Not A Diasaster More Of A Slap In The Face

Decorating By jackie64 Updated 15 Oct 2008 , 9:14pm by angelatx

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jackie64 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 3:44am
post #1 of 74

I charged $200.00 for this cake 2 layer white 14, 12, 10 inch with buttercream and gumpaste ivy and flowers and sugar pearls I had a little over 30 hours in this cake and it was made for the Pastor and wife 30 years as being Pastor of the church . I made arrangements with the daughter she is a grown woman that night after the celebration me and my daughter helped clean up and she heard me tell her 200.00 and she told me she would pay me the next day at church. I attend both services the next day and no check so I went home that night and tried not to think about it. Its not my job to run someone down to be paid so I went to wednesday night service and she gave me a check well I didnt look at it I just put it in my purse and that night before I started home I got the check out and was going to put it in my wallet and the check was for 150.00 signed by the Pastors wife . So I dont know what happened all I know is someone decided the cake was only worth 150.00 So I have decided to let it go . But I will be changing the way I do business from now on. There will be a contract written up by me with half down and half day of delivery. I figured the money will bring them more grief than the good it would have done me to have it. This is my church and My Pastor and his family . I feel as though me and my work have been devalued but thats ok I am going to take the high road and I may walk up to the pastors wife and hand her back the 150.00 and tell her I dont need the churchs money.
LL

73 replies
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ccbakes Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 3:56am
post #2 of 74

That is HORRIBLE that she would do that to you. I wouldn't give it back you earned that!!! Some people are just terrible like that!

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kayla1505 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 3:57am
post #3 of 74

i would call and tell her she owes you $50

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AmieW Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:00am
post #4 of 74

I have been in that same situation tooo many times! I had to finally crack down on even my friends about having a contract and money up front. You can only be so nice and so patient. I'm sorry this happened to you.

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PattyT Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:02am
post #5 of 74

That is a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL cake. They treated you horribly.

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sttgirl Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:03am
post #6 of 74

First of all your cake is absolutely beautiful. I know that you are realing at the way that you were treated and I am so sorry that they were so inconsiderate and shorted you the money. In my humble opinion I think your cake was worth more than the amount that you charged and you should be compensated for your time. Don't you dare give them back that check. You qouted a price and they should pay it. You may want to let them know that they can pay you the remainder in cash.

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BlakesCakes Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:04am
post #7 of 74

Sorry, but a bill is a bill, not a "suggested donation". Heck, I only make my cakes for donations to charities and I TELL THE RECIPIENT HOW MUCH OF A DONATION TO MAKE. If they balk, I don't do the cake!

I'd send a bill to the daughter for $50--if she is, indeed, the one with whom you had the original contract. I'd write:

"I received, and have cashed, a $150 check for the cake from your mother. As per our conversation, the charge for the cake was $200. Please remit the additional $50 ASAP (money order or cash preferred). If funds are not received within 14 days, I'll be happy to send a remainder invoice to your mother, Mrs. X."

I just don't get it--why should you come away with self-doubt and wounds to lick? They got the cake, they ate the cake, you should get the full amount you charged for the cake. Getting cheated doesn't make you a better person..........

Just my .02
Rae

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TC123 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:06am
post #8 of 74

Hi! That is a BEAUTIFUL cake! Definitely worth way more than $200.00. A couple things could have happened here. It's possible (though hard to say) that the daughter told her mother the cake was $150 even though she knew it was $200. Maybe someone did price comparisons with mass market cakes (NOT to devalue your work, of course!!!) and found other places could do something "similar" for $150. Maybe the church only allotted $150.00 for this portion of the event. Since you didn't have anything in writing up front nor did you speak with anyone about the short pay, it's really hard to say. I understand it's a delicate situation with this having to do with your church and Pastor. However, you were MORE THAN FAIR with your pricing, and I would be tempted to bring it up with the person who handed you the check, if not the person who signed it. If you're hesitant about how best to do it, I'm SURE you'll get some great ideas and support right here.

Best wishes to you!

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angelatx Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:15am
post #9 of 74

I know you want to give the money back cuz your upset and feel a bit insulted, but don't, just keep it. everyone on here is right about that and well earned by the way. i would do as you said and just take the high road and let it be. i mean you do attend the church and it would only most likely cause more problems and tension then its worth. just give it to God and he will deal with it and them, I think you know that already and thats why you wanted to do that way to start off with. so goodluck, whatever you decide to do, i am sure will be the best decision for you. icon_smile.gif

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TJCanadian Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:15am
post #10 of 74

I sympathize tremendously and I know its so hard to go back and bring it up again. I'm supportive if you back and bring it up and I'm dying to know what happens next.

