Customer Is Making Me Worry A Little!!! (Vent)

Business By Karema Updated 24 Mar 2012 , 5:00pm by Karema

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Karema Posted 11 Mar 2012 , 8:40pm
post #1 of 34

So my husband has been taking cupcakes to work and one of his co workers has asked to order cupcakes for a party. Well my husband told her she needs to call me and place the order. It took her two weeks to call me. When she finally calls she tells me she wants 50 cupcakes 1/2 red velvet 1/2 plain? I'm like what is plain? Do you mean vanilla, yellow, or white? She is likle the plain ones! I'm like ok well I will make them yellow what kind of frosting would you like. She is like I want the frosting white bc the colors are white and silver and gold. I'm like ok got it. She then says she wants the letter p on 1/2 and the number 50 on the other half. She says that is for her mom who has passed and would have been 50 this year. I thought that was sweet. She says that she wants them to be flat on the cupcake. I told her that I could make them out of fondant and she says she wants them silver and gold and shiny. But she wants the icing flat and the numbers letters on them flat. But then says she wants cream cheese frosting on the red velvet!!! ok maybe I'm slow but WHAT??? So I'm like ok well I can use fondant for the letters. and place it on top of the cupcake but I would swirl the icing on. She's like no I want it flat but I want buttercream. I don't know what she is talking about really I don't. She asked me how she is going to get the cupcakes and I told her my husband would bring them to work. She then asked can she get a picture of the cupcakes bc she wants to see how they are going to look. She is now getting on my last nerve!!! But I say no problem I can send it by text the week of the party so you can see one. Now I'm annoyed bc does she expect me to make her cupcakes early just so I can ice one so she can see it. I'm sure they will be dry and hard by saturday.

My husband goes to work and he sees her and she informs him that she has off on saturday so how is she going to get her cupcakes. He tells her well call my wife and discuss it with her but I know that she asked me to bring them to you. He told her that if she didn't call he would call her the next day. He calls her and she doesn't answer. So he sees her again two days later and he wants to give her the quote but she disappers. I told my hubby she probably doesn't want the order. I usually bake on Thursday's and Friday's and this last week I was going to bake a few extra cupcakes to take a picture to show her but since we didn't hear from her I didn't. She calls me today like "oh I'm so sorry I was sleep when you called". I say ok well I have your quote and it's going to be $168 for 50 cupcakes with fondant letters and numbers on top. She's like wait I thought the letter was going to be flat on the cupcake. I'm like that can happen but it's still fondant. She's like no I want the icing. So I'm guess she wants me to pipe the letters and numbers on but how does she want them to be silver, gold and shiny? So I say don't worry I have it under control. I asked her if she could meet my husband on the train or in front of the job. She says that she lives kind of far from the job and she has running around to do that day. I told her that she has three options "Meet my husband at the job before he starts work or during one of his breaks, meet him at the train station, pay a delivery fee for me to take 3 hours out of my schedule to bring them to her house." She is so distraught about all of this. I tell her you know what don't worry I will ask my husband to leave early and bring them to your house. she is super grateful. So I asked how is she going to pay bc she hasn't put down anything yet. She she said she would come to the job and give him money ( I had just told her that he is off for the entire week)and give him the rest when he brings the cupcakes. Usually I would say no but since he works with her I said ok. What should I do if I don't see a customer before their order to have them pay? I then made the hugest mistake and asked if she wanted any filling in her yellow cupcakes. She was so lost!!! I explained what filling was and had to tell her like a Hostos cupcake has the white cream I have the cream or fruit. She then decides on pineapple but she was so lost. I'm so worried about this order and still don't have an idea of what she wants!!! Did I make a mistake taking this order? How do I make this icing flat with a shiny letter? Help!!! I'm sure glad I charged her what I did bc it's a PITA fee added on. Am I wrong for being a little annoyed?

33 replies
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RebeccaBloomwood Posted 11 Mar 2012 , 9:02pm
post #2 of 34

Maybe you could ask her if she can find a picture on the internet of the type of cupcake that she wants, even just a similar one, just so you can have an idea of what she means? Then ask her to email it to you. Or you could do vice versa, you could maybe email her a picture of a cupcake in the style that you think she wants. HTH

Goodluck with the order icon_smile.gif

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cakelady2266 Posted 11 Mar 2012 , 10:02pm
post #3 of 34

Run Forrest Run. She either won't pick them up, won't pay for them or if she does she pick them up and pay for them she won't like them. Or she will cancel them the day before or the morning of.

