When Cakes Go Wrong | Customer Complaint Stories!

It's the side of cake decorating that, unfortunately, we all eventually experience...when the customers have an issue with the cake. I was looking through old pictures and remembered some of the unfortunate situations I faced and wanted to share them with you. I will let you know if and how I fixed it and what I learned from the experience. It's the part of cake decorating that stinks. However, just know that you're not alone. These things happen, but it's all about how you handle it and what you learn from it!
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VIDEOS I REFERENCED:
WHEN CAKES GO WRONG PLAYLIST - • When Cakes Go Wrong
THE CAKE MELTED - • OMG The Cake MELTED! ...
SHE HATED THE CAKE - • She Hated The Cake! | ...
I MADE AN UGLY CAKE - • I Made An UGLY CAKE An...
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I read all comments and try to respond the best I can. 😊
Xoxo,
Karolyn
#CakeFail #CakeDecorating #KarolynsKakes
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Karolyn’s Kakes provides cake decorating tutorials and tips to help you make amazing cakes.
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[@jessecarpenter3628]

One of my favorite things about you is how transparent you are. A majority of influencers who bake don't show their mistakes and come across as though they're perfect (I say this respectfully as I admire their ability and hard work regardless). But I feel that you learn more from your failures than you do your successes and as a home baker who aspires to elevate my baking skill, it's such a relief to see top tier bakers such as yourself make simple mistakes. It reaffirms to me that my goals are achievable and where there's a will, there's a way.

[@karenfox5004]

I couldn't have said this better myself. Karolyn always takes her time to explain everything to us step by step including her pricing on cakes of this scale. One day I hope to have all of my cake be this beautiful.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you love! I've watched the Pros and remember thinking there was something wrong with me because I wasn't perfect and they were. That's why I like to share the good and the bad with everyone. It's relatable!

[@OldLadyBakes]

That minion cake was adorable!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you!!

[@jessicapadron7886]

I was going to say same thing I would have loved that cake.

[@Sweetzandmore]

The minion cake was adorable. Karolyn some people just do the most. 🤬

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you love!

[@adrianaflores714]

And minions are all different shapes and sizes. Aaaand especially if you need it to feed a certain number of people. So how is a mini minion cake going to feed 25? 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@siobhana5307]

I really needed to see this. Last summer, I made my first wedding cake which I had never done before and voiced to the couple I hadn't but they pushed me and said 'we trust you, we're easy'. There were so many red flags and the couple were haggling and changing what they were saying (this went on for a whole month. They even supplied the sponges... long story short, they expected the fillings to be vegan and found out on the day that they weren't. What makes it even worse is I personally knew the couple. They made it seem like it was ok on the day but while on their honeymoon they came after me and said "I reuined their wedding cake". The whole situation deeply hurt me. I made the cake as cheap as I could for them in the first place but they demanded a 66% refund. It really shook me up and affected me so much that I have only done one or two orders since then. It knocked my confidence so when people contact me with designs, I've declined, thinking I won't be able to preform. Worst experience ever. Im in the process of regaining confidence and really starting from square one so I can relaunch and keep my dream alive!

[@lovecakes3303]

When i first started that’s how it was i kept messing up and giving it my all but they would hate it. The worst part is that it’s with people like family or close friends. But i’ve learned that all those people are steps to become better. Keep going don’t let this stop you from what you love to do. I’ve gotten so good that all the people that used to talk badly about my cakes now beg me to make them their cake but i just say i’m booked. You just have to keep grinding and your confidence will show up.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's really unfortunate when people you know take advantage of you. They seem like they wouldn't be happy no matter what. I wouldn't stop making cakes because of it. However, I wouldn't tackle a design I wasn't comfortable with. I still don't take on orders that I feel will be too challenging. I tell my customers that I'm not confident that I can execute the design to my standards. I give other options and say I understand if they want to look elsewhere.

[@VioIasCakes]

Please don't get discouraged. My first ten or so cakes were the worst, 😆 but you WILL get better with time, I promise. All of the wonderful cake designs we see online were made by someone who had to start from zero with absolutely no skill. Just keep practicing and you will be amazed at how much and how quickly you'll improve!

[@ninibren]

Thank you for being so transparent. It will definitely help when I have my first unhappy customer.

