FAQ WHEN PLANNING AN AWESOME EVENT

While you can pick up many of our smaller items at our warehouse by using our WILL CALL service, we do offer delivery services on most rental items. Rates vary depending on the specifics of the items, distance and timing of deliveries. Please contact an AFE representative for a cost estimate at 614.224.9568. Please see our Delivery Options for complete details. Also see... Preparing for us to retrieve your items Prepping for your delivery

We offer a variety of delivery options to accommodate your needs. Please review your options here. Flexible Delivery Means... You are assigned an estimated delivery window

— and you will be texted on the day before your delivery — with date/time subject to change at a moment’s notice, depending on many factors. We might deliver the day of your event or as early as 2 days prior to your event

(and we might retrieve the day of your event or up to 2 days following your event),

unless noted otherwise in your reservation. If applicable, we will do the set up when we deliver. Not all items include set up.

We do not return to do set up unless you have contracted specifically for “event planning” services. Same Day/Time Sensitive Delivery Means... ~ This option should be only selected when it is a must! ~

AFE will try to assign a 2-4 hour window for delivery or retrieval of your rented items.

When unforeseen issues prevent Same Day service

(weather, lockouts, power outages, large crowds or similar issues beyond our control), AFE will prioritize your retrieval the next day.

For All Delivery Options

AFE must have access to the event location with enough time to set up equipment completely and safely.

If not, AFE is not responsible for an event’s late start. (Remember: not all items include set up.) I Need To Upgrade My Delivery Option Flexible Delivery won't work for you? We MIGHT be able to upgrade, but that's harder to make possible the closer we get to your event date. For pricing options:

Click Here Refusal Of Delivery

When you refuse delivery, we may return items to the warehouse for you to pick up during our regular Will Call (customer pick up) hours. There is NO refund when a delivery is refused. Delays If we don't have access to the event site or if the site isn’t ready for delivery, we may drop off items and leave the set up for you to do. We make NO refunds if we are prevented from doing set up at delivery as planned,

even if that set up was included in the reservation. Or we may return items to the warehouse for you to pick up during our Will Call (customer pick up) hours. We make NO refunds if your lack of preparation forces us to change our delivery of your items. Delays of more than 5 minutes may trigger additional charges, perhaps as much as $100+ per 15 minutes. Instructions Review our "How To" Videos at:

www.columbusparties.com/howto

Review our PDF instructions at:

www.columbusparties.com/planning-resources Cancellations/Rescheduling WITH The Weather Waiver: Click Here WITHOUT The Weather Waiver: Click Here I just need to flat-out cancel my delivery: Click Here Can I Give A Tip to the Crew or Entertainers? Yes! Our performers and crew work very hard to make your event awesome — and they appreciate your acknowledgement, including tips!

AFE produces some 3,000 events each year, throughout Ohio and into surrounding states. Our standard practices help ensure timely, trouble-free deliveries and awesome events!

Our Standard Delivery Option provides the basic fees and services that we build on to meet YOUR unique party needs. For complete and updated Delivery Options, including our ability to accommodate SPECIAL delivery date, time and location requests, Click Here.

Free and Standard Delivery/Retrieval Option:

* There is NO Delivery/Retrieval fee for most equipment orders over $499 to a Columbus, Ohio, Residential address; our fee for Delivery of Orders Under $499 starts at $49. * A Distance fee will be applied after 20 miles, added to any other fees.

* Live entertainment, supplies and certain other items do not count toward the minimum order requirements for Free Delivery/Retrieval.

* At AFE's discretion, delivery may be arranged the 1-3 days/nights before your event if held at a private residence, event facility or secure location -- at no additional rental cost to you. * AFE will assign a 4-6 hour delivery window, between 7 a.m. and up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of your event.

* AFE must have access to the event location, with enough time to set up equipment completely and safely. If not, and if AFE works to accommodate the Client, AFE will not be held responsible for an event’s late start. * For certain types of events, AFE has the discretion to add a set up charge if additional staff is required to complete a safe set up in time for the event’s scheduled start. * Under both Free and Standard Delivery options, AFE might not retrieve equipment immediately after your event ends.

