Terms & Conditions of Hire
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE
We are pleased to be supplying you with one of our inflatables or entertainment services, please find your copy of the hire agreement printed below. By paying a deposit/full payment it will be taken that you have read & accepted the following Terms & Conditions. (You will sign the original personalised copy at the time of your hire, the signed document will be retained by ourselves).
If you wish to cancel your hire because you do not agree with any of our terms, please contact us immediately, and we will cancel your booking for you as units unfortunately cannot be hired out without your acceptance of our terms.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE (The word UNIT in terms & conditions means any other inflatable / item if not a bouncy castle.)
1.1 These are the Terms and Conditions of Hire of Courtney Inflatables - Please read these carefully and sign at the bottom to signify that you acknowledge and accept these Terms and Conditions. The company accepts no responsibility for damage or injury whilst our equipment is under hire to you. Please ensure the delivery driver has free and easy access to erect the castle onto a clean flat lawn/area. Please be advised that if we arrive and there is insufficient space e.g. ceiling height for indoor hall hire or outdoors the lawn is unsuitable e.g. sloping or is unclean, full payment still has to be made. Courtney Inflatables reserves the right to cancel any booking at any time, e.g. in really bad weather, or strong winds, we may cancel for safety reasons.
1.2 By placing an order with us either verbally or via e-mail regardless of whether a deposit has been paid, it is deemed that the customer has read, understood, fully agreed to, and is bound by, all our terms and conditions of hire.
1.3 In the event of traffic or other uncontrollable circumstances preventing us from being able to fulfil our contracted obligations, our liability shall be limited to a refund of any monies paid in relation to the contracted event on a pro-rata reduction in the hire fee, in the event of delayed start (based on event start time only). No further compensation will be paid irrespective of any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred as a result of the hire. Delivery fees are also not covered by our pro-rata reduction policy.
1.4 In the event of any mechanical breakdown of equipment during your event preventing us from being able to fulfil our contracted obligations, our liability shall be limited to a refund of any monies paid in relation to the contracted event on a pro-rata reduction in the hire fee (based on event start & finish time only). No further compensation will be paid irrespective of any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred as a result of the hire. Delivery fees are also not covered by our pro-rata reduction policy.
1.5 Pro-rata reductions & refunds are also limited to the specific items at fault, not the package as a whole. This includes generator failure being limited to the cost of the generator only, not the items being powered by it.
1.6 When booking online, our booking system will show the availability of items only, not the capacity to be able to deliver them. In certain cases, certain items may only be available at certain times of the day, when our drivers and vehicles are free which doesn't suit your requested delivery slot, however we will make you aware of this within 24hrs should you book with us.
1.7 Any problems or damages occurring on the hire should be reported to the office as soon as possible. You can contact us on 0800 520 2015 during your hire at all times, Including all late nights but excluding overnight hires. Once a problem or damage has been reported, the office will advise if the items are safe to use, but please DO NOT use the items until advice has been received from the office as they may lead to a serious accident. Any equipment that has not been reported damaged and any damage to persons and or property will not be considered as a result of failing to report.
1.8 All entertainment delivered to site will be inspected and will be signed for by a member of the Courtney Inflatables delivery team, and by the customer, venue, client or representative, to ensure they are completely happy with delivery and that the goods were received in good working order & fit for purpose. Once this has been signed at the start of the event, nothing further can be considered. This document is also a liability waiver and MUST BE SIGNED prior to the event start time. Any delays associated with any documents, will come from the hire period, and may be chargeable.
1.9 Upon booking and hiring any of our equipment you are entering into a non disclosure agreement and, as such, any form of slander or discussion on the internet, in places such as google, Facebook or any other social media sights, infringements may result in legal action or an invoice for defamation to the value of £500 per infringement.
Payments & Cancellation Fees:
2.1 The driver is to be paid any outstanding balance, in cash, upon delivery of the unit. Late cancellations (within 14 days of event) are to be charged at the rate of 100%. Cancellations between date of booking and 14 days prior to event will be charged at 50%. If you wish to cancel due to rain you will be charged at a rate of 100% of the booking fee. If Courtney Inflatables deems it too dangerous to deliver inflatables/unit due to high winds, then the 20% deposit will be held for 3 months and can be used against a different date, subject to availability.
2.2 Please be aware that in law, your right as a customer to cancel an order starts the moment you place the order and ends 14 days from the day you receive confirmation. Your right to cancel a service starts the moment you enter into the contract and lasts 14 days.
2.3 However due to the nature of our business, there is an exemption for leisure service activities on specific dates. This exemption helps protect traders who may set aside specific capacity for a consumer which they may not be easily able to fill or resell should the consumer change their mind. This would include car hire, wedding venues, theatre tickets for specific performances etc. Traders may still of course decide to offer the consumer the ability to cancel should they choose. However in the case of hiring specific equipment for a specific date from Courtney Inflatables, we do not accept cancellations.
