Conditions of Hire

1. Refundable deposit

  • The refundable deposit is calculated at about 50% of the total hire, with a minimum of R500. The deposit is determined by management and can vary depending on the type of goods hired. Electrical equipment carries a refundable deposit of R1,000 per item.
  • After we receive a website order, we confirm stock availability with a quote sent by email or WhatsApp. The deposit is shown on that quote.
  • The deposit is payable upon confirmation of an order. No order will be confirmed if the deposit has not been paid to secure the order.
  • The deposit is repaid 1 to 3 working days after the goods have been returned.
  • The deposit is repaid in the same manner as it was paid to Florida Hiring: if it was paid in cash, cash will be refunded; if it was paid by EFT or card, it will be refunded by EFT (the customer must supply Florida Hiring with their banking details).
  • All damages or shortages will be deducted from the deposit at REPLACEMENT value.
  • Should the shortages or damages exceed the deposit amount, the customer MUST settle the outstanding amount immediately, or make alternative arrangements with management.

2. Cancellations

  • Orders cancelled more than 14 days before the function date: a 10% cancellation fee is charged.
  • Orders cancelled between 7 and 14 days before the function date: the deposit is forfeited.
  • Orders cancelled less than 7 days before the function date: the whole hire amount is forfeited. If the order was paid in full, including the deposit, the deposit is refunded and the hire amount is kept.
  • Quantities of goods ordered can be increased if the stock is available, but CANNOT be decreased. The customer will still be liable for the hire charges.

3. Hire charges

  • The hire charges at the rates stated on the invoice are payable on collection or, where Florida Hiring delivers, the day BEFORE delivery takes place. No orders will be delivered if the full balance has not been settled.
  • Payment can be made by cash, card or EFT. NO CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  • Should you deposit cash into our banking account, the cash deposit fee charged by the bank is for the customer's account and will be deducted from the refundable deposit.
  • The customer must forward proof of payment to Florida Hiring when making EFT payments or payments directly into our banking account.
  • All payments made into Florida Hiring's banking account must reflect in our account before any goods will be released.

4. Hire period

  • The hire period commences when the equipment is delivered to or collected by the customer, and ends when Florida Hiring accepts return of the equipment.
  • Florida Hiring will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that equipment is delivered or available for collection at the agreed date or time, but shall not be liable should the equipment not be delivered or available at such time.
  • Should the equipment not be returned, or not be available for collection, on the agreed date of return, the customer will be charged additional hire charges (per day) at the rate stated on the invoice until the equipment is returned. Where Florida Hiring collects, additional travelling fees will be charged.
  • Where Florida Hiring delivers or collects goods, we will send a WhatsApp to confirm approximate delivery and collection times; however, we will not be bound by these times.

5. Equipment

  • The onus is on the customer to check all orders collected or delivered for quantities and damages.
  • The customer accepts full responsibility for all goods (breakages, theft, etc.) once they have left our premises. Where Florida Hiring delivers, the customer accepts full responsibility once our delivery vehicle departs from the delivery address.
  • The customer shall provide dry, undercover storage until the equipment is returned to Florida Hiring.
  • The customer shall return all crockery, cutlery, glasses, etc. clean, in the same condition as received. All dirty crockery, cutlery, glasses, etc. will attract a cleaning fee determined by management.
  • If goods are faulty or damaged upon receipt, Florida Hiring must be informed immediately, as NO EXCUSES will be accepted upon return of faulty or damaged goods.
  • The customer must ensure that they order the correct items and correct quantities, as no refund will be given for goods not used.
  • All electrical equipment will be checked and tested in the customer's presence (or that of a third party appointed by the customer). Should Florida Hiring be called out to electrical equipment malfunctioning, the customer will be liable for a call-out fee of R250, ONLY if the fault is not on Florida Hiring's side. The customer must ensure that the electricity supply at the venue is sufficient for the equipment hired.
  • All linen should be returned dirty but dry. Linen with mold will be charged for at replacement cost.
  • All linen badly stained with excessive candle wax, prestik, bubblegum, chocolate, mud or any stain out of the ordinary will be charged for at a rate determined by the severity of the stains.
  • All pins and staples must be removed from the linen before it is returned. Any damage caused by staples and pins will be charged for at replacement value.
  • The customer shall not be entitled to substitute any other equipment for the owner's equipment. All equipment returned will be checked and counted in the presence of the customer or a third party appointed by the customer. Should neither be present, the customer accepts the correctness of a statement by Florida Hiring as to the quantity and condition of the equipment returned.

6. Use of the equipment

  • The customer acknowledges that they are aware of the purpose for which the equipment is intended, and shall use the equipment only for such purposes.
  • The customer shall use the equipment at their own risk, and indemnifies the owner against any claim of any nature brought against it.

7. General

  • The customer consents to the jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court of the district in which the customer's domicilium is situated in respect of any legal proceedings arising out of this agreement.
  • The customer shall be liable for the costs of Florida Hiring on an attorney and own client basis, should Florida Hiring institute legal proceedings against the customer arising out of these General Conditions or out of the customer's use or possession of the equipment.

See also our Delivery & Collection terms.