How do you go about renting the cupcake tower bases and cake plates? What is the best way to make sure you'll get your equipment back?
Thanks,
Paola

We charge the replacement cost of the rental tower and plates (including tax and shipping) as a refundable deposit, plus 1/3 the cost as a rental fee. The deposit is usually incentive enough to return the rentals.

The best way to ensure prompt return of items is a huge cash deposit. My deposit is 1½ times the retail value of the item plus overnight shipping of said item (in case customer loses or damages the item).

I also have a detailed sheet they sign, describing usage and Ts & Cs, and a list of parts that need to be returned. They have to return it within five days of loaning/renting.

I deduct for late returns, dirty equipment, and lost or damaged equipment.

Thanks!
Do you do this only in cash? do you take credit cards and checks also?

For equipment deposits I only take cash. Money talks!

For any other purchases we take cards or cash.

We don't take credit cards at all, but the deposit is payable with the rest of the order via cash or check at least 2 weeks before the delivery date.

I don't require a deposit for rental. If I was a rental company, I would absolutely require a deposit. I'm not, & I don't.

I charge $30 to rent the stands. That covers my cost of polish & time. I also have all clients sign a contract which states the liability of damaged stands. I've never (knock on wood) had a problem. I have had to call to remind someone the day before it was due, and I did have to request payment for damages. Otherwise, nice & smooth.