TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please ensure you have read and understand our terms and conditions prior to making a payment.

Herein, the undersigned party is referred to as the Hirer who, by signing this agreement, acknowledges that they are hiring or leasing equipment from So-N-So Hires for a specified period of time. The equipment is being rented and provided by So-N-So Hires meaning the Hirer assumes full responsibility for the proper operation, care, and safekeeping of the rented items from the moment the equipment is delivered or picked up until it is returned to So-N-So Hires

By entering into this agreement, the Hirer agrees to fully adhere to and be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in this contract, as well as any additional instructions or usage guidelines provided by So-N-So Hires, either verbally or in writing. These terms govern all aspects of the equipment rental process, including, but not limited to, liability, use, maintenance, payment, cancellation, and indemnification.

Furthermore, the Hirer acknowledges that:

1. No Operator Provided: The rental does not include or require personnel or operators to handle or supervise the use of the rented equipment. The Hirer is responsible for providing qualified individuals (if needed) to safely operate, transport, and manage the equipment.
2. Acceptance of Terms: The Hirer confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted all provisions of this agreement. The Hirer also agrees to seek clarification on any clause or term they do not fully comprehend prior to signing.
3. Legal and Financial Responsibility: The Hirer agrees to assume full legal and financial responsibility for the rented equipment throughout the duration of the rental period. This includes liability for any damage, loss, theft, injury, or other incidents arising from the use, misuse, or improper handling of the equipment, regardless of the cause.
4. Compliance with Regulations: The Hirer also agrees to adhere to any safety standards or guidelines provided by So-N-So Hires or mandated by applicable law.
5. Risk and Responsibility: The Hirer accepts that they are renting the equipment and assumes all risk related to the equipment’s usage. So-N-So Hires makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the equipment’s suitability for any particular purpose.

Acceptance of Terms & Placement of Orders:

• Any booking made by The Hirer to So-N-So Hires will constitute as an agreement of the Terms & Condition's by the Hirer.
• Upon acceptance of the Terms & Conditions and payment of the non-refundable deposit, the hirer will have reserved the equipment and or service with So-N-So Hires
• The Hirer must provide detailed information at the time of booking with So-N-So Hires
• So-N-So Hires provides great care in reflecting the equipment displayed in photo's and website however are for illustrative purposes only and may vary from equipment.
• All changes cannot be accommodated without confirmation in writing and So-N-So Hires will not be held liable for any miscommunication as a result of this. Notifications of any changes can be communicated via email to info@sonsohires.com.

The hirer (“You”) confirms booking, making a payment and signing this agreement is you understanding and accepting personal responsibility for the Terms & Conditions listed below:

Important Information regarding Covid 19

We are aware and our main concern is for the well being of our community during this global crisis. We are offering full credit notes for when it is safe to postpone your event with no time limit and all hire items can be substituted and changes are subjected to availability. However we cannot offer refunds. This is a tough time for us as well and we sincerely appreciate everyone's understanding and patience. We take pride in taking all necessary precautions and continue to disinfect all props to ensure the safety of our staff and clients.

Deposit & Payment:

All prices quoted for prop hire are as is. To book we require a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of 50% of the total order to secure your reservation. Deposit must be paid within 2 days after the “Pending Booking Invoice” is sent. Please thoroughly look and confirm all items listed and confirm that you are familiar with our terms and conditions prior to checking out and paying the deposit. No items will be held longer than 2 days without a deposit. Remaining balance is due prior to the rental order being delivered/or picked up by the Hirer or So-N-So Hires.

Any refundable deposits will be refunded within 7 business days after the equipment has been returned and inspected, minus any deductions or damages, missing items or late fees (If applicable).

Payment Options:

Payment can be made via bank transfer. See banking instructions on the "Pending Booking Invoice" provided.

