The guy that fixed my hubby's care called on Wednesday night asking me to do a cake for a friend that was due today. At first I told them no because I am a summer school teacher and did not have a lot of time to work on the cake. After the mom told me that she just got out of the hospital, I decided to do. I told her over the phone that she would have to give me a $20 deposit to make the cake. She agreed, only to come to my house with no money and a lot of demands. I forgot to tell you that I told her the price was going to be $48, she told me she only had $40. I agreed because I really just wanted to make a cake. That night she told me that she would have him drop the full payment off the next day, only for no one to show up. Here is where my first question comes..

Would you start a cake without a deposit?

I knew if I didn't start the cake, that I would not have finished it. Then I called to make sure that she wanted the cake she said yes and that she was sorry and that she would drop it off that night. I was up until 10:40 waiting on her only for her to tell me she couldn't do it. She told me that she would drop the payment off when she picked up the cake. I said ok (like always). My husband and his cousin kept telling me I wouldn't start the cake without the money. I decided to finish the cake. The lady was suppose to pick up the cake at 4:30, but she didn't show at that time, so I called.....

Why do I have to keep calling if they want the cake. I was happy that I made the cake, but was very upset about how the customer was acting.

Any suggestions? Thanks for reading and sorry for the long post.

Here's a link to the cake if you would like to see it..
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1749896&sub=1749905

Sorry, but this woman sure called an awful lot of the "shots" on this cake.......way more than I would have allowed. I hate to feel like someone has had a good walk on my back.........

With a call that late in the game, I wouldn't have started the cake without payment in full, including a late fee. It's not like she didn't know about the birthday...........

I don't call people about cakes after we've settled the details about date, time, sizes, flavors, etc. Heck, I don't call them to finalize those details. It's their job to get back to me once they've requested a date & a cake. If they don't get back to me until it's too late, that's their problem, not mine.

Also, I'm guessing that's a 10" + 8"?? 48 to 62 servings depending on the serving chart you use??? And you sold it to her for $40--a price that SHE set by not having enough cash on hand---- at the last minute after having to chase her down?

Rae

I agree with blake. I saw your photos. I like the cake with the brown ribbon.

You put such hard work into your cakes. No deposit no cakes.

WHOA - $40 for a two tier cake???? You are underpricing yourself...and letting your customers undercut you further by choosing their own price! No way should you start a cake when you've clearly stated a deposit is required and they don't show up with it.

Conversation after she comes with no money in hand....

"I won't be able to start your cake until I receive the deposit. I will need to start your cake by ______ time on ______day in order that it's finished on time. You'll need to get me your deposit by ______ or I'll assume you are canceling your order".

Write a contract....and raise your prices! Your cake is very well done.

I don't turn my oven on for anything under $50. what's the point after you factor in material & electricity and such what are you actually left with, really not worth the bother. My base price on a 2 tier is $150. at $40. I don't know how you make any money? I'd rather clean my house than work for free for others no matter if it is doing something I like. I wouldn't have made the cake she knew your terms and chose to disregard them she didn't deserve your beautiful cake.

While I can only bake for fun from my home.....IF I were doing this as a business....there would need to be a contract and my oven would not be turned on until I had the money in hand. And the customer would not dictate to me what my prices would be. Even though you wanted to do a cake....you need to make sure that all of your time nad expenses are covered.

Always get a deposit! This person already had all the signs of being flaky, so I agree with everyone else, payment in full for them...but at least don't start until you have a deposit to cover your ingredients! And, I agree, you are underpricing yourself alot!

I have done cakes with out a deposit first. But it is VERY rare. Normally one of my kids teachers, my landlord, etc. People I am familiar with. But $40 for that cake is a no no. I have done it. Trust me and I won't do it anymore! I cut a deal for friends on their or their kids birthday cakes but they cut me deals back as well on things I need.

I would not make a cake for someone who doesn't show up for a deposit payment! NEVER!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I know for next time. This really sucks. I new to this.... I will learn from my mistakes.

My starting price for an 8" 6" in fondant is $115, just to give you an idea (that's $5/serving and using Earlene's cake serving chart an 8" 6" is 23 servings).

Best of luck. Just wondering....did the client eventually show up with money for the cake?

1. Add up the cost of your ingredients and consumables (don't forget the cost of your boards and supports, electricity, detergent, paper towel).

2. Subtract from $40.

3. Divide remainder by the number of hours you spent: PLANNING, baking, decorating, cleaning.

4. When you get to some measly amount like 80 cents per hour:


Remind yourself that you are working in a KITCHEN not a sweatshop

HTH


Your cake is FAB!

If a person tells you a lie once, shame on them. If a person keeps lying at some point you have to take a "big girl pill" and NOT make the cake. I know because I use to do things for ungrateful people and listen to lie after lie, but still help them out (and I'm not even talking about cake related stuff).

Some people don't care about making you go through the trouble of helping THEM out. I just got my prescription filled for my "big girl pills" I can lend you one if you like. Sorry that happened to you. She took your kindness and spit on it. That sucks!

Oh and your cake is lovely. Her lost.

i meant to quote just the first half of the post. sorry still new to cc.

wow, I hope she picked up the cake. I have learned the hard way about cakes without a deposit..
Lovely work, but I agree with everyone else- you are totally under charging.
Jodi

We all have to learn these lessons the hard way. I went through the ringer before I took my "big girl pill" and toughened up. YOU have to set the rules and keep control. Any cake needed sooner than 1 month away is PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF ORDER. If they do not pay when they were due then I call or email and say "I am sorry you chose not to go through with placing your order and are not getting a cake from me this time."

@sberryp I'm glad they picked it up. You really did a great job on it.

Thanks!