Terms and Conditions of Hire
1. Definitions
* The Company: SJ's Leisure: Dress Your Event, based in St Helens, Merseyside.
* Customer: The individual or organisation hiring equipment or services.
* Equipment: Items hired or purchased, including but not limited to balloons, LED signs, LED dance floors, chair covers, sweet carts, and other event-related items.
2. Booking and Confirmation
* A booking is confirmed only after the Customer signs the booking agreement and pays a 20% non-refundable deposit.
* Full payment is due two days before the event. Failure to pay will result in booking cancellation.
3. Hire Period
* Equipment is hired for an agreed period, as specified at booking.
* Extended hire periods will incur additional charges.
4. Delivery and Set-Up
* Delivery and set-up are included within a 10-mile radius of St Helens, Merseyside. Additional charges apply for locations beyond this radius, as quoted at booking. Charges will not be applied retrospectively unless the delivery location changes.
* The Customer must ensure the set-up space is clear, accessible, and suitable. Most equipment fits through a standard household doorway (minimum 3ft width). For larger items, such as LED dance floors, consult the Company before booking to confirm access suitability.
* The Company may refuse delivery or set-up if the space is inadequate or unsafe. The Customer is responsible for informing the Company of venue access arrangements.
5. Customer Responsibilities
* The Customer must maintain equipment in good condition during the hire period.
* Any breakages, damages, or issues must be reported to the Company immediately.
* Equipment must not be moved without written agreement from the Company.
* Electrical equipment must be used per manufacturer guidelines, provided upon request.
* No food or drink is permitted on LED dance floors to prevent slips, trips, or injuries. The Customer should ensure a compere or DJ announces this rule periodically during the event.
6. Breakages, Damages, and Loss
* The Customer is liable for any breakages, damages, or loss during the hire period.
* Repair or replacement costs, including losses from inability to hire equipment for future events, will be deducted from the deposit or invoiced separately if the deposit is insufficient.
* The Company may photograph damaged or lost equipment to assess charges.
7. Stolen or Lost Equipment
* The Customer is responsible for the full replacement cost of lost or stolen equipment and must report such incidents to the Company and authorities immediately.
8. Refusal of Delivery or Set-Up
The Company may refuse delivery or set-up if:
* Necessary permits or permissions for the event location are absent.
* The space is unsafe or unsuitable for set-up.
* Access is insufficient or the delivery address is incorrect or inaccessible.
* A free parking space is unavailable for the delivery van (minimum SWB size). The Customer is responsible for any parking charges incurred.
9. Booking Amendments
* Amendments (e.g., date, location, equipment) must be requested at least two days before the event.
* A £50 amendment fee may apply.
* Cancellations or rescheduling result in forfeiture of the deposit, with additional cancellation fees as outlined in Section 16.
10. Payment Terms
* A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at booking.
* Full payment is due two days before the event.
* Non-payment by the due date allows the Company to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.
11. Equipment Functionality
* The Company ensures equipment is in good working order before delivery.
* If equipment fails during the hire period, the Company will attempt repair or replacement as soon as possible, but timelines are not guaranteed.
* The Customer must notify the Company immediately of any malfunctions.
12. Liability
* The Company is not liable for injury, loss, or damage caused by equipment use after delivery and set-up.
* The Customer indemnifies the Company against claims, losses, or damages arising from equipment use.
13. Insurance
* The Customer is advised to obtain event insurance covering equipment damage, loss, theft, and liability.
* The Company is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage during the event.
14. Force Majeure
* The Company is not liable for failure to fulfil obligations due to events beyond its control, such as natural disasters or strikes.
15. Governing Law
* These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
16. Cancellation Policy
* General Terms:
* Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Voicemail cancellations are not accepted.
* Customers must verify receipt of cancellation within 24 hours by calling 01744 602716. Without confirmation, cancellation fees apply.
* Deposits and booking fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, including in cases of venue closure or restrictions.
* The Company may deduct supplier costs (e.g., staff, admin, deposits) from payments made beyond the deposit.
* Cancellation Fees:
* Orders up to £100:
* Cancel at least 7 days before: No additional fee.
* Cancel less than 7 days or on the event day (including refusal of delivery): 100% fee (reduced to 50% if paid within 7 days).
* Orders £100-£200:
* Cancel at least 10 days before: No additional fee.
* Cancel 10 days to noon the day before: 50% fee (reduced to 25% if paid within 7 days).
* Cancel after noon the day before or on the event day: 100% fee.
* Orders £200-£400:
* Cancel at least 14 days before: No additional fee.
* Cancel 14 days to noon the day before: 50% fee (reduced to 25% if paid within 7 days).
* Cancel after noon the day before or on the event day: 100% fee (reduced to 50% if paid within 7 days).