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dawnybird Posted 11 Mar 2012 , 11:18pm
post #4 of 34

I agree with the PP. This woman sounds like a flake and it sounds like a fiasco waiting to happen. People wouldn't try to pull this kind of stunt with a "real bakery", but because you are a private baker she probably thinks you should be all grateful just to get an order! Sheeesh!

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bakencake Posted 11 Mar 2012 , 11:45pm
post #5 of 34

be ready for her to say "I don't have the money, can I give it to your husband at work?" and then have him chase her all over work for that money. If he does deliver make sure that he gets the money first and then give the cupcakes or work out something for him to say if she doesn't have the money

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southerncross Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 12:42am
post #6 of 34

Oh my....this reminds me of a book that was popular in the late 90's called The Gift of Fear. The book was originally designed to help people avoid trauma and violence by learning to identify the warning flags. One of the most interesting premises is that we each need to trust our instincts. I've found this advice to be just as true in assessing minor problems as well as major ones. If your instinct is the run from this lady, then RUN.
I like to sell my products as much as the next baker...it makes me feel validated but it's not worth dealing with someone who gives off vibes that mean trouble. Sometimes you just have to set limits on these people. Money when they pick up the cupcakes, respect for your time, design and product.
I appreciate the delicate situation that this is your husband's co-worker but if you put on your best "southern" smile, start the conversation with "why bless your heart" then tell her what you will and will not do, you'll be surprised how easy it is to take control and protect yourself and your sanity. Good luck...just remember there are hundreds of thousands of bakers on CC who have your back!

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cakelady2266 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 1:02am
post #7 of 34

Oh and to help you set your limits and save your sanity I have 2 words of advice. (1) Deposit (2) Contracts. I have a simple contract but it states, 3 week before event everything has to be finalized and any and all changes after that time will subject to additional charges AND the balance has to be paid 2 weeks prior to event, unpaid balance equals no merchandise, no exceptions.

This contract deals mainly with brides but I have used it for new customers that I got a bad vibe from. If they are just jerking my chain they get lost quick when they find out they have to pay a deposit.

Don't be a softy.

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cathyscakes Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 1:11am
post #8 of 34

I really was wondering if she meant she wants them iced smooth and flat, and then the fondant letters were on that. I would just ice and then use a paper towel and smooth just like with a cake, so its perfectly smooth and flat. I might not be understanding, but don't see why fondant numbers wouldn't be o.k., she could just remove them if she didn't like fondant.
I'm dealing with this also, people that like to micro-manage every thing. I was planning a wedding cake with my neice as a wedding gift. She was driving me crazy with every detail, even wanted me to make a sample tier with the design to see if she would like it. In contrast to my other niece, that has never had much and is just so happy that someone is doing something so nice for her. She is so grateful and thankful, such a sweetheart, its people like her, that makes doing what I do worth it.

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elliespartycake Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 1:41am
post #9 of 34

Karema, don't let this woman "play" you. You dictate the terms of the transaction. You send her a sketch/photo to finalize design. If she insists on your baking a sample for her, charge her for it. You've spent far to much time over thinking this. Email her your design plan, delivery details, cost, etc. If she OKs it (not verbally but via email so you have a record) then you should get a deposit. If, at this point, it's too close to the event, insist on full payment at delivery (no "check is in the mail" stuff). No payment, no cupcakes.

It's your business! She can dictate the design but you dictate the the price and the terms.

Hope this works out well for you.

