Frequently Asked Questions
AMERIC EQUIPMENT RENTAL-FAQ
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I RESERVE THE EQUIPMENT I NEED FOR MY EVENT?
We will accept reservations for wedding receptions one year prior to your big day. For other large events, it’s a good idea to reserve approximately three to six months in advance of your event date.
I AM READY TO MAKE A RESERVATION. HOW DO I GO ABOUT PLACING AN ORDER?
When you are ready to place your order, call our office at (256)773-3051. One of our event specialists will check availability, go over pricing and delivery instructions, and answer any questions or concerns you may have at that time. Reservations require a 50% deposit and a credit card to have on file. We do ask that we have multiple methods of contacting you. Cell phone number, work number and email address are acceptable methods.
DO I NEED TO CLEAN THE RENTALS BEFORE I RETURN THEM?
When renting china, glassware, and/or flatware, we ask that you remove any excess debris AND wash off the equipment prior to returning. Prior to Covid, we only required items to be returned visible clean. Now, we do require they be washed, to help keep our employees healthy. Any items returned unwashed will be subject to a cleaning fee, that is at minimum, equal to the rental rate. If you rented linens, under no circumstances should you wash or dry them. If linens become wet while in your possession, please allow them to air dry before placing in bags to return.
Chairs and tables should not be returned dirty or muddy. Cleaning fees will apply, at minimum, equal to the value of the rental.
HOW ARE THE RENTAL ITEMS PACKED?
Rentals are delivered clean, sanitized, and ready for use! All dishware, glassware, and flatware arrive in special racks and containers wrapped in plastic bags and sealed for use*. Linens are folded, bagged.
*Helpful hint: When unwrapping the bags for use, rip or cut a slit in the top of the bag. Remove the glassware or china without removing the bag from the rack. When you are ready for clean-up, the bag will catch any food debris or left-over drops of wine when you place the items back in their racks. Trust us – your hardwood floors and car interiors will appreciate it!
HOW LONG IS THE RENTAL PERIOD?
In almost all cases, our rental rates are based on a reasonable event period. We recognize that a 24-hour rental window may not make sense if your event occurs over the weekend. We consider Friday to Monday to be the same as a one-day rental. This is true for most items being picked up by the customer. Deliveries for weekend events are at our discretion and scheduling. We run deliveries starting on Wednesdays, and begin pickups on Monday. We will give advance notice of delivery, usually the day before. We try to give customers notice of a Morning or Afternoon delivery.
IS A DEPOSIT REQUIRED?
Upon reserving, we will ask for a 50% deposit as well as a credit card to have on file. We accept all four major cards. If there is a tent on your reservation, the portion of the deposit covering the tent is non-refundable. Payment is due in full prior to delivery. We will charge the card on file prior to delivery.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY ORDER WITHOUT BEING PENALIZED?
Of course! We recognize that guest counts are likely to fluctuate as the event date approaches. We encourage you to make a “best guess” estimate when placing your original reservation and make adjustments as you become aware they’re needed. Final changes should be made a minimum of 7 business days prior to the delivery date. After that, deletions or cancellations will be charged at full price.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY RESERVATION?
With the exception of a tent rental, you may cancel without penalty up to 30 days prior to delivery. A full refund will be given up until that time for all rental items, excluding tents. For cancellations without 30 day notice, in-store rental credits may be given. Tents and tent-related items require a non-refundable 50% deposit.
WHAT IS THE CHARGE AND PROCESS FOR DELIVERY?
Delivery fees start at $80 and are based on distance from our warehouse and difficulty of delivery (multiple levels, elevator access, distance from truck parking to event location, etc.).
Please be aware that we only deliver to ground level, and will not deliver up steps or stairs. IF there is a large service elevator located close to the entrance and parking lot, then we can deliver to a higher level, for a fee.
We will not take our vehicles off a paved or gravel driveway. We will not drive through pastures or grassy areas. This is for your property protection as well as ours. If the items must be delivered into a pasture, we can meet you and unload at the gate/entrance. Getting vehicles stuck, especially loaded vehicles, is a problem we try to avoid at all times.
Please let our staff know at the time of reservation what issues we might run into on delivery. This way we are prepared with the proper equipment.
Deliveries for weekend events are at our discretion and scheduling. We run deliveries starting on Wednesdays, and begin pickups on Monday. Pickups can be as late as Wednesday, or even later, depending on weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We will give advance notice of delivery, usually the day before. We try to give customers notice of a Morning or Afternoon delivery.
Pick-ups from venues are usually scheduled for Monday, if at all possible.
DO YOU OFFER CUSTOMER PICK-UP?
Yes! Customer pick-up is available. We do ask that customers call prior to pick-up to ensure that we have the items staged for easy access.
WHAT TIME WILL MY RENTALS ARRIVE?
Delivery schedules are not completed until one business day prior to the delivery date. Unfortunately, late changes to existing orders and other unexpected events such as traffic and bad weather can cause delays or a shuffling of the delivery schedule. You may call our store at any time on the day of delivery and we will make a sincere effort to estimate the time of our arrival. We do try to give a morning or afternoon delivery window.
DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WHEN YOU DELIVER OR PICK UP MY RENTALS?
No, you do not have to be home. However, there must be a secure place for the rental items that is shielded from possible inclement weather and easily accessible to our crew. Please be aware that if you are not home at the time of delivery, then you are accepting our count of all items delivered, as well as the condition of the items delivered.
DOES YOUR DELIVERY FEE INCLUDE SET-UP?
Items that require assembly such as tents and stages, include set-up and tear-down in the rental fee. Set-up of tables and chairs is available for an additional fee of $2.00 per table, $1.00 per metal/plastic folding chair, and $2.00 per wood or resin chair. Tear down is available at the same rates as set-up. These arrangements must be made prior to delivery, on a case by case basis if time and labor permits. A site plan/drawing must be provided and it is highly encouraged that a representative from the event be on-site for set-up. If set-up has occurred, and our staff is asked to move the items, then there will be another set-up charge. Set-up of other items is not available.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE EVERYTHING OUT OF THE VENUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PARTY?
After hours or Sunday pick-ups can be arranged for an additional fee. Please be aware that this fee is significantly higher than the standard delivery fee.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DAMAGE A PIECE OF RENTAL EQUIPMENT WHILE IT IS IN OUR POSSESSION?
You will be charged the replacement cost of the damaged or missing items.
Security of the rental equipment is your responsibility! Equipment must be protected from theft, misuse, abuse and weather-related damage while in your possession!
DO I GET MY MONEY BACK IF I DO NOT USE THE EQUIPMENT?
Unfortunately, no. Once our equipment leaves the warehouse we are not able to rent the items to other customers. Therefore, once the items are in your possession, you must pay for them.