Last-Minute Event Hire Orders: How We Can Help

Sometimes events cannot be planned until the last minute. Someone decides to throw a spontaneous party, guests who could not attend now can, there are any number of reasons why people need to order event hire from us at short notice.

As an e-commerce event hire website, we try to be as responsive as possible to last-minute orders. If crockery, cutlery glassware or furniture is needed at short notice, we will do what we can to fulfil the order. Here is a guide to help.

Check Availability on Our Website First

One of the things that separates us from other event hire companies is that we show stock levels live on our website. Visit the product page for what you need, enter your dates and delivery postcode, and the website will confirm what is available.

At busy times of year, the day you need may show as unavailable. We take orders on a first come, first served basis, and when delivery space is full we close that day from accepting new orders. If we can deliver and collect on your date and have the stock available, the website will let you place your order without needing to contact us.

What Counts as Last Minute

Orders placed within seven days of a delivery date are considered last-minute in our system. Orders placed within two to three days are significantly more constrained. Here is a realistic guide to what is achievable at different timescales:

• 5 to 7 days before the event: Most stock categories will have availability. Delivery slot options narrow during peak season, but fulfilment is generally achievable.
• 3 to 4 days before: Popular lines like glassware and folding furniture may have limited availability. Timed delivery slots will have filled on busy days.
• 1 to 2 days before: Stock availability is uncertain. Contact us before placing an order to confirm we can fulfil it. Standard delivery may still be possible depending on route.
• Same-day: Not available as a standard service, but for customers who can collect from our warehouse, this may be an option in exceptional circumstances. Contact us to discuss.

Make Contact

If there is a problem on our website preventing you from placing an order, contact us. There are three ways: live chat, email and phone. Live chat is staffed seven days a week between 8am and 8pm. You can also email us at support@expohire.com or call us on 0800 910 1100.

We will always try to accommodate orders where we can, but at peak times availability for both stock and delivery slots can be limited. We urge customers to place orders as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Practical Steps for a Last-Minute Order

To give a last-minute order the best chance of being fulfilled, take the following steps:

1. Check availability online first. This takes two minutes and tells you immediately what is available on your date. Do not contact us until you have done this, it saves time for both parties.
2. Have your delivery address and access details ready. Last-minute orders move quickly and we cannot hold stock while waiting for an address. Drivers need to know access codes, parking arrangements and who to contact on arrival.
3. Be flexible on delivery time. Timed delivery slots (morning or afternoon) fill first. If you can accept delivery at any point during the day, your chances of fulfilment increase significantly.
4. Have a card ready for payment. Last-minute orders require immediate payment. We cannot reserve stock or a delivery slot without payment confirmed.
5. Know what you actually need. If an order cannot be fully fulfilled at short notice, understanding what is essential versus what is optional helps you prioritise and avoid hiring things you do not need.

Flexibility

As a rule, we plan delivery schedules four to seven days in advance. During busy periods, drivers can have upwards of ten deliveries and collections per day, and fitting more in is difficult, particularly when distances between drops are tight. As schedules fill, the chance of a timed delivery slot being available reduces.

If you need flexibility, it is sometimes possible to arrange for the venue or another person to receive the delivery on your behalf. We cannot guarantee this as a workaround in every case, but we will consider it where possible.

For regular event organisers who may need to act quickly, setting up an account on the website saves time at checkout. Saved addresses and payment details mean an order can be placed in under two minutes once you know what you need.