Wedding Cake Collection, Delivery And Payment. Help!

Decorating By razzmatazz Updated 18 Jun 2014 , 9:59am by razzmatazz

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 4:49pm
post #1 of 79

I hope that I am not about to get my fingers burnt again but I have been waiting for the past 4 days for a bride to confirm the final viewing of her wedding cake-the wedding takes place tomorrow- and to pay the balance. I don't normally deliver cakes but as the order is for a colleague I offered to deliver it as a gift.I had not been invited so was intending to get it to the venue early and leave before the reception began.

 

At the beginning of the week I contacted the bride and she told me that she would contact me with an e-mail giving the venues address and to arrange the time to view the cake. I suggested Wednesday or Thursday and she agreed on Thursday. Thursday came and went with the bride contacting me asking in these words exactly " if not today tomorrow?" v brief and to the point i am sure you'll agree, but I understated she has a wedding to plan and is probably anxious and stressed. I work full time in a day job and do cakes as a sideline from home and had planned to take today off anyway,but I hoped to do some stuff and  not to hang around waiting for an expectant bride to turn up. Am I being funny or professional? I don't know. My time is precious and my family suffer cake often any time that I can spend with them in between cakes is precious so if a cake is collected late or payment is not made I am quite upset. Anyway let me explain more.

 

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My fear is history may be repeating itself a few years ago I made a wedding cake for another colleague and sort of friend who was meant to view the cake and pay for it 3 days before the events date. A phone call from the groom requested that a relative collected the cake I agreed and assumed-Big mistake- that I would be paid for the design upon arrival. A delicate piped 3 tiered creation with edible rose petals with a rose spray on top. The person who  collected the cake arrived in a tiny car with a small boot crammed full of junk. She almost dropped one of the cakes as she manhandled it into the car and damaged some of the royal icing work. On top of this the cake was not paid for.I had to make an awful call to the groom explaining what had happened and reluctantly agreed to arrive very early at the reception venue to try to salvage the cake.My family and I had been invited and the location was some distance away so it meant an early trek to the scene. Upon arriving the cake had not been assigned a place so my husband and I were faced with the task of locating a suitable sturdy table and dressing it. Something I had not intended or had been paid to do.

 

Things then got worse. During the reception my husband tells me from where we were seated at the back of the room that the cake , which was sitting on top off  an eight foot banqueting table was being moved. That's right moved, with a person on either end! The cake weighed at least 15 kilos it's on pillars and it is being moved before being disassembled fist. Well I threw all notions of health and safety out of the window and ran full pelt to the other side of the room in my 5 inch stilleto heels to rescue it screaming as I went. The cake needles to say was cut hastily afterwards under the bride's mother's worried eye as she pleaded with me to save it as it now looked very likely that it would topple over.

 

The cake was cut and enjoyed by all thankfully.

 

Regarding non payment I made my request a week after my colleagues return, wanting his wife and he to enjoy their honeymoon and was told payment would be made soon soon mm? 3 weeks after the wedding I was given a further £90 with £100 remaining. Sadly I never got it things took an even more tragic turn of events and the bride suddenly and unexpectedly passed away  5 weeks after marrying. Obviously due to shock and grief  I thought it incredibly insensitive to ask for the balance of the wedding cake and to this day some 4 years later have still not received payment.I have been asked for vales by the individual since and have never called to their attention the faux par as I feel that the tragic circumstances make it wrong to do so, however have never made another cake.

 

I fear that the bride that i am dealing with now may ask to pay me on the day but for obvious reasons I have grave reservations regarding this.Please help!

 

I wish I were more assertive as I am here sacred to call the bride. What am I like?I am sure that if I were a baker with a shop front people would be on time, honour arrangements and pay on time and not be so laid back . Does anyone agree?:(

78 replies
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brenda549 Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 5:08pm
post #2 of 79

ANo, I do not agree. I am a business and work out of my home with another full time job. I treat my cake customers as such, customers. They have to agree to MY terms in order to do business with me. Friends, family, and colleagues get the same treatment as a stranger calling for a cake. You have to see yourself as a business before anyone else will. And as for receiving payment at delivery, never, especially for weddings. All orders must be paid in full 30 days out.

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cupadeecakes Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 5:10pm
post #3 of 79

Final viewing of the cake?  That's not even something I've ever heard of before!

