I too love the invoice idea. Maybe just tell him opps you dropped this when I gave you the cake and hand him an invoice
M

How did it end up today?

I hope it worked out!

Perhaps the guy wasn't aware it was a "cash up front" transaction and for whatever reason expected to get billed afterwards. I'd assume it was an innocent error.

Obviously, he needs to be billed anyway. Something like this perhaps:

Dear Tom,

Hope the cake was a great hit. I had fun making it. I'll be at my desk all day Monday, and will have your invoice and a receipt for $55 ready for you. Cash or cheque is fine, either way.

Can't wait to hear how it went over with the gang!

Terry

This way the reminder is sort of buried between a couple of light, social comments, not too obvious a "You didn't pay me, you schmuck!" reminder.

I think a direct approach is my choice too. I like the invoice thingy but I definately would have had a chit chat.

Oh well, what can you do, everyday is a learning experience. I just hope the guy pays the invoice. Best of luck.

Let us know what happens! I originally suggested the invoice idea because I think it is actually more professional (even though some of you may disagree) than confronting him. I don't think it's rude...what was rude was him walking off with the cake. And like I said, he may have just excitedly taken the cake with him, and that's okay, but I either way, it definitely saves you an awkward moment, and besides, you can always ask him in person if he liked the cake, etc, and be friendly about it.

The most important thing is that you get paid and you really shouldn't have to be put in a position to ask for your money. Good luck!!!!

Angie

If it were me...I would probably be too embarrassed to do anything! I am just like that.

However, I recently did 4 cakes for a business and they did not pay me at the time of the delivery. I ended up sending them a very nice email and they finally paid me. But I know it is different with someone you work with everyday.

Hopefully it will all work out and he was just in a hurry.

Let us know what happens!

OK, I am going to stick my two cents in where it doesn't belong . . . since I don't make cakes for customers.

However, a lot of ya'll keep mentioning asking him how the cake was and then provide the invoice or a reminder that the cake was x amount of $. While I realize that this is a moot point now, don't you think that would give him an opening to say he didn't like it so he didn't have to pay?

And I don't don't just mean this particular situation either. This could happen to anyone. Of course we all want to know our cakes were enjoyed, we also know people will do anything to get out of paying. So don't give them an opening until after the money is received.

Sorry, I worked with an attorney for over eight years. This is just mho.

Cakeprincess: Just imagining a customer being beaten over the head with a club Great idea...I've been looking for a way to deal with my difficult customers!

I guess I'm also in the minority.

I would have given the invoice directly as well. It is super easy to draw up an invoice on the computer as well as a reciept for cash recieved. I would have drawn up an invoice, and gave it to him directly.

Hopefully I never have to deal with this, but with my customers I make it VERY clear how much the cake is, and I also ask them their budget. So that everyone involved is happy.

I also would leave out the chit chat. Because of the opening to disagree and not pay.

So what happened???? You have us in suspense!!!

yes.....what happened?

Because I do lots of orders for friends I either hand them an envelope with the invoice or tape it to the top of the box, it works great, never had a problem getting paid.

I attach the invoice to the box along with a business card...just in case they lost the other one

I haven't been paid for any cakes yet, but I used to have my own gift basket business. When I would take an order, I would write up an invoice and give it to the customer (unless it was placed over the phone). When I would deliver the basket, I always had my copy of the invoice in my hand and ready to go. After all of the small talk was over, I'd just tell her the price. I was always paid on the spot and immediately would write on her invoice and mine (and if she didn't have hers I'd give her another b/c the pad I used had 2 copies for each original), "PAID" in big letters and if I was given a check I'd write the amount and the check number along with the date on it. If it was cash I'd just write "PAID CASH" and the amount and date. HTH!

Did I miss what happened?

I have developed a new policy. The cake must be paid in advance before delivery, unless it's a very close friend or relative. That way, I don't worry about bounced checks, non-payment, etc. If they aren't paid, no cake. If they are worried about getting their cake, I have references and a good reputation. I just think that if we start allowing people to do this, it's really not worth it business wise. Before he walked off, I think I would have told him, "hey, that'll be 55.00 please. " If he doesn't pay, take the cake back and enjoy it yourself.

He owes you money....end of story! you should not feel bad at all!

You could possibly say something like, did I give you a copy of the reciept????? So you should have a receipt book, lol. and just kinda go from there. I mean, $55 is $55!!!!

TERRYHORTON were are you!!!!!!!

It's driving me crazy to find out what happend.

Well, I feel robbed. I just saw this thread was back in the latest topics, and thought to myself....Yippie!!! I'm finally going to find out what happened.

OK, my curiosity got the better of me, and I PM'd Terry. This is what she said (and I hope you'll forgive me, Terry!):

************
So sorry!! LOL

He left a check in my box for 65.00!!!!!

Problem solved!

(I guess it was a man thing) LOL

************

Wow, so she got a tip!

Yay!!!

AMEN!!!