Hi everyone!  

This is my first post, I normally just lurk around and read everyone else's post.  But I have a question, it's not necessarily a cake disaster, but I wasn't sure where else to post it.  

I just made cupcakes this past weekend for a customer who is a regular, she typically pays through paypal.  We stay in contact primarily through email.  I have not heard from her since the day of the party.  I sent her the invoice the day before ( I have never had any problems whatsoever with her ever before).

I don't know what I should do?  Should I email her and make sure everything is okay? This is very out of character for her, typically she sends an email or gives me a call and tells me how wonderful everything was, and pays the invoice as soon as she gets it.  Which makes me think something else happened?  Maybe family emergency?

Should I wait another day before I contact her?

Thanks everyone!

Shannon

hi shannon--

i would assume everything about the cupcakes is fine -- i would not inquire about that and because you know the event is over i would definitely contact her--i would say something short & sweet like 'just a gentle reminder--have not received anything via paypal--please advise'  maybe something like that

AWhy doesn't she pay before getting the cakes?

You should never let an order go without being paid first.  I am sure there is nothing wrong with the cupcakes but I fear you may never get paid for this order.

This is the first time I have ever sent an order without a complete payment... and the LAST time I ever do that again.  She has ordered dozens of times from me over the past year, and I assumed I wouldn't have a problem.  (you know what they say about assuming )

I will probably send her a quick little note tonight with a nice little reminder she has yet to pay.

She probably just forgot.  

Okay so I just heard from the lady today through email.  Apologizing for not getting back to me sooner, her grandmother had gone into the hospital the next day and passed away a few days later.  I feel so bad! I know how hard it is to loose a loved one.

 Now this next question i hope doesn't make me sound like an ass...Is there a way I can gently remind her for payment? without seeming insensitive? Or should I just let this one go?

AI would reply saying 'I'm so sorry to hear that. Please take as much time as you need to send payment for the cupcakes, I know you must have a lot on your mind'

And I'm future payment first!

i would send a condolence email--

then resend the invoice and resend in two weeks then every week until it is paid--

you not only have every right  to collect your money you have a duty to yourself--

everybody suffers loss and we extend sympathy -- we also pay up and collect on our debts

The customer's story might or might not be true. But whatever her excuse, she still owes for her purchase. Yes, send her a sympathy note. Then send her the invoice, but do not tell her to take as long as she needs. She's already done that.

Thank you guys so much for your responses!  

I went ahead and sent her the condolence email, and resent the invoice.