What's wrong with people?

keljo05

one really good bit of advice i once read was not the half down half on pickup...

it was half down on order.. and the remaining balance due by a certain date. No full payment say a week before delivery.( make sure a check clears).. no cake...

LorinaLynn

If he wanted a $10 cake, he should've gone to Wal-Mart. And even there, a $10 cake is pretty puny.

mbeach1977

Wow, I've been doing cakes for almost 3 years now for other people(friends included) and have never had anybody stiff me! Most people I don't know even offer to pay half before and half at pick up. Maybe you should try that methood? I know how much time and effort goes in to my cakes, let alone the money I front for supplies. Good luck!

Qarol

Don't quit trying to get your money from him, but take this as a learning lesson...it may sound cynical but never trust anyone with money. Not even family. I've had to learn the hard way never to lend money to anyone.

unmitigatedbadassery

As an independent graphic designer I have dealt with this a lot. It can be so frustrating. Here are some things that I do to minimize this:

Get it in writing. Yes, even for a $50 job. It doesn't have to be fancy but make sure it spells out what you are doing, how long it will take, how much it will cost and when you expect payment. GET A SIGNATURE. I know he's your friend but I have even had family sign agreements.

Be careful of being too nice. In every agreement I write it states that a minimum payment of 50% is due BEFORE I even touch the job outside of the initial consult. If I decide to waive the 50% up front I have to assume that I am working for free.

This sucks but you will get the hang of it over time. Good luck.