[@kaleidoscopicmind5]

I CANNOT believe the second one like who tf HOW!?! Is the way the restaurant cut the cake any of your business. Ppl r fkn stupid omg bless you for being so nice!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! Like why wouldn't she take it up with them? 🙄

[@maggieburris1081]

I love how humble you are and how you learn from everything, the good and the bad. I think we all have that block list, lol

[@KarolynsKakes]

❌❌❌😂😂

[@cdv706]

Yup, I block rude customers all the time. Love your work and your attitude. Keep up the good work Karolyn.❤❤❤❤

[@Clarky1951]

I smiled watching this video. I didn’t sell many to “strangers”. Was always friends of friends, friends of my grown children. Fortunately I didn’t have to many oops. But you’re Belle cake brought back a memory of a cake and I still get peeved thinking about it. And actually a little bit sad. I made this for my sister-in-laws work colleague and friend. She was also an acquaintance of mine and my husband. She use to own a flower shop, and I was one of her best customers. Sent a lot of people to her business. I was still relatively new to decorating, it was a 10” round baby shower cake with baby booties on top. It was simple but cute. Because I had been a receptionist for years, I learned to keep detailed notes. So I had all the emails back and forth of cake flavour, icing flavour, filling, colour of the baby booties and colour of fondant. She had changed the flavour, icing and fondant colour a couple of times, because she had been checking with her daughter. They both definitely wanted a neutral fondant colour because they didn’t know whether baby was a boy or girl. I do know I covered the cake with pale mint green icing. And the booties were yellow. Ok, so she picks up the cake, seems happy, pays me. After the shower, where my sis-in-lw was in attendance, she tells my sis-in-lw that I screwed up!! That the icing was was supposed to be blue, the fondant covering yellow, the booties, one pink, one blue. So my sis-in-law proceeds to email me, bawling me out for my “mistakes”. Well I pulled up the final email, with all the particulars of the cake. I had sent it and asked for 100% confirmation that this was she/customer wanted. She emailed back a 100% “yes”. So I forwarded the email to my sis-in -law, and to the customer. Customer didn’t have a leg to stand on, because I did exactly as she confirmed. She had obviously gotten confused, because I sure didn’t. What made me sad was my sis-in-lw took her friends side, assuming I was wrong. My sis-in-lw never apologized for bawling me out, the friend, every time I saw her at a function afterwards, she completely avoided me. But had no problems talking to my husband 🤣🤣 I actually wanted to go up to this woman and say….how long are you going to give me the silent treatment, grow up already. You made the mistake, not me. Some people just don’t take responsibility for their mistakes. And the kicker…everyone at the shower LOVED my cake. Including the daughter/mom to be!!! There wasn’t a crumb left. So that told me my cake was a success. And I got a wedding cake order from one of the attendees. Just sad eh.

[@laa4438]

I had a customer who asked for something in blue and definately not beige. I sent them a photo of it completed. Yes thats great. When it arrived she said she thought the blue she saw was not the final color, why didnt I do it a nice beige ."never in the world would I think you would choose blue ! Nothing in my house is blue!" I sent her a copy of her emails, and the reference pictures showing the blue interior of her house in the background. The amount of complaints i'm getting lately is wearing me down. People saying I charged the wrong card ( I do not have access to their cards .lol ) Not understanding online payments. Or the postal system or lead times. Sending me 57 emails because I ruined their life, apparently.

[@Clarky1951]

@@laa4438 Ya, ya gotta know somethings seriously with a person if a celebration cake can “ruin your life”!!! 🤪🤪 Honestly. And I’m seeing here in my part of Canada, there are less and less decorators in business. Because the crazy expensive of ingredients. And soooo many customers looking for a grocery store bargain cake, or being difficult or trying to get money back after eating the cake!!! I’m glad I only do for fun now for my family. Too much stress.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'm so sorry this happened to you! A lot of people don't want to look in the mirror, they. just want to place blame elsewhere. You know you were right. And, hey, at least you got other orders from it! 🙏

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's disheartening, I'm sorry this is happening to you! We live in a time where people just want to place blame elsewhere rather than looking at themselves. You know you're not in the wrong, you just happen to be the scapegoat. What did she say when you sent her the emails?

[@Clarky1951]

@@KarolynsKakes Nothing resulted from the emails. My sis-in-lw wasn’t one for saying sorry. She made up for it in other ways. The customer, I never sent her the emails. Because she didn’t directly complain to me, but to my sis-in-lw. Water under the bridge. I got an order, so worked out well. Everything is a learning experience. 🥰

[@TiersofJoyCakesnBakes]

I don't know how anyone can get upset with you. You cooked across so positively and like an absolute sweetheart

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you love! I try to conduct business as professional as possible. But people still get mad at times. I feel like that says more about them than it does me!

