If your new hire isn't working out, Expo Hire has steps to address performance issues or make a difficult termination. Don't let a bad hire impact your business.
If your new hire isn't working out, Expo Hire has steps to address performance issues or make a difficult termination. Don't let a bad hire impact your business.
Event professionals need clear protocols for equipment issues. Knowing exactly what to do if hire goes wrong keeps your schedule on track. Expo Hire operates 11 regional depots across England and Wales to support B2B clients, including independent caterers, venue managers, and exhibition builders. This guide details the exact steps to take when facing damaged items, missing stock, or delivery delays.
Inspect all commercial grade equipment immediately upon delivery. Photograph any cracks in glassware or scratches on table hire items before use. Call or email Expo Hire on the same day to report the fault. Keep the damaged item separate from your main order so our depot staff can assess the condition. We will dispatch a replacement from our Birmingham headquarters or issue a credit on your final invoice. Retain all damaged items until you speak with our team.
Check all items against the delivery note while the driver remains on site. The driver will note any discrepancies and report them directly to the dispatch team. Call Expo Hire immediately upon finding a missing item after the vehicle departs. We often arrange a second delivery before your event begins for chair hire shortages or missing catering stock. Hold off on altering your floor plan until you speak with our logistics team.
Call Expo Hire directly regarding any delayed vehicles. Do not attempt to contact the driver. Our system provides live vehicle tracking and SMS ETA updates on delivery day, giving you accurate arrival times. Document any significant delays in writing after your event concludes. We take full responsibility for delays originating from our depots.
Contact our team to rearrange pickup following a missed collection window. Keep all hired equipment secure and protected from rain or damp conditions in the interim. We do not apply extra hire day charges for delays originating from our transport network. Inform Expo Hire immediately regarding venue lockouts or access restrictions on your site. Additional daily charges apply when our drivers cannot access the equipment.
Every order includes a Free Minor Damage Waiver as standard. This policy covers accidental breakages during your event, such as dropped glasses or chipped plates. You face no replacement charges for these common accidents. The waiver excludes lost items, deliberate destruction, and extreme staining. Our "Send It Back Dirty" service applies to catering equipment hire, meaning you return crockery and cutlery unwashed without penalty.
The waiver excludes all lost equipment. Missing crockery, items left behind by guests, and stolen goods remain your financial responsibility. Misuse also voids the waiver. Standing on chairs, leaving indoor tables exposed to overnight rain, and improper stacking all incur replacement fees. You must secure all hired items and account for every piece at the end of your rental period.
Follow up in writing via email regarding any unresolved issues. Maintain a detailed log of all communication, noting the exact dates and times of your phone calls. A clear written trail protects your business during invoice disputes. Understanding what to do if hire goes wrong prevents minor logistical hiccups from derailing your event schedule.
Professional event organisers require reliable supply chains. Expo Hire operates a fully online ordering system with no phone calls required. Our website displays live stock levels and exact pricing for all tables and chairs alongside table linen. We require no security deposit for standard orders, and you can secure bookings over £500 with a 25% advance payment. Our system calculates delivery from £40 ex-VAT based on road distance from your nearest depot. Warehouse self-collection remains available Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm from Birmingham. Prices are live on the product page. Add items to your basket and confirm your dates online.
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.
