Terms and Conditions of Hire
Definitions
1.1 “Client” means the individual, organisation, company or authorised representative entering into a hire agreement with the Company for the provision of equipment, entertainment or associated services.
1.2 “Company” means A1Event Hire Ltd (trading as A1Bounce), including its employees, agents and authorised representatives.
1.3 “Dry Hire” means the hire of equipment without Company staff, whereby the Client assumes full responsibility for the operation, supervision, safety and control of the equipment for the duration of the hire.
2. Bookings, General Terms, Delays, Breakdowns & Refunds
2.1 All equipment remains the property of the Company at all times. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as transferring ownership or title to the Client.
2.2 By placing an order with the Company, whether verbally, electronically or in writing, and whether or not a booking form has been completed or a booking fee paid, the Client is deemed to have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Hire in full.
2.3 Where traffic conditions, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, staffing issues, or any other circumstances beyond the Company’s reasonable control prevent or delay delivery, installation or operation of equipment, the Company’s liability shall be strictly limited to a pro‑rata refund of hire fees relating to the delayed period (based on the scheduled event start time only). No further compensation, consequential loss, loss of earnings, or reimbursement of delivery fees, hard‑standing surcharges or ancillary charges shall be payable.
2.4 In the event of mechanical breakdown or failure of equipment during the hire period, the Company’s liability shall be strictly limited to a pro‑rata refund of hire fees relating to the period during which the specific item was unusable (based on scheduled event start and finish times only). Refunds apply only to the item at fault and not to any package or other equipment powered by or associated with it. Delivery fees, hard‑standing surcharges and ancillary charges are excluded from pro‑rata refunds.
2.5 Generator or petrol fan failure is limited to a refund of the hire fee for the generator or petrol fan only. It does not extend to any equipment powered by it. The Company strongly recommends that Clients hiring equipment for large events arrange backup generators or power supplies. Failure to do so is entirely at the Client’s risk.
2.6 If the Client is dissatisfied with the equipment upon arrival, or with the time of arrival, the Client must contact the Company immediately and must record any concerns on the driver’s paperwork before signing. Once delivery has been accepted and the paperwork signed, the Client is deemed to have received the equipment in satisfactory condition and no refunds or compensation will be offered.
2.7 The Company’s booking system displays item availability only. It does not guarantee delivery capacity or suitability of delivery times. Certain items may only be deliverable at specific times due to vehicle or staffing constraints. The Company will notify the Client within seventy‑two (72) hours of booking if delivery cannot be accommodated within the requested timeslot.
2.8 The Client must review and understand all relevant health and safety documentation prior to placing an order. All documentation is available online. If a booking is cancelled due to issues relating to health and safety requirements or documentation, standard cancellation fees shall apply. If the Client is uncertain about any requirement, the Client must seek clarification from the Company before proceeding with a booking.
3. Prices, Deposits & Balance Payments
3.1 All hires require a non‑refundable booking fee of not less than twenty per cent (20%) of the total hire cost. The booking fee is payable at the time of booking and is strictly non‑refundable under all circumstances.
3.2 The remaining balance must be paid in full and cleared no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled delivery date, unless the Client holds approved account facilities with the Company. Equipment will not be delivered unless full payment has been received.
3.3 The Company does not offer credit facilities under any circumstances. All payment terms are strictly in advance. The Client must ensure that all payments are made in accordance with the deadlines set out in these Terms and Conditions.
3.4 All advertised prices are subject to change without prior notice. Prices may vary due to supplier costs, operational requirements or other factors outside the Company’s control.
3.5 The Company reserves the right to charge interest on all overdue accounts at a rate of up to eight per cent (8%) above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily until payment is received in full.
3.6 The Company endeavours to ensure that all prices displayed on its website or promotional materials are accurate. If an error in pricing is identified after an order is placed, the Company will notify the Client at the earliest opportunity. The Client may then choose to proceed at the corrected price or cancel the order. Any payments already made will be adjusted or refunded as appropriate.
4. Cancellations
4.1 The Company operates a dedicated Cancellation Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms and Conditions of Hire. The Client must review the Cancellation Policy in full prior to placing a booking. Any cancellation made by the Client on the day of the event will result in a one hundred per cent (100%) cancellation fee, without exception.
