Current Hire Price Guide & Hire Terms
We would be pleased to suggest and draw up a hire proposal of items for your event and do all the costings for you...
We cover Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon and other areas by arrangement.
Individual hire prices are included below and our table styling service could be something you might like to consider.
There is a standard 20% charge that covers our washing up, laundering and cleaning after use. Delivery and collection to venues may also be an additional cost to take into account (please see the Terms & Conditions that follow the price list below). And good news - we don't add VAT!
You are welcome to arrange a visit us here in Castle Cary in Somerset to choose your items for hire, or we are happy to make a selection for you to complement your theme or colours.
Here is the price guide...
For afternoon teas & buffets
China teacup with saucer £1.20
China tea plate (6") £0.50
China buffet plate (9") £1.20
China sugar bowl £1.00
China milk jug £1.00
China teapot £5.00
China coffee pot £4.00
Pressed glass water or juice Jug £3.00
Cake stands
China or glass cake stand, two tier £4.00
China cake stand, three tier £6.00
Serving plates & baskets
China cake or sandwich plate (9") £1.20
Glass sandwich stand £1.75
Silver metal scone or sandwich basket £1.20
Large china serving platter £2.00
For those other goodies...
Ornate glass pedestal compote £5.00
Stemmed glass dish, small £0.50Stemmed glass bonbon dish, medium £2.00
Table linen
Lace or embroidered cloth, small £2.00
Lace or embroidered cloth, medium £3.00
Lace or embroidered cloth, large £4.00
Lace or embroidered doily £1.00
Lace or embroidered tea napkin £1.00
Vintage Table Styling
Wedding Day Rate £200, includes free same day delivery and collection of hire items within 20 mile radius. Other events costed according to size and location.
Mother's Best China Hire Terms & Conditions
HIRE - Mother's Best China agrees to hire the goods to the Customer for the period as stated in the Contract of Hire. The standard period of hire is considered to be a maximum of 3 days, the goods being returned on the 3rd day, dates as arranged. Other periods are available by prior arrangement. The hired goods remain the property of Mother's Best at all times.
RESPONSIBILITY & INSURANCE - The responsibility for the safety and condition of the hire goods transfers to the Customer when signed for on delivery/collection. The Customer is solely responsible for the goods during the period of hire and for insuring them until delivered to/collected by Mother's Best China and signed for by a representative of Mother's Best China.
DELIVERY & COLLECTION - We are happy to deliver elsewhere in the UK and delivery costs will be kept to a minimum and agreed prior to delivery. The cost of delivery/collection of hire goods is additional to the hire cost and dependent on the location of the venue. It is usually based on £1 per mile. Where we are hired to style the event within a 20 mile radius of our office, delivery and collection is free of charge. The Customer is to arrange nearby and easy access to the required delivery point. You are welcome to collect and return the hire items to Mother's Best China at your own expense.
PRESENT & CORRECT - On collection/delivery the Customer is required to inspect the goods and sign a delivery note. If there are any shortages or damage, this must be noted on the delivery note at the time of collection/delivery, in the presence of the representative of Mother's Best China. Otherwise the hire goods are deemed to have been collected/delivered in full and in a clean and undamaged condition.
WHERE ARE YOU? - If for any reason additional journeys are incurred as a result of the
Customer not being available to accept delivery of the goods as
pre-arranged, additional charges will be incurred. Additional journeys will be charged at £1 per additional mile plus £20 per hour or part thereof for time spent waiting.
OLD IS GOLD - Due to the nature of vintage items we are not able to guarantee absolute uniformity of pattern, shape or colour. Vintage items are fragile and require tender loving care when handling or packaging and during use. Fine porcelain, gold plated rims and glass can damage easily. The fact they have lasted until now in such pristine condition is due to the care they received over the years. Your hire items will be supplied in crates or cartons, interleaved with tissue and cushioned with bubble wrap.
TLCChina & Glassware - strictly no washing up please! Due to the delicate nature and value of these vintage items we prefer to clean them ourselves on their return. A washing up charge of 20% of the hire cost is included for us to do this. Please gently remove any remaining food from the hire items before packing for return. If appropriate, the china and glass can be carefully rinsed in cool or tepid water. Under no circumstances must any of our vintage china or glassware be put through a dishwasher.
Vintage linen is easily damaged by contact with such as cigarettes, candle flames and wax, staples, pins and heavy duty tape. Any soiled linen should be rinsed in cold water but must not be folded away damp or left wet for a prolonged period of time, as damp and mould can cause damage.
WHOOPS! - Accidents don't happen very often but we have to cover for this. Shortages, and or damage to the hired goods will be charged from £6 per smaller item such as a cup, from £25 each for such as teapots. Cake stands and larger items will be charged according to the replacement value. Damage to linen, vintage linen is charged at full replacement value starting at £10. Loss of/or damage to cartons or crates will be charged at replacement cost. These charges will be notified to you and deducted from your damage deposit.
RETURN TO SENDER! - Any goods returned that are consequently found not to belong to Mother's Best China will be notified to the Customer. These should be collected within 14 days of notification otherwise Mother's Best China reserves the right to dispose of them.
On signing your hire order you are deemed to accept these terms & conditions and a deposit of 50% of the total hire charge is payable. The balance of the hire charge must be paid in full within 14 days of the date of Mother's Best China invoice and be paid and cleared before 21 days prior to the event date. Amendments can be made to your order prior to the final payment. Any additions made after final payment must be paid for in full at the time of order.
'JUST IN CASE' DEPOSIT - A refundable damage deposit of £100 (paid separately to the hire charge deposit) is required at the latest at the same time as the balance of the hire charge. This will be refunded on return and checking of hire items. If there is any loss or damage the Customer is notified of the final cost and the corresponding charge is deducted before the return of the deposit. In the unlikely event of the loss or damage caused amounting to more than the £100, a separate invoice will be raised and be payable immediately.
WHAT A PITY! - If you have to or wish to cancel your order, please notify Mother's Best China in writing. Please note that voicemail or text messages are not accepted. If notified by phone, the cancellation must be also confirmed in writing, preferably by post. If you cancel your order 30 days or more before the date of hire there will be no cancellation charge and your hire deposit will be returned in full. However your 50% hire deposit is lost if a cancellation is made within a 30 -11 day period prior to the hire date. Cancellation received 10 days or less before the event will incur payment of the hire charge in full. (Any damage deposit already paid is refunded in full on a cancellation.)
DISCLAIMER/LIABILITY - Although Mother's Best China aims to deliver/collect by the time stated
we cannot be held responsible for any delays that may occur due to
events outside our control. Mother's Best China shall not be
responsible for any injury or damage to persons or property arising
from the goods, unless this can be shown to have occurred as a result of
the negligence of Mother's Best China. Mother's Best China will not be
responsible for any indirect or consequential loss howsoever arising.
Nothing in this Contract shall exclude or limit any statutory rights of
the Consumer. These terms of hire shall be subject to English law and
the English courts will have jurisdiction in respect of any dispute
arising.
Privacy & Personal Information
Mother's Best China respects your privacy. You are free to visit this website without providing any personal information. However we may need to request this for a specific purpose such as for providing you with information you have requested. By providing this information, you consent to its use for the purpose required. Personal information may include your name, address, telephone number and email address. This information is considered confidential and not shared. Please note that we do not collect personal information of individuals under 18 years of age.