What is fair compensation?

chris9104

We've just had our daughter's naming ceremony today and it was wonderful.

However, we found out when we went back to pick up presents, left over cake etc that the venue disposed of the cake topper/decoration. My wife had planned to use it for future birthdays and put it in a memory box. The cost of it was negligible, but the sentimental value is priceless.

The venue have apologised and been through the bins to try and find it, but no luck. I do believe it was a genuine mistake, they have mentioned a financial gesture to try and make up for it, but I have no idea what is fair?

And just to make matters worse, we are good friends with the daughter of the owner. (The daughter also works there but was a guest today).

PasturesNew

I'd suggest the price of a small/1-tier cake from the original cakemakers.... then use the money to buy a cake with identical toppers to be used at a 1st birthday party/photo opportunity at home next year. Then put it down as "a family story". You'll have to collect/store the toppers now so they're not out of stock when you walk in next year wanting a cake.

chris9104

PasturesNew wrote: »

I'd suggest the price of a small/1-tier cake from the original cakemakers.... then use the money to buy a cake with identical toppers to be used at a 1st birthday party/photo opportunity at home next year. Then put it down as "a family story". You'll have to collect/store the toppers now so they're not out of stock when you walk in next year wanting a cake.

Thank you for your reply, unfortunately the topper was custom and handmade so there's not the option of just going and buying another.

Tigsteroonie

Accept it was a genuine mistake, and put a photo of said topper & cake into the memory box instead. Get a different topper to use and keep for future birthdays.

Not everything needs financial compensation, even if it is offered.

lynsayjane

Under these circumstances no value of financial compensation will replace or make up for this so I'd only see accepting it as greed. It sounds like a genuine accident and is easily done, an apology should be enough.