5. Equipment
5.1 The Company reserves the right to substitute any hired equipment with equipment of a similar type, specification and value without prior notice, where the originally booked item is unavailable due to damage, loss, operational issues or any other circumstance beyond the Company’s control.
5.2 All dimensions, measurements and sizes provided by the Company are approximate and are intended as a guide only. Variations may occur due to manufacturer tolerances or installation requirements.
5.3 All equipment remains the property of the Company at all times. The Client obtains no rights of ownership or title under any circumstances.
5.4 The Company reserves the right to amend, alter or update product specifications, designs or features without prior notice, where required for safety, operational efficiency or availability.
6. Site Location, Access Requirements & Conduct
6.1 Hired equipment will be installed in one location only, as agreed upon arrival. Once unloaded and erected, equipment will not be moved under any circumstances.
6.2 The Client must ensure that the installation site is suitable, safe, and accessible. The Company reserves the right to refuse delivery if, in the opinion of its delivery personnel, the venue or site is unsuitable, unsafe, or inaccessible, including (but not limited to) the presence of stairs, narrow access routes, excessive loading distances, or any other obstruction not disclosed in advance. In such cases, no refund will be given and the full hire fee will remain payable.
6.3 The Client is responsible for ensuring that appropriate security, crowd‑control measures, and general site management are in place prior to the start of the event and for the duration of the hire.
6.4 The Company reserves the right to cease operation and remove equipment from site if, at any time, a representative of the Company considers that the conduct of guests, participants or the Client presents a risk to safety or may cause damage to the equipment. In such circumstances, no refund will be given and all contracted fees will remain payable.
Hard‑Standing Anchorage & Surface Requirements
6.5 To ensure compliance with statutory anchorage requirements, inflatables installed on hard surfaces may be secured using a drill and raw‑bolt anchorage system. This method is necessary to achieve the legally required minimum anchorage weight of approximately one hundred and sixty‑five kilograms (165kg) per anchor point. The Client acknowledges and accepts that this method involves drilling into the surface and will leave permanent small holes.
6.6 Where the raw‑bolt method is unsuitable (for example, block paving or surfaces that cannot be drilled), the Company will endeavour to identify an alternative safe anchorage method, such as securing equipment to nearby fixed points. If no safe anchorage method is available, the Company reserves the right to refuse delivery. In such cases, no refund will be given and the full hire fee will remain payable.
Underground Services & Drilling Restrictions
6.7 The Client must ensure that all areas designated for installation are free from underground services, including (but not limited to) gas, electricity, water, drainage and telecommunications. The Company’s anchorage methods may require the use of 200mm raw‑bolts on hard standing or 400mm stakes on grassed areas. The Client must ensure a minimum underground clearance of 500mm. If the Client is uncertain, a site survey may be arranged at additional cost.
6.8 The Company will only drill into surfaces that are owned by the Client. The Company will not drill into any third‑party property, including council‑owned land or property. Any unauthorised drilling requested by the Client is undertaken entirely at the Client’s risk. It will be presumed that the Client has obtained all necessary permissions from the landowner. The Company accepts no liability for any damage arising from drilling or anchorage, and full responsibility rests with the Client at all times.
7. Weather & Safety Conditions
7.1 Inflatables and mechanical games must not be set up or operated in wind speeds exceeding 24mph, including gusts. The Company will assess conditions on site using a calibrated anemometer and professional judgement. The Company’s decision is final.
7.2 The Company may contact the Client if forecasted wind speeds indicate unsafe conditions. The Client may either proceed with the scheduled site assessment or transfer the booking to another date within three (3) months, subject to availability, with all payments carried forward.
7.3 During delivery, the Company will assess wind speed, ground conditions and overall site suitability. If conditions fall outside manufacturer or regulatory limits, installation will not proceed. The Client accepts that safety‑based cancellation may occur even if they wish to continue.
7.4 If installation is prevented by unsafe weather or site conditions, the Company will retain the booking fee to cover costs incurred. Any remaining balance already paid will be refunded.
