General FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Why SOCO?
Look, we didn’t come down in the last shower. We know there are other event hire companies out there that you could engage! So what is it that sets us apart from the rest? It all comes back to that word; ‘multidimensional’. We don’t just deliver your event equipment on the day, pat ourselves on the back and head home for a beer. We proudly and passionately ensure event success through our end-to-end approach to event design and hire. Our team of highly experienced event professionals will meet with you, scope out your needs, offer recommendations, exceed your expectations and above all, become your friend. If something ‘can’t’ be done, we see that as an invitation to make it happen. From the first point of contact to long after your event is over, you’ll feel a sense of personal loyalty, commitment and integrity from each and every team member. We’ll give you the shirt off our back (literally, we’ve done it before to clean a product on event day) to make the event everything you had imagined. When we combine our quality equipment with our quality service, well, we like to say it’s a show stopper
But don’t you just do weddings?
While we’re very good at helping couples plan their wedding day, this is just the beginning of our offering at SOCO. We deliver unforgettable event experiences to huge music festivals, large scale affairs, glitzy parties, corporate shindigs, casual gatherings, and anything else you may be organising in the future. Bring your big (or small) ideas to us and our helpful and creative team will bring them to life!
Can’t I just do it myself?
Of course you can, you clever cookie! We know there are people out there with big creative muscles they’re just yearning to flex. And we get it! As creative people ourselves, we know how exciting it can be to bring a big, beautiful event to life ( we’ve made it our life’s work after all). But imagine bringing those insanely creative ideas (epic florals, black marquee, next level styling and all) to a team who can confidently bring it to life with you (slash FOR you) – minus the heavy lifting, the cost comparisons, the arguing with your spouse (or overly enthusiastic sister) that you would have had to manage without us. Either way we would love to come on the
ride and be involved in whatever way works for you!
The Nitty Gritty Qs
Most frequent questions and answers
Do you charge a bond?
Look. We trust you! But things can go wrong (looking at aunty Susan who is known for spilling her ‘grape juice’ once the d-floor gets pumping). We require a pre authorised hold of $500 on a credit card prior to hiring. On return once everything is accounted for this pre auth will be released in full or the amount withheld to cover loss of damage.
When will my order be delivered and picked up?
For weekend orders, we generally aim to deliver on Friday and pickup on the following Monday. But of course, each week is different, so it may depend on our delivery and pickup schedule. But we’ll be sure to let you know at least a week prior to your event.
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Our hire prices are based on one day hire, if you require the items for more than one day due to a multiple day event please let us know.
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OH AND, there’s no additional charge for having the items from Friday to Monday (woohoo) should we not require the items to be returned.
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Generally our deliveries will occur between 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday at a time that works in with our logistical schedule.
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For any weekend deliveries and/or pickups or deliveries required at specific times due to access to venues being limited we do have labour surcharges but it certainly can be done! We call this our premium time slot service and this does incur an additional cost.
Do I have to return all items washed?
We handle all the deep cleaning at SOCO HQ. We just ask that any catering equipment be rinsed, free of food scraps, and completely dry before you return it to the catering boxes. If items are returned dirty, cleaning fees might apply.
For everything else, we have collated easy-to-follow care instructions for your hire.
Click here to view the Use & Care Instructions
Do you take a deposit?
Great question! Yes, we take a non refundable deposit of 30% to secure your booking – this holds the equipment you have selected and our resources to deliver and collect. As we are a schedule based business we often book out of our time before we book out of our stock so it is imperative you have your place in our calendar! How’s that for peace of mind?
Can I pay my deposit by instalments?
Yes, you can pay your deposit in instalments. Instead of one lump sum, you can split it into smaller payments over an agreed timeframe. Your booking will be held provisionally while you’re paying it off and will be fully confirmed once the deposit is paid in full.
Instalment plans are approved on a case-by-case basis, so just let us know when you’re ready to book and we’ll work out a schedule that suits you. There are no extra fees for choosing this option.
You’re also welcome to pay your remaining balance in instalments, as long as the total is settled by the due date outlined in your agreement.
What happens after I book?
Woohoo, the most exciting part! We pride ourselves on your journey being a smooth and fun one so you will have the same point of contact with SOCO throughout the lead-up to your event.
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Following on from that, we basically become your wing-person for all things event hire and design.
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We’ll not only organise all the products you require on the day, we’ll also help you with your floor plan and guide you through the process from A-Z. We even share all our vendor recommendations and offer our advice when things aren’t running as smoothly as you like.
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What drives us everyday is to make event hire uncomplicated – that has to be good right!?
Can I pick the items up myself?
Of course you can! We call this Dry Hire (technical term!)
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It will depend on the size of the order and your capacity to transport the items – so just let us know and we can walk you through the process.
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Check out our Dry Hire brochure – we have a comprehensive collection available for dry hire. If something you want to hire isn’t available for Dry hire, don’t worry, you can still hire it but it will require delivery and collection by our team due to its delicate nature!
