FAQs

Read Expo Hire FAQs covering delivery, cancellations, order changes, Send It Back Dirty and B2B hire across England and Wales.


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Frequently asked questions about hiring from Expo Hire

This page brings the main customer questions into one place. It covers ordering, delivery, pricing, equipment use, payment, cancellation, damage waiver, and collections. If you need a venue-specific answer or a live stock check, contact the team before you place the order.


Why hire from Expo Hire

  • The only hire company in the UK that delivers and collects on Sundays. Morning and afternoon windows are available every day of the year, including Bank Holidays.
  • Live GPS tracking on every delivery and collection. A tracking link and SMS ETA are sent on delivery morning.
  • Every order 100% guaranteed before you pay. Stock and logistics are confirmed at booking.
  • No security deposit on any order. No damage deposit, no money held back.
  • Free Minor Damage Waiver on every order. Normal accidental breakages are covered at no extra charge.
  • 11 regional depots across England and Wales. Orders route from the nearest depot automatically.

Ordering and quotes

Can I get a quote without paying?

Yes. Add items to your basket, enter your postcode and dates, and use the checkout to generate a quote before payment.

Who can hire from Expo Hire?

Expo Hire supplies businesses, venues, caterers, event planners, schools, care providers, charities, and public sector teams. The service is B2B and the Consumer Rights Act does not apply.

How do I place an order?

Build the order online. Each product page shows live stock for your dates and quantity, and the basket updates pricing as you add items.

Can I add items after ordering?

Yes, if stock is available and the request is made at least 7 days before delivery. Use the account area or contact the team with the order number.

Can I remove items after ordering?

No. Once the order is confirmed, items cannot be removed or swapped out.


Delivery and collection

Where do you deliver?

Expo Hire delivers across England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland are not covered.

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery starts from £40 ex-VAT and is calculated by road distance from the nearest depot when you enter the postcode at checkout.

What delivery window should I expect?

Standard delivery and collection windows run between 8am and 8pm. Timed morning or afternoon windows can be added for an extra charge.

Do you deliver at weekends?

Yes. Expo Hire delivers and collects seven days a week, including weekends and Bank Holidays. Weekend surcharges apply.

Do I need to be present for collection?

No. The equipment only needs to be accessible to the driver. Collection from an unattended site is at the customer's risk.

Can I collect instead of booking delivery?

Yes. Birmingham self-collection is available Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm, by arrangement.


Pricing, payment, and deposits

Are prices shown with VAT?

No. Website prices are shown ex-VAT and VAT is added at checkout.

What is the standard hire period?

The standard hire period is 3 days, usually delivery day, event day, and collection day.

Do you take a security deposit or damage deposit?

No. Expo Hire does not take a security deposit on standard orders.

When can I pay a booking deposit instead of the full amount?

Orders over £500 with delivery more than 28 days away can use the Large Order Deposit Scheme, with 25% paid upfront and the balance due before delivery.


Equipment, setup, and returns

Do you set up the equipment?

No. Expo Hire is dry hire. Equipment is delivered clean and tested, and your team handles setup and use.

Do your drivers connect gas equipment?

No. Drivers cannot connect LPG or gas equipment. The customer must provide a competent operator.

What power supply do commercial catering items need?

Many commercial catering items need 16A or 32A power, not a domestic 13A socket. Check the product specification before you book.

When should fridges be delivered?

Fridges and freezers should arrive the day before the event so they have time to stand and pull down to temperature.

Do I need to wash the equipment before collection?

Furniture should be returned clean and dry. Crockery, cutlery, and glassware do not need washing, but you must scrape food waste, empty drinks, and repack the items ready for collection.

What does Send It Back Dirty cover?

Send It Back Dirty covers washing only. It does not remove the need to scrape plates, empty glasses, or stack the equipment properly for collection.


Cancellations, waiver, and damage

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations more than 28 days before delivery receive a 75% refund. Cancellations 14 to 28 days before delivery receive 50%. Cancellations under 14 days receive no refund.

Does the Minor Damage Waiver cover breakages?

Yes. The free Minor Damage Waiver covers normal accidental breakages such as chipped crockery or broken glasses during use.

What is not covered by the Minor Damage Waiver?

The waiver does not cover loss, theft, wilful damage, or large-scale losses.

What happens if an item is lost or badly damaged?

Items outside the waiver can be charged at the replacement rate set out in the hire terms.

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