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peacockplace
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Oct 25, 2004
Posts: 2751
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:36 am |
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I use the Stress Free Supports and love them. I have never had a problem getting them back until now. I charged a $75 security deposit. When the equipment was returned the 8" ring was missing. I told her I'd give her back $25 (which I shouldn't have done because the contract says that everything needs to be returned by a certain date to receive the deposit back) I used the $50.00 to buy a new one. I had a wedding the next week and had to have another one.
I think I'm going out of my way to help her out. What do you all do about situations like this? |
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michellenj
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jul 10, 2007
Posts: 1588
Location: Macungie, PA
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:47 am |
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I think you cut her a nice deal. If the groom lost his tuxedo jacket, I'm sure she would understand losing her deposit. How is this any different? Maybe this will motivate her to pursue it with the venue a little more. You had to buy equipment to replace what she lost. How is that your fault? |
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DianeLM
Forum SuperStar!
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Joined: Jul 27, 2004
Posts: 2095
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:51 am |
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I have my customers sign an Equipment Deposit contract where I list each item and the total amount of the deposit. I used to itemize, but found it too confusing for my customers.
My deposit includes replacement cost plus overnight shipping (to avoid the very problem you faced yourself), plus enough to encourage the customer to return my stuff. The more you charge, the more likely you'll get your stuff back.
When I had a customer return the rings, but not the legs, I deducted the amount for the legs from her deposit. Replacement cost + shipping + penalty at my discretion (enough to bring it up to a nice, round number).
I don't think it's fair to keep the entire deposit if some of the equipment was indeed returned, so I agree with how you handled it. She doesn't have anything else coming to her.
It's funny how no matter what lengths you go to, people still manage to lose your stuff. I give my customers a prepaid Priority Mail box with the list of equipment stapled to it. All they have to do is throw the rings and legs in and hand it to the mail carrier. |
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fluttercakes
Regular Member
Joined: Jun 10, 2007
Posts: 192
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Birthday: Nov 18
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:01 pm |
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| DianeLM wrote: | I have my customers sign an Equipment Deposit contract where I list each item and the total amount of the deposit. I used to itemize, but found it too confusing for my customers.
My deposit includes replacement cost plus overnight shipping (to avoid the very problem you faced yourself), plus enough to encourage the customer to return my stuff. The more you charge, the more likely you'll get your stuff back.
When I had a customer return the rings, but not the legs, I deducted the amount for the legs from her deposit. Replacement cost + shipping + penalty at my discretion (enough to bring it up to a nice, round number).
I don't think it's fair to keep the entire deposit if some of the equipment was indeed returned, so I agree with how you handled it. She doesn't have anything else coming to her.
It's funny how no matter what lengths you go to, people still manage to lose your stuff. I give my customers a prepaid Priority Mail box with the list of equipment stapled to it. All they have to do is throw the rings and legs in and hand it to the mail carrier. |
Okay, I really like the prepaid Priority Mail box idea...what size do you use? Also, do you have a copy that I could view of your Equipment Deposit Contract? I'm thinking about getting the SFS system, so this would be great! Thanks! |
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DianeLM
Forum SuperStar!
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Joined: Jul 27, 2004
Posts: 2095
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:57 pm |
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I use the rectangular Priority Mail box (don't know the dimensions). I can print a prepaid label right from my computer.
Now, if a customer has to return a large board, unfortunately, that can't be done via mail. I offer my customers the option of returning the board in person or just 'buying' it. Most of them opt to pay the extra twenty-five bucks plus the cost of the Priority Mail package rather than going to the trouble of schlepping everything back to me.
My equipment deposit contract is a Word document. If you email me, I can send you a copy. |
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tcturtleshell
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 29, 2005
Posts: 4507
Location: South Bossier, Louisiana
Birthday: Aug 09
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:24 pm |
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Hey girl, I think you did good! You should stand behind your contract. If they signed it then I wouldn't give them anything back. If you change anything I think DianeLM way of doing things sounds excellent! GO GIRLS!! I live my dreams through you!! 
BTW... I LOVE your new website Kristy!!!! |
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peacockplace
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Oct 25, 2004
Posts: 2751
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:08 pm |
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Thank you all for the support. She was a little irrational earlier. She wanted me to give her all the stuff from the cake "since I wouldn't use it again" if I didn't give her money back.
I'm not sure what stuff she wanted. The fountain... the acrylic stand? I have no idea. I told her there wasn't anything to give her since she didn't purchase anything. She rented the fountain and the stand and paid a security deposit for the safe return of all the equipment.
TC thanks! It took a long time and I'm still trying to get it just right. Did you end up going to ICES? I had a wedding and then we left on a trip. Go figure... the one time it's two hours away and I can't go. |
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tcturtleshell
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 29, 2005
Posts: 4507
Location: South Bossier, Louisiana
Birthday: Aug 09
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:19 pm |
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Looks like she's just looking for some money back. Go figure. Sorry she is giving you a hard time.
Yes! I did go to ICES! You should go read this thread
http://forum.cakecentral.com/m.....c&&start=0
it tells a bit of what we did. I had a blast!!! I sure wish you could have come. It would have been nice to finally meet you~
Stick with what you feel is right with this bride. You can handle her!  |
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MessyBaker
Forum Addict
Joined: May 25, 2007
Posts: 884
Gallery Supporter Member
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:32 pm |
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Ok, not trying to suck up here, but peacockplace, you are my new favorite decorator! Your new site is awesome! You are so talented. Every single cake is just perfect! |
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peacockplace
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Oct 25, 2004
Posts: 2751
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:53 pm |
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tcturtleshell
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jan 29, 2005
Posts: 4507
Location: South Bossier, Louisiana
Birthday: Aug 09
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Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:43 pm |
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I hope you do go next year & I get to go again too. I'm not sure if I qill. DH & I have been wanting to go on a cruise. If we do that then ICES is out. ICES verses cruise... CRUISE! DH is willing then I'm going! LOL!
Yeah, the pushers did ruin it a bit for me. If I go again I guess I'll have to push back! St. Charles, IL will probably be a blast! |
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sarahdodgen
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 25, 2008
Posts: 79
Location: Dawsonville, Georgia
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Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:21 am |
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what are the stress free supports that you are talking about? I"m just starting out in the business and I'm curious. |
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