Booking Amendments:

The Hirer can add additional Equipment to the booking by contacting So-N-So Hires, if available. An Amendment Form will be sent detailing monies owing on the remainder of the hire. Notifications of amendments may be made by phone, but must also be supported by written notice sent via email to info@sonsohires.com. It is the hirer's responsibility to verify the amendments made to the booking. So-N-So Hires will not be held responsible for any miscommunication. Failure to pay this invoice by the agreed due date will result in the all equipment booked by the hirer to be returned for hire for other parties and any any monies paid will be forfeited by the HIRER.

Own Vehicle pickup:

Most items are fragile and delicate. We do our best to protect them and we need you to continue this by bringing your own blankets, straps etc if needed. Pickup of larger items are only allowed on certain items and will only be allowed in either a van or box truck enclosed. Responsibility for the HIRER pickup rental items remains with the HIRER from time the items leave the rental center until the time they are returned. The HIRER is responsible for loading, unloading, and securing items within his or her vehicle as well as for any damage that they may suffer during those operations. We will assist the RENTER in loading, but will not be held liable for traffic accidents or damages to vehicles or rental equipment in transit due to improper loading.

Start of Rental Period:

The rental period officially commences when: a. The item is delivered by So-N-So Hires to the location designated by the Hirer; or b. The Hirer picks up the equipment from So-N-So Hires premises.

In either case, the item/items is deemed to be in the Hirer’s possession as of this time, regardless of whether the equipment is actively being used or not.

If there is a delay in delivery or pickup caused by the Hirer, such as lack of access to the delivery site or failure to arrive at the pickup time, the rental period will begin as originally scheduled, and any delays will not affect the start date and time of the rental.

End of Rental Period:

The rental period shall end on the date and time specified as the Pick-up Date/Hirer Return Date, which is the point at which: a. The equipment is retrieved by So-N-So Hires from the Hire’s location; or b. The Hirer returns the equipment to So-N-So Hires

It is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure that all equipment is readily available and accessible for pickup at the agreed-upon time and location. If the equipment is not ready for pickup or return on the specified date, additional rental charges may apply as outlined in the Late Charges section.

Extensions to Rental Period:

Should the Hirer wish to extend the rental period beyond the originally agreed upon dates, they must notify So-N-So Hires at least 24 hours in advance of the original return date. Extensions are subject to equipment availability and may incur additional rental fees, which will be discussed and agreed upon before the extension is confirmed.

Any unauthorized extension or retention of the equipment beyond the agreed-upon return date will be considered a breach of contract and may result in additional daily rental fees, penalties, or legal action.

Drop off/pickup:

Company-Managed Pickup: If So-N-So Hires is responsible for pickup, all equipment must be disassembled (depending), packed, and ready for collection by the scheduled time. If additional breakdown services are required, these must be arranged in advance and may incur additional charges.

Hirer-Managed Return: If the Hirer is returning the equipment, they must ensure that it is clean, properly packed, and returned to the agreed location by the specified date and time. Failure to return items on time will result in late fees

Delivery is strictly DROP OFF, SET UP - GO & PACKDOWN service from our Southampton & Warwick.

We also offer pickup / drop off to smaller items from our Southampton Location.

Delivery:

If you wish for items to be delivered there is a minimum hire of $100. In addition, a delivery fee of $50 will be added. There is NO minimum spend If you pick up and drop off hired items.

Our delivery times to venues are strict and must be prompt, granting us access to the area at the agreed time is essential or else other deliveries will be delayed as a result. On delivery and pickup at the agreed time, venues must be ready for us to hand over and pickup props. Clients failing to be on site during delivery will be liable for any issues, we will not take any responsibility if you are simply not happy and haven’t seen the product. No compensation will be given. Where the HIRER is unavailable at the delivery address during delivery, the HIERE must allocate and provide So-N-So Hires with all contact details of a designated person to meet with at the proposed delivery address.

Hire Period:

Most rental periods will start on the day of the event and run into the next day after the event. So-N-So Hires will arrange a suitable time for the collection of the equipment that both suits the HIRER & So-N-So Hires. If the client chooses otherwise or So-N-So Hires has another event same day, the client agrees to the designated time for delivery and collection of the equipment prior to the date of rental hire.