7.5 Where the Company supervises equipment, it will monitor conditions throughout the hire. If wind speeds approach or exceed 24mph, or conditions become unsafe, the Company may suspend operation or shut down equipment immediately. The Company’s decision is final.
7.6 For unsupervised hires, the Client is solely responsible for monitoring wind speed and environmental conditions. The Client must cease use and deflate equipment immediately if wind speeds approach or exceed 24mph, or if conditions become unsafe.
7.7 Whether supervised or unsupervised, the Client must ensure that: (a) equipment is not used in unsafe conditions; (b) equipment is deflated or secured when shutdown is required; (c) users are prevented from accessing equipment during shutdown; (d) equipment remains secured until conditions return to safe limits.
7.8 The Client acknowledges that shutdowns may occur without notice for safety reasons. The Company accepts no liability for any loss, inconvenience or consequential costs arising from weather‑related suspension or shutdown.
7.9 Failure to comply with this section constitutes a material breach of the hire agreement. The Company may remove equipment, terminate the hire, and retain all fees paid, without prejudice to further rights or remedies.
8. Generator & Petrol Fan Hire
8.1 In the event of mechanical breakdown or failure of any generator or petrol fan during the hire period, the Company’s liability shall be strictly limited to a pro‑rata refund of the hire fee relating to the specific item at fault (based on scheduled event start and finish times only). Refunds apply solely to the generator or petrol fan itself and do not extend to any equipment powered by it. No further compensation, consequential loss, loss of earnings, delivery fees, hard‑standing surcharges or ancillary charges shall be payable.
8.2 The Client acknowledges that generators and petrol fans, despite regular servicing and maintenance, may experience operational issues comparable to standard mains power interruptions. The Client must ensure that all generators are monitored and refuelled at appropriate intervals throughout the hire period. Failure to maintain adequate fuel levels is a common cause of generator failure and is entirely the responsibility of the Client.
8.3 For large events or events where continuous power is critical, the Company strongly advises the Client to arrange suitable backup power supplies. Failure to provide backup power is undertaken entirely at the Client’s risk, and the Company accepts no liability for any disruption arising from generator or petrol fan failure.
8.4 The Client is responsible for ensuring that all persons operating or refuelling generators or petrol fans do so safely, competently and in accordance with all manufacturer instructions and safety guidance provided by the Company.
9. Liability, Insurance & Indemnity
9.1 The Company’s liability insurance covers the use and operation of the equipment only. It does not cover participants, guests or third parties. The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that adequate insurance is in place to cover all participants and guests for the duration of the hire. The Client should consult their own insurers to confirm coverage.
9.2 The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any loss, theft, damage or destruction of the Company’s equipment occurring during the hire period, regardless of cause or fault. Full responsibility for the safekeeping of the equipment rests with the Client at all times.
9.3 The Company accepts no liability for any damage to personal property, nor for any injury, accident or loss arising from the use, misuse or operation of the hired equipment. All responsibility for the safety and conduct of participants rests with the Client.
9.4 The Client agrees to comply fully with all safety instructions, operational guidance and rules contained within the Company’s Rules of Safe Play document, available on the Company’s website and provided in hard copy at the time of delivery. Failure to follow these rules constitutes a material breach of the hire agreement.
9.5 Equipment hired on a Dry Hire basis is not covered by the Company’s insurance policy. The Client is solely responsible for obtaining suitable insurance cover for all risks associated with the operation, supervision and use of the equipment during the hire period.
9.6 Certain equipment, including adult‑rated inflatables, may still be subject to manufacturer weight limits. The Client must ensure that no user exceeds the stated maximum weight limit of twelve (12) stone, or any other limit specified by the Company.
9.7 When securing inflatables on hard surfaces, the Company may use a drill and raw‑bolt anchorage system. This method requires drilling into the surface and will leave permanent small holes. The Client acknowledges and accepts this at the time of booking. The Company accepts no liability for any damage caused to the surface as a result of necessary anchorage works.
10. Problems & Complaints
10.1 If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Company’s services or equipment, the Client must notify the Company immediately upon delivery or at the time the issue arises. Notification must be made by telephone or email during the hire period. Issues reported after the event has concluded are significantly more difficult to investigate or resolve, particularly where the Company has not been given the opportunity to address the matter on the day.
