Bride Claims A Few Guests Said Cake Was Dry/ Undone

Decorating By cakindiva Updated 6 Aug 2013 , 6:16pm by therealmrsriley

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cakindiva Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 2:40pm
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Hey - I did a fabulous cake for a bride 6 tiers each tier a different flavor. Bride paid most of the cake and since I knew her I agreed to have her pay me the balance the following Monday...

 

On Monday I get a call from the bride saying some people (3 or 4) complained to her that one of the flavors were "dry" and someone said it was "undone".. This was interesting to me because I leveled the cakes and had left over none of which tasted dry or undone - also the wedding coordinator told me people said the cake was good - and a comment on FB saying the cake was good (mind you idk which flavor they were talking about)....When I went to pick up my cake stand (the reception wasn't over yet) I was able to go in the back and see the cake being cut...the servers told me lots of cake was left over because they took a while to cut the cake (reception started around 6  - went there at 10 and they were still cutting cake - and guests were leaving as i walked in)

 

I would really hate the bad publicity and agreed to take off a small fee (since she still hadn't paid balance and it was only one flavor) (mind you her cake was already discounted :).... Funny thing about this entire scenario was that the flavor she said some guests said was dry and another said was undone - the same batter was used for 2 other orders that weekend and both clients claimed it was the best cake they've had!!!

 

How should I handle this since it was only 3 or 4 guests and I know there is cake left over (but that's because of the guests leaving) 

 

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

52 replies
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Dayti Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 3:05pm
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How many guests had cake? 100? So 3 or 4% of them didn't like it? It's no big deal, really. Was it a scratch cake? Some people find scratch cakes dry if they are used to cakes made with box mixes. If over half of the guests found it dry I would be concerned. But you yourself say it wasn't dry, and got good reviews from other customers on the same cake, so I wouldn't worry about it. You don't give her a discount because less than a handful of guests didn't like the cake. By the way, I think it's pretty difficult to have a cake that is both dry AND underdone. If its dry, it's usually overdone. Underdone, would not be dry...

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DeliciousDesserts Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 3:07pm
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A

Original message sent by Dayti

I think it's pretty difficult to have a cake that is both dry AND underdone. If its dry, it's usually overdone. Underdone, would not be dry...

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 3:10pm
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A"Thank you for your feedback. I'm confused, were they saying it was dry or underdonem Certainly couldn't be both. Either way, no you aren't getting any money back, so don't bother trying. Now go enjoy your honeymoon and find another vendor to try to recoup your overspending on."

Kidding, of course.

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jason_kraft Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 3:14pm
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A

Original message sent by cakindiva

mind you her cake was already discounted

This is a common theme among posts where people complain about cheap customers acting like cheap customers. Next time stick to your original price and let the customer go somewhere else.

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MimiFix Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 3:44pm
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It's been my experience that when people complain in this manner, they are looking for a discount.

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Cakepro Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 4:35pm
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Reason number 523984 to require payment IN FULL BEFORE THE EVENT!

 

Good luck getting your money from her.  I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.  :(

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therealmrsriley Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 4:56pm
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I agree with getting your money in full on all future orders...even from people you already know and think you can trust. If this was a beautiful six-tier cake and only 3-4 people complained about it, that's not a bad percentage. Clients need to understand that when purchasing something for large consumption, there will be those that are hard to please no matter what. That doesn't warrant a discount or refund. It's a chance they take as a consumer. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but at least you did get compliments on the same batter from other clients. If the bride had paid you in full prior, she probably wouldn't have been seeking any money back. But now that the wedding is over and she's probably seeing her bank account dwindle, she's trying to preserve as much money as possible. I hope that's not the case, but I've seen it with others.

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MimiFix Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 5:18pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by therealmrsriley 

If the bride had paid you in full prior, she probably wouldn't have been seeking any money back.

 

Maybe. But I've seen (and heard from other vendors and bakeries) that people often overspend on weddings. Then afterwards they complain, in hopes of receiving money back.

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sixinarow Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 5:28pm
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So using the bride's logic, if you go out for a steak dinner with 10 friends, eat until you're stuffed, have the opportunity to bring the leftovers back home and eat them later, you should get a partial refund from the steakhouse because 1 of the friends didn't like their meal?  I don't think you should refund anything, based on the contradictory "dry/undone" it sounds like she wants some money back. Did the bride mention what she thought of the taste of the cake? I really can't imagine seeking out a bride in the middle of her reception and telling her the cake was bad. I have a hard time with that one, unless they have an ulterior motive. I wouldn't refund anything, I think you might be getting played.