[@TiersofJoyCakesnBakes]

@@KarolynsKakes it definitely does. Take care xxx

[@lorrainehicks9172]

I love learning from you not just the wonderful creations you do but also your strong ability to share your mistakes and how to go about fixings them. Remember Philly girl I'm around the corner and will ear any mistakes you want to get rid of . Thank you for sharing and keep on caking 💜

[@KarolynsKakes]

You're the best, love you!!💜💜

[@carolmeakins3578]

You are so honest and transparent. You make us humans feel human! Thank you x

[@KarolynsKakes]

It happens to all of us! (unfortunately) 💜

[@bernielove49]

Some people just want free stuff. Love your cakes and the Belle cake was amazing I love it. Keep up the good work ..stay sweet. Yes I think everyone should have a block list lol.

[@delfinagarcia5048]

All your cakes are beautiful, including the yellow Belle cake.

[@sherylsantoro]

That Belle cake was beautiful! Keep up the great work!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you!! It was FREE! Ugh, I was so annoyed 😂

[@gaillggl_collage6391]

Haha Karolyn, I crack up when you get upset because your Philly really comes out! You sound just like me and everyone I know!! 😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

😂😂😂

[@gigglegrl7405]

That minion cake was adorable. Who would have a problem with it?!! Also, the diaper bag. This happens all the time at work where we don't take prepayment and we do the special order and people don't pick it up. Especially during the holidays. They don't realize how busy we are and we just did all of this extra work and for no payment and wasted the food as well. At least call to let us know you changed your mind so we can try to sell it. Ugh!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly! A little communication goes a long way!

[@mapulahaidymashaba217]

Customers just like to complain no Matter how hard you try the minion can was so pretty and the black one for man it's so adorable . dealing with customers it's challenging.how could someone complain about free gift there was no need .i like how you handle the situation keep up the good work.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! The free cake is the one that really got to me. I would never in my life treat someone that way!

[@alyssarosengard6674]

That minion cake and all your cakes are so beautiful. People just don’t appreciate the amount of physical labor and decision making that goes into it. The cleaning itself can be extremely tiring. I only bake for my family and a select group of friends.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! The cleaning can sometimes take over an hour!

[@sheilamoore8518]

I've probably experienced almost all of those situations. I'm a very emotional person and I take things so personally and when things like that happen I literally can't sleep for nights. Talk about panic attacks. You are just amazing❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

We've all been there! I've learned not to dwell on it too long because we can't change what happened. And we do what we can to fix it. If they don't like it, that's on them!

[@selenacordeiro1458]

We have flat out fired customers at our bakery, told them never to come back.

[@KarolynsKakes]

How do they react when that happens?

[@selenacordeiro1458]

@@KarolynsKakes They get defensive like toddlers, throw little tantrums and tell us they wouldn’t be coming back anyway. They say it as if there aren’t 300,000 other people in the city to take their place and our bakery will shut down without them lmao. We cater to celebrities and athletes for crying out loud 🤣🤣… Ok now I’m bragging but they tick me off so bad sometimes lol And sometimes they beg us to keep serving them, but that’s rare.

[@benkagreek]

This was so great! Thanks for sharing all of your stories with us

[@maridiaz6219]

Love your content ❤

[@dangermouse6687]

Hi Karolyn. People can be so rude. They can really get you down if you let them. You are very talented and make fabulous cakes. If these people had your talent, they would make their own cakes, they're not but they still think it's ok to criticise yours. Don't let them get you down.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! 💜🙏

[@fionakusikwenyu2543]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@odenser3796]

You are amazing and strong! It happens to all of us. These things can really break us. But look at you, better and stronger💪🏽💪🏽 God bless you!

[@kristentyner3099]

OMG Karolyn I just absolutely love and adore you!!!! You are so bomb!!! I had a horrible experience with someone who was a friend of a friend and we actually became friends too. She asked me to do this really beautiful cake for her 50th birthday. I have been baking and making cakes that I actually sell for about 6 years. However, I have struggled with transportation in the summer months in California. When I arrived, walked up a flight of steps with this 3 tier cake it had totally collapsed and was melted I was completely mortified to say the least. I refunded her the total amount and apologized profusely, needless to say we are no longer friends and she has never order another thing from me. I cried the entire weekend because I felt so bad I was totally humiliated and almost gave up baking!!!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'm so sorry that happened to you! I used to get really upset over situations like this. However, I've learned not to stress over it too long. We are human, we make mistakes. It's how we learn and grow! You did everything you could to make it right. It's unfortunate that she made it worse by treating you that way. The way I see it, if she was going to be like that over a mistake, then it's not worth having her around. More importantly, what did you learn from this? I would say that I wouldn't take on orders that have to travel more than (certain amount of time) when it's hot outside to minimize the risk of this happening again! Or you can get a cake safe to help hold the cake together during delivery.