2.4 In line with current legislation, please accept these terms and conditions of cancellation as your cancellation rights and please be aware that cancellation may result in court action.
For further information, please see the following link: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/contents/made
Terms and Conditions:
3.1 Bouncy Castles are strictly for children under 1.3 metres tall unless stated. Any child taller than the inside wall is not permitted to use it. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should ADULTS ENTER ONTO THE castle as this may result in damage to the castle. Any damage will have to be paid for by the hirer named in our agreement. No signs are to be glued, taped, or hung on the castle at all. No sharp objects are allowed on or near the inflatable. No smoking, BBQ’s or naked flames near the inflatable.
3.2 You ("the Hirer") are responsible for injury or damage occurring whilst the equipment is on hire, and you are strongly advised out take out Public Liability Insurance covering the use of the Bouncy Castle/Unit whilst it is on hire to you.
3.3 You must ensure that there is adequate adult supervision at all times when the castle/unit is in use. Do not allow anyone to bounce on the front safety step. The step is there to assist in getting on and off. The castle cannot be left unattended.
3.4 Children must remove their shoes before using the Bouncy Castle. Children must be prevented from climbing up the walls/barriers of the castle/unit. Food, drink glasses, jewellery, belts and pets are forbidden on all units. It is also recommended spectacles be removed. Ensure that no-one with a history of back or neck problems is allowed on the inflatable.
3.5 The Hirer is responsible for safe keeping of the inflatable/unit and you will be charged for any damage caused to it, or for any items missing from it, on its return. Overnight Hire – A £100 (cash) security deposit will be required on ALL overnight hires.
3.6 Equipment returned in a dirty condition will be subject to a cleaning charge. No children who have been face painted can use the inflatable/unit due to the makeup staining the units. Party poppers/silly string are not to be used on the units.
3.7 All units are checked on delivery and your signing below indicates acceptance of the inflatable/unit as being in good, clean condition.
3.8 Only our delivery driver is authorised to collect the inflatable/unit and under no circumstances should any of the equipment be handed over to anyone other than our delivery driver.
3.9 Extreme caution is to be taken with extension cables (which are to be taped down, and un-taped at the end of the hire, by the hirer) and the electric blower. The Blower IS NOT TO BE COVERED WITH ANYTHING. In the event the fan overheats, or loses power, switch the blower off at the mains, and then switch it back on again 1 or 2 minutes later, and it should restart. If it does not, or there is a power cut, please inform us IMMEDIATELY.
3.10 The inflatable cannot be used in high winds or very bad weather. The HSE maximum wind speed for inflatables is between 19-24mph. If the conditions are exceeded we will not hire out inflatables and have the right to terminate hire. Any wetness, including bubbling can be dried with a towel.
3.11 Overnight Hire.
Weekend Hire and Extended Hire periods are all available at extra charge. A £100 (cash) security deposit will be required on ALL overnight hires. The venue area must be secure, fully fenced off, with no public view or access, locked gates and security lights in place. All items hired are left at the hirer's own risk. For peace of mind, we recommend you check your home Insurance to check items are covered whilst on overnight hire at your premises. Our equipment is NOT Insured for theft whilst on hire at your venue/premises.
3.12 Please note that all persons using this inflatable do so at their own risk. The person/organisation hiring the equipment will be responsible /liable for any damage or injury occurring from, or as a result of, misuse or reckless use. These guidelines are for the safety of all people using this equipment, and it is the sole responsibility of the hirer to ensure they are adhered to. Courtney Inflatables cannot accept any responsibility for any injury caused to anyone using this equipment. Our liability, as providers of leisure equipment, is limited to any loss, damage or accident that may be directly occasioned by the equipment itself.
3.13a. In the unlikely event of an accident occurring, full written details including, name and address of injured party, names and addresses of witnesses, circumstances of accident must be recorded and a copy sent to Courtney Inflatables immediately.
3.13b. Hirers are responsible for arranging their own Public Liability Insurance.
3.13c Hirers are responsible for arranging adequate First Aid cover for the event
3.14 We ask you to ensure all equipment is returned back clean, and also in the same condition it was delivered. At least 1 hour before we collect, we do request the Inflatable(s) are fully inflated, cleaned and dried (unless it's raining). If any equipment is returned back dirty, then an invoice will be sent for cleaning of the unit. (Currently £30 per inflatable/unit).
Hot Weather:
4.1 Where the weather is particularly hot during summer months and heat waves for example, the fabric of castles and mats gets very, very hot in the sun.
Make sure the children are wearing socks so as not to burn the soles of their feet. Have a shade erected or position the inflatable so the sun is not shining directly into the castle. Remember our Installation team will not know your hot spots during the intended hire period so please let them know on delivery and they will be happy to help.
