Bride wants tasting but already booked cake elsewhere

too much

 

way too much

 

now this i think this is a good time to contact the other baker

 

i would go back and double check that you have it in writing online that she is confirming with them--i'd screen shot it and save it word or wherever and i'd call the other baker

 

that is what i would do in a heartbeat

How much are you charging for the tasting?

I'd tell her the truth -- that I happened to see that she seems to have already booked her wedding cake elsewhere, and explain that I only offer free tastings to brides who are interested in booking with me. If she'd like to try my cakes then she's welcome to purchase one.

Yes, that is a great response! I agree.

I agree with handymama!

yes i agree with handymama too

 

but right after i verify and document my suspicions then contact my competitor to check my understanding and to advise of the bride's potential breech of contract

 

it's simply professional courtesy

 

maybe bridelette already cancelled with her--no harm no foul--game on

 

if the tables were turned and the bride booked with me and was out looking for a tasting with you i would sure appreciate a heads up on that

you need to establish a baseline of veracity/truth--only the other baker can establish that for you

 

the bride's character is momentarily in question--perhaps it's all an innocent minsunderstanding

 

that the baker can clear up

 

but you might not be able to determine that if you go to the bride first

I don't think there's any breach of contract or character issue here, OP has no idea whether or not this bride has a finalized contract with another bakery. And even if she does, she may still want to shop around and cancel the original contract if she finds a better vendor. As long as the bride is willing to pay for the tasting I don't see the issue.

I would just charge for the tasting, if she's only looking for free cake then that will soon get rid of her. If she's friends with the other baker then you may cause more issues than you need to by ruffling feathers there.

She may need a cake for a bridal shower.

Yeah, I've had this happened and learned the hard way since my tastings are complimentary as well for cake's estimated to be over $175. I always tell them that they cannot have a deposit down at another bakery before we schedule a tasting and ALL of the details are usually settled (design, size, price, etc) so that when they come to the tasting, it's just finalizing details and trying the flavors. I've found that this weeds out those people who are just trying to get free cake. 

 

I would simply ask her if she has any deposits down anywhere else (and perhaps hint at the bakery you think she does). It's funny how many brides friend me on Facebook and don't realize others can read what they're posting about wedding planning! haha. 

 

Good luck with the client!