Last night I dined with a close friend. She will be hosting a Product Party in April, of wich I will be a guest, and wants me to bring in a cake of the theme. We were enjoying a wine tasting wile we dined, so I am not sure she really "heard" what I had to ask. I asked if she would be paying for the cake and for how many people...I then stopped myself and said she and I should sit down alone to discuss specifics and cost. She just laughed it off and told me what she wanted then and there. I asked her again through the night who would pay for it, but she never gave me a straight answer. I don't think she was avoiding answering the question, as she was just having fun, but I do need a straight answer. She might expect me to "gift" her the cake. She asked if I would be willing to do that if she purchased some items and gifted them to me in exchange- only problem is, I am not interested in any of the products offered. How should I bring it up again when I know she is sober? We live far away and e-mail is the best way to get a hold of her. And I need help with the wording of any written contact between us. Anytime my name t attached to an e-mail or one of my cakes, I am very careful, friend or not. Any advise?
"Just want to confirm the details of the cake for the party, so that I can quote you the price. Please let me know by the end of the week what flavor you would like and how many servings you will need. "
Make sure you get at least half of the money up front 
You know what she wants right? Well email her a price quote based off of that. Tell her when you need the deposit and so on. Treat it like any other cake order from the get go.
I wouldn't do an exchange, unless you really want something they are offering. If she is hosting the party then I'm guessing she gets a discount on what she buys or gets so much free stuff if people order so much. To me it sounds like she wants a free or cheap cake.
If she brings up the exchange, just tell her, "I'm sorry but a (insert product here) isn't going to pay the bill for the ingredients and the water company won't take (insert product here) as a payment either."
Be sure you get paid in advance for this one. No cash, no cake.
She might expect me to "gift" her the cake. She asked if I would be willing to do that if she purchased some items and gifted them to me in exchange- only problem is, I am not interested in any of the products offered
Don't mention any of the above ^^^
Just go with what the above CC's have said - that way there is no misunderstanding.
Both wendyB and cakesbycathy have worded it procise and to the point.
Best of luck
Bluehue.
If she offers the exchange, I wouldn't mention the product does pay the costs. I would be honest and say, thanks, but that won't work. I need to keep business finances separate from personal items.
I've gotten inquiries from friends in social settings too, but also follow-up via email and say, let's talk details.
I've come to realize that I am REALLY lucky (knock on wood) with my friends. I have never had a friend expect a free cake. Not even my family (of course I make the immediate family bdays cakes for free, but that's different.) ask for free cake. My aunts (only ones have parties) insist on paying something.
I posted my reply on your other thread. I'll copy it here.
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"I'm sorry (name), but I'm not in the market for 'toys' just now.
I need to pay the gas man... I don't think I want to give him 'toys' as payment - He might get the wrong idea!"
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Perhaps too much for an acquaintance, but you did say she was a close friend, didn't you?
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