I just got an inquiry, requesting shipment of 2 doz cupcakes several states away. Does anyone ship out of state? Cupcakes and what do you use?
My plan was to ship them unfrosted along along with a container of frosting. UPS would use freezer gel packs and it would be overnighted. The customer says they have a UPS account and will cover shipping, etc.
I plan to email a shipping policy of sorts...??? Any advice?
I did tell her I wouldn't ship until her check cleared.
Thank you.
Well, I did check and there are other companies that do ship cupcakes, but this order is becoming a PITA...
They now want them ICED and put into those plastic cupcake carriers (multiple openings) and frozen and packed in dry ice and Next-day air shipped. Where am I going to find dry ice ??? Ingredients ALONE have gone through the roof... I want to make sure I'm being well compensated.
That's not all... they now want a second order (another 2 doz) only using "Valrhona" chocolate (which isn't even available here, I have to order a case of five- it's super expensive) for the ganache. She said she didn't care about cost and knew the second order would be more... but this is getting rediculous. I happen to know that there is infact a well known vegan bakery 80 mi away from this customer, I'm several hundred miles away. I'm going to call this bakery tomorrow and see if they turned them down because of the "nit-picking".
Problem is, I'm afraid to turn down this order because I'm still building my business and this could be a big oportunity (or just a waste of time).
Help please 
Thank you.
Do you happen to know how she found you? Guess its just the skeptic in me, but kinda sounds "fishy".............I would definately get a deposit BEFORE I bought any ingredients! Good Luck!
I was told their daughter found me on the web. I've been keeping all email conversations (the phone calls are a bit uncomfortable as I feel like I'm being condescended to ~ tone of voice) 
It actually does seem legit, but I'm just exhausted from this...
I'm trying to be accomodating, I often have to order things online but when does it cross the line to being a fool?
I'm sending one final email regarding how difficult it's going to be to get that FANCY chocolate and this order is literally getting to the point where it's going to be $4-5.00+/ mini cupcake, taking into account all the running around, etc...
At some point, you have to ask yourself if this is why you want to be in this business. You are your own boss...do you want to sign up for this sort of treatment? At what point is it worth it? And would you really want her s a repeat customer?
Well, I did check and there are other companies that do ship cupcakes, but this order is becoming a PITA...
They now want them ICED and put into those plastic cupcake carriers (multiple openings) and frozen and packed in dry ice and Next-day air shipped. Where am I going to find dry ice ??? Ingredients ALONE have gone through the roof... I want to make sure I'm being well compensated.
That's not all... they now want a second order (another 2 doz) only using "Valrhona" chocolate (which isn't even available here, I have to order a case of five- it's super expensive) for the ganache. She said she didn't care about cost and knew the second order would be more... but this is getting rediculous. I happen to know that there is infact a well known vegan bakery 80 mi away from this customer, I'm several hundred miles away. I'm going to call this bakery tomorrow and see if they turned them down because of the "nit-picking". Problem is, I'm afraid to turn down this order because I'm still building my business and this could be a big oportunity (or just a waste of time).
Help please
Thank you.
Turn it down fast! If you think it's stressful at this point, wait until she wants you to do more and more piddly orders, then starts busting you to give her a discount because she's sending you "so much" business.
this isn't worth the time and aggravation it's going to take you unless you charge her something like $8 a cupcake!
After receiving a total of 18 emails back and forth (changing this and that), I shared the info with my FIL (who's a lawyer & judge) and he also said:
"RUN!"... He said it sounded suspicious, like a lawsuit waiting to happen. He was afraid she might try and pull a fast one by saying the cupcakes were damaged or not edible, etc. I finally said "NO!!!!!" (but nicely)
This has been a learning experience for me... I'm a legal home business, SAHM with a husband... I can't be taking time to ship, find dry ice, etc...
How foolish to think it would be easy... as her high end candy bar sits in my fridge... (slaps own wrist). 
I tip my hat (if I wore hats) to those that do any type of shipping. You have my respect. 
I would think that this lady would be able to find someone closer to make her precious cupcakes, especially since she's never tried yours (or has she?). I think you made the right choice. It really is a good question though...how do you ship cupcakes? Sarsi? A little help please?
I ship cookies, but I've never had to use dry ice or even an ice pack. I would think this is a total scam just because I've never heard of anyone willing to pay so much just for the shipping. It's ridiculous how much they charge these days!
PS-check out etsy dot com...they have some people on there that sell cupcakes in little cups like you'd find at the fast food place, but they look kinda cute
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%