[@shaniajackson705]

I recently decided to do a pre-sale for Valentine’s Day orders. Which I’ve never done before so I thought it would be nice to try something different 😅 boy was I wrong! I managed to get two orders, which wasn’t the bad part. But, I ended up flexing on my policy of no payment at pick up 🤦🏾‍♀️ long story short, I got burned with both orders and neither customer showed up 🤷🏾‍♀️ Lesson learned: don’t flex on the cake policy no matter who places an order (family, friends, etc)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yep! It really sucks, but at least you'll never do that again!

[@debtink5756]

I said it before and I’ll say it again YOU are a very smart woman.thank you for all your help and yes customers can be so damm rude But we need them unfortunately.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you Deb! Thankfully, most people are kind and grateful. There will always be the bad apples though!

[@sweetmimisestscha]

All the cakes are so pretty!! ❤❤❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! 🤗

[@edrusso5507]

Great video Kar. You are an amazing cake decorator. Great insight and great wisdom on life in general.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Awww thank you Uncle Ed! 💜🙏

[@marlettaengland1513]

I love your attitude about finding the lessons. I think like us all about finding the lesson to be learned when things don’t turn out well.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's how we grow! 🙏

[@adrianashephard250]

We love youuuuu!!! ❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Love youuuuu!!

[@eileenbelk1231]

Lol....was going through all the comments and liking the ones that used the word "transparent," but there are so many😂. You are also real and humble and you saved my cakes many times. If I have issues, you are the one that helps. As a matter of fact, last week I was working on a wedding cake and I wanted a rough iced texture but it just wasn't working. All the videos I watched said the icing had to be soft. Ran across one of yours where you added the rough texture on a cold cake. Worked perfectly!!! I feel like you truly and honestly want to teach and help. I am very grateful.

[@KarolynsKakes]

This makes me so happy!! With cake decorating, there are no rules. We find what works best for us. I'm so glad my techniques are helpful! 💜🙏

[@sarah35522]

I’m still new on making cakes but I will never make them for my sister-in-law ever again I made four cakes for her and never made a profit out of them. She screwed me over four times and the last cake I was making her she was supposed to give me the rest of the payment she ended up texting me back saying her limit was only $60 I had already put so much into it it still hurts me. 😢 your videos help me out so much I’ve learned so much from you thank you for sharing ❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's so sad when people you know take advantage of you. Good call never making one for her again, I'd do the same!

[@sarah35522]

@@KarolynsKakes ❤️

[@MariaVandenHeever]

Your cakes is stunning I'm still learning to decorate so I just recently stumbled on to your utube videos keep going girl you're fantastic

[@KarolynsKakes]

Maria! Thank you so much!!😊🙏

[@PerhapsToday1111]

Wow, yes, I did cakes for a short while and stopped. Did have some situations but mainly with people wanting dirt cheap cakes

[@tdg1945]

Hey, Karolyn! It's been a while since I've been on YT but you can bet your channel was my first stop! ❤️ As always, your videos are top notch! Thanks for not gate keeping tricks of the trade, thanks for valuing community over competition, thanks for sharing your experiences, thanks for sharing your knowledge, but most of all... Thanks for being YOU! ❤️ Is it weird that meeting you is on my bucket list? 😉 ❤️ 😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG this message is the sweetest and totally made my day! I'm so grateful for wonderful people like you! 💜💜

[@cdiballa1]

The triple ❌ comment made me giggle! Thank you for sharing!

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's really effective!! 😂😂

[@lorymattos1118]

Hi Karolyn. I've been in this business for many years here in New Zealand and I've had a lot of problems with customers who don't know what they want, claim they didn't like the cake or find a reason to get a refund. You are not alone. And the worst of all are old customers who out of the blue decide to play this game of blaming the cake decorator for something wrong to get the cake for free. But of course there are also regular customers who always come back and thank you for having a lovely cake for their children's birthday. Take Care girl and thank you for share this vídeo. xx

[@KarolynsKakes]

For every bad one, there are so many good ones to cancel the bad ones out!