10.2 Failure to report a problem at the time of occurrence may limit the Company’s ability to respond, investigate or provide any form of resolution. The Company will, however, use reasonable endeavours to address any concerns raised.
11. Delivery, Collection & Extended Hire Responsibilities
11.1 All delivery and collection times are approximate and may vary without prior notice due to operational demands, traffic conditions or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control. The Client must allow sufficient time before and after the event start time to accommodate delivery, installation and collection. The Company recommends a minimum buffer period of two (2) hours prior to the event start time. Collections may take place at any time up to midnight on the day of hire, or the following day during peak periods.
11.2 Where traffic conditions, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, staffing issues or other circumstances beyond the Company’s reasonable control prevent or delay delivery, installation or collection, the Company’s liability shall be strictly limited to a pro‑rata refund of hire fees relating to the delayed period (based on scheduled event start time only). No further compensation, consequential loss, loss of earnings, delivery fees, hard‑standing surcharges or ancillary charges shall be payable.
11.3 In the event of mechanical breakdown or failure of equipment during the hire period, the Company’s liability shall be strictly limited to a pro‑rata refund of hire fees relating to the period during which the specific item was unusable (based on scheduled event start and finish times only). No further compensation or ancillary costs shall be payable.
Extended Hire & Responsibility for Equipment
1.4 If the Company is unable to collect equipment at the originally scheduled time due to operational issues or circumstances beyond its control, the hire period may be extended. During any extended hire period, the Client remains fully responsible for the safekeeping, security and condition of all equipment. The Company accepts no liability for any damage to property, personal injury or loss arising from the use of equipment during an extended hire period.
11.5 All equipment delivered to the Client is deemed to be in the Client’s care from the moment of delivery until the Company has collected it. The Client must ensure that all equipment is kept in a safe, secure location at all times, including during extended hire periods. The Company accepts no liability for any damage to property, personal injury or loss arising from the use or presence of equipment while in the Client’s care.
11.6 Should any equipment left in the Client’s care be lost, stolen or damaged, regardless of cause or fault, the Client shall be fully liable for the cost of repair or replacement. The Company will issue an invoice for the full amount, payable immediately upon receipt.
Access Requirements & Property Damage
11.7 The Client must ensure that suitable access to the installation site is available at all times. If external access is not available, the Client may request delivery through a building or dwelling. Where delivery through a building is requested, the Client accepts full responsibility for any damage caused to persons or property, including (but not limited to) damage to doors, walls, floors, fixtures, fittings, cupboards or décor. The Company accepts no liability for any such damage, although reasonable care will be taken.
11.8 Delivery through a building is strongly discouraged due to the size, weight and nature of the equipment, which may be wet, dirty, bulky or contain sharp components. If the Client is in any doubt regarding access suitability, the Client must not proceed with the booking.
Debt Recovery
11.9 Failure to pay any invoice issued for repair, replacement or outstanding hire fees will result in the matter being referred to Thomas Higgins Ltd, a specialist debt‑recovery solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 630440). Upon referral, the outstanding balance will automatically increase by fifteen per cent (15%) to cover recovery costs. Court proceedings may be initiated where necessary.
12. Refusal of Collection
12.1 All equipment remains the property of the Company at all times. The Client must allow the Company to collect its equipment at the agreed time or at any time reasonably required by the Company. Under no circumstances may the Client prevent, obstruct or delay the Company from recovering its property.
12.2 Withholding, concealing or refusing to return the Company’s equipment is a criminal offence. If the Client refuses collection or attempts to retain the equipment for any reason, the Company will immediately contact the police and pursue all necessary legal action to recover its property.
12.3 Dissatisfaction with the service or equipment does not entitle the Client to retain or withhold any item. All concerns must be raised in accordance with Section 9 (Problems & Complaints).
13. Staffing
13.1 All inflatable attractions must be supervised by a competent adult aged eighteen (18) or over at all times. Continuous supervision is mandatory to ensure safe use of the equipment and compliance with all safety requirements.
13.2 Supervisory staff may be provided by the Company, by the Client, or through a combination of both. Where the Company provides staff, such staff are present solely to supervise the equipment and ensure its safe operation. Company staff are not responsible for supervising children, managing participant behaviour, providing childcare, or safeguarding personal property.
