Did I screw this mom over?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of you, nearly unanimously, say pay her. I think it's pretty funny. OP can't pay her if she never receives a bill, invoice, offhand mention of estimate, etc. It's not OP's responsibility to graciously and tactfully ask her friend how much money to give her.

While OP probably does owe the "friend" some money, it's incredibly tacky for the friend to make the cake pops and expect to get paid for them, without having mentioned it first. Once OP has settled with the friend, that's the last I'd ever speak to her. And forget a good review or recommendations.

Well you sound just delightful. It's always a little awkward when it's friends and not just a bussiness relationship. She probably doesn't quite know how to bring it up because she probably expected you to have casually asked. Ask now. It won't be a big deal.

I agree with the PP you're quoting. The OP had no idea that the woman she asked ran a business; it was on that person to say so, as soon as OP asked.

"Yes, I'd love to make the Cars cake pops. I actually provide them as part of my business, the cost would be $XX. Are you still interested?"

If you're going to do business, you need to be comfortable asking people for money.

I totally agree with this. I think the whole interaction sounds weird. If someone said to me, "I'd be happy to bring cake pops to your kid's birthday!" I might ask how much she charges but I also might not think about it and say, "Oh, what a nice gesture!". Especially if I didn't realize it was her business and thought it was just a hobby for her. We have an annual party and people bring stuff all the time.

Did the woman literally show up with the cake pops with no further interaction? Was OP counting on them as the "dessert" for the party or were they extra above and beyond cake, etc.? If the initial interaction was several weeks ago, and OP contacted her to confirm because she was counting on them as the "cake" - then yes, she should pay. But if they had an off-hand conversation two weeks ago and then no further interaction before the other mom showed up with the cake pops, I wouldn't necessarily think she was expecting payment.

I agree. She just happened to show up with the cake pops after a brief conversation weeks ago? Were they served as the sole birthday treat? If so I would think you would have needed to have some sort of communication to confirm that you didn't need a backup plan. This is a weird story.

[Anonymous]

It was wrong of her not to tell you upfront that she does this as a business if she expected to be paid, but you should still offer to pay her in full.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"So sorry I haven't been in touch since the party, things have been a bit crazy. Thanks again for the amazing cake pops and cookies. Let me know how much I owe you".

Perfect

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Her prices are kind of high (dollar a pop!) would you pay her "list" prices or just offer her a set amount of money?

What!?!? You pay what she charges! $1 a pop is cheap!

[Anonymous]

were the cake pops a gift? Did she also bring a gift? Is she your friend? I would honestly ask her about it and pay! Even if it's pricey. I think you were both wrong. More the business woman than you. She, b/c she should have told you she was going on with making them at $1/piece. And you b/c upon receiving them should have said something on the spot. Ie, thank you so thoughtful, what do I owe you? Or I didn't realize you were moving forward since we didn't formally tie off. What do I owe you? I would've been annoyed receiving them for a fee if we didn't actually firm it up. I'm not sure how done your talk was and what the walkaway was. Like hypothetical information gathering, or yes I definitely expect you to bring them to my party. It all depends on that conversation.

[Anonymous]

Op here! Yikes I was totally in the wrong! I pay paled her the exact amount I owed her according to her list prices.

[Anonymous]

OP That was the right thing to do, even if the whole thing was a bit awkwardly handled. next time ask for an invoice, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here! Yikes I was totally in the wrong! I pay paled her the exact amount I owed her according to her list prices.

Good job OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Her prices are kind of high (dollar a pop!) would you pay her "list" prices or just offer her a set amount of money?

You pay her whatever the hell she asks for! You just met this woman at a mutual friends party and you just thought she'd make these things for you because you have a nice smile? Wow. Email her and PAY her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here! Yikes I was totally in the wrong! I pay paled her the exact amount I owed her according to her list prices.

Good for you, OP. You did the right thing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Her prices are kind of high (dollar a pop!) would you pay her "list" prices or just offer her a set amount of money?

You pay her whatever the hell she asks for! You just met this woman at a mutual friends party and you just thought she'd make these things for you because you have a nice smile? Wow. Email her and PAY her.

She didn't ask for anything.

[Anonymous]

I think you have to pay $1/pop (actually not sure that's that much)... I als othink she should have said when she asked what you needed "I charge $1" to be clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Her prices are kind of high (dollar a pop!) would you pay her "list" prices or just offer her a set amount of money?

List price

OMG, OP, you are compounding your idiocy.

Pay her what her list price is. My GOD.

Why did you think this stranger would make cake pops for you for FREE? WTH?

[Anonymous]

Actually, that is weird. I mean I think you probably needed to pay, but like why didn't she submit a bill? That is weird.

[Anonymous]

You thought she did all this for free? You are just cheap. Believe me, she has told other people about you.