Insurance:

Once products have been received, the hirer accepts all responsibilities and liabilities until they have been returned to So-N-So Hires. The HIRER is responsible in maintaining any appropriate policies of insurance covering liability, property and casualty insurance in amounts necessary to fully protect So-N-So Hires and their products against all claims, losses and damage. So-N-So Hires will not be responsible for any injury that may occur to persons over the hire period or thereafter due to any product supplied by So-N-So Hires whether through payment or otherwise.

Denial of Service:

So-N-So Hires reserves the right to refuse hire service to anyone at any given time where we deem it is in our best interest on the basis of loss of safety precaution, or of abuse. Should we discover that the intended use of the equipment presents a safety hazard and/or violates any constitutional or by law we own the right to refuse rental service at any time.

Rescheduling /Postponements:

In the event the HIRER wishes to reschedule the hire period for any reason, including due to any imposed restricting resulting from a pandemic or any other force major event this will only be confirmed via writing by So-N-So Hires and are subject to the following the necessary provisions.

If the HIRER wishes to reschedule the date of the event, we So-N-So Hires will make all attempts to accommodate the new date, however this is under no obligation to provide the hire equipment or services on the new date and is at the sole discretion of So-N-So Hires.

If an item is unavailable for the required hire new date, So-N-So Hires will provide alternative items (subject to availability) to equal.

Any reschedule date must be within the twenty four (24) month of the original booked date.

Late Charges

So-N-So Hires prides itself on maintaining a well-organized and efficient equipment rental process to ensure that all Hirer’s receive their rentals on time and in good condition. Timely return of equipment is crucial to our ability to serve other clients, and failure to return rented items as scheduled can disrupt other events and cause significant operational challenges. To address this, the following late charge policy will apply:

The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that all rented equipment is returned on the agreed-upon return date and time as specified in the contract. In the event that the Hirer anticipates any delay in returning the equipment, it is their obligation to immediately notify So-N-So Hires to discuss the situation and any potential impacts on the rental schedule.

Notification Requirement: Hirer’s should contact So-N-So Hires as soon as they become aware of the possibility of a late return, ideally providing at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows So-N-So Hires to attempt to make necessary adjustments to avoid disrupting other scheduled rentals or events.

Late Charges: If the Hirer fails to return the rented equipment by the scheduled return date and time, a late charge will be applied for each day (or part of a day) that the equipment is not returned. The specific late charge rates will be outlined in the rental agreement and will typically be calculated as a percentage of the daily rental rate for each item of equipment.

• ■Standard Late Fee Rate: The late fee will generally be assessed at a rate of 10% of the daily rental rate per day, per item. This ensures that So-N-So Hires is compensated for the loss of availability and any resulting operational disruptions.
• ■Partial Day Late Charges: In cases where the equipment is returned later on the same day as the scheduled return time, a prorated late charge may apply, typically calculated in half-day increments. The prorated fee will reflect the portion of the day the equipment was delayed in being returned.

Maximum Late Charge: If the equipment is returned significantly late, So-N-So Hires reserves the right to charge up to 100% of the original daily rental rate per day, per item. This ensures that the costs of the delayed return, including any potential lost revenue, are adequately covered.

Damage Protection

Scope of Coverage:

• ○The Damage Protection plan provided by So-N-So Hires is designed to offer limited financial coverage for damages that occur to rented equipment during the rental period. This plan is intended to protect both the Hirer and So-N-So Hires in the event of accidental damage. The specifics of the coverage are as follows:
• ○Initial Coverage: Damage protection covers the first $250 of any equipment that is broken or damaged during the rental period. This coverage is applicable to any equipment rented from So-N-So Hires provided that the damage is reported in accordance with the procedures outlined in this agreement.

