Contract - Cake Stand Rental Wording
Business By ljhow623 Updated 4 Jul 2012 , 5:04am by BlueSkyGirl
I'm having issues getting my stands returned to me. My contract reads:
STANDS/PILLARS:
If non-disposable stands, separator plates, pillars, etc. are used on your cake; there is minimum a $100.00 rental/deposit. All items must be returned in good condition to Lisas Custom Cakes within 5 days of your event. If items are returned in satisfactory condition your deposit less $25.00 rental fee will be returned. If items are not returned within the 5 days or are damaged then you forfeit the deposit.
The problem I have is my customers don't seem to want to return the stands. Does anyone have any suggestions in wording on the contract so that I am assured to get my stands returned to me?
I have a seperate contract that they need to fill out and sign for any rental equipment. All rental equipment needs to be returned by the Wed. following the event date. I also email the client the return instructions for the rental equipment a day or two before their event and leave a copy at the venue or when they pick up the equipment. If you want to PM me, I can send you a copy of the rental agreement I use and the return instructions I give them. I have never had a problem getting my equipment back on time.
Angie
Your wording is perfectly clear. I wouldn't worry about it -- you get to keep the deposit, and repurchase the supplies. Your clients are choosing to forfeit their deposit... maybe it's a convenience thing and they look at it as though the money lost is reasonable or affordable for them rather than taking the time to return the items -- time is money/their time is valuable. Since they're treating the non-disposable supplies as disposable, you should too. Keep replacing the items as long as you're charging enough to do so.
Increase the deposit so that you actually make a little bit of profit. If you are going to be "selling" these stands then make it worth your while: treat it as a business product. Not to mention it takes time to go out and purchase them and money for gas.
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