Here at Event Hire UK, we often get asked for last minute furniture hire. This might be because you’ve been let down by your chosen supplier, or you’ve really left things until, quite literally, the last minute.
We realise that things change in the lead up to busy live events. Plans change, numbers change, requirements change, and you can rest assured that we’ll do our utmost to help you if this is the case. However, there’s not really any excuse for leaving ordering everything until the last moment if you’ve had lots of notice on it, and you’ve been planning your event for a while.
So, as part of our customer service commitment, we will always endeavour to assist you. However, there are certain factors which come into play which will, ultimately, determine whether we’re able to provide you with the last minute furniture hire you need.
Let’s have a look at these 4 factors, so you can understand what we’re up against, in the event that the answer is ‘sorry, no’.
Ultimate, the time of year is everything. For all companies in the events world, there is a ‘season’ which runs from April to September. This season is driven by demand from event planners, and it’s no surprise that the warmer, summer months bring more events. It stands to reason, therefore, that demand for event furniture hire is at its highest in these months.
Outside this seasonal window, there are still events that take place, but just not in the same volume, and so things are (generally!) a little calmer. Every company in the events sector will follow a similar pattern.
There’s more chance, therefore, of you being able to secure last minute furniture hire over the winter than there is in the summer. Simple.
As well as issues with stock availability in the height of summer, trying to source last minute furniture hire might also be affected by transport issues. We operate a nationwide transport service, delivering and collecting to event venues on a daily basis from our regional distribution centres. In the summer months, however, our transport seems to get fully booked at least a week ahead of the hire date, and so the chances are that unless you can self-collect and return in person, then you could be disappointed, even though the stock might be available.
In a similar vein to stock availability and transport issues, is the fact that other events might be taking place at the same time as yours, affecting your last minute furniture hire request. This pulls on resource – stock, transport, labour and time. With all of these in short supply in the summer months, if there’s a major event on at the same time as your event, then problems might be encountered. Possibly not, but you need to bear it in mind.
By this, we mean that are you classing ‘last minute’ as the week before, the day before or even the same day? This is important, as even though the stock might be available, we still need resource to pick the items you need and make sure it is ready to go out on hire. In the busy summer months, there is a chance that the equipment will be coming back for an immediate turnaround, and so this is certainly something to bear in mind. In other words, even if you give us 24 hours notice, that is better than 3 hours notice but not as good as 72 hours notice. You see the pattern…
In essence, whilst last minute furniture hire is a possibility, it’s generally just good practice to place your order for event furniture hire as far in advance as possible, especially if you are holding a summer event.
Naturally, we’ll do our best to help you with last minute furniture hire, but if we end up having to let you down, it’s not for the lack of trying to accommodate your request.
With this in mind – and in plenty of time ahead of your event – don’t hesitate to browse our complete range of event furniture hire online right here at Event Hire UK and place your secure order 24/7, safe in the knowledge that you are putting your faith in the hands of the experts.
We very much look forward to hearing from you soon.
