Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there fees for delivery in addition to the rental costs?
A: Unfortunately due to high fuel and labor costs we do charge a travel fee. With the fluctuation of fuel costs, our travel fee may also fluctuate during the season. To calculate the fee to your area, enter your the item you want to rent, enter your address information and the fee will be calculated to the delivery location.
Q: Do you have a minimum order amount?
A: Unfortunately due to the high cost of fuel and staffing, we do have a minimum order amount of $175.00 for orders. We do deliver all orders, as we do not have a retail location for customer pickup.
Q: How far in advance can I reserve my Bounce House or any other rental?
A: The earlier you can make your reservation the better your chance at getting the date you want. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible, but we will always work with you even if it's a last-minute request.
Q: How long is the rental period?
A: The most common rental period is 6 hours. However, we can accommodate longer rental periods.
Q: Does the standard 6 hour rental time include your set up time?
A: No. For private party rentals we schedule delivery 45 minutes prior to your start time. For schools, churches, and corporate events we will work with you to set a schedule that works best for you. For rentals that include our dunk tank, we schedule delivery 2 hours prior to the start time to assure the tank is filled on time.
Q: Can we keep the rental over night?
A: Unfortunately under most circumstances our insurance company does not allow us to leave an inflatable set up over night. There are exceptions such as Church Lock-Ins and when the rental period is an overnight period. Give us a call to discuss your specific situation.
Q: Do we have to keep it plugged in the entire time?
A: Yes. A blower keeps air in the jump unit the entire time. Once unplugged they deflate. That's why we require an outlet within 75ft of the unit or a generator. Longer cords can pop your circuit breaker so we bring our own heavy duty cords.
Q: What is Parties Inc.'s policy on inclement weather?
A: Your child's safety is our number one priority! Unfortunately inflatables become slippery in the rain. This can cause unsafe conditions that can lead to injuries. Because of the risk, we will not set up inflatables that are played on in conditions where there is more than a light sprinkle.
If the weather is not cooperating on the day of your reservation we will be happy to work with you to reschedule your reservation with no cost or penalty, or you may request to have a full refund (when your reservation is cancelled by Parties Inc. due to weather). If you choose to reschedule, your deposit will simply be applied to your rescheduled reservation date.
We monitor the weather carefully and will make the call on whether your inflatable can be delivered the morning of your rental. Because the weather forecast often changes from day to day, we don't make that call any earlier. If you would like to cancel your delivery earlier than the morning of your rental, your deposit will be kept on file and applied to another rental date. The reason for this is that we have held the inflatable that you have reserved and not allowed other customers to rent it. If we cancel at the last minute, we lose the opportunity to rent that inflatable.
Q: What should I expect on the day of the party? How does the process work?
A: We will deliver and set up the unit approximately 45 minutes (for private party rentals) prior to the start of your rental period. The person that is responsible for the rental must be available at the delivery location. At the time of setup we will review the rental agreement, and go over any questions regarding safety, proper use, and any other topic you wish to discuss. If payment has not already been made, it will be due upon setup of the unit.
Q: What do we do if the inflatable is up and it begins to rain?
A: Unplug the blower and move it out of the rain while you let the inflatable deflate. Once the rain stops, plug the blower back in and wipe down any wet surfaces to avoid slipping. The vinyl gets very slippery when wet. The kids may resume play if the vinyl is no longer wet and slippery. Unfortunately we are unable to provide refunds where we have set up and it starts to rain during your rental period.
Q: Where can I have the Bounce houses and other inflatables setup?
A: Inflatables can be set up in many different places on your property. The surface must be mostly flat and relatively firm - grass, concrete and asphalt are all acceptable. We will anchor the unit either by driving stakes into the ground or by using sandbags where stakes cannot be used. Please inform us at the time of the reservation on what type of surface the unit will be set up on. If you change your mind on what type of surface, we must be notified at least 48 hours in advance to allow us to bring the proper type of anchors for the unit. If we are not informed, we will be unable to set up the unit and no refunds will be provided. The placement area must be free of overhead power lines and tree limbs. Unfortunately we can not set up on sidewalks, and for most instances, in streets. The only exception for a street set up is when the street is closed with "Street Closed" barriers provided by the city and a permit has been issued by the city. A copy of the permit will need to be emailed or texted to Parties Inc. prior to the rental. The barriers must be in place one hour prior to your rental start time and must remain in place until the inflatable is picked up. No cars are allowed to move within the area closed by the barricades. We must have direct access to the set up area with no stairs or other obstacles.
Q: How safe are your Bounce houses?
A: Our Bounce houses and inflatables are clean, and well maintained. It will be necessary for an adult to be in direct supervision of inflatables at all times. By following basic rules all children will be safe and have a great time. If you need someone to stay with the unit to supervise the play on the inflatable, Parties Inc. can provide an attendant at an additional cost.
