I Messed Up...

Decorating By Babarooskie Updated 17 Jul 2009 , 12:57pm by Babarooskie

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idgalpal Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 8:57pm
post #31 of 66

I just did a retirement cake for someone named Patt....that's Pat with two t's. Man, I kept looking at it and looking at it and it looked soooooooo wrong, but it was soooooooo right!

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jovigirl Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 9:02pm
post #32 of 66

Your mistake, full refund is due... & it should have been done as soon as the mistake was mentioned so when the customer is telling the people who are about to eat the product your reputation doesn't go down the drain even more...
Not being mean here, just giving you my honest thoughts here...

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snowboarder Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 9:07pm
post #33 of 66

Full refund. Put yourself in the client's shoes. If you spent $60 on 'pretty simple' cupcakes and they got the initials wrong, would you be OK with a $10 refund?

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TC123 Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 9:18pm
post #34 of 66

I'm always nervous when it comes to writing, even something as simple as "Happy Birthday"!... I look at it and look at it again, making sure I didn't miss one letter somewhere. I'm not sure if you're watching this topic anymore, but I'm sorry to hear about your flub. It happens, and like someone else said, I don't think this will happen to you again! icon_wink.gif

Anyway, regarding the question in the original post, I think at least a 50% refund sounds fair to me, given the circumstances. I would give a full refund, if it were me; but judging by your reply to other's comments, you seem to feel strongly against that option. I just bake for family & friends, but I would feel awful enough about the mistake and how I think it would make the guest of honor and his/her guests feel that I couldn't get it right.

(JMHO.)

Wishing you future success! icon_smile.gif

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Deb_ Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 9:25pm
post #35 of 66

$10 is not enough of a refund. You only needed to put 2 letters on each cupcake and you got 1 of the 2 wrong.

Personally I would refund at the very least 50%. All this client will remember is that you got her initials wrong, not how delicious the cupcakes were. Sorry icon_sad.gif

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Amymnn Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 9:53pm
post #36 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by BakedbyLisa

LadyPhoenix: I just visited your website and the freecakesforkids site too. I love this outreach! I was going to volunteer, but it looks like you have someone already doing so in my area. Just wanted to tell you how inspiring your work is to me!

Amymnn, after reading your comment above I went to free cakes for kids as well and have requested an applicataion to volunteer my cakes. What a wonderful way to give back. I've always said my favorite part of baking is the joy that comes from someone when you present them with a cake that was baked with love!




I was thinking the same thing when reading that website - thinking of the looks on the faces of those children! That's better than any amount of pay!

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woodruffbn Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 10:09pm
post #37 of 66

icon_eek.gif GOOD GRIEF @ all the rude comments on CC today!! icon_eek.gif Its great getting feedback from people and having people answer questions, but some people have been being very rude about! C'mon people can't we all put our big girl panties on and get over all the high school attitudes??

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Amymnn Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 10:21pm
post #38 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by woodruffbn

icon_eek.gif GOOD GRIEF @ all the rude comments on CC today!! icon_eek.gif Its great getting feedback from people and having people answer questions, but some people have been being very rude about! C'mon people can't we all put our big girl panties on and get over all the high school attitudes??




I, too, am frustrated over negativity in posts: http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=641648&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

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Lady_Phoenix Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 11:00pm
post #39 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amymnn

Quote:
Originally Posted by BakedbyLisa

LadyPhoenix: I just visited your website and the freecakesforkids site too. I love this outreach! I was going to volunteer, but it looks like you have someone already doing so in my area. Just wanted to tell you how inspiring your work is to me!

Amymnn, after reading your comment above I went to free cakes for kids as well and have requested an applicataion to volunteer my cakes. What a wonderful way to give back. I've always said my favorite part of baking is the joy that comes from someone when you present them with a cake that was baked with love!



I was thinking the same thing when reading that website - thinking of the looks on the faces of those children! That's better than any amount of pay!