[@agbaezechika]

I love your cake karolyn You really inspire me so much I remember once I delivered a cake 20 mins early and the customer was so angry with me Some customers ain't easy to handle 😅

[@KarolynsKakes]

Whatttt?! I'm almost always early on deliveries! I give plenty of time in case there's traffic. Geez, sounds like they had something else going on.

[@madelineS98789]

It could be worse, Diaper Bag Lady could be your mom and choose to not pick up a kake for ‘your party’! 😅 some people are just horrible! Good video, thanks for sharing!

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG that's so true, good way to put it! 💜

[@G8fulguy]

Karolyn, that’s a pretty cake!!!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! She just wasn't happy with it. 😢

[@MelaninQueen93]

The minion cake was so nice I don’t see why she complained bout that like goodness and the belle one I would have also thought she wanted the cake yellow ! Maybe she thought belle wore pink 🤣🤣🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

She didn't say "do Belle's dress and make it pink" and I didn't ask "should Belle's dress be pink". So it's kind of both our fault. However, IT WAS A FREE CAKE!! Ugh 😂😂

[@Madjella41]

I love all your cakes I used to make celebration cakes I had one horrible person who was annoyed what I done even though it was exactly what she wanted clearly she didnt understand cake sizes

[@KarolynsKakes]

Sometimes I over-explain the size / decor they are asking for to avoid that happening. Because it's happened to me as well! People think they know what will look best, but we really know!

[@carmenpaez9719]

Yo creo que las peores ordenes son de la familia. Mi hermana se casó. Y, por supuesto, me ordenó el pastel a su gusto. Se lo hice. Lo entregué en el salón de eventos. Pero no fuí invitada. Su esposo salió al parking lot a decirnos que si queríamos algo de comer antes de irnos. Y que gracias por el pastel!

[@KarolynsKakes]

¡Eso es una locura! Es lamentable que algunos de nuestros peores clientes sean personas que conocemos desde hace más tiempo. ¡Lamento lo que te pasó!

[@VioIasCakes]

I've had a couple of disgruntled customers, but nothing too crazy. The worst customers, IMO, are the ones who want a super complicated sculpted cake, but only want to pay peanuts for it. I avoid those folks like the plague!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I agree! Especially nowadays, I don't know who would be doing all that work for nothing. Good luck finding someone!😂

[@valerieg9494]

Sesame street cake is so cute!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

That was like 18 years ago back in my sheet cake phase! I was so proud of that one.

[@am-js1ge]

I Appreciate You, I See Nothing But Beautiful Cakes You Can't Please A Fool. I Wanted To Make My Son A Cake But My Kitchen Is A Disaster Area Literally. I Have Tried Ordering This Cake Because I Have No Oven, No Proper Sink, From Several Places It's Been Three Years Still Have Not Gotten This Spectacular Cake. Because The Kit Is Out Or Usually They Can't Take An Order, Three Times They Say Their Not Carrying This Cake Anymore. One Day I Intend On Making This Cake Myself, Maybe.

[@leahharing6916]

I started blocking people who piss me off. The ones that think they are doing me a favor by ordering, no lady you are the one getting a favor! And I regularly use the term ‘no soup for you!’ Don’t be treating me rude or it’s gonna be your loss.

[@Mairiain]

LOVE the 'no soup for you!' Made me laugh :)

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's the people who think they are doing you a favor who are the worst nightmares! I would NEVER order something and disrespect them. It says so much more about them than it does you!

[@boldfacedtruth]

I ask to be sent pictures of the color they want also. I tell them that colors have so many variations words don't clearly describe.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!

[@pamhembree245]

Just a suggestion, I know you’ve been doing this a long time, I never send pictures of finished cakes before pickup. It opens you up to having to go back and change things and puts your whole schedule off and stresses you out. If I have 5 cakes and I’m done with one, I don’t want to go back and work on it again just because the person didn’t like some minor detail. It’s cake, it’s not going to be perfect. Great job on all your cakes and your patience!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I know a lot of people say the same thing you do! I just prefer them to see it beforehand.

