Some Frequently asked Questions

Do you deliver, set up, dismantle and collect the castles? 
Yes - and it's all included in the price!

 

Which areas do you deliver to?.. Is the delivery charge included?

See our post code map delivery guide.

 

On what days can I hire a castle?
We can supply castles seven days a week.

 

What if the weather is bad on the day?

We will contact you and give you the option to cancel. If you choose to proceed a £20 refundable deposit is required in addition to the hire cost to cover the cost of cleaning/drying etc.

If the castle is returned dry and clean, the deposit will be returned to you.

Many of our castles include a cover to protect them from showers and the rain. If your date is very wet and you no longer require the castle, you can cancel on the hire day. In the event of stormy weather of very high winds, we may have to cancel for safety and insurance reasons. Inflatables cannot be used in winds in excess of 24mph and must be deflated until wind speeds drop. Please refer to Beaufort Scale in Health & Safety section of this website. Wind speed detectors used.

The castle must be kept inflated in wet weather to protect it from the elements.

 

How long can I keep the castle?

You may keep the castle for a whole day, or just a few hours. The price is the same.

 

Can I keep the castle overnight ?

Yes. For an additional charge of £30.

Note: Castles must be kept inflated overnight to protect them against the elements.

Failure to do so can result in an additional £20 cleaning charge.

 

What are the delivery/collection times?

Your booking will be confirmed between 5pm and 8pm on the evening before the hire date and delivery can be any time from 8am to 12pm, depending on the delivery route taken.

Collection will be between 5pm and 7.30pm. Remember that the castle must be inflated to dry before collection. Failure to do this will result in a £20 cleaning charge.

 

Do you deliver to fields, camp sites or caravan sites ?

We would need notice well in advance. Due to the high risk nature of such venues, our insurance does not cover us for damage or loss. If notified in advance, we can sometimes make allowances, but will require £100 deposit per item hired plus the hire fees in advance upon delivery.

 

Do I need to pay a deposit?

We charge a booking fee for major events or fetes and if your order exceeds £100 we will require a 25% deposit to secure your booking. In the event of cancellation, this payment will be retained to cover losses and is non-refundable.

 

How late can I leave it to book?

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure the castle you most want. However, if you contact us on the day, we may still have castles available for hire. No deposit is required.

 

Why do I need ID?

Two forms of ID are required. showing proof of your address (eg utility bill) and your full name and signature (eg driver's licence). Failure to produce relevant ID will mean we will not be able to proceed with the hire for insurance purposes.

 

What preparation do I need to do before the castle arrives?

Hallways, passages and general garden or venue access must be cleared of obstacles. A minimum clearance of 3ft is required to deliver the castle (depending upon size of castle hired). The site for the castle should be cleared of any sharp objects and dog mess. Ensure we have access to an electrical power point within 40 metres of the site. If electricity is not available, we can hire you a petrol generator for an additional £50 per day.

If our delivery driver is made to wait while you prepare the site, or if the site is unsuitable, we reserve the right to cancel the booking.

 

How much space do I need?

Check the measurements of the castle you have hired. Allow a minimum of 6ft to the rear and 2ft either side. This allows for movement, access and the blower at the rear of the castle. Ensure that no overhanging foliage is within 1 metre of the castle - prune if necessary. If the site is unsuitable, we reserve the right to cancel the booking.

 

What if I want a castle indoors?

Depending on the venue and ceiling height, most castles can be used indoors. If you have any doubts, call us to make sure.

 

Are you insured?

We are insured up to £5m for accidents and injury caused by equipment failure only. The hirer is responsible for ensuring proper supervision and safety of children using the equipment.

Click here to download insurance document.

 

Can you supply someone to supervise the castle?

Yes we can at a charge of £25 per hour.

 

Will I get any instructions?

Yes - we provide you with safety operating instructions as part of the agreement which you will have to read and sign before hiring. Remember to keep your copy safe.

 

What sort of surface is suitable?

Surfaces should be flat. On grassy surface the castle can be staked in place. On hard surfaces, we will need to anchor the castle with sand bags or secure it to hard standing structures.

 

What if I have to cancel?

Simply call us. However, please give us as much notice as you can.

 

What are the running costs?

The cost is approximately £1.50 to £3 per day depending upon your supplier for an electrical blower unit (additional costs may apply). The petrol generator will cost more.

 

Should the blower run continuously?

The blower must be kept going all the time the castle is in use. In the event of high winds or stormy weather, switch the blower off and deflate the castle.

 

Does it take long to set up?

Depending on the location, it only takes 10-25 minutes to set up the castle and about 30 minutes to pack it away.

 

Are you reliable?

We have families ourselves and would hate to let them down and so we won't let yours down. We pride ourselves on service and reputation. A lot of our business comes via recommendation.

 

Is it safe?

All of our equipment is of a high quality industrial standard and carries current health and safety test certification. Your site will be inspected before installation and you will be informed immediately of any potential hazards. If the site is unsafe we will not install the equipment. Remember, you the hirer are responsible for proper adult supervision and safety of the children using the equipment. Safety is always first!

A risk assessment document is available here.

 

Is the equipment Tested?

Yes. Tested to BS14960 as recommended by the Health & Safety Executive.

 

Do you allow anything on the castles?

Face paints, party poppers, silly string or confetti is not allowed on the equipment as they will stain it. You are responsible for damage caused by anything brought onto the castle which does not adhere to our safety guidelines up to the full value of the equipment - so DON'T RISK IT!

 

Are face paints, silly string, confetti, glitter or sand allowed on the inflatables?

No. All the mentioned can either stain or damage the inflatable. Any damage caused to equipment will have to be paid for by the hirer up to the full cost of the equipment.

Please refer to our Terms of Hire

 

Can the bouncy castle be moved?

No. The equipment must stay in place once erected - even if it rains.

 

Do you belong to any official bodies?

Yes. We are members of the BIHA (British Inflatable Hirers Association).

 

How do I book and pay?

You can book using our booking form but remember that this is not a guaranteed booking until we confirm the booking with you.

Payment can be made by cash on the day of hire or by posting a cheque made payable to "ABC Inflatabes" to:

 

ABC Inflatables, 20 Simon Avenue, Margate, Kent CT9 3DT

Please note: Cheque funds must clear before date of hire

 

Can I return the castle dirty?

Castles should be in the same condition upon collection as when they were delivered. If they are not, a cleaning charge of £50 may be incurred.

 

What if the above doesn't answer my questions?

Simply contact us and we will answer any queries you may have.

 

All of our bouncy castles carry a current safety test certificate.

 

Is the equipment Tested?

Yes. Tested to BS14960 as recommended by the Health & Safety Executive.

Enjoy the day!