Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about ordering, delivery, equipment, and pricing at Expo Hire. Based in Birmingham, delivering to England and Wales seven days a week.

Ordering

How do I place an order?

Orders can be placed online 24/7 at expohire.com. Browse the catalogue, add items to your basket, and check out with your delivery details and payment. If you need help, call us on 0800 910 1100 and we can take your order over the phone.

How far in advance do I need to book?

As a guide, book at least a few days before your event to allow time for picking, packing, and delivery scheduling. For large orders or events on busy dates, booking earlier gives you the best chance of securing everything you need.

Can I amend or cancel an order?

Contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes. We can usually amend orders up to a few days before the delivery date, but changes may not be possible once picking has started. Cancellation terms are shown at checkout.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

For most orders, full payment is taken at checkout. Orders over £500 with a delivery date more than a month away qualify for our Large Order Deposit Scheme, where you pay 25% upfront and the balance closer to the event.

Is there a minimum order value?

There is no minimum order value. You can order as little or as much as you need.

Can I get a quote without placing an order?

Yes. Add products to your basket, go to checkout, and enter your delivery details to see a full itemised price including delivery. You can email the quote to yourself from the final checkout screen without placing an order or entering payment details.

Hire Period

How long is a standard hire?

All prices shown on the website are for a 3-day hire. That gives you time for delivery, use at your event, and collection without being rushed. Longer hire periods are available — call us to discuss rates.

When does the hire period start and end?

The hire period runs from the day of delivery to the day of collection. So if equipment is delivered on a Friday and collected on a Monday, that counts as a 3-day hire.

Can I extend my hire?

Yes. Contact us before your scheduled collection date and we will do our best to extend the hire. Extensions are subject to availability and the equipment not being required for another booking.

What if my event runs over and I need equipment for longer than planned?

Call us as soon as you know. We will check availability and confirm whether the collection can be moved. Do not simply keep the equipment without letting us know — it may be needed for another customer's delivery.

Delivery and Collection

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery starts from £40 and is calculated based on your distance from our warehouse and the size of your order. Use the carriage calculator to get an exact figure before you order.

What areas do you deliver to?

We deliver throughout England and Wales. We do not currently deliver to Scotland or Northern Ireland.

What time will my delivery arrive?

We will confirm your delivery window when your order is dispatched. If you need equipment by a specific time, let us know when ordering and we will do our best to accommodate that.

Can I track my delivery?

Yes. Real-time tracking is available through our order tracking page. You will receive a link when your delivery is on its way.

What happens if I'm not in when you collect?

You do not need to be present for collection. Leave the equipment in an agreed location and our driver will pick it up. Just let us know the arrangement when you place your order or contact us before the collection date.

Do you deliver at weekends?

Yes. We deliver and collect seven days a week, including weekends and bank holidays.

Equipment

What condition does the equipment arrive in?

All equipment arrives clean and ready to use. We inspect and wash items between hires, so you will not need to do anything before your event.

Do I need to wash the equipment before it's collected?

No. Return the equipment dirty — crockery, glassware, cutlery, linen — and we wash it at our end. Stack it loosely and leave it where the driver can reach it. Full details are on our Send Back Dirty page.

What happens if something gets broken?

All hires include our free Minor Damage Waiver, which covers accidental breakages during normal use. If you break the odd glass or chip a plate, there is no charge. The waiver does not cover wilful damage or large-scale losses.

Is there a security deposit?

No security deposit is required. The Minor Damage Waiver covers incidental breakages, and we trust our customers to return equipment in reasonable condition.

What if equipment arrives damaged or faulty?

Contact us straight away. We will arrange a replacement where stock allows, or discuss a credit. Do not use equipment you believe to be unsafe.

Can I collect from your warehouse?

Collection from our warehouse is not available as standard. All orders are delivered and collected by our own drivers. If you have a specific requirement, contact us to discuss your options.

Quantities

How do I know how much to order?

Work from your confirmed guest numbers and allow a small buffer for breakages or last-minute additions. Product pages include guidance on common quantities. If you are unsure, call us and we can help you work out what you need.

Can I add to my order after placing it?

Yes, in most cases. Contact us with your order number and we will add items if stock and logistics allow. Changes close to the delivery date may not always be possible, so get in touch as soon as you can.

Do you offer quantity discounts?

Pricing shown per item reflects the quantity in your basket automatically. For very large orders, call us to discuss pricing.

Pricing and Payment

Are prices shown including or excluding VAT?

All prices on the website are shown excluding VAT. VAT is added at checkout at the current rate.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards online. For large or repeat orders, contact us to discuss payment by bank transfer or to set up a trade account.

Will I receive a VAT invoice?

Yes. A full VAT invoice is emailed to you automatically when your order is confirmed. If you need a copy, log into your account or contact us with your order number.

Do you offer credit accounts?

Trade accounts with payment terms are available for regular business customers. Contact our sales team to apply.

Do you offer discounts for large or repeat orders?

For large or repeat orders, call us to discuss what we can do. We are happy to talk through pricing on significant bookings.

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