I have a potential cliet requesting one or the other. I do not have either, but am willing to obtain them for future biz. My question is, how do you price the extra engineering? Also, do you charge extra for raised tiers?
Any tips or pointers on construction if she decides to go with me (and uses these items) for this cake?
Thank you!

I would rent your fountain, etc to her. Or collect a deposit sufficient to cover the cost should they not be returned, or are returned broken. Then you can keep the deposit.

As for the extra engineering, I usually include it in my cost, but I'm just starting out and I need those customers. I guess you could estimate how much extra time you will have to spend and charge an hourly rate accordingly.

But you would only charge a little extra for the actual putting together of the cake and a little extra to rent the items? I mean if it took 2 hours at $15 per hour, that would be $30 more than a plain stacked cake? Really???
You don't charge more for the extra difficulty of the cake?

Hmm, I always preferred the plain stacked ones, so I never had a clue how much more one of the tiered ones would be.

I meant the extra time for the fountain. I assume the putting together of the plain stacked cake would be included in your regular price of $? per serving. Then you figure, whatever the extra time, above the plain cake is that you spent on the fountain. Add that in. Plus, either rent the fountain to her or get a replacement deposit that would be refunded if it is returned in original condition.

Fountains aren't too complicated. But you do have to use pillars and plates, and arrange everything, and sometimes put flowers around it. So some extra $$ is definitely in order.

I dont' charge extra for the design of a fountain or stairs in my cakes. You take any wedding cake, pick it up and set it on top of the fountain stand. How long can that take? I had a double wedding cake with 2 fountains and 2 stands that only took me about 30 minutes total to set up, and that included the on-site decorating I had to finish up.

I've just never run into any fountain/stair design that was so much extra work that I decided I'd have to charge extra for that next time, so I can't justify any extra cost for it.

I have some standard silk florals that I use around the base of the fountain. I show them to the bride ahead of time and tell her "this is what I'll be using unless you have your florist put something else together for the fountain." They are pretty neutral (green vine-type with white flowers) so they'd go with pretty much any decor.

Since I stay to cut and serve the cake, I don't have to worry about returned equipment so I don't have to charge rental or deposits to my brides either, but I can understand you would want to cover this if you do drop-offs.

Thanks! I appreciate the info. I guess I just needed someone to put it in perspective for me. Thanks! I will be on the lookout for a fountain and staircase then.

I don't charge extra for the design of fountain or stairs, but I do charge a small rental for the fountain, and I definately charge a deposit of $100 because they're not cheap to replace. I always let them know that they'll get it back in a check after the wedding, and they're fine with it.

I do not charge "extra" for this set-up. Once the bride has picked her design, if it has a fountain and stairway, I figure the price of the rental, with a deposit, consider the amount of flowers or bridesmaids on the stairway or whatever else it may take, I then give her a price. You may have to purchase additional flowers or candles or whatever, thats in the price you give her, plus delivery. It does not take long for this sort of set-up.

Thank you for all of the advice! I have not yet heard back from her, but I plan to practice the set up if she decides to go with me.

strawberry0121--this has absolutely nothing to do with this thread, but I couldn't stop laughing at what is in your signature line! I have 3 kids and that sentiment pretty much sums it up!

I saw it on another forum I post to and thought it was hilarious!