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divaofcakes
Regular Member
Joined: Jun 27, 2005
Posts: 123
Location: Houston, TX
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 Posted:
Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:50 pm |
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Hi all,
I have made a 6-tier cake for a wedding for 300 people tomorrow. I just got a call that the groom was in a horrible accident at 3 p.m. today and they are postponing the wedding. I told my customer previously that I do not offer any kind of refunds beyond 2 weekd prior to the wedding. I don't think the customer expects a refund... but what do I do if they ask?? What do I do with all the cake?? Has anyone experienced a cancelled wedding? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks! |
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chutzpah
Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 12, 2008
Posts: 682
Location: nowherenearchurch
Birthday: Mar 12
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:03 pm |
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No refunds. ASk them wht you should do with the cake. They might want it donated to a shelter. |
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chutzpah
Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 12, 2008
Posts: 682
Location: nowherenearchurch
Birthday: Mar 12
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:03 pm |
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*double post* |
Last edited by chutzpah on Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:04 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Gingoodies
Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 24, 2004
Posts: 644
Location: New Jersey
Birthday: Nov 28
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:03 pm |
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I would do nothing with the cake untill I heard from the family. If you were already paid in full, the cake is technically theirs and they can decide what to do about it. Maybe it can be donated to a shelter or soup kitchen or something of that nature.
If/when the wedding is re-scheduled, and I was contracted to do the cake again, I would probably offer to do it at cost. My compassionate side would kick in there. After all, this was a totally unforseen situation.
It is so sad for them, an injured groom and now so many people to deal with too.  |
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2txmedics
Regular Member
Joined: Oct 25, 2006
Posts: 156
Location: Manvel Tx
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:05 pm |
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wow!!! well do u have a contract they signed? you might be able to get away with no refund...but it will be hard unless its in writing and then u have to think of the "losing the customer for further services" maybe give a parital refund? Not much and bite the bullet on the rest...hard place to be. As to what to do with the cake...
you can either donate it to local fire dept...ems station...senior citizens club, or put them out as further FREE ADVERTISMENT? get word of mouth out about selling cakes real cheap for an event NOW...real cheap just to get rid of it...and maybe off set alittle money spent. Depending on what the accident was...and if bad...maybe go to ur local restuarant and tell them story, asking them if they can sell it to raise money for the family???? Raffle it, sell slices???? Have the restuarant buy it???? JUST CRAZY IDEAS.
Best I can come up with....GOOD LUCK, let us know what you did. |
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Doug
Forum SuperStar!
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Joined: Jun 28, 2005
Posts: 7881
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:18 pm |
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first -- let's us all remember the groom and hope that it is nothing too serious and that all will be well soon.
| 2txmedics wrote: | | ... Depending on what the accident was...and if bad...maybe go to ur local restuarant and tell them story, asking them if they can sell it to raise money for the family???? Raffle it, sell slices???? ... |
WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!! --- between the costs of the accident, hospital, doctors and then all the lost payments on the church, reception venue, catering, the cake and having to reschedule it all (hopefully RSN) -- this would be a great way to help the couple out. |
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KathysCC
Gallery Moderator
Joined: Aug 18, 2007
Posts: 506
Location: Mississippi
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:36 pm |
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I had a baby shower cancelled last weekend because the mom had the baby. That's not nearly as big of an emergency nor as big a cake.
I think some compassion is called for here. If the wedding does eventually take place they will probably want you to redo the cake. I would work with them. This is definitely something no one could have predicted and I am sure the wedding cake is the last thing on their minds right now. I would donate the cake or do something like was mentioned above. |
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Momkiksbutt
Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 08, 2006
Posts: 660
Location: Auburn, WA
Birthday: Jun 27
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:49 pm |
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Well cancelling a baby shower for that reason is just stupid. Who says the shower has to be before the birth??? No refund....
The wedding....I think all your ideas are just grand!! I think the couple likely would too.
I pray that the groom is going to be ok...that's the most important thing now here. |
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CranberryClo
Frequent Member
Joined: Sep 28, 2005
Posts: 325
Location: Florida
Birthday: Nov 07
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:50 pm |
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2txmedics - what a phenomenal idea!
Really creative thinking and holy cow would that family be touched and grateful to work with someone who goes the extra mile in such a difficult situation. |
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fearlessbaker
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Mar 07, 2006
Posts: 1156
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:51 pm |
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I wouldn't think twice about. I would offer them their money back and keep thinking good thoughts for everyone involved. Guaranteed the money you counted on and more will find it's way back to you. |
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tiggy2
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Oct 07, 2005
Posts: 2361
Location: Omaha, NE
Birthday: Aug 13
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:04 pm |
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Is there any way the cake could be frozen (assuming it's not assembled)? |
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grama_j
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Sep 03, 2005
Posts: 1690
Location: Ohio
Birthday: Apr 07
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:06 pm |
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" I wouldn't think twice about. I would offer them their money back "
WOW! That is very nice, but couldn't afford to give back that kind of money......... I would probably do the "re-do" for cost, but not give back 600.00 or 800.00 or what ever the final price was..... there was some GREAT ideas on here that would help everyone involved...... I just hope the groom recovers soon and they can go on with the wedding.... |
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minorfan
Regular Member
Joined: Dec 04, 2007
Posts: 102
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:15 pm |
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I would not refund but tell them you will do the cake when the wedding is rescheduled either for free or for cost.
Depending on your town, donate it to a Ronald McDonald house, Shelter, or even take it to the hospital he is in and donate to the ER or ward he is on. Also take some to the family and make sure the bride to be gets the top of this one to keep.
I guarantee unless they got wedding insurance then they are losing money on all of it and not getting a discount or refund from any of the other vendors.
My daugher just got married in March and fell and broke her ankle and dislocated her knee cap and had to have surgery 20 days before the wedding - the wedding went on as planned - just no dancing for the bride and the gown covered the cast and knee imobilizer. Went from high heels to ballet slippers. But we inquired about postponing and it was a BIG NO. Most vendors are booked and can not postpone and do not make enough to be able to deal with last minute cancelations for any reason. |
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1nanette
Frequent Member
Joined: Jun 05, 2007
Posts: 221
Location: Detroit,MI
Birthday: Jul 10
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:19 pm |
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It happened to me a couple of years ago before I got a contract. The bride skipped town right before the rehersal dinner. The cake wasnt paid for completely so I sold the satellite cakes for Mothers Day and donated the main cake the Salvation Armys Mothers Day Luncheon.
It worked out well. |
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ShortcakesSweets
Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 03, 2006
Posts: 603
Gallery Supporter Member
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Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:20 pm |
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I would talk to the family to see how they would be most comfortable in handling it. I agree with the poster that said to show some compassion to the family. It's not like they cheated you out of money by not paying. The idea about raffeling it off to raise money for them is great. They've already paid for cake and it wouldn't be right to charge them again if they are able to re-schedule when the groom recovers. |
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