Q: Do I need an attendant?
A: There should ALWAYS be someone assigned to supervise any inflatable. The most important duties of an attendant are limiting the number of children in or on the inflatable at one time, making sure that the children are all of similar size and controlling the behavior of all participants. Parties Inc. can provide an attendant for a minimal cost. If you do not hire an attendant from Parties Inc., we will provide safety rules for you to enforce while monitoring the rented inflatables. When renting an inflatable you are accepting responsibility for the safety of those playing on the rented equipment. Prior to your rental, consider carefully who you will assign the responsibility of monitoring play on the rented equipment.
Q: How many kids can you have in an inflatable at a time?
A: The number of kids allowed on an inflatable is listed on it's information page. The best way to keep the Bounce houses safe is to separate the smaller kids from the bigger kids. We will go over safety guidelines when we deliver the inflatable. Most interactive inflatables such as Obstacle courses are limited to two players and one time. If you have questions about the limits on a specific inflatable prior to your rental date, please feel free to call us!
Q: Is a deposit required to reserve your date? Is it refundable?
A: A deposit of 50% of your rental fee is due at the time of reservation. This can be paid by credit card or check. We receive multiple requests for the same inflatables on the same day. When we receive your deposit, it locks in your reservation and secures the equipment for your party date. If for some reason you need to change the date of your event, your deposit will transfer to your new reservation date to secure the equipment for your new date. Unfortunately we are unable to refund deposits except when we have to cancel a reservation due to inclement weather. See our weather policy above.
Q: Can I use an Inflatable at a park?
A: Some parks allow bounce houses and others do not. Some require one of our staff members remain with the bounce house to monitor it. If that is the case, there is an additional charge for the staff member. Before reserving the bounce house, you will need to check with the parks department to see if they are allowed. If they are allowed, you will need to reserve the area, get a permit and fill out all necessary paperwork. We will be glad to work with the park regarding proof of insurance from Parties Inc. If there are any additional fees for placing a bounce house in the park, you will be responsible for making payment directly to the park. You will want to ask two questions of the park: Is there a dedicated 20 amp circuit available for powering the bounce house. If not, we do have generators available for rental. Make sure they allow generators. The next question to ask is if we are able to place stakes in the ground to secure the bounce house. If not, we can use sand bags, but we will need to know in advance to bring them for your delivery. You must email or text a copy of the park permit to Parties Inc. at least 48 hours prior to your rental time.
Q: What if the inflatable is damaged during my event?
A: If there is a defect in the inflatable, there will be no charge. Depending on the situation, if the inflatable is damaged due to a preventable circumstance (example: dog chewed on it, someone cut it with a knife, sharp object on clothes, or SILLY STRING), then a repair fee will be incurred.
Q: Are there any cleaning fees?
A: We expect to receive our inflatables back in a fairly clean condition. We realize that children in and out of it all day, can allow grass to enter by means of their socks. We will not charge for cleaning this. However, since you will receive a list of general rules at the time of setup, any food, drink stains or not following any other listed rule of this nature will result in a minimum $35.00 clean-up fee at the time of pickup. The inflatable will be inspected before its packed up at your location.
Q: Can water be placed on a bounce house or other inflatables?
A: No. Most inflatables are not made for water play. It is not safe to play on them and it does damage to the inflatable. Water is only allowed on units specifically rented as water units, such as water slides. If water is placed on a unit that is not reserved as a water unit , a fee of at least $100.00 will be charged. This covers the cost of cleaning and drying the unit and may cover the rental fee due to any missed rentals
Q: Do you have Insurance?
A: Yes, Parties Inc. is fully insured for general liability coverage. We are only responsible for our own negligence; not yours. In reserving your Bounce house you will be required to sign a rental agreement and "Release and Assumption of Risk" form that lists specific terms and conditions of the rental.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept for rental items?
A: Currently we accept cash, checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard. A $35.00 fee for bad checks will be incurred, in addition to the rental fees and any legal fees.
Q: What are the power requirements for inflatables?
A: Customers are responsible for power. Parties Inc. is NOT liable for problems due to power issues. Typically we need (1) 20-amp circuit for EACH blower; other items can NOT be plugged into the same circuit. For most homes, the back yard outlet is sufficient. We furnish one 50' extension cord. Unit needs to be placed within 50' of power source. Generators may be rented in advance if a power source is not available. No refunds will be provided if adequate power is not available on the day of the event.
Privacy Statement
Parties Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy! When placing an order by credit card, your information is protected by a secure environment. Your information is safe with us! We use information that is collected during your reservation only for our purposes and do not share it with third parties!
Still have a question? Call or Write: michael@partiesinc.com (503) 641-1803