell that to all my customers. I am just a home baker. Friends or family with cars can't always be counted on to help out. Because of the stars overlapping on the tiers it wouldn't be possible to stack it at the site. Since they were placed as I made them.
I guess next time I will have to use a broom stick as a center support.
(just kidding) 
But maybe a little thicker.
Yes, most definatley use better supports on a cake that large, especially with all the fondant. They are very heavy! Those wooden 1/4 dowels are not the best (mine happened with the same! ...never again!) Next time, try the plastic white Wilton ones!
"guess next time I will have to use a broom stick as a center support.
(just kidding)" - LMAO.
I'm sorry that happened to your oh so beautiful cake! i love the cake, it looks great. I agree, they took it they are responsible.
I don't know where in NY you live. But my experience in NY (city, boroughs) streets are no good. They should be Xtra careful driving with any type of cake in their car.
Thank you guys for ur kind words and advice. I will certainly keep them in mind for next time. I just got an email from the customer. She says she doen't have any hard feelings towards me and she thinks there is a curse on her family. This is because a few months before the party both grandmother and grandfather of the birthday girl passed away and many things went wrong like their tuxedos weren't ready, etc, etc,.
I'm glad she's not angry with me. I hate having people upset with me.
She actually wanted another cake, smaller for her godson's birthday. I said I didn't feel up to any cakes just yet. Believe it or not this really put a damper on my love of baking. I guess it will take me a few days to feel better.
It might also be a good idea to get some of the no-skid shelf liner and give your customers a piece to put the cake on as they travel.
I would have bneen terrified to let a 4 tiered cake outta my sight! I looked at it in your photos. it was fabulous!
I have never had problems with using 1/4 dowels, but you never know, the day could come.
That is why I try to deliver all my cakes, that way I know exactly what happened with the transportation. I am totally sweatin it until I get it there though....
Stephanie
I had a cake "slide" at a reception hall ... in front of the servers!!! I about died ... it was a good lesson for me (and a VERY long story!) I wanted to give up and I honestly thought about it. Although I had been able to repair the cake (because of a dear woman who had made the grooms cake) I thought it was the "end of my career" ... My advice -- DO THE CAKE!!! I got several referals from my "nightmare cake" and I didn't even know the bride! So, keep going or you will talk yourself out of it ... and that would be a shame!! KEEP GOING!
I guess I will make cakes for her again, just not right now. She said she understood but was disappointed. Right now I feel a little drained, emotionally. I don't know why I care so much. 
I have learned a lot through this experience though. You have all been a great help. Thanks.
I hope to have happier posts in the future.
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