We can ALWAYS use more volunteers! A lot of people are putting out 12-15 free cakes per week! And yes, the smiles on the kids faces are more than adequate payment! I bake for a local foster care facility where the kids live in cottages of 12-18 kids and an adult to care for them. Some of them do have contact with their parents, but most do not and live there until they are adults.Walk in with a cake that reflects the childs favorite colors, activities and interests and you are a hero. Just knowing someone thought enough of them to make THEIR cake can change a childs life.

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Amymnn Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 11:20pm
post #40 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady_Phoenix

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amymnn

Quote:
Originally Posted by BakedbyLisa

LadyPhoenix: I just visited your website and the freecakesforkids site too. I love this outreach! I was going to volunteer, but it looks like you have someone already doing so in my area. Just wanted to tell you how inspiring your work is to me!

Amymnn, after reading your comment above I went to free cakes for kids as well and have requested an applicataion to volunteer my cakes. What a wonderful way to give back. I've always said my favorite part of baking is the joy that comes from someone when you present them with a cake that was baked with love!



I was thinking the same thing when reading that website - thinking of the looks on the faces of those children! That's better than any amount of pay!



We can ALWAYS use more volunteers! A lot of people are putting out 12-15 free cakes per week! And yes, the smiles on the kids faces are more than adequate payment! I bake for a local foster care facility where the kids live in cottages of 12-18 kids and an adult to care for them. Some of them do have contact with their parents, but most do not and live there until they are adults.Walk in with a cake that reflects the childs favorite colors, activities and interests and you are a hero. Just knowing someone thought enough of them to make THEIR cake can change a childs life.




I applied to be a volunteer and am really looking forward to hearing back from them. Thanks for all you do for such a wonderful organization icon_smile.gif

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JaimeAnn Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 11:34pm
post #41 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by __Jamie__

One more thing....cause I can't shutup, yeah yeah. icon_biggrin.gif




I can always count on you Jamie for my daily humor injection... icon_lol.gificon_wink.gif

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__Jamie__ Posted 13 Jul 2009 , 11:38pm
post #42 of 66

Lol!

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CanadianCakin Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 1:03am
post #43 of 66

I just read through everything hear and am quite taken aback! All of a sudden there was all this Drama! I didn't think anyone was being rude they were just giving there opinions as asked of the OP. I honestly did not think there was any 'attitude' or negativity in any responses...until OP got all upset.
I think if you don't want a different opinion then yours then you shouldn't ask anyone else!
People are different which means we have different opinions...you can't change that BUT you can accept that it is different then yours!

I personally don't think I could classify a mistake of the name or initials as a simple mistake.....in fact I don't classify mistakes at all as simple or complicated a mistake is a mistake whether it be big or small...and a big mistake in one persons eyes may be a small mistake in anothers....
As shown above with other past experiences some clients may not mind others may have a huge issue with it.

It's all a matter of personal opinion...and I mean EVERYTHING!!!!

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jonahsmom Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 1:15am
post #44 of 66

I just got my application sent back for Free Cakes For Kids, too! I can't wait!

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7yyrt Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 5:55pm
post #45 of 66

The rudeness was in the swearing.
If it had been posted that she 'messed up' that would be fine, but to tell her she 'fycked up' was not.

Swearing is an attack. Call me a jerk, well that's your opinion...
Call me a b1tch, and we'll have problems.

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yamber82 Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 6:31pm
post #46 of 66

so i'm not sure op is watching this amymore either, but i ALWAYS carry an emergency repair kit just in case. not sure if that would have helped with yours though. i have misspelled the name twice so far. once was for a firend of mine so she didn't fill out an order form and didn't pay either, but they were not upset about it thank goodness. the other time was on my mario cake. i posted pix before delivering and a friend called and told me about it so i was able to fix it before i left, but even if i wouldn't have know until i got there i still could have fixed it. of course that's not always the case but i got lucky that time

i make my customers fill out order forms in order to avoid those type of things, but a lot of times they never get around to it and end up emailing me the info and having me fill it out which is what happened in this case

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disubu Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 6:43pm
post #47 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by LadyG33

icon_eek.gif there seems to be alot toes being stepped on here lately. I have read one to many posts of people being mean and people thinking they were treated mean. I had to check which site I was on I stopped going to mom based forums for that very reason too much DRAMA.

