This isn't the normal "what do I charge" question... I actually have a bunch. I'm going to be doing cakes for a grocery store starting in about a week and he okayed me to do wedding cakes so it's going to be "my" thing... does this sound fair:
I'm going to ask him if I can get paid hourly for doing the wedding cakes PLUS 25% of the actual cake price. I'm also going to get all delivery fees since I'll be delivering with my vehicle and I'm going to get any fees that go along with the use of my equipment (fountain, etc.)... does that sound fair to you? I figure, he'll still be making a lot on these cakes... I just don't want to be making piddly on them when I could have my own shop and bringing it all in for myself...
Now onto the pricing questions...
What do I charge for delivery? I was thinking .35 a mile outside of our city limits... this would be actually doubled because I'm going to charge for having to drive there and back.
What do I ask for a retainer fee? 25%? 33%? $100?
What do I ask for a returnable deposit on my equipment (they get it back once everything is returned and how long do they get to return it)? $50? $100?
Thanks ahead for answering, I really appreciate it!
Federal reimbursement rates for mileage is now 48.5 cents per mile
The deposit should equal the total cost to replace the items
You can have them write you a separate check for the deposit. If the items get returned you can give them back their check. If not, cash it.
By retainer do you mean a deposit for a wedding cake? 50% is the norm, with a deadline for the final payment. You need a contract for wedding cakes. (see earlenescakes.com)
PM Indydebi -- she's a treasure-trove of info on this sort of thing! 
I was looking online for pricing in general and came across this:
Delivery/Set Up -- Delivery fee depends on Price of Total Cake Order (not including tax)
Less than $100 delivery not available
$100 to $200 $70.00 plus 50¢ per mile
$200 to $400 $50.00 plus 50¢ per mile
$400 to $600 $40.00 plus 50¢ per mile
$600 to $800 $30.00 plus 50¢ per mile
$800 to $1000 $20.00 plus 50¢ per mile
$1000 to $1250 $10.00 plus 50 per mile
$Over 1250 Free Delivery in Town/Outside
Town --$5.00 plus 50¢ per mile
I just did a quick copy/paste - but you tailor it to where you are.
HTH
I might suggest to increase the deposit fee for rental items more than just the actual replacement cost. Especially if it's under $100. And the reason for that being that people may choose to not return the items on purpose and forfit the deposit because time,energy and distance for them to drive to return the items to you may not be worth it to them. Then you're out your items and you may not be able to replace them for the same cost you bought them for the first time.
KimAZ
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