Using an event rental company not only helps make it easier to plan your event and have it go off without a hitch, but it can also help elevate your party or event to the next level. So how do you choose an event rental company?
There are a few simple things that can help you choose the right event rental company. We will take a look at several of these below.
What does an event rental company do?
Event rental companies come in many sizes. Some are just small mom and pop businesses that operate out of their home. Others are huge multi-million dollar enterprises that can handle events of any size or type.
Regardless of the size of the event rental company, what really matters is that they have the items that you need for your event and can provide those rental items at a fair price and in good condition.
Most event rental companies also offer delivery and setup of the rented items. It is important to realize, however, that these services come with an additional fee. Although, the amount of time and effort they save you is probably worth the cost.
How to choose the right event rental company
Now that we know what an event rental company does and how they can help you with your event, let’s find out how we can choose the right one.
Look at their reviews
One the first and easiest things to do is to check the event rental company’s reviews on Google. While some companies may have a few fake reviews on Google, the majority of them will probably be legitimate.
It’s a good idea to look at some of the good reviews as well as some of the bad ones. This way you get a good overall sense of how different customers have felt based on their different experiences.
Do they have the rental equipment you need
It should go without saying that if one of the companies you are looking at doesn’t have some of the items you’re looking for, you may need to choose another event rental company. However, you should call the party rental company before you give up on them.
Many companies do not have all of their inventory on the website. This is because event rental companies buy and sell inventory often and may not have had the chance to update that information on the website yet.
It is also important to make sure that they have a sufficient quantity of the necessary items. If you are planning a wedding, how many people are attending the wedding? Are there more people attending the reception than the ceremony? These are important things to know before you choose the event rental company.
Check their rental rates
If you are trying to choose an event rental company, the cost of the rental items should be towards the top of your list. Not because you should always choose the cheapest company. In fact, that is usually a bad idea. But, you do want to make sure that their event rental pricing is on par with the industry standards in your area.
For example, if you notice that 3 or 4 event rental companies charge between 300 and 400 dollars for a 20×20 tent rental and another company’s price is 550 dollars, they are probably overcharging. You do, however, need to make sure that the price isn’t higher because they are including something that the other companies do not.
Delivery and setup
Depending on the type of event you are planning, you may desire to have the event rental company deliver your items to the location and possibly even set them up. Most event rental companies will perform this service, but it is not included in the cost of the rentals.
You can choose to add this service to your order, however, if you want to be as hands-off as possible. If you do not want your items delivered, ask about the pick-up and drop-off procedure and times available. These will vary from company to company.
Your event rental company will show up at the predetermined time with all of your rental items and set them up where they need to be. Then, after the event is over, they will break everything down and take it all away. All you have to do is enjoy the party!
Customer service
The customer service that your event rental company provides is paramount to the success of the event. This is one area where you should not settle. We have already talked about checking their online reviews to see what past clients have to say.
The next easiest way to know what kind of experience you will have is when you speak to someone from the event rental company on the phone. Are they patient and willing to answer all of your questions? Is the booking process easy and straightforward? Are they knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to assisting you with your event or party?
These are a few of the questions you need to ask yourself when deciding which event rental company to choose.
Choosing an event rental company recap
As you can see, there are several things that you can do to help choose the best event rental company for you and your event. Events can be difficult to manage on your own. If you book your event with a company that is not looking out for you, that will just add to the chaos.
These points listed above will help you shorten the list of event rental companies to choose from and eventually help you decide which one fulfills all of your requirements.
Regardless of which company you decide to go with, moving forward with a positive attitude and planning for potential problems ahead of time will help your event run as smoothly as possible.
Here are those steps to choosing an event rental company again:
- Look at their reviews
- Do they have the rental equipment you need
- Check their rental rates
- Delivery and setup
- Customer service