 

As as far as non-payment goes, here's the message you leave for the client:

 

"Hi, this is Razz from Razzmataz bakery.  I understand the day before your wedding can be a stressful time, but I have not received the information or the payment for tomorrow's cake.  I cannot deliver your cake without payment or the location.  At this late stage, I will require my payment in cash.  Please contact me immediately to make payment arrangements and ensure the delivery of your beautiful wedding cake."

 

Good luck, and don't forget that you are the one in control.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 5:46pm
post #4 of 79

Fantastically put, very tactful and to the point I will be drafting a similar response.Thank you so much ;-D

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 5:55pm
post #5 of 79

Yeah I think I am too accommodating and tend to bend over backwards when I make a wedding cake to please the bride. I just have a hard time getting my head around  someone paying over £350 for something that they have not seen yet. However in this case I did make a spray and show it to the bride for her approval beforehand so she has been brief all along the way. I shall post a picture of the finished cake later on. In future I shall get bride to sign a contract that details the collection time and date and so on.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:04pm
post #6 of 79

I eventually heard from the bride after contacting her and she told me she had forgotten to contact me. That was over 2 hours ago and she said she would call me. I've still no idea of the venue's address or what will be happening exactly regarding payment for the cakes . I'm feeling really stressed out now.:-(

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as you wish Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:17pm
post #7 of 79

ADo you know anyone who will be attending the wedding reception from whom you could find out the location? If you can discover the location somehow, you can contact the venue to discuss delivery. You can then contact the bride and tell her that delivery has been arranged and payment in cash is required by Xo'clock today.

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Relznik Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:20pm
post #8 of 79

Nope.  I haven't heard of inviting someone to view the cake a couple of days before their wedding.

 

To be honest, unless the whole thing was fruit cake, the cake would never be ready two days before the wedding!!!

 

Unfortunately, you don't even have the bargaining chip of 'you won't get your cake unless you pay' because she hasn't told you where to deliver to.

 

I do order forms for every single cake I make - even for my really good friends!  This includes details of where the cake is being delivered.  And it has a 'balance due date' which is 3 weeks before the wedding date.

 

I work from home, too...  no shop.

 

Suzanne x

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:23pm
post #9 of 79

I think a few of my colleagues will be attending but I can't help but feel that it is not my place to be contacting the venue and making arrangements myself with her guests. I feel really awkward and in a total bind.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:28pm
post #10 of 79

The tiers are all rich fruit and the flowers were made well in advance.Like I said before I just thought it would be courteous when I got the balance of the cake for the bride to view it as it was going to be ready at the time. I will not do this again.

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Relznik Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:32pm
post #11 of 79

How lovely!!!  I love doing fruit cakes, as there just isn't the pressure!  So unusual these days to have all fruit cake.

 

OK - you need to call her.  I know it's the night before the wedding, but she's taking the pee!  Had she been in touch when she said she would, you wouldn't need to call her...  so don't feel bad.  It's her fault, not yours.

 

Maybe she doesn't realise she hasn't told you where the venue is...  so call her bluff.  Tell her that unless you receive payment in cash tonight, she won't have a wedding cake!

 

So sorry you're going through this stress, but you need to take charge of the situation.

 

Good luck.  Please let us know how you get on.

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as you wish Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:37pm
post #12 of 79

AIt is pretty standard to make arrangements with the venue, but I understand you not feeling right about contacting others guests. I guess I was just thinking that the bride doesn't seem too concerned about making these arrangements so maybe you need to take things in your own hands! It sure looks like you are in a difficult situation; I really don't know what you can do about it now but I'll bet you won't let it happen again! For the future, try to be a bit bolder. Selling cakes is really not for the timid! :)

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petitecat Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 7:45pm
post #13 of 79

ARazzmatazz, sorry about your situation. I haven't done a wedding cake yet but I have a contract where full payment is due two weeks before the event. I'll probably change it for a much sooner date.

I draw sketches of my cake designs and this gives clients a good idea what cake they will get. Perhaps you could do the same?

Try not to stress. It's unfortunate you did not get the address of the venue (I include this in my contract), I'm guessing because she is your colleague you trusted her to provide you with the info. There's not a lot you can do except wait and if you do end up with a beautiful wedding cake in your hands (crossing fingers it doesn't happen! ) perhaps start to think about what to do with it. Advertise it on your facebook that you have a wedding cake going for x amount because of non-delivery, or donate it to a nursing home?

