By Frederick Sullivan and Jaime Botello
When you are searching for party rentals in the San Francisco Bay Area, you may come across different companies that will not offer you what you deserve, or need. Speak with friends and family for recommendations on reliable companies. You can also go online and research the rental equipment catalog of various rental companies to see if they offer what you are looking for. Consider the following factors when you are calling a rental company to provide equipment for your special event.
Available Items
A good party and event rental company will have a lot of variety for you to choose from. From table linens to chair rentals and party equipment, you should have your pick of anything your party or wedding might need. Also, ask if the rental company has a showroom where you can drop in, or make an appointment, to see a preview of their inventory.
Delivery, Pickup, Setup, and Takedown Services
Some rental companies do not offer setup and takedown services. In fact, some may not even offer delivery and pickup services. A lack of these services is not unheard of, but it is more common to see delivery and pickup included in your rental fees. Often you will see an extra charge for the company to set up and take down any chair rentals and tables you have. Think hard about the event you are hosting, and how helpful these extra services will be at the end of it.
Pricing
On top of a variety of equipment to rent, your rental company should be able to work with your budget. If you need chair rentals, there should be several different options, from high-end to inexpensive. Tables, linens, and decorations should also be available to fit your budget. Be upfront about your budget with your rental company, and examine your contract in depth. Make sure there are no hidden fees, or missing services, you should be getting.
Final note: Make sure that when you are getting a quote from rental companies, you compare apples to apples if you see a deal that is too good to be true. Ninety-nine percent of the time you will get what you pay for. For example, if the company offers a $4 Chiavari chair compared to an $8 one, you might want to start asking questions as to why are they so cheap. The chairs could be chipped, not well maintained, or the company might even be using the wrong color of matching paint, so buyer beware. We recommend using this thought process on all rental items for your wedding or other special event.
Frederick Sullivan and Jaime Botello, who oversee the Weddings & Occasions page for the San Francisco Bay Times, are the talented wizards behind Sullivan-Botello Events (http://sullivanbotelloevents.com/) and SnB Party Rentals (650-877-0840, www.snbpartyrentals.com). Both are Certified Wedding Planners with extensive experience in creating memorable, personalized events for special occasions. Their rental service is incredible, offering everything from beautiful gold Chiavari chairs to LED dance floors, and all at competitive prices. They are the creators of the Gay Vanity Wedding Show and are longstanding members of the Golden Gate Business Association, which is the nation’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
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