What Should I Do...refund Some Money?
Decorating By sandralita Updated 13 Oct 2007 , 12:36am by wgoat5
A couple of weeks ago I made a birthday cake for a repeat customer who has actuallyl referred me 2 or 3 clients in the past. This year, I was booked when I told them I would do their dauther's cake again. It was supposed to be a cake with at least 2 Disney princesses on it. I told her I would make at least two and maybe three because I was booked. Lesson #1: Learn to say no! To make things worse, I got sick in bed for 3 days after I delivered the cake. I was already feeling really tired so I had to stop and only made 1 princess for the cake. Three days after the birthday, I sent the mom an e-mail asking her how the cake was, etc. It took her some time to write me back and she responded: "The cake was nice and everyone enjoyed it, however, Claire was dissapointed because I told her that there would be 3 princesses".
I can't stop thinking about this and feel that I need to do something. This is the first time that I feel that someone is not truly happy. I wrote her back apologizing and offering to do another cake for anything coming up or just a small cake to surprise Claire, but I know that her special day is gone and it will not be the same.
I was thinking of refunding some money or maybe sending a coupon with some kind of discount for their next cake.....I don't know what to do or if I should even be worrying about this anymore.
Can I get some suggestions please!!!! I'm I over reacting?
Here is a pick of the cake.
By looking at the cake, the kid was FOUR. Are you sure it was the birthday girl who was disappointed? Most 4 year olds could care less ... they would have LUV'D this cake!
I would simply send an email apologizing for the "shortage" and explain that you were sick in bed for 3 days, limiting the time you could devote to the cake. If you want to offer her a 10% discount on the next one, that's up to you.
These are the hardest to decide because she didnt' actually ask for a refund, but you want to leave a good reflection of your work with the mom.
I'd just start with the apology and the explanation and see where it goes from there.
Thank you for your comments. I did send an apology and offered to do a cake for any other event coming up but she did not respond.
I'd apologize, but I would refrain from telling her you were sick. You could get into trouble with the health department for something like that.
Not to mention, I'd be kinda grossed out knowing the person who made my cake was sick while they were making it.
I definitely would not tell them you were sick while working on the cake.
I'm big on delivering what you say you'll deliver. While the cake is wonderful, it isn't what you had told them it would be. I think the fact that she hasn't responded tells you she's not satisfied with a future discount offer.
The idea of making the child another cake sounds great to me, but mom may not care for it so I'd offer to do it, but not as a surprise.
I'd refund a portion of your charge and apologize. She's a repeat client and refers as well, it's not a customer I would want to be unhappy.
I think refunding some money is a good idea and that is what is truly in my heart do to. By the way, I really became sick a day after I was done with the cake, I was just feeling really tired and dizzy that afternoon.
Thanks for the good advise.
I'm not a expert by no means so the only advice I can offer to you is this. I do agree ... do not tell her you were sick. Do NOT apologize any further ..you already have. You offered to make another cake for another event, with a little discount that should be enough.
I really do think parents tend to think for their children.. I can't imagine what little girl WOULDN'T be happy with this cake as it is B E A U T I F U L!!!!!
Don't worry yourself any more....just do what is in your gut 
christi
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