The hire process runs through eight stages, from browsing and checking availability to delivery and collection. This guide covers what happens at each stage and what to prepare.
The hire process runs through eight stages, from browsing and checking availability to delivery and collection. This guide covers what happens at each stage and what to prepare.
The hire process runs from browsing to collection in eight stages. Knowing what happens at each stage, and what you need to prepare, makes the whole thing run smoothly.
The Expo Hire website shows real-time stock levels. Enter your event date and browse the furniture range. Items that show as available on your date are genuinely in stock, not subject to a follow-up call to confirm. Add items to a quote basket as you browse.
Submit your enquiry online or call. The quote includes the hire cost per item, a delivery and collection charge calculated from your venue postcode, and any optional setup charges. Quotes are free and most come back within a few hours for standard orders. Have your event date, venue postcode, item list and delivery time window ready when you enquire.
Pay the deposit, typically 25–30% of the order total, to secure the booking. Stock is reserved for your event date from the moment the deposit is paid. You receive an order confirmation by email listing all items, quantities, the delivery address and your agreed time windows.
The hire company contacts you 24–48 hours before delivery to confirm the time window. If your venue access details have changed since booking, call as soon as you know. Changes made the day before are harder to accommodate than changes made a week out.
The driver arrives within the confirmed window. Items arrive on a trolley or by hand for smaller orders, or in a van with a two-person crew for larger ones. The driver brings everything to your specified delivery point and checks off items against the delivery note. Sign it to confirm receipt and note any discrepancies before the driver leaves.
Setup is your responsibility unless you have paid for a setup service. Tables fold out, chairs stack off quickly, tablecloths arrive folded and crockery is packed in crates. For a typical 100-person dinner, allow 90 minutes to two hours for setup with two people working.
At the end of the event, fold tablecloths loosely and place them in the crates or bags supplied. Rinse crockery and glassware and return to crates. Stack chairs. Fold tables and lean them against a wall. You do not need to wash or polish items, only rinse them clean.
The collection driver arrives at the confirmed window and checks items against the original delivery note. Expo Hire's damage waiver covers accidental breakage, so an accidentally broken glass or chipped plate does not result in a charge at the end of your event.
Fair wear and tear covers minor scuffs, small marks from normal use and candle wax that wipes off cleanly. Damage covers breakage, large stains, burn marks and loss of items. The damage waiver covers accidental breakage. It does not cover loss of items, deliberate damage or theft.
Choose from our vast range of catering hire, furniture hire and exhibition hire products. Select from the categories listed below or use our great search function above.
