Cheap v Premium Marquee Hire Companies – A Buying Guide
Introduction
Organising an event takes a lot of research & planning – whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gala, a milestone birthday celebration, or a small event at home in your garden. It combines the excitement of creating memorable moments with the challenge of managing a budget. In an effort to cut costs, many event planners and organisers often look to reduce expenses wherever possible. One area where they may be tempted to skimp is choosing the cheapest marquee hire company available. However, as a premium marquee hire company, we understand the true value of quality and the potential risks and pitfalls that can come with selecting the lowest-priced option.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve deep into why opting for the cheapest marquee hire company might not be the wisest choice for your event. From substandard products and unreliable service to hidden costs and limited customisation options, we will explore these crucial factors in detail to help you make an informed decision when planning your next event.
Our industry really is one of those “you get what you pay for” industries…
1. Substandard Products:
The foundation of a successful event lies in the quality of the marquee and the related equipment. Cheaper marquee hire companies often compromise on quality to offer lower prices. They may use substandard structures and outdated equipment to cut costs, which can result in several undesirable outcomes:
- Structural Weaknesses: Marquees built with low-quality materials may lack structural integrity, making them susceptible to damage from wind, rain, or other adverse weather conditions. The last thing you want is for your marquee to collapse during your event
- Safety Concerns: Safety should be a top priority at any event. Substandard marquees may not meet safety standards and regulations, putting your guests at risk. Your event’s success could hinge on the stability of the marquee, and opting for the cheapest option could jeopardise it. For more smaller events, any hire price less than £1000 is more than likely to be a gazebo rather than a commercial quality structure. These gazebos are not insured if anything untoward happens if wind speeds are great than 20mph. Which isn’t very strong at all!
- Equipment Failures: Cheaper companies may also skimp on equipment such as lighting, flooring, and seating. This can lead to equipment failures or discomfort for your guests, tarnishing the overall experience.
A premium marquee hire company, on the other hand, invests in high-quality materials and equipment to ensure the safety, comfort, and overall success of your event.
2. Lack of Waterproofing:
Weather is often an unpredictable factor when hosting outdoor events. Even with the best weather forecasts, Mother Nature can surprise us. Cheaper marquee hire companies will likely have not invested in commercial quality structures and favoured more of a gazebo structure (the types you can buy only for only a few hundred pounds) The consequences of this oversight can be severe:
- Leakage: A sudden rain shower can turn your meticulously planned event into a wet and uncomfortable experience. Poorly waterproofed marquees are prone to leaks, which can damage decorations, flooring, and furnishings.
A premium marquee hire company recognises the importance of a commercial quality marquee to ensure your guests remain comfortable and dry throughout the event, regardless of the weather conditions. Commercial quality structures cost thousands of pounds due to the aluminium metal frames (not steel pole tubes) and quality PVC roofs which are 100% waterproof instead of PE plastic roofs which are stitched together. Stitching is made from a very water absorbent cotton, which lets in water…
3. Unreliable Service:
When selecting a marquee hire company solely based on price, you often compromise on reliability and professionalism. Cheaper companies may lack the necessary resources and experience to provide top-notch service, leading to a host of potential problems:
- Delayed Setup: An unreliable marquee hire company may struggle with timely delivery and setup, causing unnecessary stress and disruptions to your event schedule. They are likely to be working part time without a full time office of installation team. Relying on their friends to help install marquees often out of hours due to their full time work commitments.
- Poor Communication: Effective communication is crucial in event planning. Cheaper companies might not provide the level of communication needed to ensure that your event’s details are executed flawlessly. If your marquee hire Company is taking a long time to get back to you before you have paid your deposit, you can bet your bottom dollar their communication will only get even slower after they have booked your marquee in the diary.
- Lack of Accountability: In the event of issues or emergencies, a reputable marquee hire company should be responsive and accountable. Cheaper companies may not offer the same level of support, leaving you to handle problems on your own.
An unreliable marquee hire company can turn your event planning experience into a nightmare, making it essential to choose a trusted provider with a proven track record of reliability. For large scale events such as weddings & corporate events you will likely be leaning on your marquee supplier for a lot of advice for your event. You would want a Company with a lot of experience to help you along the way.
4. Hidden Costs:
The initial quote from a cheaper marquee hire company may appear attractive, but it’s crucial to be aware of hidden costs that can add up quickly. These companies may not include essential services in their base price, such as proper flooring and well maintained heating systems etc . The consequences of these hidden costs can be financially and logistically challenging:
- Budget Strain: Hidden costs can strain your event budget and lead to unexpected financial stress. What initially seemed like a cost-effective choice can quickly become a burden on your finances.