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Karema Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 4:00am
post #10 of 34

Well she is saying that she doesn't know what fondant is so she doesn't necessarily want fondant letters. She just wants the letters and numbers on the cake. If she does not want fondant I don't know how to do it that would look classy. I would never just pipe it on. I think I may cancel and tell her to go elsewhere we will see. She is not saying that she wants a sample she just wants a picture of how it would look. I don't know what to think anymore lol I will just see what happens when it gets closer. I'm not going to start the fondant until thursday to give her a chance to back out. I feel like I should tell her to bring the deposit to me but it's just so far away. She is about 1-2 hours away by train...sigh

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sweetkake Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 4:44am
post #11 of 34

When I need a flat top with buttercream on a cupcake, I spread buttercream evenly on a sheet pan lined with wax paper. Then I freeze it fairly firm but not frozen solid, I take a cookie cutter the size I need for the cupcake and make buttercream icing discs. I lift each icing disc on to the cupcake, 95% of the disc come out perfectly. You do have to work quickly, especially in the Summer. With this method you can lay numbers and letters on individually or on a fondant disc. HTH

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Karema Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 5:10am
post #12 of 34

Thank you so much for all the advice. I will try to make the disc and see how they come out. Now I have to go buy a cirlce cookie cutter that will fit on top of the cupcake...

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Unlimited Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 5:25am
post #13 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karema

Thank you so much for all the advice. I will try to make the disc and see how they come out. Now I have to go buy a cirlce cookie cutter that will fit on top of the cupcake...




A biscuit cutter or empty soup/vegetable can makes a nice circle cutter.

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sweetkake Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 5:27am
post #14 of 34

Or the mouth of a glass or jar. My grandma use to cut biscuits with the mouth of a jelly glass. LOL!

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Pria Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 5:30am
post #15 of 34

Karema... a trick I learned for piping in a mixture of colours is to make 2 batches of icing in the colours I require, then fill the icing in very small amounts into 2 piping bags with a small hole in. place the piping bags on their sides and flatted a bit. The hole should be far smaller than the hole required for a nozzle. Then take a third bag and this one will have the nozzle in the shape you want to pipe out the numbers.

Place the 2 piping bags with the icing into the third piping bag. What you want to achieve is that when you squeeze the third piping bag with the other 2 in it, the icing comes out in 2 colours yet makes the pattern of the nozzle. This sounds hectic but really easy once you do it the first time and play around. This can be used to get multiple colour swirls .

Then for the silver portion, once the buttercream is crusted, you can use silver luster dust mixed with a tiny bit if vodka and paint it onto the numbers you have piped or just sprinkle the luster dust.

Another option for the flat icing would be use a glaze icing over the normal buttercream icing. Glaze icing is made from confectioners sugar (icing sugar) & hot water. It forms a runny icing but dries nicely. I like the other idea of the buttercream icing disks. That sounds like it would work as well.

Sorry about your woes. We all have difficult customers. Just hang in there. This too shall pass and you will breathe a sigh of relief once its over.

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carmijok Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 8:47am
post #16 of 34

Bend over because you are about to get it in the end! Sorry but this lady will not pay you. It's funny how she has you jumping through all kinds of hoops for her, yet she can't seem to oblige you one bit. All the trouble you're going through and I can almost guarantee she'll not like what you produce.

She doesn't know what a vanilla cupcake is? She doesn't know what filling is? But she knows she want's flat icing with numbers and letters. Prepare to get stuck because when she gets her order I bet she won't be happy with it. Sorry, but I've seen this too many times. She will only drive you crazy but only if you let her. And right now, she's the one running the show. You must ask yourself if it's worth it. Good luck!

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Curtsmin24 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 9:12am
post #17 of 34

I hate to say it because you are probably going crazy trying to figure this lady out but, Carmijok is right. There is no such thing as a plain flavor. Unless this lady is a dinosaur, she has to know what a filling is. (not trying to sound mean) That's like not knowing what stuffing is. Has she ever had cake? Cream cheese and buttercream have a very distinct taste, even when it's from a supermarket bakery.

IMHO, I think you shouldn't waste your time with her. I would tell her that you just can't help her and if she asks why be honest. "I don't feel that I can meet your needs" You know you can but she's just a pita.

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gatorcake Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 11:30am
post #18 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Curtsmin24

I hate to say it because you are probably going crazy trying to figure this lady out but, Carmijok is right. There is no such thing as a plain flavor. Unless this lady is a dinosaur, she has to know what a filling is. (not trying to sound mean) That's like not knowing what stuffing is. Has she ever had cake? Cream cheese and buttercream have a very distinct taste, even when it's from a supermarket bakery.

IMHO, I think you shouldn't waste your time with her. I would tell her that you just can't help her and if she asks why be honest. "I don't feel that I can meet your needs" You know you can but she's just a pita.




