Will I Kick Myself Later?
I just turned down a wedding cake order for $1,000 ! This couple contacted me in July for a November 1st wedding. They wanted a cake tasting right away so they had all details taken care of early. I made room for them, made four mini cakes with four different flavors. Told them the deposit would be due in September with the full amount due in October. They took home leftover cake so their families could help them decide on flavors. Didn’t hear from them for over a month when I got an email asking what flavors I offered! What??? Wrote back and mentioned the flavors they had tried plus a few more suggestions. Never heard back from them until today. Got an email saying the time was almost here and am I all set? Remember they have still not chosen a design, flavor or paid a deposit. I wrote back and told her how sorry I am but I can’t possibly do a cake for 300 people on a 4 week time schedule. I would want her cake to be perfect and was sure she would as well. And it would just be too stressful to do that in such a short time period. What is wrong with people? These two were in their late 20’s so not like they were too young to understand the importance of time. Just shoot me now!
Shirley
7 Comments
Unfortunately I have been in the same prediciment as you twice before. As much as I always asked myself will I kick myself later I cant regret my decision as a professional and as a business owner. If for any reason you felt that you would not deliver 110% under such a short notice then you made a correct decision. At the end of the day if you have to rush and you are not happy with how it came out then it will show. Clients also do not sometimes understand the amount of prep and hours that go into planning a cake, it does not matter if its 20 people or in your case 300 people.
Kristyne & Sofia
Thanks, I think I just needed someone to agree with me, Besides, that $1,000 was very tempting!
Shirley
Just follow your instincts. I think it’s the right thing. After all all it takes is one bad cake to ruin all your hard work.
At least now you can concentrate on the customers who have paid a deposit. I am sure they will find someone who would do their cake for them at short notice.
Maybe next time just send an email to ask them if they have made up their mind following a consultation and if they would like to go ahead and secure the date and if not then you cam give that date in your dairy to someone else.
This is just my opinion. Because at the end of the day we all want that business.
II would never send out a bad cake, I would have killed myself making this cake perfect and be completely done in when it was over. I did send them emails asking just that Pam. Still didn’t hear back. I even asked if they had changed their minds to just let me know so I could fill that spot. I have a feeling if I had done this last minute cake they would have found a way to complain about something and ask for a refund, just a feeling but sometimes I need to listen to that little voice in my head.
Shirley
You did the right thing for sure… Why oh why do people behave so rudely…. I walked away once only… Similar situation with indecision and not getting back to me or a deposit…after much chasing and no response, took it they no longer wanted it, so took it out of diary… One WEEK before due date, asked how I was getting along and sent me delivery address…. Seiously? I politely explained why I would no longer be doing their cake and why. I actually got an apology. So many people have no concept on how long these cakes take or that you have a life and other orders to fit on as well… But there are some who think I’m a shop… So that could explain some reactions. Maybe… Xx
You must never limit your challenges, instead you must challenge your limits
Hello,
Sorry I never meant to imply that you would send out a bad cake. I would never say that about any cake designer. I was just saying follow your instincts. And like you said you did everything you could. Rest is upto the customer.
I knew that Pam, no problem.
Shirley