* Retrieval times will occur at the end of the Client’s rental period or in the following hours, sometimes over the next few days.

* A Client is responsible for rented equipment until it is retrieved by AFE or returned to Will Call.

We offer a variety of Specialty Delivery/Retrieval Options for a variety of fees, offering flexibility in delivery date, time and location. Click Here to find the best Delivery Options for your event. * Your event location must be ready and accessible at the time of delivery. *The space designated for AFE equipment must be suitable for safe set up and operation, pursuant to Ohio law. If a designated location is not satisfactory for the safe operation of rented equipment, AFE has the right to refuse to set up and/or leave that equipment. Please note that AFE may apply additional fees for deliveries/retrievals to indoor events, sites with difficult access, during late night or early hours, and for certain types of equipment that must be transported by trailer or box truck.

Also see... Preparing for us to retrieve your items Prepping for your delivery

We can arrange to deliver and pick up equipment at specific times. However, there is an additional fee for arranging our other deliveries to accommodate your schedule. Please contact an AFE representative for a cost estimate. What are your delivery fees and distance fees? Click here Please Note:

AFE must have access to the event location with enough time to set up equipment completely and safely. If not, AFE will not be held responsible

for an event’s late start. Also see... Preparing for us to retrieve your items

You can do a lot to help your delivery run more smoothly. We've gathered many helpful hints for you here. Please take the time to read each category! Also see... Preparing for us to retrieve your items We Generally CANNOT… Go up or down steep hills  Lift items over fences or bushes  Set up in gravel or dirt  Go up or down flights of stairs And not all of our items fit in elevators, stairways or doorways! Pay attention to your item's dimensions, found in the Logistics section of its description on our website. Before we arrive with your items, decide on the BEST installation location.  

Asking us to move partially or fully installed  equipment will result in fees of up to 50% of the rental cost.

Flexible Delivery Means... You are assigned an estimated delivery window

— and you will be texted on the day before your delivery — with date/time subject to change at a moment’s notice, depending on many factors. We might deliver the day of your event or as early as 2 days prior to your event

(and we might retrieve the day of your event or up to 2 days following your event),

unless noted otherwise in your reservation. If applicable, we will do the set up when we deliver. Not all items include set up.

We do not return to do set up unless you have contracted specifically for “event planning” services. Same Day/Time Sensitive Delivery Means... ~ This option should be only selected when it is a must! ~

AFE will try to assign a 2-4 hour arrival window for delivery or retrieval of your rented items.

When unforeseen issues prevent Same Day service

(weather, lockouts, power outages, large crowds or similar issues beyond our control), AFE will prioritize your retrieval the next day.

For All Delivery Options

AFE must have access to the event location with enough time to set up equipment completely and safely.

If not, AFE is not responsible for an event’s late start. (Remember: not all items include set up.) I Need To Upgrade My Delivery Option Flexible Delivery won't work for you? We MIGHT be able to upgrade, but that's harder to make possible the closer we get to your event date. For pricing options:

Click Here Refusal Of Delivery

When you refuse delivery, we may return items to the warehouse for you to pick up during our regular Will Call (customer pick up) hours. There is NO refund when a delivery is refused. Delays If we don't have access to the event site or if the site isn’t ready for delivery, we may drop off items and leave the set up for you to do. We make NO refunds if we are prevented from doing set up at delivery as planned,

even if that set up was included in the reservation. Or we may return items to the warehouse for you to pick up during our Will Call (customer pick up) hours. We make NO refunds if your lack of preparation forces us to change our delivery of your items. Delays of more than 5 minutes may trigger additional charges, perhaps as much as $100+ per 15 minutes. Instructions Review our "How To" Videos at:

www.columbusparties.com/howto

Review our PDF instructions at:

www.columbusparties.com/planning-resources Cancellations/Rescheduling WITH The Weather Waiver: Click Here WITHOUT The Weather Waiver: Click Here I just need to flat-out cancel my delivery: Click Here Can I Give A Tip to the Crew or Entertainers? Yes! Our performers and crew work very hard to make your event awesome — and they appreciate your acknowledgement, including tips!