The presumptiveness of this thread is astounding. While the client is certainly being difficult the assumptions being made about this individual are as bad or worse than the actions of the client. No such thing as a plain flavor? Not for you. For someone unfamiliar with cake flavors sure. How many people describe vanilla cakes as yellow? Yellow is not a flavor it is a color. What is the flavor of white cake? And fyi there are cake recipes that describe the cake as "plain."

Has to be a dinosaur because they don't know what a filling is. Sure, I made filled cupcakes for colleagues who had never experienced a filled cupcake before this year. Simply because it is something common to you does not mean it is common to everyone. Not everyone eats cupcakes regularly, and not everyone watches Cupcake Wars.

Has this client been difficult? Yes. Has she done anything to warrant the assassination of her character? No

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QTCakes1 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 12:30pm
post #19 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatorcake

[quote="Curtsmin24
Has she done anything to warrant the assassination of her character? No




Wow. I have heard some exxagerated statements on here before, but "assassination of her character"? Really?!? I swear people on C.C. need to get a grip sometimes.

As for the OP, ok, your worried. Why are you jumping through hoops and taking this order still? That's another thing about C.C. I won't get. As many nightmare stories that get shared on here, people still come on here and talk about a concerened customer that they are jumping through hoops for, take the order, come back on here, and say "I wish I hadn't done the order"...oh and they made like $20 bucks and threw in free delivery. Nice. I love the busienss forum on here. thumbs_up.gif

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Curtsmin24 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 5:58pm
post #20 of 34

[quote]
The presumptiveness of this thread is astounding. While the client is certainly being difficult the assumptions being made about this individual are as bad or worse than the actions of the client. No such thing as a plain flavor? Not for you. For someone unfamiliar with cake flavors sure. How many people describe vanilla cakes as yellow? Yellow is not a flavor it is a color. What is the flavor of white cake? And fyi there are cake recipes that describe the cake as "plain."

Has to be a dinosaur because they don't know what a filling is. Sure, I made filled cupcakes for colleagues who had never experienced a filled cupcake before this year. Simply because it is something common to you does not mean it is common to everyone. Not everyone eats cupcakes regularly, and not everyone watches Cupcake Wars.

Has this client been difficult? Yes. Has she done anything to warrant the assassination of her character? No




I am sorry you feel that way.



Quote:
Quote:

Wow. I have heard some exxagerated statements on here before, but "assassination of her character"? Really?!? I swear people on C.C. need to get a grip sometimes.

As for the OP, ok, your worried. Why are you jumping through hoops and taking this order still? That's another thing about C.C. I won't get. As many nightmare stories that get shared on here, people still come on here and talk about a concerened customer that they are jumping through hoops for, take the order, come back on here, and say "I wish I hadn't done the order"...oh and they made like $20 bucks and threw in free delivery. Nice. I love the busienss forum on here.





That's why a lot of CCer's stopped commenting. I agree with you 100%. There are so many nightmare stories on here and I wanted to give Karema my honest opinion. You know sometimes we just need a little push from someone else to make a firm decision.

Karema, I wish you the best of luck with however you decide to deal with this lady.

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bakencake Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 7:43pm
post #21 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by southerncross

Oh my....this reminds me of a book that was popular in the late 90's called The Gift of Fear. The book was originally designed to help people avoid trauma and violence by learning to identify the warning flags. One of the most interesting premises is that we each need to trust our instincts. I've found this advice to be just as true in assessing minor problems as well as major ones. If your instinct is the run from this lady, then RUN.
I like to sell my products as much as the next baker...it makes me feel validated but it's not worth dealing with someone who gives off vibes that mean trouble. Sometimes you just have to set limits on these people. Money when they pick up the cupcakes, respect for your time, design and product.
I appreciate the delicate situation that this is your husband's co-worker but if you put on your best "southern" smile, start the conversation with "why bless your heart" then tell her what you will and will not do, you'll be surprised how easy it is to take control and protect yourself and your sanity. Good luck...just remember there are hundreds of thousands of bakers on CC who have your back!




Comments like this makes me wish there was a "like" feature here. oh, here it is, sorta thumbs_up.gif

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cakelady2266 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 7:49pm
post #22 of 34

I call these "war stories." If you've never had something like this happen to you personally you don't think it ever will, until it does. And when it does it's all fingers on the keyboard, and "oh no what do I do with this customer?"