  Coverage Beyond Initial Amount:

• ○In instances where damages exceed the initial $250 threshold:
  • ■The Hirer will be responsible for 50% of the costs associated with the remaining damage beyond the initial coverage amount.
  • ■So-N-So Hires will cover the remaining 50% of the costs incurred. This shared liability is intended to encourage responsible use of the equipment while providing financial relief to the Hirer in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

  Exclusions from Coverage:

• ○The following circumstances are expressly excluded from the Damage Protection plan:
  • ■Lost or Stolen Items: Damage protection does not provide coverage for any equipment that is lost, stolen, or otherwise unaccounted for during the rental period. The Hirer is advised to take all necessary precautions to secure rented equipment at all times.
  • ■Misuse or Negligence: Any damage resulting from misuse, negligence, or failure to follow the proper usage guidelines provided by So-N-So Hires will not be covered under this plan. This includes, but is not limited to, damages arising from:
    • ■Overloading or exceeding the rated capacity of the equipment.
    • ■Improper handling, loading, or unloading of equipment.
    • ■Failure to secure equipment against environmental hazards (e.g., high winds, heavy rain).
  • ■Acts of God: Damage resulting from natural disasters, including but not limited to floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other catastrophic events, is not covered by this protection plan.

  Non-Refundable Nature:

• ○The fee for Damage Protection is non-refundable. This means that once the fee has been paid, the Hirer will not receive any refund for this coverage, regardless of whether any damage occurs during the rental period. The Hirer acknowledges that the purchase of this coverage is an acknowledgment of the potential risk associated with renting equipment.

  Claims Process:

• ○In the event of damage to the rented equipment, the Hirer must promptly report the damage to So-N-So Hires within 24 hours of the incident. The following steps should be taken:
  • ■Contact So-N-So Hires using the provided emergency contact information to report the damage.
  • ■Complete a Damage Report Form provided by So-N-So Hires detailing the nature of the damage, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any witnesses to the event.
  • ■Submit any photographs of the damaged equipment as part of the claims process to assist in the assessment of the damages.

  Assessment and Resolution:

• ○After a damage claim is submitted, So-N-So Hires will assess the damage and determine the total cost of repairs or replacement, if necessary. The Hirer will be notified of the assessment results, and the financial responsibility will be calculated based on the terms of the Damage Protection plan. If the damage exceeds the initial $250 threshold, the Hirer will receive an invoice reflecting their share of the costs.

  Insurance Recommendation:

• ○While the Damage Protection plan offers a level of coverage for damages, it is important for the Hirer to understand that this coverage is not a substitute for comprehensive insurance. The Hirer is strongly encouraged to obtain their own insurance coverage for events, including coverage for liability, property damage, and theft of equipment, to protect against any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during their event.

  Acknowledgment of Understanding:

• ○By signing this agreement, the Hirer acknowledges that they have read and understood the terms of the Damage Protection plan and agree to be bound by its provisions. The Hirer further acknowledges that they are responsible for any damage that exceeds the coverage limits outlined herein and agrees to adhere to the guidelines set forth in this section.

Cancellations:

At So-N-So Hires we understand that plans can change, and unforeseen circumstances may arise that lead to cancellations. A booking is secured with a non-refundable 50% deposit as advertised. In the case an event is cancelled due to weather, funds will be refunded minus the 50% non-refundable deposit. In addition, we would be happy to postpone, set up indoors (if the client chooses) and or transfer the cancelled booking, including any outstanding payment based on availability to a new client/date.

Unused Rental Items:

No refunds or credits will be issued for rental items that are returned unused. This includes situations where the Hirer does not use the rented equipment during the rental period, whether due to event cancellation, changes in event plans, or any other reason. Once the equipment has been rented and leaves So-N-So Hires possession, it is considered to be in active rental, and all applicable fees will apply.

The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is needed and suitable for their event prior to confirming their rental. Changes to event plans or usage do not warrant a refund or credit for items that were not used during the event.

Cleaning:

Upon return or pickup of the equipment, So-N-So Hires reserves the right to inspect the equipment for any damages, wear, or missing items. In addition, the equipment must be properly cleaned by the HIRER. All glassware is to be returned washed (in warm water) and to be fully dried before it is repacked. Please note most of our glassware are not designed to be washed in dishwashers. The rental period does not officially end until the equipment is returned in the same condition as it was received, accounting for normal wear and tear.