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teenaluiz Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 6:06pm
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I always get full payment before delivery! and I agree it can't be dry and underdone at the same time. Someone is trying to buffalo you!

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 6:26pm
post #12 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 


This is a common theme among posts where people complain about cheap customers acting like cheap customers. Next time stick to your original price and let the customer go somewhere else.

Absolutely true. I thought it didn't make sense when he said this at first, but it is unfortunately, very true.

 

And there is no "try" to get payment in full before you make the cake there is only "do". Come on ladies, treat your business transactions like business transactions. The more seriously *you* take your business and policies, the more serious others will as well. There is absolutely no good reason to be accepting payment the day of, or after. None.

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 6:28pm
post #13 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by MimiFix 

 

Maybe. But I've seen (and heard from other vendors and bakeries) that people often overspend on weddings. Then afterwards they complain, in hopes of receiving money back.

Yes, and the poor little cake lady, with her often lax policies (or lack of any whatsoever) is often the easiest target. 

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Annabakescakes Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:18pm
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A

Original message sent by AZCouture

[QUOTE name="jason_kraft" url="/t/761012/bride-claims-a-few-guests-said-cake-was-dry-undone#post_7416185"] This is a common theme among posts where people complain about cheap customers acting like cheap customers. Next time stick to your original price and let the customer go somewhere else.[/QUOTE] Absolutely true. I thought it didn't make sense when he said this at first, but it is unfortunately, very true.

And [I][U]there is no "try" to get payment in full before you make the cake there is only "do".[/U][/I] Come on ladies, treat your business transactions like business transactions. The more seriously *you* take your business and policies, the more serious others will as well. There is absolutely no good reason to be accepting payment the day of, or after. None.

Absolutely! this is a direct quote from Yoda, so you know it's the absolute gospel. ;-)

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:22pm
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Yeeeeeeees...ha ha! Seriously though! 

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cakindiva Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:28pm
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Thank you all soo much I'm relatively new to the wedding game but the cake was indeed nice - the bride mentioned that she in fact didnt taste the cake herself but has more home (i know she had left overs because guests left before all the cake was served 4 hours into the reception!!!) But evenif she does return the cake - 2 days of a cake bring out after it has been cut will dry it out regardless!

 

Funny, because she has given me several excuses prior to the wedding on who was going to pay and no one contacted me. My thinking is this if the DJ didnt play the right music to involve the crowd would she have requested her money back? Or perhaps what if they didnt like the food at the reception - would she go back to the hall and request money back??? I don't think so... I am learning soo much in this business and sometimes the lessons are hard and discouraging :( 

 

I'm hoping this isn't a long drawn out process... Pray for me and i will keep everyone posted (I hope she's just not trying to find a reason not to pay :(

 

Shame on me for not getting full payment and trying to be nice - I didnt want to ruin her big day by not delivering her cake....

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:31pm
post #17 of 53

Right now, draft an invoice on your computer and email it to her. Greet her, thank her for her business, and give her two options. A. she pay via PayPal immediately, or B. she can come meet you no later than tonight with cash in hand. No excuses. I don't meet people to collect payment, but in your case I would offer for you to go to her or her to come to you. Either way, you deserve that money now. 

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jason_kraft Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:32pm
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AAt this point I would call her (make sure to talk to her in real time) and let her know that the balance of her order is due by the end of the day tomorrow. If you still haven't received payment call her the following day and inform her that you are in the process of contacting a collection agency to collect her debt.

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:33pm
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Actually, I wouldn't give her a payment method she could dispute. Cash, now, later today, something.

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AZCouture Posted 15 Jul 2013 , 7:33pm
post #20 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason_kraft 

At this point I would call her (make sure to talk to her in real time) and let her know that the balance of her order is due by the end of the day tomorrow. If you still haven't received payment call her the following day and inform her that you are in the process of contacting a collection agency to collect her debt.

Or that if you feel you must be generous for some reason.

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Smckinney07 Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 3:11am
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ASixinarow made a really good point-that she doubted anyone came up to her at her wedding complaining about the cake.

It doesn't matter if there's cake leftover, six tiers is a lot of cake anyway, but now she's wanting to return the leftover cake for a partial refund?! It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard (well maybe not the most ridiculous lol). Everyone was talking about that blind cake tasting on ABC where people chose cake mixes over gourmet cakes-it's what many people are used to. And you can't always please everyone, so don't be so hard on yourself. Usually if something feels shady, it is. Buyers remorse, as stated above, it happens. And unfortunately people will try to take advantage of you if you let them.

