No Pay/slow Pay Clients - What To Do??

Business By mrskennyprice Updated 28 Nov 2006 , 7:30pm by jenncowin

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mrskennyprice Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 4:50pm
post #1 of 18

I was so excited at the end of October to get my first wedding cake commission! They signed the contract, agreed on the price and had no qualms about sending a 25% deposit 30 days prior to the event. Well, the 30 day deadline passed about 2 weeks ago, at which time I received an email saying the 'check was in the mail' - I'm sure you can guess that I haven't gotten it yet. At this point, the wedding is 2 weeks away, and I don't know whether to tell them that I need the whole amount up front or no cake, or just to do the cake and hope I get paid (I'm pretty sure my husband won't let me do this). Have you all ever run into this? I remember how crazy everything was when I got married, so I'm trying to be understanding, but that "checks in the mail" line has really got me worried. What would you guys do??

17 replies
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mbelgard Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 4:57pm
post #2 of 18

I've never sold a wedding cake but I think I would send an email and tell them that the full payment is due immediatly by cash or money order or there will be no cake.

I would NOT make the cake hoping you get paid, if they've lied about the check being in the mail I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them.

If they don't have a cake it isn't your problem, you aren't a charity.

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Crimsicle Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:00pm
post #3 of 18

Once they played the "check's in the mail" game, they became Cash-and-Carry" customers. Do not take a check from these people! They blew your trust. Now, they have to live with the consequences. If you lose the order, you're probably ahead of the game.

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patticakesnc Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:02pm
post #4 of 18

I agree, most of the people I have talked to take a deposit to hold the date and balance due within 2 weeks prior to the event. So I would just email them and let them know kindly that you have not recieved the check and wanted let them know so that they can contact their bank and since it is time to pay the balance that you will happily have them bring you cash or money order for the full amount so that there will not be a delay on the cake.

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khoudek Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:04pm
post #5 of 18

By not sending the deposit per the contract, the contract is now null and void. They need to be made aware that their day is no longer saved because of this, as that is what the deposit was for; to secure the date. My deposits are paid when the contract is signed and full payment is due on delivery of the cake. No money, no cake. They wouldn't do this to a bakery establishment. Establish how you want to be treated and you will be treated that way.

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2sdae Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:07pm
post #6 of 18

I understand you're not wanting to end the order,but they have breeched your trust by the "check's in the mail ' instance. I agree with the full payment due to complete the order. It's too much time and effort to make, bake and decorate a wedding cake not to get paid or to be brushed off after you've begun the effort. They obviously have some issues going on and you do need to get reimbursed just as the others doing services for this event. You are no different, you can't keep a car or a house if "the check's in mail"!!! This is no different a debt than any other. icon_biggrin.gif

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JoanneK Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:07pm
post #7 of 18

Give them a call. Maybe the mail lost her check. That wouldn't be the first time that has happened. Mail gets lost all the time.

Don't email her. She may not check it every day. Give her a call. Tell her you do need the cash and since it is so close to the date you need the full amount.

I would not deliver a cake without full payment. Unless it is a family member or close friend.

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Melvira Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:14pm
post #8 of 18

Well, you have to be polite since you don't know if they are being honest, but I'd give them a call and let them know that you need cash in your hand by Friday or they will need to find another baker. Impossible to get anything with one week's notice. Do not do the pay me later route. You will never be paid. Good luck, we are pulling for you!

Edited to add: You've already paid out for the ingredients, they need to get on the stick... weddings aren't free. icon_wink.gif

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Ladivacrj Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:15pm
post #9 of 18

Ditto....to the give a courtesy call letting her know that the check has not arrived.

And full payment is due by the end of the week in cash or money order. Or you can no longer hold her date.

hth

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cakesbycathy Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:16pm
post #10 of 18

I would call. Politely inform them that since you did not receive the check, they must now give you either a cashier's check or cash in the next two days (which they must bring to you or meet them somewhere convienent for you) or they DO NOT GET A CAKE.
Stick to your guns. I know you are excited about the order, but you can not afford to take chances. Unfortunately, there are people who try to take advantage.
Good luck and let us know what happens!

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tiptop57 Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:23pm
post #11 of 18

I agree with khoudek. People tend to forget that when you have a signed contract it is a legally binding form. By breaking the contract they have to pay the penalties listed therein.