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You can pick your equipment up from our warehouse, located at 5 Casuarina Street, Oak Flats, NSW 2529 between 8am – 3pm on the days you have selected for collection and return.
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Note we are not open on Saturdays and Sundays so all collections and returns need to take place on weekdays
How much will my delivery cost be?
That all depends on the day of the week you require the delivery, your event location, the number of trucks and crew required and the ease of access to the site.
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Your Account Manager will work through this with you in detail to collect all the information we need to give you an accurate cartage cost
Are you insured?
Absolutely! SOCO Event Hire holds a Public Liability Policy. We would be happy to provide a copy of the Certificate of Currency, just ask!
What are the payment methods?
Great question! Payment is required in full prior to delivery.
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We accept direct deposit or credit card payments through our secure online payment system
What happens if something is broken?
We understand accidents happen! If it is something small like glassware, plates etc our warehouse team will pickup that the item is missing on return and the replacement cost will be deducted from the bond.
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If it is something larger we always ask that you let us know prior to pickup so we can ensure our collection crew identify and isolate the item for quick assessment repair on return to our warehouse. The final charge will be based on the labour and materials required to repair the item.
Do you have a minimum spend to hire from you?
With our hire processes, we do have minimum spend requirements on our equipment.
Our minimum spend on hire equipment is $700.
Can you erect a marquee on a hard surface?
Why yes, you can! Instead of using pegs to drive into the soft ground we would use leg weights. Due to the extra labour involved there are extra charges, so be sure to bring this up with us if that’s the way you plan to go.
What size marquee will I need for my event?
There are a few things to consider determine what marquee you’ll need for game day! Let’s take a closer look:
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- The available space for your marquee – How big is the area? How easy is it to access? What else will be surrounding it?
- Your guest numbers – This is super important (for many reasons). Decide how many guests you’ll be having and give us a heads up (don’t forget the bridal party if you are organising a wedding).
- The style of your function – Will it be standing/cocktail style or seated? If you decide on seated, you’ll then need to decide if you’ll seat people at round or long tables.
- The dance floor – Do you plan on having a boogie at your event? Consider if you would like to have room for a dance floor (to be honest, who wouldn’t?)
- The Bridal table – if you’re organising a wedding, decide if you would like a bridal table so that can be factored into the setup and size of the marquee.
- Catering – if you’re having a banquet style function then extra room will be needed for the banquet tables. Speak to your caterer about what they suggest for your function. Don’t have a caterer yet? All good, we can offer you some recommendations!
We LOVE offering our recommendations to make your event a hit! Contact us to talk through your event and we will let you know the best size for your requirements.
Do you erect a marquee on a hard surface?
Why yes, you can! Instead of using pegs to drive into the soft ground we would use leg weights. Due to the extra labour involved there are extra charges, so be sure to bring this up with us if that’s the way you plan to go.
Do your prices include GST?
We believe in being 100% transparent when it comes to providing event hire equipment. The hire prices on our website and what we quote will always be inclusive of GST which makes it easier for you to quickly and easily know exactly what the final price will be!
Do you charge a damage waiver?
The industries worst kept secret – our personal dislike – damage waivers! We don’t charge them. We are cracking open the lid on needless fees such as damage waivers and challenging others in the industry to do the same. We will never charge you a damage waiver.
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What we ask is that if anything is damaged, broken or not returned that you pay the replacement cost – simple!
Do you charge a labour fee?
The only time you will ever see us charge labour fees is for when our equipment needs to be setup in position on delivery, delivery and collection outside of hours or if there are large amounts of additional labour required in a delivery such as long distances to walk or unlevel surfaces for marquee installs.
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We are always striving to uncomplicate the process and keep all additional fees to a minimum.
Can I make changes after I book?
Of course! We don’t believe what you book now will be what you need in 6-12 months time (or longer!) For this reason we are always super flexible with changes.
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Provided we have the stock available you are welcome to make unlimited changes to your booking (yes you heard right!).
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Our T&C’s allow for a 10% reduction in your order but no restrictions on increases – chat to your Account Manager if you want to clarify – it is so important to us you know we want to be as flexible as possible.
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We do ask that you provide all your final changes at least 2 weeks prior to your delivery date allowing our incredible warehouse team to take the time and care to lovingly prepare your order!
How far in advance should we book?
You can never book too early! Too many times we have clients who wait too long and then their dream pieces are no longer available.
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We are so flexible with changes so once you know we are the right vendor for your event, book it in!
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Our busiest months of the year can see us book out anywhere from 6 months or more in advance to hop to it!
Can we see the hire items in person before making a decision?
We LOVE visitors!
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We have a small showroom but we also work to ensure each of our showroom consults is personalised. We will endeavour to get out a good cross section of equipment you want to hire and show you around both our studio and our working warehouse – it can get quite busy so we do ask you make an appointment with your Account Manager so we are well prepared for your visit and you will get the most out of it!