I know it's discouraging, most of us have learned these things the hard way, but if you stick to your prices and stand behind your product you will eventually weed out most customers that want a cheap cake/something for nothing.

I would definitely be firm but polite about her balance, and if she doesn't pay you I would tell her you'll contact a collection agency to settle her debt (like Jason said) hopefully it won't come to that but it should be enough to get your money. You provided a service and deserve to be compensated as agreed!

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dawnybird Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 3:25am
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I personally am having trouble imagining going up to a bride and telling her I didn't like the wedding cake. RUDE!
 

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Annabakescakes Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 3:35am
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A

Original message sent by dawnybird

I personally am having trouble imagining going up to a bride and telling her I didn't like the wedding cake. RUDE!

 

Oh hells yeah! There is no fricken way I would do that. I have had terrible cake at friend's weddings and never said a word. Even when one came to me and told me how she was disappointed, I glossed over it, and said, "Oh, I had the red velvet, and it wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad and I am very picky and only like my own. " Really, what was thinking was it was so terrible, I couldn't stop laughing, like something snapped in my head when I tried it. It tasted like bad box cake, with added flour and red dye. It was so bad, I thought I was imaging things, and took another bite, and when it was still so bad, I spit it into my napkin, and wiped my tongue off and ate some more chicken to get the taste out of my mouth.

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BatterUpCake Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 3:39am
post #24 of 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by sixinarow 

 I really can't imagine seeking out a bride in the middle of her reception and telling her the cake was bad. I have a hard time with that one, unless they have an ulterior motive. I wouldn't refund anything, I think you might be getting played.

I was thinking the same thing....it would take a pretty classless person to tell a bride on her happiest (and most stressful) day in her life "your cake is dry/underdone". I know there are people like that but if you have more than one at your wedding you need to choose your friends better.

 

Unfortunately this isn't a case of giving a refund. It is now a case of trying to get the $$ you are owed. Good luck.

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cakindiva Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:25pm
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AUpdate..so I told the bride I understand your concerns please bring the cake back so I may evaluate it since now we're going on heresy ....she replies "the servers at the hall threw it away but it really wasn't done... I didn't have any but my husband says so too" My aunt wants half of her money back since she paid....lmbo seriously????? Ok so half of the cake to feed 40 (that's 20) was served and determined to be not good..... and u want a refund of half of the entire cake...what are ppl thinking? ???? Not to mention she states well if we gotnthis cake from Walmart they wouldve given our refund. .... um yeah but would Walmart have delivered the cake without full payment??? I think not...

Sooo I decided to restructure her quote removing the price of that tier..now since cake doesn't meet the serving amount required to get the original discount anddd I noticed the delivery fee listed wasn't added in total the price isn't too far from the original... am I wrong for doing this? ?? Shoud I still include the discount and leave out delivery since it was accidentally not calculated (although it was listed on the invoice)??

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jason_kraft Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:31pm
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AHow much was the total order price, and how much has been paid so far?

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kakeladi Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:32pm
post #27 of 53

........ hells yeah! There is no fricken way............

 

WHY?? do you have to be soooooooooo foul mouth???   There is NO reason for such language. 

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sixinarow Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:37pm
post #28 of 53

AWhy, why, WHY are you bending over backwards for someone who 1.) Will never appreciate it and 2.) Is not going to refer people to you since you aren't going to give her what she wants? She is playing you like a friggin fiddle. At this point, I'd send her an email and say cash for the remainder is due in 48 hours or it goes to collection. You are never gonna make her happy, hon. Even if you give her what she wants, she'll either spread the word that your cake was raw or laugh when she tells the story of how she scammed the cake lady.

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Annabakescakes Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:44pm
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A

Original message sent by sixinarow

Why, why, WHY are you bending over backwards for someone who 1.) Will never appreciate it and 2.) Is not going to refer people to you since you aren't going to give her what she wants? She is playing you like a friggin fiddle. At this point, I'd send her an email and say cash for the remainder is due in 48 hours or it goes to collection. You are never gonna make her happy, hon. Even if you give her what she wants, she'll either spread the word that your cake was raw or laugh when she tells the story of how she scammed the cake lady.

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Annabakescakes Posted 16 Jul 2013 , 10:48pm
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AMy phone is acting up, but the reason I quoted sixinarow's comment is beause I couldn't agree more. She is scamming you, I suggest you tell her that no Walmart wouldn't have delivered it without full payment, and anyways, you are not Walmart. You can refund the single tier if you want, bu LT get your money for delivery. That is the worst part of cake decorating, in my opinion.

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