As for the mess up yes it was an accident but I have to agree with the others it should be a full refund.




I AGREE!! Eeks! Come on guys...we can give our opinions and still be kind. We are here to support each other.

Full refund for sure. Live and learn. EVERYONE makes mistakes!!!!

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HelenM2002 Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 7:00pm
post #48 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady_Phoenix

I do not sell my cakes, they are all free for family and disadvantaged kids. Anytime I get a call from someone needing a cake. Even family, I make them Spell the name, at least twice to be sure I have it right. That way I avoid the spelling errors. To me, if I was given a cake or cupcakes for my birthday with my name or initials wrong I would be really upset. It would almost feel like the person who made them simply did not care enough to double check that it was right, and/or the baker did sloppy work. Taste would not change that feeling. I have had names like Johnothan (instead of Johnathan) and Shjantek as examples. No way I am going to assume spelling! icon_lol.gif




Lady Phoenix, you're wise to have even family members spell their names. My husband is Jonathan, and he often goes by "Jon". Two of his cousins often refer to him as "John"!

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DeeDelightful Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 7:24pm
post #49 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7yyrt

The rudeness was in the swearing.
If it had been posted that she 'messed up' that would be fine, but to tell her she 'fycked up' was not.

Swearing is an attack. Call me a jerk, well that's your opinion...
Call me a b1tch, and we'll have problems.




I second this thought. I understand some people, different backgrounds, upbringing and regions of the country, speak differently. In public (like on this website) where people don't know your demeanor, sometimes it is necessary to tone down some things that could be taken as offensive. I for one want all types of cake bakers and personalities to be able to share on this site, but that's just me. My horoscope is Libra the Scales, "keeper of all that is fair and just", and normally i have a 6th sense for the slightest rudeness. Maybe the responder was in a "mood" of her own and she said what she felt in the way she felt at the time, but sometimes if we re-read what we type, we would think twice about it. just my opinion.

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CookieO Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 8:21pm
post #50 of 66

call me a bit@h and my response is...ohhh absolutely doll, real fast and real good at it! (lol)

there are "constructive" ways to advise, critique, give opinions, etc.;
f'en and lousy don't seem to fit in my definition of constructive.

that being said...personally, iI would have refunded all of her money (because it wasn't a generic order. It was personalized, and it was done wrong & delivered being wrong).

I love to "give" (and only cake for family & friends at the moment), but I dont hold it over their heads for future reference for my own justifications later, not in my mind or spoken. But that's me & JMO.

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HelenM2002 Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 8:22pm
post #51 of 66

I also agree with those who think that a full refund is in order. While the cupcakes may have been delicious, we judge by sight first. And no matter how wonderful the taste was, their appearance was wrong, so the order was incorrect. I personally would have been humiliated if I had ordered a cake or cupcakes for a birthday party, and they had the wrong name/initials on them.

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Deb_ Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 8:43pm
post #52 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7yyrt

The rudeness was in the swearing.
If it had been posted that she 'messed up' that would be fine, but to tell her she 'fycked up' was not.

Swearing is an attack. Call me a jerk, well that's your opinion...
Call me a b1tch, and we'll have problems.




It looks like the original post was deleted however barb quoted the original on the first page in her own post and the "offensive" phrase was "effed up" not "fycked up" which to me is a pretty big difference.......still it should not have been written.....it certainly didn't add anything to her post.

I'm so uncomfortable with the fact that this word/phrase is used so widely nowadays.......it especially bothers me when I'm at a mall or store and I see a group of 14 yr olds throwing it around so freely, with no care that there are adults within hearing range of their conversation. Wonder how they speak at home................... icon_rolleyes.gif

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ccr03 Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 9:01pm
post #53 of 66

I know the OP has probably left this thread by now, but I would have offered to fix the cupcakes and deliver them anew at the appropriate time, if possible. Sorry, I'm not going to refund 100% of an order when not 100% of the order was wrong. To me that's just crazy.

