The inflatable rental industry has grown tremendously in the last decade, mainly thanks to the marketing capabilities provided by the Internet, as well as the parties and events that host them. Small businesses have grown so big in the industry that almost every city in the US has someone servicing their area. But are all companies reliable? This article will cover information on what to look for when looking for an inflatable, what to ask companies, information on safety features and designs, and when and how to make a reservation.
Which Inflatable Is Right For Your Party? There are hundreds of different designs and styles to choose from in the inflatable industry, but which one should you choose that will bring the most satisfaction to your event? The inflatable industry is moving towards larger products that feature numerous combinations and interactive activities. There are a couple of things you should ask yourself when you want to rent a bouncer for your party or event:
1. Is there a specific theme or style your party is going for? For example, do you have a Hawaiian or sports theme? If you have a theme or style for your party, it would be best to look for an inflatable that fits your theme, or at least doesn’t contradict it. You don’t want to rent a sports jumper for a girl with a princess theme, or a princess-style jumper for a kids’ party with a sports theme. Choosing the wrong inflatable can be an uncomfortable experience for participants and event guests.
two. How much space do you have at your location? Is your location big enough to fit a jumper, obstacle course, water slide or combo? Clients must take responsibility for measuring their location before starting the rental process to ensure they know the dimensions of their areas. Some people don’t do this and end up renting an inflatable that is too big to set up in the area, in which case, the order is canceled and, per company policy, a shipping fee is charged.
3. What is your budget? Is your budget less than $100? If so, you should probably look for a normal bounce house. Combos, slides, obstacle courses, water slides, and any other interactive inflatables will generally cost around $150-$250 (depending on size and location), so if you’re working on a tight budget or want to cut your expenses, then it’s reasonable. say you should expect to rent a regular bounce house.
Four. Where will your party be located? Having your party in a house, park, business or beach makes a difference. Having your party in a public place like a park or beach may require obtaining a permit or authorization before you can rent an inflatable. Also, these public places may prevent people from reserving some of the larger inflatables, such as an obstacle course, combo, or interactive inflatable, and will usually almost never accommodate a water slide.
5. What age group is this inflatable designed for? If you’re throwing a party for young children, you don’t want to rent a large obstacle course. Knowing what age group the inflatable is designed for is a very important aspect when renting an inflatable. Renting the wrong inflatable can lead to safety issues and unhappy use.
What should I ask companies? Obviously, when choosing a company, price will be the most important aspect to consider, but the following are some key areas to base yourself on when comparing companies. Here are some important questions to ask companies before renting an inflatable for your party or event:
1. Do you have insurance? You always want to make sure that an insurance provider covers the company you rent from. It would be a nightmare to think of a situation where a child gets hurt and the company cannot pay for medical care or medical expenses because they are not covered.
two. Are your units cleaned? Since inflatables are frequently rented and can get dirty with use, you need to make sure your inflatable is clean and in good condition. Businesses are not required by law to clean or disinfect their units, however, it is a reflection of their service, company image, and dedication to their customers. You never want to go with a company that brings you a dirty and beat up inflatable.
3. How many years have you been in business? It is up to a client to go with a company that is just starting out or with a more experienced one. Typically, new businesses will have the cheapest prices as they want to attract customers, but keep in mind that the inflatables industry is one that caters primarily to children, and therefore experience in the business, along with security, they are valuable factors that should not be weighed lightly.
Four. Where are you located? Do you ship to my city? This should probably be the first question you ask to make sure the company delivers to your area. Usually the companies closest to your location will be your cheapest price as they will most likely not charge a shipping fee, in contrast to companies located further away who will most likely charge a shipping fee. You can find a local inflatable rental company through the Party Jump USA online directory, which houses local inflatable rental companies with the specific city they serve.
5. Do you offer discounts? Typically, companies that are dedicated to providing good customer service provide discounts for repeat customers, as well as other incentives to re-rent.
6. How new are your units? This is an important question because older inflatables are usually worn, colors are faded, have patches, and are dirty. Good inflatable rental companies will generally refurbish their units every two to four years, making sure the units are new and clean.
An inflatable party rental company that is very committed to its customers and the quality of its service is Magic Jump Rentals. They branch out from a manufacturing company, so they are very thorough in following safety standards, rules, and procedures. They also carry the newest and cleanest inflatables in your area with the latest safety features.
What are some security features I should be aware of? Since the inflatable industry is one that caters to children, safety must be the top priority for operation and design. Here are some key inflatable safety features to consider to ensure the inflatable you are renting is safe.
1. Security ramp at entrance and exit. Some of the major regulatory officials in the United States (mainly New Jersey and Pennsylvania) have established strong procedures to follow and this is one of them. Safety ramps ensure that children can safely enter and exit the inflatable, this protects them from falling or rolling directly to the ground.
two. Large entry and exit openings. This is important so that children do not get stuck or have difficulty getting in and out of the units. This safety measure is required in circumstances that require evacuations of the inflatable, such as weather or power issues.
3. Network size. Safety regulatory officials require a mesh size that is small enough so that children’s fingers do not get caught and possibly injured. The net, however, must also be large enough to ensure clear visibility for attendees and adults supervising children inside. The recommended mesh opening is approximately ¼”.
Four. safety net for slides. One of the newest safety features is the slide safety net to protect children from jumping or falling over the sides, or making unsafe moves from the top of the slide.
5. Inflatable pool floors for water slides. This is something that has not yet been regulated, but it is important. Most water slides do not have an inflatable floor under the pool, which causes children to hit the ground when they slide into the pool. This is something for regulatory officials and manufacturing companies to address.
6. Inflatable safety regulations. The dedication and effort a company puts into the safety of their inflatables is evident through their safety rule postings. Regulatory officials require safety rule signs on inflatables to make sure participants know how to use them and the potential dangers.
7. Inflatable mooring. It is a requirement that inflatables be secured with anchoring devices such as stakes and straps at all times. Regular bounce houses typically require 4 anchor points, with larger combos, slides, or units generally requiring more.
8. Lead free vinyl. Since many manufacturers import their products from overseas locations where there may not be any regulations on safety or health risks, it’s very important to make sure the inflatables you use are made from lead-free vinyl. Inflatables made from vinyl containing lead can be harmful to the health of the people who use them, especially children who are more vulnerable to disease.
When should I make my reservation? You usually want to book as soon as you have your party planned. Many people wait until the last minute to make their reservations, which is usually not the smartest thing to do. Making your reservation at the last minute can cause confusion or problems as well as delays in the delivery of your product. In general, it is recommended to make a reservation one or two weeks before the date of the party. By making your reservation a week or two in advance, you can be sure that the company has your order and the desired inflatable you want. If you change or cancel your party, you can always cancel your reservation, just make sure you do it at least a couple of days before the event date so you don’t incur cancellation fees.
E-commerce has transformed the inflatable rental industry, making it relatively easy and convenient to reserve an inflatable product on your own time. The dot-com boom made it possible for customers to view inflatable products, their information, dimensions, and prices online without verbal description from customer service representatives, making online booking easier and more convenient.
