Does anyone take over the phone orders (for deliver) from children? It feels awkward, since there are no adults I can speak with. She called and wants a basic van cake delivered TOMORROW. I'd hate to break the little girl's heart, she wants her mom to have a cake, but I'm not comfortable because I have a home baker's license, not a shop. I'd feel better if I could speak to a guardian, but there isn't one.
What do you think? I said I'd call her back today and let her know. How can I let her down easy, besides just referring her to other local bakeries which I've done?
Thank you.
There's no way I'd take an order from a child! I can sympathize with her wanting a cake for her mother, but, how can you be guaranteed you will be paid?! And, it's not really fair to put the mother in a position to pay for something she didn't order, although she's still responsible for the actions of her child. Again, there's no way I would do that!
Payment is the least of my concerns (even if she does have it on hand). My concern begins and ends with the laws regarding interacting with children without the concent of the parents. (???) I have no idea how old this girl is... and I'd be driving over to her home (what if her parents aren't home). I wouldn't want a stranger just "showing up" to my doorstep.
Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'm going to politely say I cannot do it.
And it could be a hoax ... or the parent trying to play on your sympathies to get a cake done quickly (or for free).
I've got a big heart, and if I knew the girl and parent(s), I would probably do it for free (if she was a classmate of one of my children, for example), but IndyDebi's right. Children cannot legally enter into a contract (and that's what you're agreeing to do is, a verbal contract), so if you did do this, and delivered it, the mom would not have to pay you for it.
Let her down gently. Something like, "I'd love to help you, but since you're not an adult, I can't take an order from you. I could get into trouble with the police. If you have the money, you could go to [name of store or bakery]. I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out."
Does anyone take over the phone orders (for deliver) from children? It feels awkward, since there are no adults I can speak with. She called and wants a basic van cake delivered TOMORROW. I'd hate to break the little girl's heart, she wants her mom to have a cake, but I'm not comfortable because I have a home baker's license, not a shop. I'd feel better if I could speak to a guardian, but there isn't one.
What do you think? I said I'd call her back today and let her know. How can I let her down easy, besides just referring her to other local bakeries which I've done?
Thank you.
Well since I don't sell my cakes my opinion isn't worth much here, but I will give it anyway. 
Like you, I would feel bad about not helping her out on her mother's birthday, but I would feel worse if I got in trouble. I would be worried about the fact that it is a child, the legalities and the payment as the others have stated. I would be thankful that she gave you an easy out and take it. She said she needed it by tomorrow. Tell her that you can't fit it into your schedule and give her the names and numbers of the other shops.
Yeah, I'd feel bad that the little girl wanted to do a good deed for mommy but I definitely wouldn't risk ANYTHING for her to have it, but maybe suggest she have an aunt, grandma, etc contact you for her so she can still get her cake?
sadsmile and blessedist,
I know it isn't my dilema, but you opened my eyes. I wasn't thinking outside the box .... great ideas. This is why I love CC.
This is probably too late...maybe she can find a relative or neighbor that will buy a cake mix and some frosting and help her make it herself. Just a thought.
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