4.2 Do not be tempted to dowse the inflatable in water as this will cool the castle very temporarily but then cause the rays to be magnified. If the inflatable does get too hot, please ensure no one uses the inflatable to reduce the risk of burns to children’s skin. Please do not let children use the inflatable if weather is too hot.
4.5 Appropriate clothing must be worn by all participants at all times, this includes covering ALL areas of exposed skin. Socks must be worm at all time, along with long sleeve & long leg garments to protect users. No responsibility can be taken for users not wearing suitable clothing on the day and/or being supervised correctly. PVC products can become hot and can cause friction burns if not used correctly.
Sizes / Delivery & Installation:
5.1 Courtney Inflatables reserves the right to substitute hired equipment with equipment of a similar type and value without notice in the event of previous damage or loss of booked equipment.
5.2 All sizes quoted are approximate
5.3 All goods remain the property of Courtney Inflatables at all times.
5.4 Courtney Inflatables reserves the right to amend or alter any product specifications without prior notice.
5.5 Hired equipment will be set up in one location only as agreed on arrival and will not be moved once unloaded and erected. DO NOT under any circumstances attempt to relocate or re-position the equipment once installed for any reason, no matter how simple the task may look. This is dangerous and may result in injury. All our staff are fully trained professionals. Any damages or injuries arising as a result will not be dealt with by our company and will be passed directly to the event organiser/ organisation or individual who booked the event.
5.6 Courtney Inflatables reserves the right to refuse delivery if the venue or site is deemed to be unsuitable by our delivery personnel, or if the client has failed to notify Courtney inflatables of any delivery obstructions, such as stairs or excessive loading distances from our vehicle to the installation site. In such a case no refund will be given and the full hire fee will be due. Please remember that inflatables shall not be used in wind conditions above 19-24 mph and in wet conditions. The hirer will remain responsible for suitable action to be taken to avoid injury.
5.7 Underground Services: Please ensure that all areas allocated for entertainment installation, has no underground services such as gas, electricity or telecoms present. Our anchorage method are a number of 400mm anchor stakes on grassed areas and as such, we request a minimum clearance of 500mm underground.
5.8 All items delivered to you are left in your care whilst we are absent, until such time as we are able to collect the item(s) you have hired. In some cases this may not be as agreed due to circumstances out of our control. Please ensure that all equipment is kept in a safe and secure location, especially in peak season where collections can be as late as 12midnight due to the high volume of work we undertake.
5.9 We must stress that our property is still legally in your care until we have collected the property and as such, Courtney Inflatables will accept no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to property or the surface on which the inflatable is installed. Courtney Inflatables accepts no liability for any damage or loss of personal property and/or any injury arising from the use of the extended hire.
5.10 All items delivered to you are left in your care whilst we are absent until such time as we are able to collect the item(s) you have hired. Should any equipment left in your care be damaged or stolen regardless of fault or blame, Courtney Inflatables will accept no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to our property.
5.11 Should any item(s) or equipment left in your care, either through normal hire circumstances or extended hire circumstances, be lost, stolen or damaged, payment for repair or replacement will be expected in full and will be invoiced accordingly, along with any loss of earning arising as a result.
5.12 Suitable access to the set up area must be provided at all times. Should you choose to accept delivery of any of our entertainment without proper external access to the set up area, it may be necessary for you to invite us through your property. Should you choose to ask us to deliver the item through your property, Courtney Inflatables and or its employees will not accept any liability for any loss or damage to persons or property under any circumstances. Some of our items, by there very nature, may be wet, dirty, very bulky and have sharp objects that may damage doors, wallpaper, cupboards. As such, delivery in this method is strongly NOT advised, and all responsibility for any damages occurring as a result remain with the person who placed the order for booking, or the owner of the damaged property, although due care will be taken at all times.
Insurance & Liability:
6.1 Our Liability, as providers of leisure equipment, is limited to any loss, damage or accident that may be directly occasioned by the equipment itself.
We strongly recommend that you have your own insurance cover, as set out under the Terms and Conditions of Hire 3.13a.
Hirers will be responsible for full repair or replacement costs for the hired equipment. Also will be charged for any loss of earnings of said inflatable/unit.
6.2 Courtney Inflatables liability insurance covers use of the equipment only. Not the participants themselves. You as a hirer must ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover your guests. We would recommend FML insurance or Leisure Insure for these services, However please consult with your own insurers as you may still be covered under your existing home insurance policy.
6.3 The hirer agrees to indemnify Courtney Inflatables for any damage or theft of the company's equipment whilst on hire. All responsibility is down to the hirer themselves, ie the person who hired the inflatable. Standard insurance does not include theft of goods on hire.
6.4 Courtney Inflatables accepts no liability for any damage or loss of personal property and/or any injury arising from the use of the hired equipment. All responsibility is down to the hirer themselves.