All linen is to be returned in the same condition that it was hired in. Any damage such as soiling, stains, tears, rips must be communicated by the HIRER on return of the equipment. A charge for the damage may be charged in accordance to the amount of damage. If the items are returned unclean, a cleaning fee depending on the condition will be charged and deducted.

If damages, excessive wear, or missing components are identified upon return, the Hirer will be notified, and additional charges may be applied for repairs or replacement, as outlined in the Damage Protection or Loss/Theft sections of this agreement.

Loss of Damages:

All items supplied by So-N-So Hires shall always be deemed owned by So-N-So Hires. If any props are hired and are not returned in the same condition, the Hirer may face fees to fix the damage or replace the ruined goods. In saying this items that are damaged, the Hirer will need to replace or fix and the damaged prop stays in So-N-So Hires possession.

Damages may include using sticky tape on props which may remove paint or cause further damage to clean up, weather conditions if the props are not moved out of harm’s way, accidental damage - dropping/breaking props, lost or stolen. Replacement costs will be paid to So-N-So Hires based on the current pricing and availability of the items. Example: Replacement item value $180 but hired for $70 your cost for the replacement is the replacement value of $180 or current pricing, plus duty & wharfage and any additional charges (service fee, air charge, fuel surcharge). All reimbursements must be paid within 48 hours of being invoiced.

Photo Release:

The HIRER grants So-N-So Hires permission for use of event photo's in forms of advertising promoting of services, web site use, editorial or wherever So-N-So Hires see's fit.

Confidential Information:

So-N-So Hires will not use and or disclose to any third party, any confidential information disclosed by the HIRER. All document's not limited to reports, specifications, bills and other documents provided by So-N-So Hires remain the sole property of So-N-So Hires. So-N-So Hires within reason reserves the right to engage in third parties to assist So-N-So Hires in delivery, repair, construction, cleaning and or repair of Equipment and is at the expense of the HIRER once they accept responsibility.

Hirer (“You”) Responsibility:

The HIRER agrees to examine the equipment & any required batteries prior to the event, ensuring that they are in good working condition and provide mandatory training on equipment usage. If there are any operational or technical issues prior to, the client agrees to liaise with So-N-So Hires.

All Props must be returned in the same condition as they were left. The client is solely responsible for the equipment, and those who use it, whilst in their possession and accepts full responsibility for loss or damage to the equipment. Decals, stickers, any tape must be removed prior to. No tape or any sort of signage must be used without clarifying it with So-N-So Hires as some items may get damaged.

The HIRER will take all necessary precautions regarding the items rented, and protect all personals and property from injury or damage.

HIRER agrees to hold So-N-So Hires rentals harmless from and against any and all liability, claims, judgments, attorneys’ fees and costs of every kind and nature, including, but not limited to, injuries or death to persons and damage of property, arising out of the use, maintenance– installation, operation, possession, ownership, or rental of the items rented, despite cause.

The HIRER will be held liable for any damage, theft, or loss of the equipment during the rental period, regardless of whether the equipment is actively being used or not.

Some hire items may have minor imperfections due to delivering, Hirer wear and tear but we can assure you we do our best to keep everything in perfect working order and stable to use.

So-N-S Hires Responsibility:

In the unlikely event So-N-So Hires cannot provided the services agree up; all fees paid by the client will be refunded. With respect to delivery we will take the utmost care of the equipment and in the event, circumstances arise that are beyond our control our liability is limited. Circumstances beyond our control include, but are not limited to: electrical power failures, acts of nature, fires, storms, non-performance of this parties.

So-N-So Hires reserve the right to use any footage for promotional or any other purposes or public display. The client assumes all liability for any form of copyright infringement and is responsible for any personal releases.

If you have any questions regarding the terms and conditions of hire please email us at info@sonsohires.com.

Updated: March 31, 2025