How to Beat Cowboys

Useful Tips to try and avoid the Cowboys…

We get so many calls from customers that say ‘our bouncy castle hasn’t turned up, can you help? Even though we try our best, we cannot help everyone that phones last minute.

If we cannot be of assistance, the following is a helpful guide to try and help you avoid the Bouncy Castle Cowboys.

We know full well how important it is for your bouncy castles to turn up. Usually it's the centre piece of any party.

What if you went and booked a hall and invited 30 children to the party and the bouncy castle doesn't turn up. Have you got a Plan B?

Does the company have public liability insurance? It is not a legal requirement to have it but it certainly puts your mind at rest. Most companies will have £1m public liability insurance for their bouncy castles or will they ? Are they willing to show you their certificates ? Kool Bouncers have £5 million Public Liability Insurance and you can always see our Insurance documentation when we arrive to deliver your Inflatables.

 

Does the company display their landline phone number or just a mobile? Mobiles are easily be turned off. Our land-line is 01480 390752.

 

How long has said company been running for? Do your homework and if there is anything suspicious DO NOT BOOK.

 

Does the company you choose have valid test certificates for their units ?

 

Does the companies website only carry stock photos ? This may suggest the company is outsourcing the work, do not be afraid to ask them.

 

Find out whether the hirer provides ground stakes, safety mats, built in rain covers etc and also ask how old their equipment is.

 

Does the company have a website? We would argue that all of the top / best companies have websites these days.

 

Is the company able to tell you immediately if the item is available for a date? It may suggest they are outsourcing if they have to check and get back to you. For example, with Kool Booths you can check on our website if your chosen inflatable is available.

 

Does your chosen company have the correct CRB documentation ? This is now call DBS checks. Don’t be afraid to ask to see it.

Are their prices too good to be true ? In our experience they normally are !

Type in the company name in to Google. Do any bad reviews pop up?

Check to see if the hirer is a member of the BIHA or PIPA either by asking them or visiting their website. These schemes have a code of ethics and are paid memberships so it's a good indication they're a serious operator.

We have spoken about outsourcing in a not particularly great light. We don't doubt it's successful for some companies and things go smoothly. However, we believe it's best if you know who you are dealing with and have their details to hand.