- Be weary of the cheap quote – For most events in a garden we always include the basics on the quote including a hard flooring system, carpet, lining & lighting. So our quotations often appear more expensive, however they have all the vital components to a marquee event at home. We feel these are necessities to a marquee rather than an option. Other companies may lure you in knowing they will sell these items to you later on. Some smaller do not provide a hard floor under a carpet which is a recipe for disaster and completely unsafe and impractical. You can find out about why flooring is essential in a marquee in another article here.
- Unclear Pricing: Premium marquee hire companies typically offer transparent pricing that includes all necessary services, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the total cost from the outset, rather than selling these to you after you have paid a deposit with them.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, consider the complete cost picture and select a marquee hire company that offers transparent pricing.
5. Limited Customisation Options:
Every event is unique, reflecting the personality and preferences of the host. Your marquee should be a canvas that allows you to bring your vision to life. Cheaper marquee hire companies often offer limited customisation options and a one-size-fits-all approach:
- Restricted Creativity: Limited customisation options can restrict your ability to create the atmosphere you desire for your event, leaving you disappointed with the end result.
- Mismatched Style: A one-size-fits-all approach may not align with your event’s theme or style, resulting in a disjointed and less aesthetically pleasing experience.
Premium marquee hire companies understand that your event is an expression of your personality and should reflect your vision. They are more likely to offer a wide range of customisation options, from different marquee styles and sizes to decor and lighting choices, ensuring that your event is a true reflection of your tastes and preferences.
A premium marquee hire company will have likely teamed up with other 3rd party suppliers to broaden their catalogue and offer more decor, furniture, dance floor, bar and interior options to suit your theming.
6. Poor Customer Service:
Exceptional customer service is a hallmark of premium marquee hire companies. They understand the significance of your event and work closely with you to meet your specific needs and preferences. In contrast, cheaper companies may prioritise cutting costs over delivering exceptional service:
- Lack of Responsiveness: Cheaper companies may not be as responsive to your concerns or inquiries, leaving you feeling frustrated and unheard. This might not even be their full time occupation so you are having to work around their work schedules. A premium marquee hire Company should have a full time office team (or dedicated person to speak to) to handle any enquiries you have with your event
- Inadequate Support: Your event is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and you deserve to have a marquee hire company that values your satisfaction and is committed to the success of your event.
Opting for a premium marquee hire company ensures that you have a dedicated team that provides attentive customer service from the initial consultation to the event day. They are invested in ensuring that your event is a resounding success and that you have a positive, stress-free experience throughout the planning process.
How to Spot a Well Renowned & Trusted Marquee Hire Company
The events industry really is an industry where you do get what you pay for. There are companies that sit at different points in the market and a few things I would suggest when doing your due diligence would be:
Check reviews from 3rd party review sites (not their website).
Sites such as Google Reviews or Trust pilot where the business owner has no control over these reviews is always a really good start. Check to see if there are any recent reviews and what the average star rating is. I believe a good marquee hire company should be getting at least 10 reviews for every year they’ve been trading. Most marquee companies should be installing at least 20 marquees per month. Out of that 20 if they cannot get one 5 star review every month that would raise an alarm bell.
Reviews on websites should be taken as a pinch of salt unless they have been taken from 3rd party review websites.
Check Images & Videos of their marquees
How do the images on their website & quotes stack up in comparison to others? If there is a lack of images on their gallery pages or better still videos of previous events why is that marquee hire company in question show such a lack of quality images? A marquee hire company should be proud of their work as we offer a very visual service.
Presentation of their Quotation
How well is their quote presented to you? How they present their quotations will reflect on the quality of their work. If the quote is sent to you on the back of an email, perhaps lacking any form of detail, or poorly presented with little thought in giving the customer all of the information they need – this lack of thought from the company owner is also likely to reflect on the quality of their on-site marquee work too.
An Honest List of Trusted Marquee Hire Companies in Your Area
We’re super transparent at Abacus and are certainly not saying we are the only Company in the local area that would be a good choice for your event. Here’s some other Companies (some of whom we have worked with before) that also follow most if not all of what this article is all about.
Fairytale Marquees
Make Your Day Event Hire
All Under Cover
Countryside Marquees
Fews Marquees
Premium Marquee Hire Companies should have lots of images on their website that they are proud of
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest marquee hire company to save money, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and headaches that can come with that decision. Your event is a special occasion that deserves the best, and choosing a premium marquee hire company ensures you receive the quality, reliability, and professionalism you deserve.
Don’t let substandard products, lack of waterproofing, unreliable service, hidden costs, limited customisation options, and poor customer service mar your event experience. Invest in a marquee hire company that prioritises your satisfaction and the success of your event, allowing you to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Your event is worth it, and choosing quality over the lowest price can make all the difference in the world. When you select a premium marquee hire company, you are investing in peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of your event is in capable hands, and your vision will be realised with precision and excellence. Embrace the quality and professionalism that comes with a premium marquee hire company to ensure your event shines brightly in your memories and those of your guests for years to come.
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