I have a customer that ordered a cake for a birthday party. She knew the theme and how big of a cake. She called the day before I made the cake and mentioned that now there were 7X the number of people coming to the party and told me it was up to me what size to make - oh - and there would be an ice cream cake too. I told her that I would make the cake for 1/2 of the number of people coming unless she gave me a number which ended up being 30 (the original # of people was 4 - just immediate family). When I asked what flavor she couldn't decide so I told her I would decide. When I called and told her when I deliver it she asked "What if they can't have the party because of the possible snow?" I told her that I couldn't control the weather and that she would have to worry about that herself! What are these people thinking?

This is why I get all money in advance and have a contract stating I am not responsible for acts of God. This includes non-wedding cakes. I don't know understand why so many decorators only have contracts for weddings. A cake is cake... period.

Good point! Something to keep in mind - especially with problem customers!

I too think the contract for ALL cakes is a great tip. I have a business that is based on speciality cheesecakes and get several orders for large parties, weddings and business catering. All of my large orders I require an initial payment (non refundable) to cover, at the very least, supplies and ingredients. If by any chance my client needs to cancel the order after I've began working on it, I'm only loosing my "time". But I agree with Cali4dawn...get everything in writing. Your time in preparing cakes is precious and you can never get that back...

That is a great tip cali4dawn.
I need to write one up. What points do you cover in your contract? Do you write a new contract for every person?
Thanks for your great advise.
Amy

Anyone is welcome to email me at [email protected] for a copy of my contracts (I have 2).

I have e-mailed my request...thanks for sharing cali4dawn!! Missey

I just answered three requests. If you did not receive it, let me know.