Things That Drive Me Crazy--

Decorating By Cakemommy2012 Updated 18 Apr 2013 , 6:09pm by cakealicious7

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 3:17am
post #1 of 57

There are so many things that drive me crazy, thought I would share and see if others have the same issues!

 

Here's 10 of mine-not in any real order:

 

1. Mothers calling needing a special birthday cake for their precious child--the day before the party! (First Birthdays drive me the craziest)

 

2. Some one saying "Oh I don't need anything too fancy....(Do you go to a tattoo artist and tell them to give you a tattoo, but nothing too fancy??)

 

3. Friends and family (who have gotten free cakes from you for years) comments "Who knew you were so talented!" (Well I am apparently talented enough to make your free cakes!)

 

4. Customer calls and wants to order a cake, but they're not sure what they want written on it or how to decorate!  You make some suggestions and they shoot down every single one! (If you don't know what I want neither do I)

 

5. People who think it's ok to mash up as many birthdays and peoples names on one cake as they possibly can!  (I can't imagine Grandma Sue, Uncle Bob, Niece Suzy, and Brother Jim appreciate sharing a cake)

 

6. Offering to do a cake for a friends birthday (for free as the gift) then they proceed... adding to the cake, wanting to make the cake bigger, and at the same time hinting for a birthday present! (When I win the lottery I'll let ya know!)

 

7. Customers request a custom cake, you quote a price per slice. They freak out saying why does everyone charge by the slice, I just want a small cheap cake?! (I now reply with a phrase I found on here a while back "Paint is sold by the gallon, bread is sold by the loaf, carpet is sold by the yard, and cake is sold by the serving." 

 

8. "I just want a simple, quick, last min cake" when asked for more details they reply "Oh just a handful of roses, 2-3 tiers tall, beading, lace work, painted designs, etc"  (What was the simple part??)

 

9. "I need a Yellow cake"  (Yellow is a color not a cake flavor)

 

10. Showing up late to pick up your cake. This is especially annoying if they were adament about the pick up time when placing the order!!!

 

 

Now your turn!  What drives YOU crazy!

56 replies
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peilinl Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:17am
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I had just seen this and posted about an occasion that annoyed me so much on the "things not to ask / say to a baker" thread. It should probably belong here.

http://cakecentral.com/t/751860/things-not-to-ask-say-to-a-baker/735

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Relznik Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:05am
post #3 of 57

Oh I'm just of the opinion my cake business would be fine if it wasn't for CUSTOMERS! LOL!!!!!

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kikiandkyle Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 1:19pm
post #4 of 57

ARe cake by the slice - tell them it costs the same whether they pay by the slice or for the whole thing, it's up to them whether they buy enough to feed all their guests or not!

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:28pm
post #5 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by Relznik 

Oh I'm just of the opinion my cake business would be fine if it wasn't for CUSTOMERS! LOL!!!!!

EXACTLY!!!!!!

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:29pm
post #6 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by kikiandkyle 

Re cake by the slice - tell them it costs the same whether they pay by the slice or for the whole thing, it's up to them whether they buy enough to feed all their guests or not!

Customers just don't understand that is how to measure out the quanity-it's our job to teach them (just some days I want to smack them instead!)

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:38pm
post #7 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by peilinl 

I had just seen this and posted about an occasion that annoyed me so much on the "things not to ask / say to a baker" thread. It should probably belong here. http://cakecentral.com/t/751860/things-not-to-ask-say-to-a-baker/735

That cake is amazing! The fact that you took so much time to do it without any artificial flavoring and those mushrooms-- WOW!  Family are the worst--they are the ones you hope will fawn over your cakes the most, but sometimes are the most hurtful! When he turns 2 direct them to the closest bakery and laugh as they pay the big bucks for a cake for not being appreciative!

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auntginn Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:41pm
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I love #7 and will have to use that one.  My pet peeve adds to #10, Customer makes appt to choose cake or bring deposit and calls next day to tell you why they didn't show up, then tells you they are on their way.  (Doesn't matter what I've got going on, lots of times I'm with some else already)

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cakealicious7 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:47pm
post #9 of 57

AThat was hilarious- have you thought about a job as a comedian? I particularly like # 7.

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:56pm
post #10 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by auntginn 

I love #7 and will have to use that one.  My pet peeve adds to #10, Customer makes appt to choose cake or bring deposit and calls next day to tell you why they didn't show up, then tells you they are on their way.  (Doesn't matter what I've got going on, lots of times I'm with some else already)

They think we stand by the phone anticipating THEIR call as they are the only other human on the planet that should matter!  HAHAHA

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 5:56pm
post #11 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by cakealicious7 

That was hilarious- have you thought about a job as a comedian? I particularly like # 7.


7 is my fav and it gets alot of mean looks but they are totally worth it!

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hbquikcomjamesl Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:06pm
post #12 of 57
Quote:

Originally Posted by Cakemommy2012 

 

9. "I need a Yellow cake"  (Yellow is a color not a cake flavor)

 

Yes, it's a color, but if it's not a flavor, or at least a type of cake, they why do all the cake mix producers offer something they call a "yellow cake"?

 

Of course, you could always answer, "I'm a baker, not a uranium refiner!"

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ChiaPet Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:09pm
post #13 of 57

AIt drives me insane when I get an order for a half chocolate, half vanilla cake. Make up your mind--you will never make all of your guests happy! I charge extra for it...it is such a pain!

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ufo9978 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:12pm
post #14 of 57

I had people call me on a Monday for a Saturday and cake and then asking " how soon should I order?" it burns me inside out !