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jackie64 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:15am
post #11 of 74

Thats just it I am really a quiet and passive person that hates confrontation. I am really hurt and I havent gotten mad about it I think because I was stunned by it really . I just would have never expected to be done this way.

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Deb_ Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:15am
post #12 of 74

It sounds like this woman is using her husband's position to, pardon the expression, screw you out of your $50.00. By shortchanging you, she's almost daring you to say something.

These are supposed to be people that do God's work?

Please do not return that check........I think you need to send her an invoice for the balance of that cake. Don't let them get away with this. They would not have been able to get that cake for even the $200 you asked never mind $150.

Or.............I don't know if your church has a collection basket each week, but what I would do is each week instead of placing money in the collection, I'd place a little note "$5.00 deducted from the balance of your cake" icon_evil.gificon_smile.gif

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indydebi Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:17am
post #13 of 74

TCarra could be right in that there was only $150 allocated in the church budget. Maybe the person you talked to thought it was taken care of and the pastor's wife thought $150 was the price.

I'd do what BlakesCakes suggested ... send an invoice to the person who ordered the cake and show a "Balance Due" of $50.

Price of cake ... $200
Pymt rec'd, check #123, from Mrs. X .... ($150)
Balance Due: $50

"Please remit balance due as soon as possible so I can close this file."

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deliciously_decadent Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:35am
post #14 of 74

shouldn't the wife pastor be more honest than that? icon_eek.gif

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DerrellC Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:44am
post #15 of 74

Hello Jackie, from a artistic and business standpoint the wonderful looking cake is worth WAY more than $200.My question is was the check the pastors personal check or was it from your church ? We just done a cake for our pastor celebrating 30 years of loyal and faithful service.The budget for the event was $300,after cokes,plates,cups,etc there was only $100 left for the cake,so WE decided that was the price . My point is if the pastor had to pay for his own cake,I'd give them the check back and thank them for doing what GOD called him to do. JMHO Derrell

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cakenutz Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:51am
post #16 of 74

Hon I would very nicely ask the person responsible for the check when you could expect the other 50.00 because there must have been a mix up in communication. the last thing that you or your church family need is any opportunity for division. Hurt is an open door for dissention. Ask the Lord for the right opportunity to comfort this. Bless you

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mw902 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 4:54am
post #17 of 74

I would definately call and say something like, hi there mrs. pastors wife.....I really appreciate you getting me the check for the cake I made for your husband but I am wondering if there was a miscommunication on the price of the cake, it was 200.00 not 150.00? If you only pay walmart what yuo feel like paying for something that is called shoplifting and this is the same thing! Sorry this happened to you!

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Ruth0209 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 5:16am
post #18 of 74

Why is it that deceitful people get ahead because nice, honest people hate to make a scene or make the other person uncomfortable? IMHO, you should absolutely NOT return any of the $150, regardless of who paid it. No one expects a business person to do that.

I like the suggestion to simply approach her and say, "I'm sorry there must have been a misundertanding about the price of the cake. I quoted a price of $200," and let her decide whether she's going to make it right. Even if you don't pursue the $50, don't give back the $150. You earned that.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. A good lesson for a written contract.

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DebraDough Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 5:22am
post #19 of 74

Don't it just make you crazy how Christians give God such a bad name sometimes. Listen honey, sit down and write a sweet little note that says, "Dear So and So.The agreed upon price was $200.00 and I wouldn't want to embarass you by taking this up with the board of deacons if this was just an oversight on your part so please remit the remaining $50.00 so that I can clear my books on this transaction." Be sure and sign it something like , In His wonderful love, or Sisters in Christ. There must be a million of those. In no way shape or form should you return the money and there is a big difference in taking the high road and being the road where people just walk on you. If you let this one slide you and I both know everyone else in your church will eventually know the story and they will see the big red bulls eye on your back. If the story about you politely asking for what you are owed gets around no one will ever try to pull that kind of crap on you again. Also by writing instead of calling it will be easier on you and her. Blessings to you you sweet little church mouse...speak up. Your sister in Christ, Debra

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SugarFrosted Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 5:32am
post #20 of 74

This is your Pastor and your church, and if you don't confront this (choose one of the ways already suggested) the hurt you feel right now will continue to grow until you may at some point decide you don't want that to be your church anymore. Take care of it, for your own sake. And because you deserve that money, you earned it.

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all4cake Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 5:47am
post #21 of 74

I don't think they intentionally devalued your work. I believe as another poster pointed out that that may have been the only amount budgeted for the cake. The financial aspect of it should've been addressed before cake was even started..


