Frequently Asked Questions
Rental Process
Q.When should I reserve my rentals?
A.This is completely up to you. Rentals are reserved on a first come basis. An advance notice allows CER to provide the best service. As soon as you are sure that you need and want the rentals, we suggest that you go ahead and reserve them. CER can accommodate, if available, orders placed ten (10) days prior to or day of (additional fees applicable).
Q.How do I reserve rentals?
A.A 50% non-refundable deposit and signed contract are required to reserve any rental items. The remaining balance is due ten (10) days prior to your event. We accept all major credit cards and cash for payment. If the items are reserved within ten (10) of delivery, full payment on a credit card or in cash is required.
Q.Why do I have to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit?
A.When you pay your deposit, the items on your quote are specifically reserved for you and removed from inventory. The items are no longer available to anyone else for your date, once the items have been reserved. Essentially, you are guaranteeing that the items are yours. Also, time has been taken to schedule and plan for your event. That includes vehicles and drivers.
Q.Can I make changes to my reservation once I have paid a deposit?
A.Yes, with limitations. There are certain items for which the quantities cannot be changed. We do ask you to make any final changes before your final balance is due (ten (10) days prior to delivery). Any reductions after paid in full will fall under cancellation terms and conditions. Any additional changes thereafter are subject to availability, additional fees may apply.
Q.What is the 7% Damage Waiver, and do I have to pay it?
A.Please refer to our Terms & Conditions, as to what the Damage Waiver covers. Whether you choose to pay the Damage Waiver is completely up to you. However, if you choose not to pay the Damage Waiver and any of your rentals come back damaged, you will be responsible for paying the replacement value of the damaged item(s). The damage waiver does not cover items that are missing from your order once it has been returned.
Delivery/Pickup
Q.Can I pickup and return rented items?
A.Customers or their representative are welcome to pick up and return their rentals during store hours. You must have appropriate size vehicle and any needed tarps, straps, etc. to accommodate proper and safe transport and protection of items. Some products such as tents are not eligible for pick up. We deliver and professionally install all our tents.
Q.Do you deliver or pickup rented items?
A.Delivery and pickup are available and should be arranged at the time rentals are reserved. Delivery/pickup charges are based on the event location. Delivery/pickup fees are for the rented items to be placed on the same level and in an area within 30 feet from the delivery/pickup vehicle. Additional charges apply for after-hours, dedicated time windows, excessive distance from truck, obstacles, beach events, and large orders requiring more than one vehicle.
Q.What time will you deliver/pickup?
A.We will call the day prior with our estimated time of delivery and pickup. It is based on our schedule for the day and what other deliveries/pickups we have in your area. We typically require a two (2) hour window to deliver and pickup. The only way to guarantee a specific delivery or pickup time would be for you to pay an additional fee for a time-specific delivery or pickup.
Q.Will someone need to be present when you deliver or pick up?
A.Yes, an onsite contact is required. If someone other than yourself will be onsite, we ask that you provide this person’s name and phone number ahead of time. This person is responsible for showing us where the rentals should be placed and verifying the order is correct. Please report any discrepancies to the driver.
Q.Will you setup/take-down table and chairs?
A.Yes, decorating services are available at an additional charge. This needs to be arranged in advance.
If you did not pay for this service, you will be placing and removing the settings. The items will be left in stacked containers and picked-up, in area designated on the same level and within 30 feet from the vehicle. Please be sure to shake them free of debris and to make sure that they are dry. This will prevent staining and mildew. Please place them in the containers that were delivered with your rentals. We will launder them when they return to our warehouse.
Q.What do I do with items used for food when I am finished with it?
A.All items used for food should be free of debris before it is returned. We will fully wash them once they return to the warehouse. All of these items should be repacked in the original crates and left in the area in which they were delivered.
Tents
Q.What size tent I will need?
A.If you are not sure of the size tent you will need, let us know what you plan to have under the tent. We can estimate a size for you. We would need to know – Will you have guest seating under the tent? If so, how many people will you be seating at what kind(s) of tables (banquet, round, etc.)? Will you have a dance floor under the tent? A band or DJ under the tent? Food tables under the tent? Etc.
Q.What if I’m not sure the tent will fit in the space I have?
A.We are happy to come out for a site visit prior to your event for an additional fee.
Q.How will the tent be secured?
A.The tent is secured at each leg and at two places on each corner. Typically, on grass we will drive approx. 24” long stakes into the ground to secure the tent.
Q.What if the venue will not allow staking?
A.For tents that are 10’, 15’ or 20’ wide, we can use water barrels to secure the tent, additional fees applicable. There needs to be a water source within 50ft. Any installations that include unleveled grounds or difficult venue conditions may be subject to additional charges.
Q.What should I do to prepare for the tent to be set up?
A.There are a few things you can do that will make setup go a little quicker and more smoothly:
1. Be sure to cut back any low-hanging tree branches that would be in the way of the tent.
2. If you have not had a site visit, make sure there is adequate space beyond where the tent perimeter will go. To allow for the tent legs and staking approx. 5’ of space on each side is needed.
3. The ground should be free of items and debris that our crew would have to work around (yard ornaments, toys, animal droppings, etc.)
4. Any underground utilities in the area must be clearly marked either with flags or spray paint. If you are unaware of where the underground utilities may be located, please take the time to call 811 a week before tent setup to find out.