Power/Electric

Generators are not included in your order, unless they are listed on your invoice! To avoid power issues, when not renting a generator from us… 

turn off all unneeded

 Lights - Fans - TV’s - Dishwashers - Washers - Dryers .

Plug in only 1 item per dedicated 20 AMP outlet. No GFCI outlets. If you need more than  3 outlets, we recommend using a generator.

  The set up location must be within 50 feet of the outlet you're using.   A 12-gauge extension cord can be used, as long as it is no more than 50 feet from the outlet, and only 15 feet away when using concession machines. If farther away, the item may not function properly and it may trip circuit breakers. 

Have quick and easy access to the breaker box(es), just in case there are issues.   For Mechanical Rides, including Bull Rides, Meltdown & Surf Rides,  it’s best to use at least a 9000 watt generator for each ride.  No GFCI outlets for these rides. No refunds are given for power issues when you use your own outlets or generators! Adult Supervision Operators/Attendants are not included with our attractions, unless listed on your invoice. We do not provide Lifeguards. Ohio law requires dedicated Adult Supervision at all times for amusement attractions, and a Lifeguard is required on most water attractions. Ohio Law states each Rider must obey all warnings and directions and refrain from behaving or acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to injuring himself or other people while occupying an amusement ride.

O.R.C. 993.08(A)(2), Rule 901:9-1-07(A)(1)

General Tent Info Pole Tents must be staked in grass. Frame Tents can be set up on grass or hard surfaces, but we must know which, BEFORE delivery!

In high winds, tents must come down. Tighten the straps or ropes as needed. If heavy rain occurs, knock off accumulated water on the tent top.

Do not poke any holes in a tent. Go under the tent and brush the water off the top with a broom. You are responsible for damages caused by neglect. Tables & Chairs Info Unless otherwise noted on your invoice... Set up or tear down of tables and chairs isn’t included in our delivery or retrieval service.  Items must be cleaned prior to our arrival.  Items must be folded and stacked prior to our arrival.  Deliveries and retrievals occur at curbside or entryway.

Items must be brought to driveway, loading dock or the closest retrieval point accessible by truck.

Never tape, glue or staple items to our chairs, tables or tents!       Prepping Your Site & Other Important Info Unlock gates, doors and entryways prior to our arrival. Entry-points must be at least 62” wide for dunk tanks and most inflatable attractions. Remove the middle bar from double-door frames (if applicable) for indoor set ups prior to our arrival. Inflatables and amusement rides cannot be set up under utility lines, low-hanging tree branches or too close to buildings. Grass should be mowed 2 days prior to set up, not the night before or the day of delivery.

Shut off all sprinkler systems while you have your rental(s) on site.

Mark underground utilities, including sprinkler systems. Call 811 to find underground utilities. The set up area should be mostly flat and at least 10 feet away from pools and bodies of water.

Rentals must be shut down and covered up during heavy rains and winds that exceed 15 miles per hour.

Follow all directions and posted warning signs. Clean up any dog or other animal droppings prior to our arrival.

We may refuse to set up or drop off if there is a mess. Add at least 3 more feet to all dimensions when calculating the space needed to operate amusement attractions and set up tents.

Wipe the items down prior to retrieval/return to avoid cleaning fees. Not Included, Unless Otherwise Noted On Your Invoice Attendants - Water Hoses - Generators Water is never included for Dunk Tanks or any water attractions. Prizes are not included, unless ordered. General Safety

See All FAQs Click Here

Also See Preparing for us to retrieve your items

Remember... Decide on BEST installation location prior to our arrival.   Asking us to move partially or fully installed  equipment will result in fees of up to 50% of the rental cost.

It's time to say goodbye to the fun until your next awesome event. You can do a lot to help your retrieval run more smoothly.

We've gathered many helpful hints for you here. Please take a moment to read each category, to avoid additional fees and misunderstandings. Also see... Prepping For Your Delivery Prepping For Our Arrival

Gather all pieces together, such as balls, bean bags, scoops, extension cords and other accessories. Remove any personal items from the area and check for items inside the rides. Cleaning

Wipe down all your rental items and gather them all in one place. Don't forget to empty any leftover food from the concession machines!