[@Riot1518]

Recently I had someone wanting a refund 3 days later. She said my work wasn’t what she excepted and she was disappointed. When I gave her the cake and asked her if this was good with her, she said yes and took the cake. I even gave her a $10 discount for waiting on me. Red flag! She didn’t hesitate she said okay I’ll send you the remaining balance and she did. 3 days later she wanted the full refund for the look of the cake and for her waiting on me 😒 I told her no! Her 20 mins of waiting doesn’t justify the 10 plus hours it took me to make the cake. I asked her to bring back the cake full without being touched but I knew she didn’t have it since it’s been 3 days. She said she needed to defend herself and I said I also need to defend myself and my small business. Then she said to keep the money and I said okay lol Lesson learned I am starting on making invoices with policy and cake care and absolutely no refunds and they have to agree and sign the paper when picking up the cake.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Unfortunately that was a lesson learned the hard way! But at least you have policies in place now to prevent that from ever happening again. Sorry that happened to you! 💜

[@elizabethaso1277]

That is the cutest baby Minion cake I have ever seen and I would love to see how you made it. It's clearly a baby! If it was any younger looking you'd have had to make it in an incubator hooked up to medical equipment because it was prematurely born!

[@leahharing6916]

Maybe she could have added a soother in the mouth or something? I don’t know how else to look like a ‘baby’ and still having it big enough to serve a certain amount. Customer was just rude!

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG 😂😂

[@lornafranklin]

Is happened to us, when the client ordered a musical cake, even describing exactly what she wanted. Well the day of delivery, her husband received the cake, then she messaged us complaining that the drums were too big, there was hair in the cake, (which was really not possible, as we work with hair nets all the time). Granted, she had ordered cake pops with music notes on, which did not work out, so improvised to make them microphones, (not our best work though, as had to change last minute). She wanted a full refund, but we eventually agreed to give 50%.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's disheartening when this happens and unfortunately, we all experience it. However, you were able to learn the lesson and move on and that's what's most important!

[@wendyfarnsworth3125]

I think all your cakes were adorable! People are just rude

[@KarolynsKakes]

(Ross Geller voice) Thhhhhhhankkkkkk youuuu!! 😂🙏

[@tmlawson2009]

I Make ugly cakes when customers send too many details and want all this stuff. Then say just do what you want your work is awesome I trust you. Like uhhhhh idk what to do now. 😂love ur vids great job as always

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'm dealing with someone very specific right now and it's stressing me out!

[@tmlawson2009]

@@KarolynsKakes omg! I’m so sorry you’re going through that….. not fun at all

[@tessmazie]

I had one lady who picked up the cake and never said anything about not liking it. Later, another customer messaged me asking me if I saw the post someone made bashing me. Nope I didn't see that so I go to Facebook and there it was. The lady who had picked up the cake earlier was totally trashing me saying how I ruined her kids party and she hated the cake. Of course, social media being what it is, all sorts of rude people who didn't know me start in on me. One person asked her "but did it taste good?" And she said "yes it did" I was so pissed! I sent her a pm asking why she never contacted me if she had a problem. She said she was busy getting ready for the party. I asked her to remove the post she made and she agreed to if I gave her a partial refund. So, just trying to be civil, I agree to give her a partial refund, she didn't take the post down! I contacted the page administrator and they removed it. I kept screen shots of the conversation with the horrible customer cuz I had a feeling she was gonna be a further problem. Next thing that happens is I get notified by my bank that she's disputing the transaction! After I already partially refunded her! I send all the screenshots in with my objection/appeal and thought that was it. THEN, a couple weeks later I get notified by my bank that they are refunding her the money!! I already refunded her and the bank had all the details! So I lost double on that! I'll never forgive that shady biatch! I blocked her so she can never even make any kind of contact with me.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Okay this is one of the most insane stories I ever heard! I just feel like karma will always get people who are like that. Not that we wish anything bad on anyone, but she will eventually have an experience where she's on the other end. Hopefully you learned your lesson and were able to move on. And ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌ her! 😂😂

[@nikitadewar3704]

Couldn't you have taken her to court?

[@latoyapinder2682]

I do the same thing I mark the customers that I never would do a cake for 😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

It sucks that we all have to have a system like this in place! It's freaking cake, why are some people so rude?!

[@EllenAtwood]

Karolyn, I love you, your tutorials. Nearly all my cakes are now from your doctored Kakes recipes because they are virtually foolproof and always come out just right! However, I detest all artificial vanilla flavorings. Sorry. Even your fave! I do not have a sophisticated palate, but am sensitive to odors and some chemicals. The artificial vanilla flavoring can come through horribly for some. My daughter’s wedding in Puerto Vallarta featured a beautiful Mexican vanilla wedding cake. It was the WORST cake I ever had. Way too much real vanilla turned it bitter and inedible. Try drinking a spoon of vanilla and you will get an idea!!! So yeah, too much vanilla is a real thing! All that said, once again, your customer service hints and resolutions are spot on!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I didn't mention that she said she didn't add more vanilla than usual. However, there's always the chance that it was bad. And it's okay that you don't like WCV. It's not for everyone! 🙏

[@JenniferM0531]

Really? 😒That minion cake is amazing!