Meaning you are no longer held responsible for the producing the product, you are entitled to keep the deposit and even if they still want to use you for this wedding you are not bound by the document so the date is no longer guaranteed and in the future you could book another wedding. Unless of course you draw up another contract. "But why bother with them when they feel free to break it."

Then I also agree with Crimsicle. If you wish to continue your relationship with this client, it should become strictly cash and carry. No other bells or whistles.

And as mbelgard wrote:

Quote:
Quote:

If they don't have a cake it isn't your problem, you aren't a charity.




Strictly business!

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SweetConfectionsChef Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 5:51pm
post #12 of 18

You should always take the deposit when the contract is signed and the balance paid by a certain date! For this instance....I would call one time and explain that you haven't received the check and tell them they must pay in full by cash/money order or you will not be able to complete the cake since the contract has now been voided. The customer is NOT doing you a favor by ordering....this is business...treat it as such! thumbs_up.gif

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bethola Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 6:13pm
post #13 of 18

Agree with all the above. While all my wedding cakes (with the exception of one) have been gifts, in my little corner of the world the client must pay 1/2 up front and the rest within one month of the wedding. Usually this will pay for any extras that you have to purchase and you don't actually LOSE money!

Good Luck and always remember:

If learning has taken place.....then the situation has not been a total failure!

Let me add....it might be a little painful.....but not a failure! LOLL

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SCPATTICAKESCREACTIONS Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 6:43pm
post #14 of 18

I have only made 4 wedding cakes, and only gotten paid for 2 of them...If and hopefully when I get paid for another one I will be sure that it is understood that I will have all of my money atleast the Friday before the wedding. I promptly got both deposits when the orders were placed...and both offered to pay it all upfront. The day of the first wedding, the bride told me she would leave the check with her director...well she forgot and I felt it was tacky and hated to wait around for her to arrive for the check...well when I caught a glimpse of her coming across the parking lot in her beautiful strapless gown, I was sure there was no place for a check there!! I left. She called from the airport the next day while heading to Aruba for 2 weeks and got my address and swore to mail it from the airport....well 3 weeks later I got the check, she really had me worried!! The second one was just ackward...I arrived at the brides house to deliever the cake and mom had to be gotten out of the bathroom to find grandpa to write the check on the families business checks....nope too much drama...all moneys are due before wedding day from her on out....and everybody will know this before hand!!!!

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mrskennyprice Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 6:52pm
post #15 of 18

Thanks everyone for your input. I would call her, but I don't think I have her phone number (I'm going to check our 'email' trail to make sure). I'll let her know that I need the full amount by Friday. Thanks again!!

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knoxcop1 Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 7:12pm
post #16 of 18

I have it in my contract that ALL brides must sign--that "CHECKS are due 3 weeks before wedding date, in order to "clear" the bank. CASH is due no later than 14 days prior to the actual date of the wedding, or I do not bake your cake..."

I have had extremely good luck so far, in dealing with weddings. But this situation could happen to anyone.

Just be polite, call and speak to her. Offer to meet her somewhere convenient FOR YOU to pick up either CASH or BANKER'S CHECK for this order. Politely remind her that full payment is due on ........ and let her know you have another order for that day to consider, as well.
[/i]

That part about the "I do not bake your cake bit always seems to get 'em!! icon_twisted.gif

--Knox--

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tiptop57 Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 7:22pm
post #17 of 18

mrskennyprice wrote:

Quote:
Quote:

I would call her, but I don't think I have her phone number


Note to self.......add lines to contacts for home, work and cell phone numbers of bride, groom and brides parents and wedding planner. icon_surprised.gif

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jenncowin Posted 28 Nov 2006 , 7:30pm
post #18 of 18

I have to agree with everyone that if you don't have $$ by Friday, they have no cake. I require that 1/2 of the price be paid upfront (even for family) on wedding cakes and then the balance within 2 weeks of the big day. (i have fudged on this part for family and let them pay me the day of) Maybe the check was lost, but I would still ask for cash, money order or cashiers check. I don't think I would trust a personal check at this point, this close to the wedding.

Good luck! Let us know what happens.

Jenn

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