Terms and Conditions of Hire

By hiring from WA Carr & Son, you agree to adhere to the following Terms and Conditions in full.

1. VAT

VAT is payable at 20% on all hire prices unless otherwise stated.

2. Payment

Payment must be made via Bank Transfer (BACS), Debit, or Credit Card at the time of booking.

Full payment is required at least four weeks prior to delivery.

Failure to make payment will result in referral to our debt collection agents, whose charges will be added to the invoice, along with statutory interest as set out by Bank of England.

3. Account Facilities

Where monthly account facilities have been granted, all invoices must be paid within the stated time frame.

4. Breakages Deposit

A pre-authorised card transaction is required prior to hire to cover potential losses or damages.

The transaction is held, not charged, unless items are missing or damaged upon return.

Missing items reported and returned within seven days will be fully refunded.

5. Responsibility for Hired Equipment

Customers are responsible for all hire items from delivery to return.

Do not sell, pledge, or otherwise part with hire goods without written consent.

Breakages, losses, and unreturned packaging will be charged at full replacement cost.

All cartons, boxes, protective and
packing materials must be returned, or additional charges will apply.

Risk in Goods:

Risk passes to the customer once items leave our possession.

Ownership remains with WA Carr & Son until full payment is received.

Customers must insure hired goods and hold them in good condition until return.

6. Insurance and Ownership

Customers must:

Hold sale goods as fiduciary bailee until paid in full.

Maintain them in satisfactory condition and fully insured.

Not sell, assign, or otherwise interfere with the ownership of hire goods.

Re-hiring to third parties requires written permission.

7. Right to Subcontract and Third-Party Liability

WA Carr & Son may subcontract services, including but not limited to marquees, scaffolding, flooring, furniture, event infrastructure, etc.

If WA Carr installs items directly, we remain liable for quality and safety.

Where subcontracted, liability rests with the subcontractor.

WA Carr & Son is not liable for injury or loss caused by subcontractors.

8. Indemnity Clause

The customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Wa Carr & Son, its employees, agents, and subcontractors from and against all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

The use of hired equipment.

Injuries to third parties due to misuse or negligence.

Any claims from third parties related to the event.

This indemnity applies even if Wa Carr & Son has provided recommendations or guidance.

9. Charges and Services

A cleaning charge applies to all crockery, glassware, cutlery, and catering equipment.

Some items require pre-rinsing to avoid staining; failure may result in replacement charges.

Order changes can be made up to four weeks before hire start date; changes after may incur an admin fee.

All hire is based on a 4-day period (or 48 hours for some hires) inclusive of delivery and collection days. Additional days may incur extra fees.

Delivery and collection charges are additional and quoted upon request.

Late orders (within 48 hours of hire date) may incur a last-minute processing fee, subject to availability.

Booking deposits are non-refundable.

A 100% cancellation fee applies unless 20 working days’ notice is given.

Some items are non-cancellable, such as bespoke made items. If you’re unsure please ask.

10. Delivery, Collection & Crew

Standard delivery is door-to-door only.

Drivers and crew will not move client furniture unless agreed in advance.

Deliveries on weekends or with a specific timeslot incur a surcharge by arrangement.

If drivers must wait on-site, a surcharge will apply (rates may be higher at weekends).

Goods must be checked and signed for on delivery. Report damages/shortages immediately.

Goods left unattended are the hirer’s risk.

If equipment is requested inside, this is done at the customer’s own risk.

We do not accept liability for damage to surfaces or flooring during delivery/setup.

11. Storage & Weather Protection

Equipment must be protected from weather, theft, and vandalism.

Except for plastic or garden furniture, all items must be stored indoors or fully covered.

Boxes, containers, and furniture must be returned dry and intact or replacement fees will apply.

12. Suitability and Use

The customer is responsible for ensuring all hired equipment is suitable for their event.

Once delivered, no refund will be issued for unused items.

All equipment must only be used for its intended purpose.

13. Surface & Floor Protection

WA Carr & Son accepts no responsibility for surface damage caused by hire items.

Clients using furniture on delicate floors must request felt pads or protective measures in advance.

Clients are advised that catering equipment should be placed on ground protection where required.

14. Force Majeure Clause

WA Carr & Son is not liable for failure to deliver services due to:

Extreme weather (storms, snow, floods).

Government restrictions (e.g. lockdowns).

Supply chain failures, strikes, or civil disturbances.

No refunds or compensation will be issued in these cases.

15. Limitation of Liability

WA Carr & Son is not liable for:

Consequential or indirect loss.

Business interruption or loss of earnings.

Use of faulty equipment after issues are known.

Total liability is limited to £1,000 or 5x the hire fee, whichever is greater.

Where covered by insurance, the supplier’s liability will extend only as far as insurance payout.

Liability cannot be excluded for death or personal injury due to negligence.

16. Defects and Returns

Suspected defective goods must be returned for inspection before liability can be accepted.

Do not continue using any equipment once a defect becomes apparent.

17. Event Termination

WA Carr & Son reserves the right to withdraw services if:

Payment terms are breached.

Site conditions are unsafe or unfit.

The event breaches regulations or laws.

Abusive or unsafe behaviour is exhibited by the customer or their guests.

No refunds or compensation will be issued in such cases.

18. Mobile Communication Consent

By using our services, you agree that WA Carr & Son may use your mobile number to send delivery updates.

These updates may include automated SMS or calls, used solely for operational purposes.

We will never share your number with third parties for marketing without your permission.

You can opt out at any time by contacting us directly.

19. Photography and Marketing Rights

WA Carr & Son reserves the right to photograph events and setups for marketing purposes.

If you require privacy or exclusions, this must be requested in writing.

20. Right to Amend Terms

WA Carr & Son may update these terms from time to time.

Customers will be notified of significant changes in advance.

21. Protection Against Defamation

Customers must not publish false or defamatory statements about WA Carr & Son.

Breach of this clause may result in legal action.

22. Underground Utility Disclaimer

WA Carr & Son is not responsible for damage to underground services unless accurate maps are provided.

If no utility data is given, and damage occurs, repair costs are the customer’s responsibility.

23. Electrical Liability

WA Carr & Son is not liable for:

Overloaded circuits.

Faulty power sources provided by the customer.

Third-party interference with power systems.

24. Email Communication

By providing your email address when requesting a quote or making an enquiry, you consent to WA Carr & Son using your email to send occasional marketing emails, including updates about our services, seasonal promotions, and event planning tips.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails or contacting us directly.

We will never share your email with third parties for marketing purposes.

By proceeding with a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accept these Terms and Conditions in full.