Hi all,

This morning, I rcvd an email from someone who's asked about a baby shower cake that serves 30 for Sunday, Aug. 10.

I think I should request a deposit by this Sunday, with the balance due a few days prior to the date? Or should I just request that it be paid 100% upfront by maybe Tuesday 8/5 or something?

What do you guys do? Advice please? I plan to answer her later today.

Thanks much!

At this late date I would ask for the entire amount paid by this Sunday.

paid in full 2 weeks prior to delivery

I charge a deposit on all of my cakes.

If the event is less than 2 weeks I require full payment up front.

I do not mess with deposits for anything under $100.

Thank you, ladies, for your feedback. Unfortunately, I don't have to worry about this order.

She emailed me back and said that the order would be too pricey for this occasion, but that she'd be willing to spend the extra $$$ for her daughter's 3rd birthday in Sept.

Oh well...I guess $2.75/serving is too much. Lol!

I'll keep your info in mind for next time!

If you have been reading all the threads lately, or belong to more than one forum, you will have read several no-shows who ordered cakes, then never picked them up, leaving the decorator with cake and without money.

Things are at the point these days where bakers should be doing as was mentioned above - full payment within two weeks of date, anything ordered at last minute is immediate payment in full.

Theresa

Deposits on everything, and I do mean everything. My minimum order is $50, and it takes a $25 deposit with full payment 2 weeks ahead. Although, if it's a $50 cake, they usually pay it all when they order.

I require full payment by 4 weeks prior to the event. Anything after that you have to pay in cash and in full upon ordering. I do take deposits on everything.. 50% is due upon ordering unless you fall into the above time frame. I have a $90 min order (and 8" cake).

I've been doing cakes for 27 years and I haven't asked for a deposit on any of them.

Jibbies

I ask for 50% at time of order and the remainder due upon delivery if I know them and three days prior if I don't. Most people just go ahead and pay the whole thing at time of order (usually credit card via PayPal). I won't do an order for a stranger w/o getting at least 50% at time of order because I have read too many posts about people who don't get paid, etc.