[@lynetterogers6752]

😂😅girl...just today...I didn't have enough red and orange on the rainbow

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG 😂😂 Another case of "they will never be happy no matter what".

[@TaniaGuti06]

My 3 year old son said the baby minion is so cute! Can you make a tutorial how to make it?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'll film it if I make it again!

[@drusweatman9786]

I am a hobby cake decorator. I made a beautiful Friends themed baby shower cake several years ago. I learned from a friend who attended the shower that the cake was torn into pieces because there was a legally blind person who said she thought she saw maggots in the cake so they tore it apart looking for maggots but they did not find any. No one ate the cake. When i found out I was upset but my friend said it wasn’t my fault and everyone loved the design of the cake. I am Deaf myself. I was wondering if that Blind person was jealous of me? I moved on but that person keeps ordering cakes from me so it was a relief.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Ummmm that's INSANE! She could have been jealous, who knows why people do what they do. Thankfully they didn't blame you!

[@melissasherman]

My husband surprised me with a Tiffany & Co cake shaped like the little blue Tiffany boxes for my 40th birthday party, which was Tiffany themed. Absolutely everything was Tiffany blue… EXCEPT THE CAKE!!! The lady must not have realized how important it is to have the signature teal color because the cake was like a pale blue and it stuck out like a sore thumb with all the other Tiffany Blue stuff at the party. I was disappointed because he spent a lot on the cake and it’s the only time in my whole life I ever had a custom cake. I will say… it was the best cake I’ve ever had though.

[@elizabethaso1277]

One interesting thing I found out years ago about that. It probably didn't come into play at all in your situation but the Tiffany blue is trademarked to the hilt and no one can use it without permission. I want to say it was Toni Braxton that had to get special permission so the baker could make her Tiffany box cakes the right color. I'm not 100% sure that I'm not mixing up two stories but I am absolutely certain they're was a publicized incident about a baker not being allowed to use that color for a Tiffany themed wedding cake.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Wow, I never knew that!

[@KarolynsKakes]

I totally understand being disappointed with the cake if it didn't turn out the right way. And I know how the cake can be an eye sore if it doesn't match the decor. However, it can always be handled in a professional way to try to find a resolution to the problem! Hopefully the baker was able to resolve the issue?

[@michellesmith2140]

Hello how are you?I have a question I made some cupcakes they cook up pretty after I took them out some of them fell in the middle and some didn’t so I made them again and same thing happen can you tell me what went wrong Thank you

[@kkh6035]

Even your mistake are amazing. That Minions cake was the CUTEST she is a wacko. Absolutely she was just being a pain to get money back. I had someone freak out once when I worked in a bakery and I can't remember why but my manager gave it to her for free when it was an EASY fix. I was like she was only complaining like that to get money off or free and she won. It chaps my cheeks I tell ya. People do not respect the time, energy and talent that goes into these things. Not to mention a lot of times there is research so extra time into that. I know most people are great but those turds that act like you broke there favorite toy are ridiculous. IT'S CAKE for crying out loud. Anyhow rant over lol Your cakes are beautiful and that minion one I can't get over how freaking cute it was I would have put xxx by her name too. Have a great day. :)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Chaps my cheeks 😂😂 Thank you though! I understand that the cake is a centerpiece of the party. But the way cake decorators are treated sometimes is just ridiculous.

[@elizabethaso1277]

Ok I'm definitely going to use the phrase "it chaps my cheeks" at some point. Never heard that and I love it!! Lol 😂😆

[@zenakimbrell9649]

Years ago I made a wedding cake. The cake was perfect. I delivered it. Set it up, along comes a groomsman and put a huge metal car on top! I got a call, the top tier was damaged. The car crushed the entire back side of the cake. Not my fault, but I hurry to the church and do my best to fix it. Not fixable! They wanted a partial refund! Didn't happen!

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's INSANE! Clearly you weren't responsible. I usually take a picture of the cake after I set it up for proof that it was in one piece!