"Hey, Sister...! What would you charge to make a cake for the Pastor's party?" "I'll get back to you asap with a quote."

"I was able to work out a quote. It will cost 200.00." "oooh, honey, and I know they're worth every penny of it too! I'll have to be sure, but I believe all there is is 150.00 slotted for the cake."

Then you would've had the option to get them another design and quote or freed them to look elsewhere.

In this instance, I think I would confront them first and say...."I quoted 200.00 for the cake. I understand that 150.00 was probably the amount budgeted for it. I will make sure I get ya'll a quote sooner next time. Don't worry about the other 50.00...Pastor .... has been such a blessing to our church."

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tinygoose Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 7:48am
post #22 of 74

That is too bad. I'm sure it was most likely a misunderstanding or miscommunication. Either way you should find out. Be nice, I mean, this is your church family. I would bring it up politely and be prepared to back down if needed. You might be surprised at her reaction. Just say. "Mrs Pastor, I didn't look at the check you gave me until I got home, and then I realized that it was $50 short." Then shut your mouth, it is her turn to explain. She will either be embarressed for her mistake and cut you a check on the spot, or she will you will at least get some insight into what happened. If she truely is taking advantage, even if you don't get paid, at least it will be out in the open.

BTW--It's a very pretty cake.

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Deb_ Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 12:21pm
post #23 of 74

If it's true that the budget for the cake was $150 and the daughter knew the quote was $200, why didn't she just tell you that's above our budget.....or order the cake at Sam's or Walmart?

This is exactly the reason why so many in the USA are in financial hardship. People that can't afford to buy $200 cakes shouldn't. They're not entitled to the more expensive product, but they think they are.

Maybe like others have written, they are using their position to get the sympathy price. That is so wrong icon_sad.gif

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CakesByJen2 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 12:32pm
post #24 of 74

Could you clarify a couple of things? At what point did you tell them in would be $200, before the cake was made, or at delivery? Who exactly ordered the cake? The wife or the daughter, and were they acting on behalf of the church, or was it a personal order that just happened to be for a church event?

If they were not given the price in advance, then I think they got caught in a situation of mis-communications and assumptions. They probably assumed you would donate it, or just had no idea how much cakes cost, and did not budget for it. If this is the case, I think you would bear some resonsibility for the lace of communication and just let the additional $50 go.

However, if you told them it would be $200 ahead of time, and they agreed to it, then you have every right to be upset and expect to be paid in full. That is a verbal contract, and it is shameful if they would try to cheat you when you already gave them a price below market value. A cake that size would be at *least* $350 from me, and more from some people. I would send an invoice to the daughter (or whoever actuallyorderedit) showing the true market value of the cake, the hugely discounted price she agreed to, and the $50 remaining balance. If she was ordering on behalf of the church, then send an invoice to the person who handles the churches bills and finances. Definately do NOT return the $150 you already have; you earned it and I'm guessing the mother had no idea what the original price was.

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iownajane Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 12:52pm
post #25 of 74

I don't usually comment on these threads,because I've never sold anything....but I think you're selling yourself short....they owe you at least 200.00....Just because you have made this GORGEOUS cake for the "church", it doesn't mean you have to "give it away"....I hate to think that you're feeling demeaned and that your work wasn't good enough,so they "decided" to pay $xxx.xx instead of what you asked.....If this were a fundraiser ,you could be asked to accept less,MAYBE, but this was a cake for them to eat and enjoy...they should pay what you asked...
You can be diplomatic in asking for the balance,as others have suggested,but you are not obliged to accept this just because it's "the church".....you did this for a client....
A cake like this up here would be at least double that....I HOPE they are not assuming you'll "let it go"...

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margaretb Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 2:33pm
post #26 of 74

Obviously I don't know what arrangements were made, but I could totally see someone coming to you and asking for this really fancy cake, serves this much, on this date for this event, you agreeing to do it, and them assuming that meant you would donate the cake and you assuming they knew they were just getting a deep discount. I think one of my first posts on CC was about how I was asked to bring a cake to my grandmothers birthday, so I put in at least $50 of ingredients (not including the practice cake) and who knows how many hours of time (my first foray into gumpaste flowers), and after the party (which was a backyard barbeque, and I also supplied the burgers and another item), my mom said, well, I guess we won't ask you to contribute to the dinner. CHOKE CHOKE!! (especially as I have investigated with my brothers and they were not asked nor did they contribute ANYTHING). If you are the cake person, people just do not think about your costs or time in making them -- it's just the thing you bring, equivalent to a little fruit tray you buy at the store or a couple packages of buns or a few boxes of crackers or the gelatin salad the next person makes.

