| Author |
Message |
tsky74
Newbie
Joined: Sep 14, 2005
Posts: 2
|
 Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 10:35 am |
  |
I am just starting up my cake business in my home. I was wondering, when it comes to wedding cake, how much is best asked for a down payment, to get things going. Should I ask for a certain percentage up front? Also the remainder of payment? Should I ask for it a few days before the wedding cake delivery, or wait to recieve payment upon delivery. I have hear kind of both sides. But curious on what ways work best???? Help... Thanks. |
|
|
   |
 |
|
|
|
qtcakes
Frequent Member
Joined: Feb 09, 2007
Posts: 293
Location: sioux falls, south dakota
Birthday: Sep 22
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:55 am |
|
i get 25.00 down which is low compared to other decorators. and final payment is due 1 week before delivery, then we can finalize the order, increase or decrease cakes if needed. other decorators in the area require 50.00 - 100.00. you have to go with whats comfortable to you. |
|
|
  |
|
|
JoAnnB
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jun 09, 2005
Posts: 7426
Location: Salem, Oregon
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:01 pm |
|
There is a lot of good information about the Wedding cake contract here and in one place on earlenescakes.com she has a contract you can adapt for your own. However, if you don't have a licensed business, a contract is probably not enforceable. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Sugarbean
Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 22, 2006
Posts: 685
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:52 pm |
|
I ask 50% of what we "estimate" the cake to cost. Then the final payment is due 2 weeks before the wedding, because I REALLY do not want to chace down a bride to get my $$ after the wedding. And if they neglet to pay me the final payment they forfit their deposit. I have a contract.  |
|
|
| |
|
|
customcaker
Regular Member
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Posts: 138
Location: Massachusetts
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 1:49 pm |
|
I charge a $50.00 nonrefundable deposit to book the date with me. Then I require payment in full 2 weeks before. I also charge a "refundable" deposit for the plastic plates and pillars if they use them and require they be returned within two weeks after the wedding date. It just makes people more accountable, and I charge enough so that it's a bonus of sorts if they don't bring them back to me  |
|
|
| |
|
|
elvisb
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 23, 2006
Posts: 414
Location: Iowa
Birthday: Jun 10
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 2:02 pm |
|
I charge a $50 non-refundable deposit up front. That holds the date, and i need a signed contract. The $50 goes toward their total, but if they back out, it's mine to keep. Balance is due no later than one week before the wedding or the contract is void. I also require a separate $50 "damage deposit" at the time the bill is paid in full. That will be returned to the bride when my rented pieces are returned to me in good condition. |
|
|
| |
|
|
SweetConfectionsChef
Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 21, 2006
Posts: 988
Location: Texas
|
| Posted:
Fri Mar 02, 2007 2:05 pm |
|
I've recently changed my 50% down policy to $150 to reserve the date ($500 for catering and cake) with the final payment due 3 weeks prior to event. So far, I've been happy with it and so have my brides. Everything else in my shop (b-day cakes, ect) are pay when the order is placed. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
