If you're planning on renting a bounce house anytime in the future, take five minutes to read this and potentially save yourself hours of frustration and stress (seriously).
1. How it Works
In most cases, you will begin the process online at your provider's website. Any reputable provider will allow you to check availability, get pricing and place orders on their website. Also, the provider should present detailed information about each inflatable including dimensions, setup area requirements, capacity of the inflatable, additional photos and sometimes video of the product so that you know what you're getting. Most providers include delivery, setup & removal in the pricing, but don't assume, be sure to ask if it not clear on their website. Once your order is in, you can expect communication from your provider prior to your date of service. This is usually to go over what you can expect in terms of delivery, use and pickup of your rental. On the date of service, most providers will call/text you when they are on their way to your setup location. You can expect your bounce house to be delivered in advance of your start time, sometimes up to several hours in advance. You should not expect to be charged for this "extra time" with any reputable provider. Same goes for pickup.
2. Weather/Rain
If you're concerned about weather conditions around the time of your rental, be certain to understand your provider's weather/rain policy prior to booking. Some providers will not offer service on days with inclement weather. Customers of these providers may receive a last minute communication indicating that their party plans have basically gone up in smoke! Find a provider who offers service rain or shine and who will not charge a "cancel fee" for last minute cancelation. Some providers offer no-penalty cancelation up until the time the driver arrives on the date of service, so be sure to ask!
3. Safety
Bounce houses are one of the safest forms of kids entertainment available- provided you rent from a reputable provider who follows all state requirements (inspections, safety compliance, insurance, training). Also, you'll want American made inflatables when you rent because some foreign inflatables contain amounts of lead in the vinyl that exceed U.S. standards, in addition to build quality issues with offshore manufacturers. Be sure to ask your provider where their inflatables are made. When renting a bounce house from a reputable company, you can expect a very safe and fun experience that will create great memories of family togetherness lasting for years to come!
4. Refund Policy
Don't prepay for a bounce house rental without knowing your provider's refund policy. You may not anticipate a change in plans, but weather, sickness, child's behavior and RSVPs have a not-so-funny way of causing a need to change your plans. Also, some providers do not allow for refunds, but they often do not have a deposit requirement. Be sure to ask.
5. Damage Insurance
Most company charge a small percentage or flat fee for optional "damage insurance" or "damage waiver" for customers. Damage insurance typically covers things such as rips, tears, punctures or damage to the bounce house in the normal course of use. If you have toddlers up to age 6 years, we don't recommend damage insurance as it is highly unlikely that those kiddos will cause much harm to the inflatable. If you have teens or very rowdy boys (any age), we would recommend adding some peace of mind by opting for the damage insurance. Be sure to ask your provider what specifically their damage insurance covers.
6. Deposits/Form of Payment
Most customers are accustomed to paying at the time of ordering with a card, however, you aren't required to do so with some providers. While most providers will require a deposit, refundable or not, some providers do not! So ask! While paying cash is becoming rare today, a cash option should be available with most providers. Other forms of payment may be available such as Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and others, but don't expect to pay in crypto currency with most providers.
7. Advance Ordering
We recommend ordering 3 to 5 weeks in advance of your event date. This ensures plenty of time to plan, receive RSVPs and do it in a low stress manner. However, if a last minute need arises, most reputable providers can reliably take reservations up to 24 hour in advance, and some can help you same day, but don't expect miracles; you may not get what you want at the price you want at the time you want.
In conclusion, do your research, ask questions and find a provider with policies you like and then stick with them! A great customer/provider relationship will offer untold dividends throughout the years.
If you live in the Austin Texas area and you haven't found your provider yet, and you liked all the good stuff and not the bad stuff above, then please consider Austin Bounce House Rentals for your next party or event!
