At what time do people ask for a desposit for a cake order? I am still trying to collect for a cake that I delivered on time. It's not a huge amount of money but I want what is due me. I delivered on time and produce much more than what was expected by the client. All I ask is to be paid for my work.

I hear ya! I decided that since I am still doing cakes for folks at cost , I need the money up front. The last time I delivered a cake the lady LOVED it...Yeah loved it so much she sent me out the door without paying me my 16$ !! SOME PEOPLE!!! I think a deposit is a must. What 50 % ? When it comes to collecting money I'm a wus...So maybe it is my fault!

Clients pay on delivery, or I take the cake home. They can come and collect it with cash in hand. If I end up giving it away to the shelter, so be it. The only exception is longterm clients that I know I can trust.

Anything more than $50 requires a 50% deposit.

Hey cruizze,

I agree JoAnnB. So cruizze and rhondie, just hold the cake and say to the person, that will be $16 dollars and if they say, well I gotta get my purse, or grab a 20 from my husband, just turn around and walk away with your cake and tell them sweetly over your shoulder, come find me at my desk, car, or house when you are ready.

"Somedays, I totally love these threads, the whole scene plays out in my head - just like a a good classic movie should "

I agree - no cash no cake!!! I only had this happen once where the mother cancelled the party at the last minute but that wasn't my fault! I just kept the cake and donated it to the nursing home by the house. I find you grow a backbone really quick dealing with these "gutsy" people!

Monique

50% deposit when you order the cake, or I don't even take the order seriously. Don't be calling me a couple days ahead and say when do I pay, when do you deliver, anything........ if you didn't pay a deposit, you didn't place an order. And anything over $50, has to be paid for two weeks ahead of delivery, or it isn't even made. And I'm like those who say here's your cake, let me just get the rest of the payment from you and I will leave it.......

And, the deposit is not refundable. If they didn't take the cake at the last minute, I do whatever with it and keep the deposit. But I didn't even buy supplies without a deposit - after all, the deposit is what I use to buy the supplies! LOL

Cruizze, your cakes are fabulous!

Well there are several posts about this topic but here is one I found. Hope this helps.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-5294-collect.html+payment

I don't take a deposit for my cakes do not deliver or let them pick it up without collecting the $$. For wedding cakes, I demand 100% payment 2 weeks prior or no cake... no refunds. I have never had a problem with that. One wedding cancelled and I was stuck (not really) with all the supplies for it. However, since there are no refunds with me, I was in good shape.

I ask everyone to prepay for their desserts. I have a PayPal account if there are any "cost" issues and they need to use a credit card for payment. Usually if people pay for something up front they are not likely to skip on the cake.
Leslie