Doors/Gates Unlock gates, doors and entryways prior to our arrival. For indoor set ups, remove the middle bar from double-door frames (if applicable) before we get there.

Pet Stuff Secure all pets and totally remove all pet droppings from the set up area.

Table & Chairs Unless otherwise noted on your invoice... Set up or tear down of tables and chairs isn’t included in our retrieval service.  Items must be cleaned prior to our arrival, so wipe them down.  Items must be folded and stacked before we get there.  Like deliveries, retrievals occur at curbside or entryway.

Items must be brought to the driveway, loading dock or the closest retrieval point accessible by truck. This will help you avoid additional fees.

Tents

Make sure everything is removed from under the tent: chairs, tables and other miscellaneous items.

Don’t forget to remove any decor that was attached to the tent.

This will help you avoid additional fees. If heavy rain occurs, knock off water that's collected on the tent top.

Do not poke any holes in a tent! Go under the tent and brush the water off the top with a broom. You are responsible for damages caused by neglect or from attaching items to our equipment.

Wet Inflatables Please inflate and drain the water out of the inflatable to let it air dry as long as possible.

Wipe it down prior to our arrival. This will help you avoid additional fees.

Dunk Tanks Drain the water out of the dunk tank and wipe it down.

Please have all the balls and other parts stacked together, prior to our arrival.

This will help you avoid additional fees.

Flexible Retrieval Means... You are assigned an estimated retrieval window

— usually we'll text you on the day before your retrieval —

with date/time subject to change at a moment’s notice, depending on many factors.

We might retrieve the day of your event or up to 2+ days following your event),

unless noted otherwise in your reservation. Same Day/Time Sensitive Retrieval Means... ~ This option should be selected ONLY when it is a must! ~

AFE will try to assign a 2-4 hour arrival window for retrieval of your rented items.

When unforeseen issues prevent Same Day service

(weather, lockouts, power outages, large crowds or similar issues beyond our control),

AFE will prioritize your retrieval the next day.

For All Retrieval Options

AFE must have access to the event location with enough time to completely retrieve all equipment safely!

If not, AFE is not responsible for any event delays, additional venue fees, fine or penalties. (Remember: Not all rentals include tear down with retrieval, so have things ready for our arrival.)

I Need To Upgrade My Retrieval Option Flexible Retrieval won't work for you? We MIGHT be able to upgrade, but that's harder to make possible the closer we get to your event date. For pricing options:

Click Here Refusal of Retrieval

When access or entry is denied, or if we can't retrieve a particular item,

you may be required to return it during our Will Call hours.

If we come back for it, there will be additional fees.

You will also be charged significant additional fees until the item is returned to our warehouse --

either by our retrieval team or returned by you during our Will Call Hours.

Delays If we don't have access to the event site or if the site isn’t ready for our retrieval

and we are prevented from retrieving our equipment as planned, we make NO refunds. Delays of more than 5 minutes may trigger additional charges, perhaps as much as $100+ per 15 minutes.

If we leave, there will be additional charges for us to return, and we may have to reschedule for another day, perhaps as much as a week later. You will be billed for that additional time of possession as a rental.

AFE is not responsible for any delays, additional venue fees, fines or penalties.

Missing Items or Unreturned Items

Oops! An item comes up missing!

If an item is missing, unreturned or damaged, you will be billed for it.

If you find the item within 3 days, you may return it for a refund, if we charged you a replacement fee.

There may be additional rental fees and processing fees for such. You may be held civilly and criminally liable for missing/damaged items under the Ohio Revised Code, and you are required to file a police report and/or fully cooperate with all attempts to locate missing items. Can I Give a Tip to The Crew or Entertainers? Yes! Our performers and crew work very hard to make your event awesome — and they appreciate your acknowledgement, including tips!

Instructions Review our "How To" Videos at:

www.columbusparties.com/howto

Review our PDF instructions at:

www.columbusparties.com/planning-resources

See All FAQs Click Here Also See Prepping For Your Delivery