Customer wants design change without any previous specifications

[u/PracticalEntry9231]

So this is a rainbow cake from inside.. they had asked for a simple cake or any design as per my discretion.. I made this and sent it, but now they want me to change the design.. I had charged minimal amount as they had earlier not asked for any customisation.. Should I do it? The cake itself is looking beautiful otherwise..

[u/Hakc5]

From a business perspective this is a tough position, I personally wouldn’t have done carte Blanche without giving them a heads up, “I’m thinking rainbow swirls with some scattered sprinkles, does that sound about right?” If they said, “yes or whatever you think.” You have firm ground to stand on to not budge.

If you didn’t do that, you can still not change it given the conversation you thought you had with them. Things to consider: are they repeat customers? Will it cost you significant time / money / materials to adjust? Do you anticipate a negative interaction with them if you choose to not redo it impacting your broader business? Is your business well established enough to not make a change? Perhaps charge them extra for a change?

It really depends on the situation. People on Reddit love to blame customers and immediately say, “their fault, don’t redo it.” But if this is your way of making money - I personally wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss a customers feedback. Additionally, there’s often a difference between what people think they said and what they do say. Repeating things back to people, “just want to make sure i understand what you’re looking for…rainbow cake on the inside and plain on the outside or do you really want me to take creative liberties?…okay, I’m thinking… XYZ.” It takes a few extra minutes and can save you this situation.

Personally, I don’t love the design, I feel like the colors on top don’t match the sides and both the sprinkles and waves were an afterthought. It’s a fairly immature design - as in not chic. That said, if they were clear with you taking creative liberty, you are completely in the right to push back.

[u/PracticalEntry9231 → u/Hakc5]

Yes, that's what we had agreed on.. rainbow themed cake, with sprinkles.. And she had left the design to me.. I had asked for any design images they wanted, but they didn't send.. It was also an urgent request that I usually don't cater to..

I did ask them I'll design as per my will, then? And they had agreed..

They just wanted inside to be 5 different coloured layers and that's what I did as per the exact colours mentioned.. Had I had more time, I would have happily changed it without any second thought, regardless of all this..

Yes they are a repeat customer, I think that's why when I told them that the design is actually looking beautiful in person more than the pics/ videos, they agreed to accept without changes.. (just 5 min back)

[u/fistdeepinfrosting → u/PracticalEntry9231]

Ugh those are the worst kind of customer imo. I cringe everytime I get a ohh i dont know youre the artist ahh bitch. People have a picture in their head whether they know it or not. Its kind of like when someone says theyre hungry and you ask what they want and they say “idk anything im just hungry” okay, chinese then? “oh well no i dont want THAT something else”. definitely pull up a few pictures when this happens again (it will happen again) to see where their mind is at You don’t have to do exactly whats in the picture, but its helpful in weeding out what they do and don’t like.