asking for money

leni

I recently did my neighbours friend a birthday cake for her daughter.

Now the cake cost me £15 to make and allot of work went into it. I text the recipient and said I didn't know what to ask but the cake cost me £15 to make. She said she'd drop the cheque round at my neighbours but 2 weeks later and no cheque!

I always feel awkward chasing money and can 100% say that I NEVER borrow money from people because I hate knowing I owe a "human" money (I class banks as the devil!):o

what would you do?

climbgirl

I'd ring her up (texts are too easy to ignore!) and ask when she's dropping off the cheque. It might be entirely innocent, people do just get busy sometimes and forget things like this. If it makes you feel more comfortable, make up something like you've allocated it for your car tax bill and you'd like to know when you'll receive it. Something like that.

Don't feel awkward about asking for money, you are owed it and it's yours. They should feel awkward for not having paid you sooner!

LJD1_2

That's a hard one but i'd text her again and say you were going to pop round and get the cheque and just wanted to make sure she'd dropped it off. That will solve the problem if she's simply forgotton.

climbgirl

One more thought - can you ask your neighbour to ask her if you're not comfortable doing it directly?

leni

spookily my neighbour just texted inviting me to a Virgin Vie party next week and said person will be there but I replied saying "yes I'll be there, did X drop some money round for the cake at your house - said she was, just wanted to check!" no reply yet though

inkie

Have you got your money yet?

MinnieSpender

Make another cake in the shape of a horse's head. She'll get the message.

**purpleprincess**

I'd ring the neighbour and ask. Don't feel bad, it's your money and your time went into making the cake!

leni

I've not got the money yet, apprently the person is on holiday but my neighbour will chase her when she gets back and we're both gonna be at a virgin vie party this week anyway so I should get it back!

myrnahaz

Write out an invoice - date it the same day you handed the cake over - mark it 'payment due immediately' and put it in an envelope with the person's name on the front (but don't seal the envelope); then hand it to the person in the party, smile, look them straight in the eye and say ' here's the bill for the cake - I've just charged for the ingredients, I haven't charged for my time and fuel costs'. Speak clearly so that other people will hear.
If the envelope is left unsealed, they will be less likely to just stuff it in a bag or a pocket - it gives out subliminal signals for the person to open it in front of you so they have to acknowledge the debt.

Smashing

Start charging interest. That might hurry her up a bit.