I am a homebaker. I am constantly getting last minute orders for cakes. And by last minute I mean they don't even give me 24hrs notice. I have been telling them I'm sorry I can't do this cake, I need at least 1 weeks notice. They don't understand why and are usually upset. I am really frustrated at this point. Id like to know how others handle this issue? Do you take the order anyway? And if you do, do you charge a fee for a late order? I've considered doing that.. I just am not sure how to get people to give me advance notice.
I don't take last minute orders. Most, if not all, have been some elaborate cake that has details that need to be done ahead of time, or it's an order that isn't worth my time monetarily to do. It's a stress that I don't need. I have a friend that does take last minute orders, and he charges a "rush fee" of $65. Most people don't understand that certain things can't be done because they think it's just cake and doesn't take but a few minutes to put together. Ultimately you just need to decide if it is worth your time to do it, but if you let them do it once, they'll do it every time.
As ypierce82 said.......put a 'rush fee' n. Make it high enough that most people won't order :) Also explain to those asking for such orders that you need time to make the decorations needed for their theme - maybe you would have less disgruntled people. Try to be very kind and nice when turning down these kinds of orders with something like "Sorry I can't help you since I have so many orders already. Sure hope you will consider me early enough for your next event."
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