I am a hobby baker and make very few cakes for clients (deliberately). I get payment, all of it, prior to making and decorating the cake. The only exception is for someone I know very well and that I know pays on time. I think a lot of people have expectations and believe they are entitled to a lot more than their budget allows.
Before I had a contract in place, I had one too many of those customers. I also had a couple that were short 40-50 and still expected their order. One lady was short 45, and I said "Oh, that's fine, but unfortunately I have to keep 1 dozen cupcakes." The look on her face was priceless. You get what you're PAYING for. Since then, payment in full before order is due or there is no order. It sucks that people do that to you, but you have to be firm. Non fulfillment of payment, no order. The deposit remains mine as well.
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