There are many individuals out there who make up a company name, tell you they work out of their home and only accept cash or checks. The fact is, you do not know who you are getting involved with. You give them your address and your money, but will they show up? Many times a deposit is not required. If you don't have a deposit then you don't have a contract. Again, will they show up? What a disaster the morning of your party and you are waiting for a delivery that never arrives. With much frequency, we get calls from individuals that have been in this circumstance. The good news is that many distraught people have contacted us the morning of their party, we do help them out and gain a customer for life .The bad news is their money is hardly ever recovered. Many of our competitors have been featured on You Tube and Court TV for many of the reasons above. Many companies are advertising a deal, however, is a compromised unit really a deal. The bottom line is anyone can advertise they deliver an inflatable bouncer but not everyone delivers quality fun for everyone. Don't think you can't be a victim of a scam and assume the people on the other end of the phone seem nice and have a convincing story.
Always deal with a reliable vendor.
Questions to ask our competitors:1. Are your inflatables certified by registered engineers to meet or exceed all standards of ASTM? (If they say yes, ask them what ASTM stands for. If they can't tell you, watch out! ASTM stands for - American Society for Testing and Materials. Most China inflatables are not built to ASTM Standards.)
2. Where are your inflatables made? - In the U.S. or overseas? (Ask for proof) Can I come visit you and see the label? (Let's support our own country and economy whenever possible.) Most of PartyTime Rentals' inflatables are made in the USA.
3. Is the vinyl used in your units manufactured in the U.S.A. or is the vinyl foreign made?
Most won't even know where the vinyl is coming from. If they say it's U.S. vinyl, ask them who makes it. (There is only one U.S. vinyl manufacturer left. "Seaman Corporation" - they make the best vinyl in the world.) Many of the foreign made, i.e. China often contains lead! Do you really want your children jumping and playing in a lead house?!?!
4. If I go on the internet to check and see if your inflatables are approved and registered to do business in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, what will I find? (These are the two most difficult states in the country for a manufacturer to get licensed in. They have the most stringent Safety Requirements in the country. If they are not certified to do business in those states, their inflatables probably do not meet U.S. Governmental Safety Requirements. – Watch Out!
5. Ask how they clean their inflatables. How often? And what product do they use? What kind of antibacterial or disinfectants are used? If they sound fuzzy on this or cannot answer with confidence be concerned.
6. Are you a member of any inflatable training associations? If they say yes, ask them for the name and then check it out. If not, I would again be concerned.
7. Can I come bring you a deposit and get a contract? If they say they work out of their home and only take cash or checks, do some research to ensure that you aren't dealing with someone that will not show up and take your money and run. Check the Better Business Bureau, DUN and Bradstreet and even ask for referrals.
8. Are you insured? Lack of insurance can mean a history of problems.