The "assumptions" about this type client comes from those of us with YEARS of experience. Those of us who have bent over backwards to do everything humanly possible to fulfill the order, only to have it blow up in our faces.

Believe it or not these customers exist and those of us who advise "run" have first hand experience. Customers who tend to be difficult, indecisive, vague, entitled, hard to get hold of, I want it all but don't want to pay for it, are rarely pleased or rarely worth the effort.

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Curtsmin24 Posted 12 Mar 2012 , 9:23pm
post #23 of 34

Cakelady2266 wrote:

Quote:
Quote:

The "assumptions" about this type client comes from those of us with YEARS of experience. Those of us who have bent over backwards to do everything humanly possible to fulfill the order, only to have it blow up in our faces.

Believe it or not these customers exist and those of us who advise "run" have first hand experience. Customers who tend to be difficult, indecisive, vague, entitled, hard to get hold of, I want it all but don't want to pay for it, are rarely pleased or rarely worth the effort.






Exactly! but what do I know icon_wink.gif

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Karema Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 1:36am
post #24 of 34

So to update you all of what is going on. I took the order like a stated and ordered the supplies online. I got everything in.but I did not start the order as of yet. I got a call just a few minutes ago for the customer and she asked if she was disturbing anything I said no how are you doing today. I already had in my head that she would cancel bc you guys told me she would icon_wink.gif So I was ready for her problem. She informed me that her aunt would be making cupcakes as well and she is having a cake but she still wants my cupcakes but she just doesn't need as much! I told her I felt that it was best for both of us if I cancel the order. I explained that I heard about her order last month and I never heard anything from her and she contacted me a week before the event. I've ordered her supplies from online and have paid shipping and handling and now she only wants half of the order! I told her no please go elsewhere. She begged and begged and told me how much she liked how my cupcakes looked and they were so pretty and she wants professional cupcakes there to display. I then layed out the rules in case she didn't know.

1. I usually take orders no later than three weeks in advance and payment 2 weeks before and I made an exception bc she works with my husband. I told her that I don't bake and then get paid bc I do not want to get stuck with the order. I explained that my husband would not be at work all week so she would not be able to give a deposit. This is not something that I do so red flags have already gone up. She promised and said the we had a verbal agreement that she would pay.

2. I usually sell cupcakes by the dozen and I already made an exception and was selling her 50! I would not make an odd number and she would have to take 24 or 36 period.

3. Delivary is not FREE especially when it is an hour and a half on the public trasportation system. If she wanted them she would have to meet my husband and get over it. She said ok I will get in a cab and get them from him.

4. You have already waited to the last minute and now you are calling 5 days before your event and you want a sample picture? It's not going to happen!!! You have to trust that I would not give you anything that is unacceptable or ugly. I only bake the day before so your cupcake will be fresh so I will not bake one cupcake just to decorate it to show you a picture. If you want you can go online and look at cupcakes and pick one out that you may like so I can see your style and I will decide how they will look!!! I will decide bc you don't know what you want and you don't know the terms that I am using and we have not had a chance to meet and go through pictures so you will take what I can do at such late notice. I explained that I'm an artist and I will not copy someone's work exactly but I take what she wants into consideration and make what I feel would look and taste best. So she is just going to have to trust me.

5. You are not allowed to change this order bc it is last minute!!!

6 I am not offering you two different flavors bc you are only ordering 2 dozen and I am not making two different ones bc IT IS LAST MINUTE!!!

7. She goes on to tell me that she would feel bad cancelling the whole order bc she wants to taste the cupcakes. I told her that my husband sells them at work every week and she can taste them then. She should just go ahead and cancel while I'm giving her an out and just serve the cake and cupcakes. I'm sure she would have enough cake and I asked how big her cake was. "She replied it's regular sized!!!" I then went off!!! I'm not proud of my responce but I said it nicely but if I had to do it again I may not have. I told her "do not call a baker someone who makes cakes and say that the cake is regular size. We do not know what that means! Is is round, rectangle, two layers, 8",9"10"?" What is it? She just giggled nervously and said it a round cake that is small. I said ok it's proabably 10" if it has your mom's picture on it.

8. Just for good measure I explained that I am not desperate for orders so please don't feel guilty if you have to cancel. I will understand. I would rather you cancel than stick me with cupcakes that you don't end up paying for!

