Cake Decorating Community - Cakes We Bake

I am just starting out my cake business and I am making a cake for a complete stranger next week. I have heard some horror stories about people making cakes and the client never showing up for pick up. This girl seems legitimate, but I am still concerned since I have never made a cake for a total stranger before. I know I could charge a deposit, but since I work out of my house I don't know how I could receive the deposit from this girl.
I just really need some insight on this. I am curious to know how you guys deal with situations like this where you don't know the person whatsoever. I know this won't be the first stranger I make a cake for. I did tell her that I only accept cash payments. Thank you in advance!

Views: 404

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I never charge a deposit.  Some people like to pay in payments and I do that.  If they pay in payments, I just put it in an envelope in their file and then after I deliver the cake I then deposit their money.  I have been doing cakes for 36 years and only once I had a hard time getting the money and it was from a close friend!  Most of them pay ahead of time but a lot of times I get paid when I deliver it!  My husband always gets after me telling me I am going to get burned but as long as it works for me this way I will continue.   I always am so trusting of everyone. 

Wow Jeri
You have been blessed.... You don't say where you live in the USA.... cause I was thinking, wherever it is, must have honest, trustworthy people. Funny it was the "close friend" who gave you trouble. Friends sometimes take advantage .... Expecting a deal or a favour.... :o)


June,

I do live in a very small town in Oregon.  And yes... most people here are good for their word.  Pretty nice.  I know 95% of my customers very well... most of them are former softball players... friends... co-workers etc.  I have been very blessed and love being part of these special days.   Funny because a lot of my clients have been an office aide for me and remember the cupcakes I make for them... or staff member's children getting married and I always bake for our staff.  So it has been nice.  ;-)
June Kowalczyk said:

Wow Jeri
You have been blessed.... You don't say where you live in the USA.... cause I was thinking, wherever it is, must have honest, trustworthy people. Funny it was the "close friend" who gave you trouble. Friends sometimes take advantage .... Expecting a deal or a favour.... :o)
Ah
Isn't that nice. Great memories..... :o)

thanks so much for the information! I have been looking into using the square. I am exploring starting a small at home business now that my state has a cottage food law :-D I have a friend who uses the "square" for his side business and really likes it.

Thanks again!
 
Sweet P's Custom Cakes said:

If it weren't for my kids, I wouldn't know half the stuff out there available for up and coming business people.  The service I have is through Intuit.  It's called Go Payment.  The device for swiping the card is free, takes about 7 days to recieve it and comparitively, they charge a smaller % as their fee.  I haven't acually swiped a card yet, all of my business has been conducted over the phone.  Before I used go payment, I recieved an order from across the country for a relative of theirs local to me.  I accepted a check by mail and I think we both were flying on faith.  I worked out, but I don't want to have to go through that again, especially if it's a high end cake.  Have a great day!

I, personally, would charge a deposit on a big order. But a small orders I would not be so concerned about.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by Theresa Happe.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service