Displays, Cake Plates and Seperators

[MimzyWhimzy]

Hey all, I was just wondering - when you make a tiered cake with separators for an event, how do you get the separators back when the cake is eaten? ...do you get them back at all? Same with cake-plates and all those wacky stands we spend so much time/money on - are the clients responsible for returning the equipment to you? Do you go to the venue when the party is over and pick it up yourself? Do you STAY for the whole event?
Any info would be GREATLY appreciated!

[mssweetie24]

Make sure you charge a deposit of what it would cost you to replace those items in case they do not return your items. that way if they decide to keep the plates and things you will be able to replace for new ones. If they are return then you can return their deposit. Plus make sure you give them a certain date to have your items returned to you or there is a late fee deducted from the deposit.

[MimzyWhimzy]

Originally Posted by mssweetie24

Make sure you charge a deposit of what it would cost you to replace those items in case they do not return your items. that way if they decide to keep the plates and things you will be able to replace for new ones. If they are return then you can return their deposit. Plus make sure you give them a certain date to have your items returned to you or there is a late fee deducted from the deposit.

wow, these are all excellent ideas - thank you!

[cakebaker]

I actually charge quite a bit more than the items are worth as a deposit. I found that if I only charged my cost, quite often I didn't get them back. If I charge more than they can buy them for, they tend to return them promptly.

My usual deposit is my cost plus 25%-50%, depending on how hard the items would be to replace.

My reasoning is time is money and if I have to spend my time replacing items customers don't bother to return, they're going to pay me for it!

[MimzyWhimzy]

Originally Posted by cakebaker

I actually charge quite a bit more than the items are worth as a deposit. I found that if I only charged my cost, quite often I didn't get them back. If I charge more than they can buy them for, they tend to return them promptly.

My usual deposit is my cost plus 25%-50%, depending on how hard the items would be to replace.

My reasoning is time is money and if I have to spend my time replacing items customers don't bother to return, they're going to pay me for it!

excellent points. I was actually thinking of doing this myself.
I'm assuming you put all the info about the deposit down in the contract, correct?

[2sdae]

I do the same and it is discussed with the ordering and finalized in the contract!

[cakebaker]

I definitely have it all spelled out in the contract and like 2sdae, by the time the cake is delivered, I've explained it all to them in detail at least half a dozen times.

[2sdae]

you have to or they simply and or conveniently forget and throw stuff out and or keep it.

[elizw]

i just use cake boards and dowels. i haven't had a bride ask for columns. i guess my day is coming!

[2sdae]

it happens to the best of us!!!