Hi all,

Just need to do a little venting and maybe get a little feed back.....

I have a customer who really wanted to use a pedestal for her cake.  At first she was going to rent one of mine, but then she borrowed one from a friend.  It was pretty!  However, when I went to place the cake on it I ran into a few problems.....

So I called her before I did anything:  "Good morning so and so.....I've run into a couple of issues with your pedestal that you provided and I thought I'd discuss with you before I move forward.  The pedestal itself is not level.  It is also a bowled pedestal. "  

We decided to use a styrofoam riser in the bottom and RI it to ensure stability.  Also, because it was bowled I just played with it to make it level. 

All went well, she gushed when she picked it up, it did turn out quite pretty.  She had to use one of my travel boxes ( deposit system in place) for the pedestal to sit in while taking it to the venue.  Two days later I contacted her to set up a time for her to drop of the box and pick up her deposit and she told me that the cake had wrecked the pedestal, she didn't know what to do, she can't return it to

 her friend that way.  I told her to bring it by and I could have a look at it.  

Day she was supposed to come by she was a no show.......called me later that afternoon, she'd forgotten.   No biggie it happens.

Today,

Okay so when silver tarnishes it is an almost blueish tinge to it.  This is almost like a water stain but light not  dark like a tarnish.  I tried to use my special glass cleaning cloth.....it did nothing.  I told her that I have used this pedestal (belonging to another customer) for a wedding in the past and had no issue.  Suggested using a silver polish, however the pedestal itself is not stamped stating that it is silver.  So in the end I suggested taking it to the local jewellery store and see what they think.  

She was obviously upset and I get the feeling that she expects me to replace or pay for a new one.  AAARRRGGG!   

If you had styrofoam between the pedestal and the cake, how did the cake have anything to do with it tarnishing?

Liz
 

P.S. Maybe she or someone in her party tried to clean it and ruined the finish, and is trying to put the blame on the you?

I don't see where it is your responsibility.  It was in perfect shape when it left your hands.  You already went above the call of duty to try to make it better for her.  What makes you have the feeling that she expects you to replace it or pay for a new one?  Has she actually said anything or is she just upset in general?

AWhat does your contract say about your responsibility for cake stands that are not provided by you?

Just wanted to tell you that it's a beautiful cake. You did a great job. As far as the pedestal is concern I wouldn't worry about it's not your problem. She is the one who chose to use it instead of the pedestal that you originally were going to provide. I would not reimburse her for the pedestal if I were you.

She never came out and said it but her tone said it all and she walked away steaming.  When she picked up the cake she was gushing over it, when she came today I asked her how her daughter liked it and all I got was a very bland "she liked it".    

There is nothing in my contract, but I am prepping a "use of personal cake pedestal" clause at this moment.  I understand I would be upset as well but I think that I did what was required of me by calling her first before doing anything and I can definitely tell she expects me to do something to "fix" the situation.  

Did you get your travel box back?   If not, me thinks she threw away your box and is using this as an excuse for not paying your deposit-- I would ask her point blank exactly why she feels this is your responsibility.
 

Thank you for the nice comments and the vote of confidence! This is why I love CC, only fellow cakers really understand.  She did actually did make it finally this morning with box in hand!  I thought that at first when she missed yesterdays appointment.  Boy would my hubby have been mad!   He pours his heart into making all my heavy duty pedestal travel boxes like they are art.  They are quite literally a big wooden box with a hole in centre, but don't tell him that!

A

I would recommend a more general clause that disclaims liability for any item you haven't provided (and for damage caused by customers or customers' guests to items you have provided), including but not limited to cake pedestals.

That is perfect!  Thank you Jason!

I agree after looking at your cake (simply gorgeous!) and the cake stand its on, I can't imagine how the stains you describe could have been made by the cake.  Someone tried washing it, has to be!  I wouldn't pay anything either.  Not your problem.  Hopefully you won't hear from her again!

Could it be that they put it in the dishwasher ? My husband put a cake platter of mine in the dishwasher ( he did not know better :-) , the cake platter come out tarnished

it was ruined. Nothing will take of the tarnish . Not even silver cleaner.  Ask them. By the way, that cake is beautiful !

Where was it tarnished? Only the spot that you secured with RI?

Even then, RI shouldn't be enough to tarnish anything!

AI have no advice to offer except I wanted to tell you that your cake was beautiful!

Where is it tarnished? The whole thing, or just the spot where the icing was? That would be telling!

I would love to see your pedestal boxes your husband makes!

I would love to see a picture of your Big wooden box with a hole in it. for transporting. Hugs to the hubbys that help out with our cake needs

Totally not your fault!  I agree with everything that has already been said.  Even on the small chance that it was the cake that tarnished it (and we all know it wasn't), you can't be held responsible if someone who owns the stand doesn't give you directions on how to baby it.  You're the cake vendor, not a psychic

Your cake is gorgeous. As for the cake stand and the cake for that matter, once it leaves your hands it is not your problem. when I deliver a cake at a venue, set it up, get someone to sign, take a picture or two and then leave with a sigh of relief !!! 

So sorry for the mishap, I ditto what everyone said.  Gorgeous cake.

The cake is stunning!! Amazing work, really!

I agree with the others, I can't see how your cake would have caused damage to a pedestal. I think this woman is looking to pass the blame from herself to you to save her own neck.

ABeautiful cake!

AIt doesn't necessarily have to be silver/silver plate for it to get a discolouration from the dishwasher. I've had this happen to a metal tray once. The detergent powders used are highly alkaline and can cause discolouration and pitting.

I loved your cake! And ditto on everyone else's comments!

Beautiful cake!  If someone supplies a pedestal or other accessory, then it is their responsibility to make sure it is compatible and appropriate.  You did not purchase the pedestal, you do not know what it is made of, you did not read the disclaimers and care instructions that came with it.    She provided the pedestal knowing it would be used for cake, and is responsible for the fact that it may have been damaged by using it that way.  She provided the pedestal to use with a cake, it was used with a cake.  If it was indeed damaged by the cake, she is responsible.  Having it in a contract as stated above, will prevent any future problems from getting even this far.  I am sorry this has "tarnished" the experience for you you.  It is a gorgeous cake, and it should have been a satisfying, successful transaction.  

I used to sell china and silverware, if you use detergents that are lemon or orange they will pit your silver and tarnish it. They are too acidic for the silver...me thinks they have a deal with silverware companies since its the two most likely types you'll find
 

Wow!  Thanks for all of the input!  Sorry I didn't see this sooner, I did not get any notifications.  Now that I read all of this it seems to make sense to me that she may have used a citrus dish soap.  Never did hear back from her and as a result figure that I've lost a pretty important client, she knew alot of people and word of mouth is so important now a days with everyone doing cakes now.  However, I no longer feel that it is my fault (thanks to all of you)  and feel like its no longer my problem.  Thank you for all of the encouraging, reassuring and just plain kind comments!