When I take an order no mater how large or small I always take a deposit I give them 1 week to pay the deposit after that the date they want is back on the market, I say date because my main business is wedding cakes and I only make one a week as I still work full time nights but I am up front with my customers and tell them this is what I will do if they are serous they will pay the deposit if not they go elsewhere my tip to you is value yourself because if you don’t others won’t your running a business not a charity !
And don’t make or take orders without a deposit or deadline for the deposit and stick to it
