Elon Musk’s company Tesla placed a $16,000 order for 4,000 mini pies from a Black-owned bakery in California, according to bakery owner Vohangi Raseterinera.
A Sweet Resolution: The Giving Pie and Tesla Settle Billing Dispute
The Order and Cancellation
Days after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pledged to rectify a situation with a San Jose bakery, The Giving Pie confirms that the billing dispute with Tesla has been resolved. Musk’s Tesla had initially placed a substantial order for 4,000 mini pies, valuing $16,000, from a Black-owned bakery in California.
Preparations and Unexpected Cancellation
Upon receiving the order, bakery owner Voahangy Rasetarinera invested in additional work hours, purchased ingredients, and turned down other catering orders. However, on Valentine’s Day, Tesla surprisingly canceled the order via text, leaving the bakery in a challenging situation.
The Impact on Small Businesses
Rasetarinera shared her experience on social media, highlighting how Tesla’s actions affected her small, Black women-owned business. The incident shed light on the vulnerability of small businesses when dealing with larger corporations, emphasizing the challenges faced despite efforts to uphold commitments.
Following media coverage, Elon Musk responded, expressing a commitment to resolve the matter. Rasetarinera, initially turning down Tesla’s offer to cater two events in March, ultimately confirmed that Tesla paid the $2,000 she was out of, bringing the dispute to a close.
After ordering 4,000 mini pies from a San Jose bakery, Tesla allegedly canceled the order and did not pay. https://t.co/FiWaJpahR2
The Giving Pie received immense support locally and internationally, with hundreds of consumers lining up to purchase pies. Rasetarinera, grateful for the unexpected outpouring of support, reflected on her journey as a business owner. The incident also led to donations from across the US, as well as from the Netherlands and Sweden.
In the end, what initially seemed like a setback for The Giving Pie turned into a story of resolution, community support, and the resilience of small businesses in the face of challenges.