13.3 In certain circumstances, an operator may be required by law, by industry standards, or where the Company determines that transferring supervisory responsibility to the Client would be inappropriate or unsafe. In such cases, the Company will provide staffing, and this will be clearly indicated in the equipment description by the wording “Includes STAFF” or “STAFFED”.
14. Infectious Disease, Public Health Restrictions & Pandemic Conditions
14.1 Where government‑mandated lockdowns, movement restrictions or public health orders are in effect at the time and location of the hire, equipment will only be installed in areas with private external access (e.g., side gate, back gate, or temporary removal of a fence panel). The Company will not transport equipment through any house or building under these conditions. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure suitable external access prior to booking. If external access is not available, the Company reserves the right to refuse delivery in accordance with Term 6.2. In such circumstances, no refund will be given.
14.2 The Client is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all government guidance, legislation and restrictions relating to gatherings, household mixing or event capacity in force on the date of hire. Use of the equipment is subject to such restrictions for the full duration of the hire period.
14.3 The Client must ensure that access routes to the garden or event space are open, unobstructed and safe before the scheduled delivery and collection timeslot. Failure to provide clear access may result in refusal of delivery in accordance with Term 6.2.
14.4 Where lockdowns or gathering restrictions are in effect, all members of the household (adults and children) must remain indoors during delivery, installation and collection. The Client is responsible for ensuring compliance with this requirement.
14.5 If any person in the Client’s household develops symptoms of COVID‑19 or any other highly infectious disease during the hire period, use of the equipment must cease immediately. The Client must notify the Company without delay so that appropriate collection arrangements can be made.
14.6 The Client must inform the Company if the hire period coincides with the legally required isolation period of any household member, in accordance with public health guidance in force at the time of hire.
15. General Provisions, Disclaimers & Final Acknowledgement
15.1 Supervision Requirements All inflatable and entertainment equipment requires continuous supervision by a competent adult aged eighteen (18) or over. This supervision may be provided by the Company, the Client, or a combination of both. Where the Company provides staff, such staff supervise the equipment only and are not responsible for supervising children, managing participant behaviour, safeguarding personal property, or providing childcare.
15.2 Delivery, Condition & Overnight Hire The Company endeavours to deliver all equipment on time and in good condition. However, on rare occasions equipment previously hired overnight may arrive wet, dirty or require cleaning or drying upon delivery. The Client must allow sufficient time before the event start time for the Company to carry out any necessary cleaning or preparation. The Company recommends a minimum buffer period of two (2) hours.
15.3 Substitution of Equipment In exceptional circumstances, equipment may be found to be damaged or unsuitable upon collection from a previous hire. Where this occurs, the Company may substitute the booked item with a similar item of comparable type and value without prior notice, in order to fulfil the booking. Substitution is undertaken to avoid disappointment and ensure continuity of service.
15.4 Delivery & Collection Times All delivery and collection times are approximate and may vary due to operational demands or circumstances beyond the Company’s control. The Client must allow adequate time before and after the event start and finish times to accommodate delivery, installation and collection.
15.5 Equipment Dimensions All sizes and dimensions provided are approximate. Measurements are taken from manufacturer guidance and may be rounded from imperial to metric units. If precise measurements are required, the Client should refer to the imperial dimensions and convert independently.
15.6 Third‑Party Products Some products displayed on the Company’s website may not be owned by the Company. Certain items may be advertised to gauge public interest prior to purchase. Where demand is sufficient, the Company will endeavour to make such products available for hire.
15.7 Refusal of Delivery or Substitution Requests The Company will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that all equipment is satisfactory upon delivery. If the Client is dissatisfied with the equipment for any reason, the Client must raise this with the delivery team before the delivery team leaves the site. The Client may refuse delivery at that point. Requests made after the delivery team has departed cannot be accommodated under any circumstances, as drivers operate to strict schedules and requests made after departure cannot be accommodated.
15.8 Acceptance of Terms By placing a booking with the Company, the Client confirms that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by all Terms and Conditions contained herein, including all policies referenced or incorporated by cross‑reference.