Getting the best people on your event team is important, especially when it comes to selecting vendors. You not only want to make sure you partner with someone who understands your vision; you want to make sure you partner with someone who is qualified to successfully carry out your vision.

So, what’s important? What should you ask? A good vendor will be excited to share information and examples with you. After all, you’re excited about your event; they should be too. So start with the facts:

• Where are they located?

• How long have they been in business?

• Are they fully insured?

• Is the quote they provided detailed and easy to read?

• Can they show you a portfolio of their work?

• What about providing references?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for more information if you don’t understand a response. Failure to not cover all bases could result in some surprises on your final bill. For example, be sure to ask about fees and time perimeters for drop-off of inventory vs. set up and dismantle of inventory. Ask if your rentals vendor has worked with your selected venue before – if so, all the better! Chances are they know each other and work together well. The rentals vendor will already be acquainted with the venue’s rules and regulations.

Most rental vendors will vary delivery fees depending on three things:  location of the delivery; day of the week; and time of day for both delivery and pickup. Be sure to ask for all delivery and pick up pricing options. And once you’ve settled on the delivery and pick up schedule be sure those fees are listed in your rentals contract.

Know what’s available to you by asking for a full list of inventory. While using more than one vendor to supply all your party needs is certainly an option – it’s often a better scenario if you can rent everything from one vendor which makes set up and takedown faster and easier. By renting from one supplier, you will save yourself time and research, money and a lot of stress.

Lastly, stop by your rental vendor’s warehouse and take a look at the inventory for yourself. Most rental vendors allow warehouse tours upon appointment – however an unannounced visit can be all the more telling. Take note on cleanliness, organization of inventory and processes for fulfilling reservations. How a company stores and manages their product is a great interpretation of what the product will look like upon delivery.

All of the above things are important when shopping for an event rentals supplier. You should be confident in your suppliers, knowing they will provide excellent products and service in a timely manner. With the right vendors on your side, your guests will be ooohing and aaahing long after the evening’s festivities have ended.

To find out more about Event Rentals Unlimited pop-in for a tour of our open-to-the-public showroom and warehouse in the West Midtown neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo credit:  Reichman Photography / www.reichmanphoto.com