So explained to her what is not going to happen and what she is going to get for last minute ordering and she accepted. I told my husband when I hung up the phone that when he meets her under no circumstances is allowed to give her cupcakes without full payment. I don't care what excuse she gives. I don't care if she promises her first born child DO NOT GIVE HER THE CUPCAKES WITHOUT PAYMENT. I told him to take them to work and take off the letters and sell them to his co workers and get my money!!!

I'm proud that I took control but I really wish this thing would just go away. I was relieved when I thought she was going to cancel. I didn't flat out be rude and nasty and say I'm not making anything for you so no bc she works with my husband and I'm going to trust up to a certain point. We will see what happens. She sounds very young and naive, and I'm just going to pray that I get through this ok. At least it's only two dozen cupcakes so if she doesn't pay I can sell them.

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QTCakes1 Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 2:07am
post #25 of 34

Do not apologize for taking charge. I have noticed customers are much more appreciative and easier to work with when you set clear guidlines. I had a client e-mail 3 times a day for 3 days in a row. I had to tell her she had to trust that I had her vision, cause if she didn't, it was never going to work. She never e-mailed me again and was beyond thrilled when she saw her order.

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cakelady2266 Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 3:17am
post #26 of 34

Karema, good for you. At some point we all had to just take charge. Set minimums on things like cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, etc...

I have less hassle with weddings. These birthdays are the PIMA. A couple years ago this woman ordered her daughters 1st birthday cake from me. Over the next 4 months she sent me 75 emails that included pictures of cakes, zebras, party invitations, and outfits the child would be wearing AND that doesn't include phone calls just to go over things. This cake was to serve a whopping 15 people.

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Curtsmin24 Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 9:14am
post #27 of 34

Karema, when I read your post it made me smile. icon_biggrin.gif You took charge and handled it with grace. We don't always have to yell to get our point across and some people really have no clue. I almost died when you mentioned "regular-sized cake". I think at that point you were just frustrated (understandable), but at least she knows now. I'm not going to lie, I might have responded similarly, at least you weren't nasty about it. She is your husband's co-worker after all. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and you get more orders from this. Happy baking! thumbs_up.gifthumbs_up.gif

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butterfly831915 Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 9:45am
post #28 of 34

Good for you!! I think it did well. I guess one way you could have gotten out of it would have been by saying you don't allow there to be other cakes and such with yours to avoid possilble issues if someone gets sick from eating cake. Hopefully she gets it now and does pay.

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RebeccaBloomwood Posted 13 Mar 2012 , 4:15pm
post #29 of 34

wonderfully handled Karema! icon_biggrin.gif
I wish I would have the courage to do that too when the situation calls for it, nicely done! icon_biggrin.gifthumbs_up.gif

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Karema Posted 17 Mar 2012 , 5:04pm
post #30 of 34

Well I should have canceled the order like I wanted to put I didn't bc I thought I would give her a chance. I made the cupcakes and they came out great. I rolled out the fondant and went to use the cutters to punch out those 50's and P's. The letters and numbers were too small. I orderd them from Global Arts and they were 1". The fondant kept sticking and I couldn't get it out. I used powdered sugar then I tried crisco and nothing worked. I ended up running to Michaels and looking for numbers and letters. They only had 2 1/2 inch which wre entirely too big. So I ended buying stencil and a gumpaste set that cost $30. Then I get back home and open the stencils and they are not a continous letter. I was fuming. My husband stayed up and tried to make them look good. He then painted them gold and silver. They looked ok. I let them dry and placed them on the side of the swirl. They looked ok. I was so disappointed bc when I have an order I usually make the decorations a week ahead of time. I was so upset but I knew from you guys not to tell the customer anything. I printed out two receipts one with the regular price and one with a discount of $9 for the letters. I told my husband that is she saw them and said "Awwww these are so nice, I love them" give her the regular receipt and if she said "Ohhhh ok these don't look like what I thought they would but thanks" give her the discounted receipt! My husband said me met her and she said "ohhhhh these look great" So he charged her the regular price. You all have tought me that we are harder on ourselves than the customer and that's what happened. So the order is out and I'm a little happier but I can tell I didn't like them bc I didn't even take a picture lol. Thank you all for the advice and encouragement!

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