What do you do when a customer won't return a cupcake stand after her wedding?  I charged her a $50 deposit to use the cake stand refundable when returned undamaged but the stand cost $150 so I would really like it back.  I have left multiple messages on both her phone and e-mail and she won't return my messages.  What do you do in these situations?  How would you avoid loosing money on cake stands in the future? 

My contract states that after 7 days the borrowed items not returned are considered purchased. However I don't lend out items that cost more than the deposit amount. :-/ I've heard some people "rent" items to cover wear and tear on items, or maybe just start charging a higher deposit? 

In this case I would be as accommodating as possible, maybe offer to come pick it up? Or just show up, lol??? Then consider it a lesson learned.

I'm not sure what you can do this time, but in the future, if something costs $150.00 to replace, you take at least a $200.00 deposit so that you are covered for the amount plus the time and trouble it takes to go and replace it.  When the client returns it, they get all but $50.00 (or whatever you agreed upon) back.  While losing $50.00 may not be enough of an incentive to make someone make the effort to get something back to you, $150.00 will probably work.  If not, the next time it gets higher.  In effect the next client suffers for the last client, but eventually you find the right amount.

I assume you are trying to contact the bride?  Do you have another member of the bridal party you can contact..maybe the MOB?   I always get multiple phone numbers on my contract.   A bride after the wedding can be just as busy as before...honeymoon, moving, thank you cards, etc...who knows.   She may not think that stand is as important as her other after-the-wedding stuff.     I had one go on a 2 week honey moon and she put herself as the person to return my plateau.   I had to track down another family member to get it back.   I have a "rental" policy not a "deposit" policy...so regardless...I get money for my equipment.

I ask for a deposit greater than the replacement cost of the item and have in the contract that the item is due back by the following wednesday.  I also make return arrangements before the wedding, and get a secondary contact person and the person who is in charge of the return. And the stand has to be returned in person (dropped of or we will meet)--no mailing of the stand. 

All good ideas.  I will have to change my deposit policy, I guess.  I feel like $150 is a lot to charge for a deposit but I don't want to keep loosing money on it.  Definitely will get a second contact number in the future. 
 

AI charge $30 to rent a stand. I do not require a deposit. Stands must be returned no later than the Wednesday following the wedding.

I have a very specific contract which states the person signing is responsible not anyone they may designate.

I send an ail reminder the Monday before the wedding reminding them to return the stand.

I also have them sign a one time credit card authorization. In the event the stand is not returned by the Wednesday following the wedding, the card will be charged the cost of replacement.