I hope the bride does contact you, she pays up, and tells you where the venue is :)

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LisaPeps Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 8:11pm
post #14 of 79

Any future orders, just say to them I need a deposit of £X so I can order the items I need for your cake and I'll need the remainder X weeks before delivery so I can get the ingredients. If they huff and puff say to them, I charge for the cakes because I need to pay for these items, the supermarket hasn't got a tab for me unfortunately! Or something along those lines. It's ludicrous that people don't expect to have to pay for cakes before they're delivered.

 

I've never heard of a wedding cake viewing either.

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cakegrandma Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 8:55pm
post #15 of 79

I too have never heard of a viewing and unless it is specifically requested I would not even offer one. As you can see the bride is most certainly busy and is more than likely so busy that a viewing is the farest thing from her mind.  The advise you've gotten as far as deposits and balance due and I would make it due 1 month prior as it will not be such a busy time for the wedding party.

 

I agree with an email stating that it is absolutely necessary for you to be paid in cash today and that you still need the venue information.  I would also state that if is not given (both cash and address) there will be no delivery.  It sounds as though you need to grow a pair and look at your venture as a business not a hobby and think of what is the best for your bottom line.  Good luck and I hope you get the money and address you need.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 10:19pm
post #16 of 79

Thanks for the advice. I agree I am way too timid and nicey nice for my own good. My hubby is always telling me to approach it as more of a business and going concern instead of viewing my orders as people just funding my hobby because they like what I do.It is certainly a lesson learned.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 10:21pm
post #17 of 79

Thanks you so much for your concern and words of advice and encouragement.

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 10:22pm
post #18 of 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by cakegrandma 
 

I too have never heard of a viewing and unless it is specifically requested I would not even offer one. As you can see the bride is most certainly busy and is more than likely so busy that a viewing is the farest thing from her mind.  The advise you've gotten as far as deposits and balance due and I would make it due 1 month prior as it will not be such a busy time for the wedding party.

 

I agree with an email stating that it is absolutely necessary for you to be paid in cash today and that you still need the venue information.  I would also state that if is not given (both cash and address) there will be no delivery.  It sounds as though you need to grow a pair and look at your venture as a business not a hobby and think of what is the best for your bottom line.  Good luck and I hope you get the money and address you need.

I need to grow a pair that made me chuckle- You are probably right lol:grin:

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Mimimakescakes Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 10:30pm
post #19 of 79

Too late for this one , but for the future.

You need to have full payment before you even start on that cake. I require a one third deposit to hold their date. This is non refundable if the wedding is cancelled less than a month out. I require full payment one month before the event. I allow changes up to this point but not after. The design is decided on so their is no need for a final viewing.

One of my older colleagues from the cake association was doing the same thing as you and has had a lifetime of tardy payments and hassles like you have described. She now does it my way and not one problem.  

 

I hope you got to deliver your cake and got paid. 

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razzmatazz Posted 6 Jun 2014 , 10:46pm
post #20 of 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by razzmatazz 
 

Thanks you so much for your concern and words of advice and encouragement.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mimimakescakes 
 

Too late for this one , but for the future.

You need to have full payment before you even start on that cake. I require a one third deposit to hold their date. This is non refundable if the wedding is cancelled less than a month out. I require full payment one month before the event. I allow changes up to this point but not after. The design is decided on so their is no need for a final viewing.

One of my older colleagues from the cake association was doing the same thing as you and has had a lifetime of tardy payments and hassles like you have described. She now does it my way and not one problem.  

 

I hope you got to deliver your cake and got paid. 

So do I . The bride finally contacted me again @ about 10 pm uk time and told me that she was inviting me to the wedding and there was a space. This was maybe said to  see in a round about way if I'd accept payment tomorrow.Something I  feared. happening  I have stuck to my guns and she has said she may be able to get the money dropped off to me but it may be as late as midnight. I have said an envelope through my door will sufffice. Let's hope there is something waiting for me on my door matt in the morning.Never again! The thing is the cake was approved along the way even a cake dummy was made.i just thought i was doing the bride a good service.

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Mimimakescakes Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 2:24am
post #21 of 79

Razzamatazz, give a bride and inch she will take a mile. I bet she thought you might give the cake as a gift if she invited you. 