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dutchy1971 Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 9:11pm
post #54 of 66

I'm not sure what an appropriate refund would be, but coming from the other side it's quite upsetting when someone spells your name wrong. My gran used to be a baker and her bakery did my birthday cakes as a kid, no one noticed the spelling was wrong until every one started singing Happy Birthday and my lovely snobby aunt noticed the mistake and sang happy birthday dear Lousie instead of Louise, which she found hilarious, I however was very upset at the age of 5 and 33 yrs later it still comes up every once in a while and I still feel that my birthday party was ruined by a mistake like that.

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BlakesCakes Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 9:15pm
post #55 of 66

I'd have been mortified to have made such a big mistake--one letter wrong out of 2 is a 50% error rate.

If there was no way/option to repair the problem and still re-deliver on time, I would have suggested that the customer remove the incorrect letter and then I would have refunded the entire amount.

If I were the customer, I wouldn't be making another order, so a discount wouldn't help.

Rae

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CookieO Posted 14 Jul 2009 , 9:38pm
post #56 of 66

effed up...implies the same thing no matter how it's spelled.

I agree about some of the minors now days. Some are very annoying with the potty mouths. I feel like most of it is more of a 14 going on 21 type thing...trying to act & sound grown & tough. If they only knew.

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diane706 Posted 15 Jul 2009 , 5:18am
post #57 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady_Phoenix

Anytime I get a call from someone needing a cake... I make them Spell the name, at least twice to be sure I have it right. That way I avoid the spelling errors... Taste would not change that feeling...No way I am going to assume spelling!




I check spelling of names (or initials) and ALL OTHER MAJOR DETAILS SEVERAL times before hanging up the phone or closing the in-person consultation. It pays to be anal in this business!! icon_biggrin.gif (did I really just say that??). At any rate, you admitted to your mistake... the first step to recovery! (I've NEVER made ANY mistakes with my cakes! Yeah, right) icon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif

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diane706 Posted 15 Jul 2009 , 6:06am
post #58 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlakesCakes

If I were the customer, I wouldn't be making another order, so a discount wouldn't help. Rae




OOOHH!! Must we be so harsh to the OP? She admitted that she "Messed Up" and "I apologized so many times". Good God Almighty people!! Yes, she should give a significant refund but don't FLAME her!! Haven't you EVER made a mistake that you regret and wondered how to rectify it? Hoped for forgiveness?? We're talking about CAKE here not war, famine, murder or child prostitution! Let's put this in perspective, people and GROW UP!! C'MON FLAME ME if you want and let her go! Life's too short and PRECIOUS to treat one another this way! You can respond in a manner that is edifying and uplifting without being crude.

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CanadianChick Posted 15 Jul 2009 , 6:49am
post #59 of 66

full refund, no question about it.

don't care how great the cupcakes are - she paid for customized decoration and it was absolutely wrong. there's no "50%" wrong here - it's 100% wrong in terms of decoration.


$10 is all that was offered? That's an insult in my books - don't care how many times you apologized, you would never get another order from me if you didn't immediately offer a substantial refund.

ESPECIALLY on a "simple order"...

this isn't bridezilla complaining that her cake was more of a cerulean blue than an azure blue...this is a significantly noticeable mistake. Can pretty much guarantee none of the guests will order either.

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7yyrt Posted 15 Jul 2009 , 5:57pm
post #60 of 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkelly

It looks like the original post was deleted however barb quoted the original on the first page in her own post and the "offensive" phrase was "effed up" not "fycked up" which to me is a pretty big difference.......still it should not have been written.....it certainly didn't add anything to her post.

I'm so uncomfortable with the fact that this word/phrase is used so widely nowadays.......it especially bothers me when I'm at a mall or store and I see a group of 14 yr olds throwing it around so freely, with no care that there are adults within hearing range of their conversation. Wonder how they speak at home................... icon_rolleyes.gif



effed up, fycked up, fuc#ed up, or however you spell it so the site will not block it is beside the point.
Swearing is an attack, an insult - that is it's purpose.

I agree with the distaste for the prevalence of swearing in today's society. How insults become compliments baffles me.
I prefer what my English teacher used to quote: Profanity is the refuge of the ignorant.

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