Why the Cheapest Event Hire Quote Can Cost You More

When three quotes land in your inbox, the lowest number is tempting. But event hire quotes are rarely priced the same way, so the cheapest one on paper isn’t always the cheapest on the day.

What a low price often leaves out

• VAT. A price without VAT still has 20% to add on top.
• Delivery. Some suppliers add it later, or charge by the hour.
• Setup and collection. Check they’re included, and what happens if your venue wants everything out late at night.
• A backup plan. If the supplier is ill or their kit fails, is there anyone to cover?
• Insurance. Many venues won’t let an uninsured supplier set up.

The real cost of it going wrong

If a supplier lets you down on the day, there’s rarely time to find anyone else. You lose more than the money you paid: it’s the first dance with no dancefloor, or the party with no music. That’s the part a cheaper quote can’t give back.

How to compare quotes like for like

• Ask every supplier for the total including VAT and delivery to your venue.
• Check exactly what’s included: setup, collection, and anything else you need.
• Ask what happens if they can’t make it.
• Read recent reviews, not just the star rating.
• Compare deposits and when the balance is due.

How our prices work

• Every price includes VAT.
• Delivery is priced by distance to your venue and shown in your instant quote.
• Setup and collection are part of every booking.
• Every booking comes with our Never Let Down Guarantee.
• A 25% deposit secures your date, and the balance is due 28 days before.