Anyway, even if you decide not to pursue this with the daughter (I wouldn't ask the pastors wife because you don't know what the daughter told her), I would not give the cheque back because you had costs in making that cake. And the time -- good grief! If you do decide to go with sending an invoice, I definitely agree with including the market price (e.g. 3 tier cake, gumpaste work: $400 -- special event discount to church: 50% -- total :$200).

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sari66 Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 8:04pm
post #27 of 74

I agree with everyone, don't give the check back and send an invoice for the 50 balance.

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Deb_ Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 8:28pm
post #28 of 74
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackie64

I charged $200.00 for this cake 2 layer white 14, 12, 10 inch with buttercream and gumpaste ivy and flowers and sugar pearls I had a little over 30 hours in this cake and it was made for the Pastor and wife 30 years as being Pastor of the church . I made arrangements with the daughter she is a grown woman that night after the celebration me and my daughter helped clean up and she heard me tell her 200.00 and she told me she would pay me the next day at church. I attend both services the next day and no check so I went home that night and tried not to think about it. Its not my job to run someone down to be paid so I went to wednesday night service and she gave me a check well I didnt look at it I just put it in my purse and that night before I started home I got the check out and was going to put it in my wallet and the check was for 150.00 signed by the Pastors wife . This is my church and My Pastor and his family . I feel as though me and my work have been devalued but thats ok I am going to take the high road and I may walk up to the pastors wife and hand her back the 150.00 and tell her I dont need the churchs money.




So you stated above that you made arrangements with the daughter that the cake was $200.00, she said she would pay you the next day at church.
AT THIS POINT SHE SHOULD HAVE SAID $200 IS ABOVE OUR BUDGET, AND SHE DIDN'T.

The daughter gave you the check Wednesday night after the service, folded not in an envelope.
THE DAUGHTER SAW THE CHECK AMOUNT AND STILL TRIED TO SHORTCHANGE YOU.

The check was signed by the Pastor's wife, which means the daughter either didn't tell her the right price, or the Pastor's wife is just trying to get the cake for $50 less.

This is disgusting and these "church ladies" should be ashamed of themselves.

Here's another example of a "person with power" that disgust me.....

My DD worked at Dunkin Donuts while in High School. She came home in tears one day because she had an incident with a police officer that came into the Donut shop and EXPECTED her to NOT charge him for his order.

She was a 17 yr. old very intimidated girl. When she rang up his order, mind you less than $4.00, he said to her "no, the owner takes care of our coffee order". She didn't "get" what he meant. She said the owner wasn't there and that she didn't want her drawer to be short so he needed to pay her. He paid her, but also told her that he hoped she never got stopped in his city. What an A$$ this cop was. When she told the manager on duty, the girl said that yes the owner gives these cops whatever they want when they come in.....he's Brazilian and is afraid if he doesn't they'll give him a hard time. Can you believe this?

Just another example of "people with some kind of influence" using their rank to get stuff for free.

Your cake was worth much more than the $200 they were supposed to pay you.

If you do decide to send an invoice, I would not quote that you gave them a "church event" discount, they'll expect it all the time. I would never do another cake for anyone involved. Let them go buy a cake that's in their budget, they can't afford to eat your delicious cake.

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FromScratch Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 8:29pm
post #29 of 74

I agree.. just because this was for the church doesn't mean that you have to short change yourself to thank them for their service. I'm sure it was a miscommunication.. maybe the daughter was going to pay the amount over what was allocated? Whatever the reason, just contact the daughter since she is the one you talked with originally and thank her for the opportunity to make a beautiful cake and let her know that there is $50 outstanding on her account with you and find out when she will be getting that money to you. $200 for that cake is a steal aleady.. don't let this go.

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TexasSugar Posted 2 Oct 2008 , 8:39pm
post #30 of 74
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackie64

I figured the money will bring them more grief than the good it would have done me to have it. This is my church and My Pastor and his family . I feel as though me and my work have been devalued but thats ok I am going to take the high road and I may walk up to the pastors wife and hand her back the 150.00 and tell her I dont need the churchs money.




If you feel your work has ben devauled and you just let this go, then you are devaluing your work. Take the whole church issue out of this, if this was someone else wouldn't you want your money? Why does it change that because it has to do with church? Did you offer to donate $50 worth of your time away from your family when you agreed to do the cake? If not why would you except a forced donation?

It obviously bothers you, as it should, and you need to stand up for yourself and do something about it, or it will sit there and slowly eat at ya. I like the suggestion from the others and contact the person that orded the cake and let them know you are still owed $50.

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