 

Hoping for and envelope on the doormat in the morning.  I would probably have politely declined the invite. Next time you book a cake I want you to repeat this mantra No Money No Cakey. say it over and over. 

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petitecat Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:18am
post #22 of 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mimimakescakes 
 

Razzamatazz, give a bride and inch she will take a mile. I bet she thought you might give the cake as a gift if she invited you. 

 

Hoping for and envelope on the doormat in the morning.  I would probably have politely declined the invite. Next time you book a cake I want you to repeat this mantra No Money No Cakey. say it over and over. 

I agree- a last minute invite to the wedding and she's hoping you'll give her the cake for free. Out of curiosity, did you accept the invite?

 

I'm really intrigued now- hope you can tell us what happened today- did she pay up? 

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razzmatazz Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:24am
post #23 of 79

OK here goes. Woke up this morning and there is no envelope of money on my door matt. Wedding reception begins @ 2pm and I can get to the venue any time from 10am.What do I do? Risk taking the cakes to the venue and I don't get paid? Hold the cakes to ransom?. Needless to say but I am not accepting my invitation. After all the hassle it's the last thing that I want to do, plus who gets an invite to a wedding the day before?. My husband is refusing to deliver the cake unless I get the money before we set off as he is upset with all the work that I have put into them and after last time does not want to see me taken for a ride again arrrggggggggghhhhh:cry:  Would you believe that I am still reluctant to contact the bride as she will be getting herself ready this morning and I don't want to stress her out. I must remember to grow a pair lol!

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Mel37 Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:28am
post #24 of 79

AWow I can't believe the cheek of some people, I agree I think she thought she would get it for free if you got an invite! I really hope she's paid you, well done for sticking to your guns and saying it had to be last night!

I'm the same as others here, I take a nonrefundable deposit to book the date, then final payment is due 4 weeks before the wedding. I do sketches of the design during the quote process and they don't see the actual cake until the wedding, which I think is fairly normal practise. Maybe next time if you'd like to show them, send a few photos? But definitely get payment waaaay before :)

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Mel37 Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:30am
post #25 of 79

AOoh just cross posted - OMG I can't believe she didn't pay!! I think it's worth ringing to check if they intend to pay at least maybe, do you have contact details for anyone but the bride or is it just her you've been dealing with?

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Cakechick123 Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:32am
post #26 of 79

I would contact her and tell her that Im still waiting for the money and unfortunately the cake will not be delivered without the payment. She probably knows you are a softie and hopes that you will deliver the cake without payment.

 

You got some good advise on future orders, if you start using this advice your life will be much easier!

 

Edited to add, I've got a friend that's also like you , trying to please everyone and never wanting to seem pushy, she get her husband to make the difficult calls regarding money. Maybe your hubby can speak to the bride?

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nannycook Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:37am
post #27 of 79

ARazz, I really do feel so sorry for you, you cant change who you are, it isn't a case of, you need to grow a set, you are who you are.

Hope it works out for you.xx

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petitecat Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:43am
post #28 of 79

Oh no. 

 

I agree, the bride knows you are a softie. If I were a bride and I wanted a cake and knew there was no way the cake was going to be delivered unless I paid up, I would find a way to pay up. She's got a groom, family, friends- she could have found someone to pay the money she is so unwilling to part with.

 

I would give her the last benefit of the doubt, text her one last time (right now in fact before she gets even busier getting ready) and say no money, no cake (you can rephrase if you like!).

 

If it means your relationship becomes strained since you work together, then so be it. 

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razzmatazz Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:45am
post #29 of 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel37 

Ooh just cross posted - OMG I can't believe she didn't pay!! I think it's worth ringing to check if they intend to pay at least maybe, do you have contact details for anyone but the bride or is it just her you've been dealing with?

I am taking the bull by the horns and contacting her now. I don't have anyone else's details. I will let you know what happens But I am going to tell her that I cannot deliver without payment.I just wouldn't do this to someone I'd be embarrassed and worried about causing someone trouble.

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petitecat Posted 7 Jun 2014 , 7:47am
post #30 of 79

Razzmatazz, she's the one causing trouble by not paying. Don't doubt yourself. You told her plenty of times to pay up, and she hasn't. She's the one taking the mickey. 

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