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Misdawn Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:16pm
post #15 of 57

I have one to add....when a family member brings a cake to a family dinner (Easter) and then tells you "I  don't cakes from you. You're expensive!"

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hdmt704 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:17pm
post #16 of 57

AWhen someone calls for a quote for a cake, and when given the price, they say, "Well, I could get that at Walmart for $50." OK, go ahead then. I don't make Walmart cakes!

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CupcakerCathy Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:17pm
post #17 of 57

Number 10 irks me to no end. I sat around for an hour a couple of weeks ago, waiting for a cake to be picked up. An Hour!! Who comes that late? Ugh.

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Lambshack Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:17pm
post #18 of 57

If you use good quality butter and farm fresh eggs, you will end up with a yellow-tinted cake which I sell as a "Butter Cake"... I can still flavor with vanilla or almond or just about anything really, as long as it doesn't change the color.

 

I think most non-bakers are thinking of the traditional yellow-cake-with-chocolate-frosting that was made popular by all the Betty Crocker commercials of the 80s and 90s.  Now it seems everyone wants something 'gourmet' and to be honest, the classics will always be the best tasting to me!

 

If you told any customer their red velvet would have actual beet juice in it, they'd be all over a regular chocolate cake!

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Misdawn Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:18pm
post #19 of 57

...or how about when a customer calls Monday for a cake for Saturday and then says "can I just pay when I pick it up?" Um, no. I'm doing you a favor by taking your last minute order. The least you can do is pay me for it in a timely manner.

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Slindsey Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:24pm
post #20 of 57

ALove the people who want a three tier, fondant covered cake with all sorts of embellishments and are expecting it to cost $30.00. The grocery store doesn't even sell a sheet cake for $30.00! And the ones who call on a Thursday and want a huge cake by Saturday! Drives me crazy!!

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lish1904 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:28pm
post #21 of 57

#10 is one of my biggest. Just last weekend I had a customer show up 1.5 hour late for picking up a cake. After she wanted it ready for 3, and I texted her at 2:05p telling her it was ready. She responds a little before 3 saying she would be there around 4, and she shows up at 5:30! I was beyond livid. And she didn't even bother to send any follow up texts saying she was late. Needless to say I didn't feel bad for falling asleep and missing her calls/texts for 10 mins. People can be so rude.  And I'm with Relznik, customers can suck the joy out of making cakes.

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ladykickfire Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:30pm
post #22 of 57

I just love # 3. LOL

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auntginn Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 6:53pm
post #23 of 57

Misdawn, that really hits hard.

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sandieann Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:05pm
post #24 of 57

AMy number 1 would be when I offer to make the cake for free and then get told every single detail of how the cake should look. I understand them choosing the taste but if I'm doing it for free all I need is the theme and ill decide how it looks ( what's cheaper/easier for me) since it is free! #2 Would be said person demanding to pay me (which is great) but then when time to pick up "I left the money at home" or "I'm gonna bring you some money to the party" party in which I was invited and had to buy a gift for! But yet again no money at the party. #3 People who are friends and family who actually don't mind paying but instead of me giving them a price they immediately say "I'll pay ya $20" I've often wanted to post a breakdown of the supplies and show them that $20 just doesn't cut it! #4 still asking me to make your cake even after I told you I don't make them anymore!! Knowing it hard for me to say NO! #5 showing up late #6 making cakes leaves the biggest mess you could ever imagine in the kitchen. So after hours of baking and decorating there's a huge mess to clean up. #7 if you don't have the ability to clear your mind on demand cakes will overwhelm you and the stress will build #8 the fact that you can go to sleep with a beautiful cake and wake up to a leaning tower! No matter how many dowels you used! (Happened twice) thankfully thats all! #9 not getting the icing just right and it sticks to the paper towel when doing the smoothing. #10 being able to make really pretty cakes but quiting because "friends and family" were taking advantage of your talent!

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cakealicious7 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:16pm
post #25 of 57

A@ sandieann #10 you didnt really quit did ya??

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Renne1956 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:19pm
post #26 of 57

I agree with each and every rule!  I had a customer who couldn't make up her mind and for 2 weeks I got 62 texts from her with pictures!! She drove me insane. I finally got her to agree to a sheet cake, 48 cupcakes and 48 football cake pops! She wanted it all for a Saturday morning. I texted her Friday around 3pm and told her everything was ready if she would like to come and pick it up. She asked me why was everything ready on friday. Will it still be good for Saturday morning? Honestly, if she thought I was making all of this on Saturday morning...she is crazy!  And she said she would be over to pick it up at 5 pm and showed up at 9pm. Needless to say....do not want want to deal with her again!!

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sandieann Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:28pm
post #27 of 57

AYes I did! It wasn't worth being cooped up in my kitchen every weekend with no money coming in. My kids were tired of it too.

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cakealicious7 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:33pm
post #28 of 57

AAwww, that's sad- people like to take advantage of other's good nature.

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Ashlybabe13 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 7:34pm
post #29 of 57

My BIGGEST pet peeve is the haggling aspect. I have told people over the phone or the computer that I am not a garage sale and I won't be haggled with. But EVERY single customer tries it, I had to ask one lady if she walks into a grocery store and haggles with the manager over the price of apples??? It drives me CRAZY!!!! 

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Cakemommy2012 Posted 11 Apr 2013 , 8:33pm
post #30 of 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChiaPet 

It drives me insane when I get an order for a half chocolate, half vanilla cake. Make up your mind--you will never make all of your guests happy! I charge extra for it...it is such a pain!

Me too ChiaPet!  It takes twice as long to bake 2 cakes for your 1/2 and 1/2 so I charge extra labor as well!

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