* Orders over £400:
* Cancel at any time: 50% fee.
* Cancel after noon the day before or on the event day: 100% fee (reduced to 50% if paid within 7 days).
* Cancellations Due to Fitting Issues or Unsuitable Surfaces:
* If equipment does not fit or the surface is unsuitable (e.g., uneven or artificial grass), a 100% fee applies. Check product dimensions and suitability on the Company website before booking.
* Prior Cancellations:
* Customers with previous cancellations may require pre-payment for future hires.
* Refusal of Delivery:
* Cancelling on arrival incurs a 100% fee, including for weather-related reasons, unless a confirmed cancellation notice is provided.
17. Quotes
* Telephone or email quotes are valid for 7 days. After this, a new quote may reflect increased prices.
18. Conduct and Safety
* The Company operates a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of staff. Abusive behaviour results in recorded details and refusal of future hires.
* The Company may stop operating or remove equipment if guest conduct endangers safety or for other reasons deemed appropriate, with no refund offered.
19. Photography
* The Company may use images of equipment, regardless of who took them or where displayed, for marketing without seeking permission.
20. Service Standards
* The Company will provide services to the best of its ability, reflecting advertised products, and act courteously towards the Customer, guests, and venue staff.
* All required equipment is provided by the Company unless otherwise agreed.
21. Violence or Damage
* Verbal or physical violence towards Company staff or affiliates may result in a request to remove offending individuals. If unresolved, services may be stopped, and the Customer is liable for remaining fees.
* Damage to equipment by the Customer or guests may lead to service termination, with the Customer liable for full repair or replacement costs, due within 7 days. Additional costs may apply for late payment.
22. Equipment Ownership
* Hired equipment remains the property of the Company.
* The Customer is responsible for equipment during the hire period and must insure against all risks.
* Equipment must be returned in excellent condition. Stickers, branding, or attachments require Company permission.
23. Delivery, Installation, and Collection
* The Company aims to adhere to agreed delivery and collection times, requiring at least 2 hours' clear access for installation (unless otherwise agreed).
* Equipment is typically installed 1 hour before the event and collected at the end of the hire period.
* Additional charges may apply for early installation, idle time, or delays due to inaccessible venues. Inform the Company of lift or stair access before booking, as extra fees may apply.
* The Company may refuse installation if the location is unsafe or unsuitable, without refund.
* Equipment cannot be moved by the Customer once installed.
* Repair costs due to Customer negligence, misuse, or abuse are the Customer's responsibility.
24. Dance Floor Installations
* Dance floors require a solid, flat surface with no furniture placed on them.
* If conditions are unsuitable, the Company may refuse installation without refund or install a smaller floor if feasible. Confirm suitability with the Company before booking.
* No food or drink on the dance floor at any time. This can cause slips, trips and falls and can result in serious injury. We recommend a responsible person (such as DJ, Event Co-ordinator etc) announces at regular intervals during an event that food and drink is not permitted on the dance floor at any time.
25. Late Payment and Liability
* The Customer indemnifies the Company against expenses, losses, claims, or damages arising from equipment delivery, use, or return.
* Late payments incur statutory interest (Bank of England base rate + 8%) and debt recovery fees:
* Orders up to £999.99: £40 maximum fee.
* Orders £1,000-£9,999.99: £70 maximum fee.
* Orders over £10,000: £100 maximum fee.
* Non-payment at delivery may result in event cancellation.
26. Disclaimer
* The Company is not responsible for injuries or claims arising from equipment use.
* Venue or Customer delays do not affect the event finish time. Extensions are at the Company's discretion.
* If staff feel unsafe or equipment is at risk, the Company may withdraw services immediately without refund.
* Dissatisfaction must be reported during the event for rectification attempts.
* The Company may substitute or subcontract goods if quoted items are unavailable.
27. Payment Methods
* Cash on Delivery: The exact amount must be ready on arrival. Failure to provide payment may result in non-delivery and additional re-delivery costs.
* BACS Transfer: Payment must be received by the Thursday before the event. Details are provided in the confirmation email.
* Cheques are not accepted (effective from 16 October 2021).
* Credit is not offered. Invoices must be settled before delivery or paid in cash on arrival.
* The booking fee (approximately 20%, rounded to the nearest £10) is required to confirm bookings. Non-payment voids the booking.
28. Standing Time
* Standing time is charged at £50 per hour (including partial hours, e.g., 15 minutes).
29. Legal Action
* Non-compliance with payment terms results in referral to Daniel Silverman Ltd (Registered Company No. 3998129), a debt recovery agent. Outstanding balances increase by at least 15% upon referral.
Agreement: By booking with SJ's Leisure: Dress Your Event (online, by phone, email, or otherwise), the Customer agrees to these terms, forming a contract. We aim to provide an exceptional hire experience.
