How to Choose a Party Rental Company: Questions to Ask Before You Book
Ask what the price includes, how delivery is charged, what happens if the weather turns, how the bounce house is anchored, how pieces are cleaned, and whether the company is allowed to set up at your park. Here are those questions, with our own answers where we can give them.
At a glance
A good rental company answers these questions plainly, in writing, before you pay. Ask every company you are considering, including us.
- Price: what is included, and what checkout adds.
- Terms: cancellation and weather rules in writing.
- Safety: how a bounce house is anchored, and the federal safety advice on wind and supervision.
- Parks: whether the company is allowed to set up at your park. We are not on Berkeley’s approved bounce house list.
Questions to ask, and our answers
| Ask | Why it matters | Our answer |
|---|---|---|
| What does the price include? | A day rate can look different once delivery, setup and pickup are added. | Each item’s price, plus one delivery fee that covers delivery, setup and pickup. Tax is added at checkout; the damage waiver is optional. See what’s in your quote. |
| How is delivery charged, and can I see it before I pay? | Delivery can be a big part of the bill if you live far from the warehouse. | By one-way driving distance from our Oakland warehouse, from $120 up to 20 miles. Checkout prices it to your address before you pay. |
| What are your cancellation and weather terms, in writing? | So you know what happens to your money if plans change. | They are in the payment terms at checkout and the rental agreement you sign. Tell us before the crew leaves the warehouse and there is no cancellation fee; a cancelled booking becomes an in-house credit. How booking works. |
| How do you anchor a bounce house? | The US CPSC says a bounce house should be properly staked and anchored on a flat, even surface (CPSC). | Our crew anchors every bounce house it sets up; on concrete or pavers we use sandbags instead of stakes. |
| Will it fit, and does it need power? | A bounce house needs flat ground, room around it and an outlet. | Each product page lists its space to clear, size, outlets and ages. The space guide puts them side by side. |
| Are you allowed to set up in my park? | Some cities let only approved companies set up bounce houses in parks. | Not at Berkeley’s park bounce house sites: we are not on the City of Berkeley’s approved list for its bounce house program, so for a Berkeley park, use a company on that list or ask us about soft play. Other cities: see the park permit guide. |
| Can I read reviews from recent parties? | Reviews show how a company handles the day itself. | Read our reviews, and our Google reviews. |
Ask every company, including us
- How are the pieces cleaned between rentals? Bounce houses, ball pit balls and soft play are shared by many children.
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance? Some parks, schools and venues ask for one naming them, often with a deadline. Tell the company exactly what is required and ask how much notice they need.
- How many children can use it at once? CPSC advises observing the maximum occupancy and letting only children of about the same age and size jump together.
- Who do I call on the day? Ask for the number to use on the party day. Ours is (510) 488-6200, call or text.
Have a date in mind?
See what’s free for your party date, live, and book online in a few minutes. Delivery, setup and pickup included.
Safety basics any company should follow
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s advice for bounce houses: don’t use one when it is windy (maximum wind speed should be no more than 15 to 25 mph), follow the maker’s setup instructions, stake and anchor it on a flat, even surface, and keep it away from tree branches, power lines and fences. Children should jump only with others of about the same age and size, with an adult supervising at all times (CPSC, 2019).
Our bounce house safety tips and wind guide go into more detail.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a bounce house rental company before booking?
What the price includes, how delivery is charged, the cancellation and weather terms in writing, how the unit is anchored, how it is cleaned, whether they can provide any insurance certificate your park or venue needs, and whether they are allowed to set up at your park.
Are you an approved bounce house vendor in Berkeley parks?
No. We are not on the City of Berkeley’s approved list, so we cannot set up a bounce house at a Berkeley park bounce house site. We deliver bounce houses to Berkeley backyards; for a park party there, ask us about soft play.
Is delivery included in your prices?
Delivery is one separate fee that also covers setup and pickup, from $120 within 20 miles of our Oakland warehouse.
Can I talk it through with someone first?
Yes. Book a free 30-minute planning call with Tayo, our founder, or call or text us.
Keep planning
Ready when you are
See what’s free for your party date, live, and book online in a few minutes. Delivery, setup and pickup included.
Free 30-minute call
Not sure where to start? Plan it with Tayo — free.
Book a free 30-minute party planning call with our founder, Tayo. Bring your date, your space and your ideas; leave with a plan, a shortlist of pieces and a clear idea of cost. No obligation, no sales pitch.
- Theme, layout and age-appropriate picks
- What fits your space and budget
- A package you can book online right after