[@777_jn6]

Hi Karolyn! I love your videos! You are super talented! I want to ask you if anyone ever expected a free cake from you when you started out. I had a misunderstanding with someone about a cake and she canceled because she wasn’t expecting to pay my price which I think was still cheap 😢

[@JenniferM0531]

And yes, if a customer ends up being troublesome I don’t accept anymore orders from them.

[@rubberduckie91]

What does counter-sink the dowel mean?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I sharpen the dowel on the bottom end (in a pencil sharpener only used for dowels, never pencils) and hammer the dowel through the cake down into the cake board. I counter sink it down into the cake so I can cover the hole it makes with icing. I explain it in this video! kzbin.infoix58LW8vbgg

[@tyava2]

There is this cake i worked hard on but client didn't like the design 😢. I did apologize but she was not listening. I guess I lost her as a client

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's better to lose her and get other clients who appreciate you and your hard work! It stinks, but it happens to all of us. 💜🙏

[@MelaninQueen93]

Just had my first OOPS I did a heart cake with blue and silver based on the inspo pic the women sent me she sent the picture attached to her order form and also inboxed me the picture saying “I want this” so in my head she wanted that with those colors ! Once I made it she said it’s beautiful but did I put blue anywhere on the form ? I re read the form and sure enough her text only said “silver glitter glitz and glam” turns out she wanted the entire cake silver I felt soooo bad I immediately refunded between 30-40% of her money she was so understanding and she was a returning customer so I felt even worst but I had to not beat myself up but I felt sick to my stomach at first . Then I followed up with her and she said it taste amazing so I felt a little better but also offered her a discount on her next order

[@elizabethaso1277]

You gave her excellent customer service! That's how you get repeat clients and build a reputation but still making sure that you're not being taken advantage of. I'd definitely order from you for that alone.

[@KarolynsKakes]

We all make mistakes like this! I've had the same thing happen. They send the picture and we forget to note the specific colors. At least she was understanding! We love to please and it's heartbreaking when we mess up. But it's best to own up to it, find a solution (which you did), and learn the lesson!

[@rainnarichards4290]

I has some one say the cake wasn't sweet they thought it was sugar free it wasn't. I never everyone always says how good the cake is.

[@KarolynsKakes]

There's always gonna be that one person that won't be happy!

[@rainnarichards4290]

@@KarolynsKakes Thats what my hubby says I use the your doctor cake mix recipe with a few tweaks to the Chocolate I add a Lil expresso powder it brings out that chocolate. But the vanilla I kept exact.

[@lizziebeaaar1157]

I had an issue with a client, she ordered a cake & the day before the cake was due, she cancelled. I had the cake crumbcoated & ready to decorate. The client never said to reschedule so i left it at that. The following saturday she messages me what time can i pick up the cake? & i told her you never asked to reschedule. She got mad and stopped ordering cakes from me because it was my fault her daughter didnt have a cake. Was it my fault?

[@KarolynsKakes]

NOPE! I hate when people suck at communication and then blame you for their shortcomings. If you had an email or text saying the date was changed, I would say it's your fault. If she expected you to magically know, that's on her. Lesson learned on that one is communication!

[@lizziebeaaar1157]

@@KarolynsKakes thank you, i knew i wasnt wrong. xo

[@auset7385]

That minion cake was perfection. Woman just wanted to moan. The extra smash cake was a bonus that should have been appreciated

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! I think that some people are just unhappy no matter what!

[@divinetouch3084]

❤❤❤🎉

[@BlackDiamond1239]

The minion cake was adorbs yea she is just a problematic person

[@Emunah13819]

01:30 Sometimes, it's not that something went wrong. It's just that you have a jerk client.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Truth! It still hurts when they blame us for all the wrong in their life 😂

[@Mairiain]

Have any of your blacklisted former clients tried to get another cake from you? (I don't have a list but I refuse to take orders from mother's of the bride after two bad experiences. I know that's unfair on one level since not all of them are awful, but all it took was two to ruin it for everyone else.)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes, and I actually did it. And she was good the next time! But I don't trust that everyone would be that way.

[@danandalihilton6076]

I absolutely blacklist people. I will even blacklist you if you ghost me, sorry but that’s so rude IMO.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I try not to take ghosting personally. It's a little annoying, but a lot of people would rather not have conversations. On to the next one!

[@kathycaruana8294]

Thank you for your bloopers aka mistakes… And oh yes I’ve had a few myself but the percentage of mishaps to successes is minimal and as you said we learn from them…🩷

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly! 🙏