my neighbor, who has had a successful catering business in the past, has suggested to me that i "lease" my cupcake stands to make money off of them when doing weddings and large events. i like this idea but then i still would need a deposit on it in case anything were to happen to it. is this too much to ask a potential client? does anyone else "lease"/rent their equipement? this would be seperate of the deposit.

also, i'm about to dive into cupcake weddings and would like some advice about delivery and set up fees. the delivery fee is obvious - charge one, but what about the time it takes to set up the stand and all the cupcakes? if do charge a set up fee, how much? should it be a percentage of total cost of event? is a set up fee common?

your input on these issues is very much appreciated! thanks.
ashley

I charge a rental fee and deposit fee, if I am not staying to cut the cake I waive the deposit. I do this for all of my stands and plates etc. So far I have had good luck.

fmcmulle, can you give an example of one of your rental fees? i'm trying to determine what fee i should apply for my cupcake stands.

ashley

I rent mine for 25 and charge a deposit to cover replacing the item.

I charge $25 rental for all of my stands and a credit card number to hold as a deposit. I tell people the cost of the stand they are renting in their contract so they know if something happens exactly what will be charged to their card.

Here's an add'l thread with some good info on this very topic: http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-595937.html

I ask for a deposit for my stands. The cost is replacement value including shipping. When the stand is returned in the condition it was when I set it up they get all but $25 of their deposit back from me which I keep as the rental fee.

I agree, I charge a deposit for the cost of the item if I had to replace it. The rental fee would come out of the amount at the end unless they are renting numerous items from me. If I stay and cut the cake for them I waive the the deposit and just charge the rental fee. The rental fee starts at $25 and goes up depending what or how many things they are renting. I work with the brides on these items because I know it can get real pricey depending on what they are looking for.
Faye

i rent out my cake stands and pans, but the stands, if it goes under one of my wedding cakes i do not charge a usage fee, only a deposit. i feel this is an added bonus to brides if they book with me. i have rented them out to people makeing there own cakes, and another bakery in town has rented one a couple of times when hers where all in use.

this is good to know. i have some really expensive metal cupcake stands and would definitely get a deposit on those which i'd give back with their safe return. and the delivery fee is a must with gas nowadays. but then the rental fee and set up fee i wasn't sure about. i have a couple of events coming up (non-wedding events) where i'll be doing cupcakes for 200 and 300 people. that will take a lot of time to set up so i feel i should charge them for that, but if i also hit them with a rental fee, it will seem like i'm just charging them to death.

ashley