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Party Rental Success

A large party can be a pain to plan. Just when you think you have all of the big decisions made you realize that you still have to work out the little details. Party rentals may not be the first thing on your mind when you begin planning but you should definitely give them some serious thought. You will need everything from chair covers, to place settings, linens, and kitchen and serving equipment. You may even be thinking about renting gaming equipment for a themed night or a MoonBounce for a children's party.

You know that you will have to rent a wide variety of supplies and decorations for your events. You may have to work with a number of suppliers and, truth be told, it can all get a bit messy. Choosing supplies is the easy part, organizing the logistics of it is another story. Here are a few guidelines to make your next party rental experience a good one.

Plan, Plan, Plan
Plan for your party rental needs in your budget and in your timeline. At first they may seem minimal but you will soon find you need to rent a lot. Your waitstaff will need supplies, your eating area will need linens and flatware, and you will definitely want to rent some décor and entertainment. Your rental costs could easily become one-third of your budget. It is especially important to plan your rentals early if you are throwing your event during the holiday season or the spring event season.

Be Aware of Your Rights
The importance of a contract cannot be stressed. Unless you get it in writing there is no guarantee you will get what you want. Your contract should contain exactly what product and quantity of each product you are renting, how long the rental period is, details about delivery and pick up, and deposit and payment schedules.

Be Aware of Your Responsibilities
The importance of a contract cannot be stressed. Your contract should detail your responsibilities. Do you need to repackage or clean the rental equipment? Probably not, but get it in writing. If you are renting equipment or other large items you will want setup and breakdown responsibilities in writing.

What If You Lose It, Break It, Or Don’t Use It?
Although it wise to rent more place settings and linen then you will use, do you have to pay for them? Generally, yes, most companies will charge you. There are also fees for damaged or misplaced items. Ask about your party rental company’s policies before you order.

Ask your vendors.
You may not think about the requirements of your catering staff. Consult with them before you order to find out what, if any, equipment they require. They may also be able to direct you to quality suppliers which they have often worked with and prefer to use.

Order Early
During party seasons, holiday and springtime, many party rental companies are stretched to keep up with demand of their products. If you order early you have a better chance of getting exactly what you need for your event. It is also wise to arrange for early delivery so that you may inspect all merchandise and equipment. If you give yourself time to make sure that everything is in working order then you will have more time to deal with problems, should they arise.

Nearly any party will require the rental of some linens, entertainment, or equipment. If you choose a reputable company then you should have no problem. Cover all your bases, get a contract, and plan for your rental needs. You should have no problem pulling off the perfect party or event. Here are a few key questions to ask your party rental company.

1. How long is the rental period?
2. How much of a deposit required?
3. When do you require full payment?
4. What type of contract do you require?
5. What is your policy on damaged material and equipment?
6. What is your policy on lost merchandise?
7. Do I need to clean and repack table settings and linens?
8. Does your company provide setup and breakdown of large equipment and setups?
9. May I change my order closer to my event?
10. How early do you recommend I reserve my order?
11. What are your delivery options?
12. What are your delivery charges?
13. If I do not use equipment will I be refunded any money?
14. What is your cancellation policy?