diff --git a/datacenterlight/tasks.py b/datacenterlight/tasks.py
index 69ba08ad..9f0249a2 100644
--- a/datacenterlight/tasks.py
+++ b/datacenterlight/tasks.py
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ def retry_task(task, exception=None):
 def create_vm_task(self, vm_template_id, user, specs, template, stripe_customer_id, billing_address_data,
                    billing_address_id,
                    charge):
+    vm_id = None
     try:
         final_price = specs.get('price')
         billing_address = BillingAddress.objects.filter(id=billing_address_id).first()
@@ -76,6 +77,9 @@ def create_vm_task(self, vm_template_id, user, specs, template, stripe_customer_
                 date=int(datetime.now().strftime("%s")))
         )
 
+        if vm_id is None:
+            raise Exception("Could not create VM")
+
         # Create a Hosting Order
         order = HostingOrder.create(
             price=final_price,
@@ -132,6 +136,8 @@ def create_vm_task(self, vm_template_id, user, specs, template, stripe_customer_
         logger.error(str(e))
         retry_task(self)
 
+    return vm_id
+
 
 class DictDotLookup(object):
     """