Lately, we've seen questions about deadlines for payment, changes in design or servings, delivery vs. pickup.

What contract term(s) have you added since reading about contract issues here on CC or in other forums?

What term do you wish you had in there, right from the start?

Theresa

The only thing I have changed is the my cake is the only one allowed at the event. (and I did that last year) The rest of it was there from the get go (BUT I researched the contracts and knew what I wanted in it)

I've added lots of things....deadlines for payment and forms of payment, changes in design, a blurb about real flowers and pesticides, a blurb about liability for cakes in an outdoor setting (damage from heat, wind, insects, etc.) and a blurb about matching colors. I wish I had the info about payment deadlines and design changes in my contract from the beginning, because my first wedding cake order tried my patience on both issues....the bride tried to change the cake design a week before the event, and then I had to chase her down for the remaining payment the day of the event. Never again! I changed my contract the next day, and I keep adding things when I hear horror stories from other cakers....

I just recently added a section for color/photograph matching and my cake being the only cake at the event.

Does anyone have an allergy liability clause in theirs? With all these food allergies popping up, I would think that the responsibility for flavors and ingredients should be upon the client.

Is it wise to open the Pandora's Box and inquire about food allergies, or is the responsibility for disclosing that issue left to the client?

Theresa

IF I have a client mention food allergies, we are done. NADA - no cake from me. I am not even going there. They have to go elsewhere for their cake if it is even mentioned to me.

Oh I can't even begin to list the changes mine has gone thru! And most of it stupid stuff ... like having to write down that I dont' stay and clean the facility because I'm not a cleaning service. I absolutely expect to have to put in a clause someday that I don't do the bride's hair because I'm not a hair salon! (Honestly, people think the caterer does EVERYTHING!)

I had one bride email me to ask if I "cued the band". Who do I look like, Ricky Ricardo????? I'm COOKING AND PRESENTING YOUR FOOD, ya big dumba$$! You need a wedding planner, then hire one!

If they don't buy the cake from me, then I don't provide plates for the cake and if I need to, then it's an extra charge, BUT YOU HAVE TO TELL ME IN ADVANCE! If you don't order drinks from me, then don't ask me for ice and cups .... YOU DIDN'T ORDER DRINKS FROM ME, so why would I even bring cups???

And it just ticks me off that we actually have to WRITE DOWN AND MAKE THEM SIGN that if we don't get paid, then they get no cake. Why does something that logical actually have to be spelled out?

(Yeah ... I'm in a mood today!)

Just the person I was hoping would jump in here.

Thanks, Debi.

Theresa

Thanks again, Doug. I spotted this when you posted it, and although I didn't memorize it, at the time I read it, I was sure that you had pretty much touched all possible bases.

Theresa