I will be making an engagement cake and cupcakes for a party coming up soon. The place is about 2 hours away from where I live. I will be using my cake/cupcake stand but I do not want to stay the whole time to then get my stand back at the end.

If it were a closer venue I could just pick it up the next day, but since it's so far I am wondering what is the best way to go about getting it back. Do I bring a box for her to ship it back? That was one solutions I was thinking, but it seems very inconveniencing.

 

ACharge the full replacement cost of the stand in addition to the rental fee. If the client wants a refund of the replacement cost, they can drive it back to you or pay to have it shipped back (insured of course).

AI have them write a check for equipment that I wish to get back, along with a date it's to be returned (in my contract) undamaged. If they don't return it I cash the check. Ive never had any problems doing this but I suppose someone could always write you a bad check.

A

Charge them a rental fee upfront and explain in their contract that x amount will be refunded when your items are returned in the condition received. Also take pictures of your items in case you have to dispute the condition when they are returned. I have found people will take better care of your things and return them as promised when you collect deposit first verses charging after the fact... However they get it back is not your problem your problem is only receiving it ina timely manner and in the same condition.

The advice given above is all very sound. 

I'm lazy and I'd make something for display that I didn't even want back, add it into the cost of the order, and tell the client to keep it or chuck it.  There are some excellent ideas online for cheap but nice looking cupcake stands.

Thank you everyone! Very sound and professional advice. I am just beginning to get clients that arn't friends, or friends of friends, so I will definitely be adding those conditions to a contract for them to sign. 

Another thing, have any of you ever heard of disposable cake stands, or in other words, very cheap pieces to make your own cake stand? That way you don't even have to bother..