6.6 Any equipment booked on 'dry hire' is not covered by Courtney Inflatables insurance policy and the hirer is responsible for suitable insurance cover. All responsibility is down to the hirer themselves.
6.7 Supervision: All inflatables must be supervised by at least 2 responsible adults at all time.
6.8 Adults: Whilst we do have adult units, these units still attract a 12 stone weight limit for maximum efficiency and safety.
6.9 DO NOT ALLOW ANY PERSONS/USERS, ON ANY INFLATABLE UNITS/ GAMES/ACTIVITIES/ DISCO DOMES/ SOFTPLAY, WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION
i.e. if you/they have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have had a recent operation, which could cause serious damage.
6.10 ADULT SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY AT ALL TIMES. You the Hirer must ensure units are staked down at all times. Stop any horse play. Children are not allowed to push, collide, fight or behave in a manner likely to injure or cause distress to others. ADULT SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY AT ALL TIMES!
Legal fees:
7.1 In the rare occasion that we enter into a legal dispute for any reason, our fees for involvement are as listed below. All fees are chargeable to the relevant person. These fees cover anything, from formal correspondence, to attending legal meetings or court, and are based on real time costs to the business & the normal charge out rate to customers. Travel and other expenses will also be chargeable at the appropriate rates.
7.2 Courtney Inflatables - Schedule of legal fees (*ppph refers to per person per hour)
- Office / Delivery Staff - £26.50ppph
- Company Director - £48.50ppph
- Accountant - £45.00ppph
- Solicitor - £145.00ppph
- Barrister - £95.00 - £450.00ppph
Problems & Complaints:
8.1 In the event that you are unhappy with our services, please contact the office as soon as you can, after delivery has been made, by telephone during the event, or at the time of the problem. Problems are much more difficult to resolve after an event has passed, especially when we haven't been given the opportunity to put things right on the day.
SAFEPLAY GUIDE:
1. Do not allow users to be on the unit during inflation or deflation. Always ensure that the inflatable/unit is not overcrowded and limit numbers according to the age and size of children using it. Avoid big and small children using it at the same time.
2: The safe amount of Children, up to age 1.3 metres on our inflatables at any one time, is stated on the manufacturer’s height guide, which can be seen on the inflatable whilst in use, or advised by our delivery driver during installation. This guide shows number of users by height and must be adhered to.
3: The safe amount of Adults on our inflatables at any one time is stated on the manufacturer’s height guide, which can be seen on the Adult inflatable whilst in use, or advised by our delivery driver during installation. This guide shows number of users by height and must be adhered to.
4: Slide: Maximum number of users on a slide is 4 – 2 at the top of the slide at any one time, unless stated by manufacturers label. Ensure slide lane is clear before allowing another user down the slide to avoid collision.
5: Obstacles & Fun Runs: If slide is attached, adhere to point 4.
6: Sports/Activity/Sumo units. Ensure that maximum numbers are applied as stated on the manufacturer’s label. If safety equipment is supplied, this must be worn at all times i.e. Helmets and neck braces must be worn at all times whilst using the equipment.
7: Disco Dome: Adhere to number of users on manufacturer’s label. Be aware that this item has flashing lights. The hirer is responsible for the health and safety of the user. Danger of epileptic fit or injury/damage for people with sensitive vision should be assessed before use. The sound system can be modified to reduce noise levels. This is the responsibility of the hirer.
8: Use of Petrol Blower/Generator with inflatables: Operator to be trained onsite before use. Suitable fire extinguisher to be supplied, & safety fencing erected around blower/generator, by the hirer. Operator must ensure no persons enter this area. Fuel is supplied ready in generator for up to 6 hours hire. No spare fuel is supplied.
DISCLAIMER:
As you will be aware, Courtney Inflatables offers an overnight hire service, which sometimes requires us to collect items from the previous hire just before delivering it to your venue. In extreme cases, we sometimes find that the entertainment is wet or dirty, and may have to be wiped over and/or dried out once we reach your venue, so please ensure you have allowed plenty of time for us to carry out these duties before your party starts. We usually recommend 2hrs just in case.
In addition to this, we very occasionally find that the entertainment has been damaged and unreported by the previous hirer and as such, we may have to (without warning) substitute your entertainment for something similar to ensure that we don’t let you down on the day.
By ticking to box below you confirm that you have read and accepted the above conditions.
I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the above terms and conditions and agree of hire equipment from Courtney Inflatables subject to those terms and conditions.
By signing, or booking online, I agree that I am entering into a contract confirming that I am responsible for any loss, damage or injury, and that I abide by the above conditions, and understand this contract.
I hereby agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed above and have received and understood the Hirer / Supervisors Operator Guide. I will carry out any required Risk Assessment for this hire.