FAQ's
GENERAL QUESTIONS-
1. How early should I schedule?
2. Is there a deposit required?
3. What is your cancellation policy?
4. What if it rains?
5. Ok, it stopped raining! Can you come over and set
up my bounce RIGHT NOW?
6. The inflatable bounce (cotton candy machine,
popcorn machine, etc.) kept blowing fuses! Do I get a
refund?
7. Do you set up in public and private
parks?
8. Will my lawn be damaged by the
equipment?
9. Do you give discounts for non profit
organizations?
10. Can I use your equipment for fund
raisers?
11. Why do you charge extra for blacktop set up?
INFLATABLE QUESTIONS
12.How much electricity do I
need?
13. How much room do I
need?
14. What time will you set
up?
15. Can you set up
indoors?
16. Can you set up on hard surfaces? (Blacktop,
Concrete, etc.)
17.
Why can't I rent your large slide without an
attendant?
CONCESSION QUESTIONS
18. How much ice do I need for
sno-kones?
19. Do I need a table to put concession machines
on?
20. Do I have to clean the concession
machines?
21. My package includes food suplies for XX# of
people. What is NOT included?
22. Can I buy food supplies
elsewhere?
23.
Can I rent a cotton candy machine for two hours and buy supplies for 1,000
servings?
GENERAL QUESTIONS-
1. How early should I schedule? It's never too early to schedule. If there is a
specific piece of equipment or a specific date you need, call as early as
possible. Many of our regular customers schedule a year or more in
advance to guarantee their equipment selection. We hate to turn away work, but
unfortunately we can't always accomodate everybody, especially in peak times
such as the May carnival season. Generally for a larger event, you should
try to schedule 3 to 6 month in advance if possible. For smaller events
allow 1 to 2 months. For single inflatable bounces, we can
often provide a suitable theme even up to the last minute.
2. Is there a deposit required? Yes. a deposit of 50% is due within 10 days of making the
reservation. After scheduling, you will recieve a contract and information
sheet in the mail with the specifics. This deposit holds your equipment and
date. The balance is due on set up. If you are scheduling last
minute, please discuss deposits arrangment with us over the
phone.
3. What is your cancellation policy? (See also rain policy below) If you cancel more than
10 days ahead of event, deposits will be refunded 100%. For
cancellations under 10 days, but more than 5 days, deposits may be credited to a
future date. Cancellations under 5 days will result in forfieture of
deposit. However, if circumstances require you to change your plans at
last minute for any unforseen reason, please call us as early as
possible. We'll do our best to help you in your situation and be as
fair as possible.
4. What if it rains? In the event of an
inclement weather forcast, we will call you before delivering. At that time, you
have the right to cancel or refuse delivery for a full refund. If you have
us deliver and set up the equipment, you are responsible for full payment.
Cortland Party Co, also may refuse to deliver if we feel the weather
forcast is unsuitable. Refunds of deposits will be issued. We will
not be held liable for any damages if we refuse delivery for this
reason.
5. Ok, it stopped raining! Can you come over and
set up my bounce RIGHT NOW? In short, we'll try. A rainy morning
can ruin a very well planned delivery schedule. When rain delays our
deliveries, please remember, it may have also delayed deliveries for many other
customers. Like you, these customers are also anxious to get their
equipment for their special events. During these times, we maintain
careful communication with our customers and prioritize deliveries
based on many factors including the date they scheduled, local weather
conditions, event times and location. Although we can't control the
weather, we will do the best we can to work around it
to accomodate everybody. Also, if you cancel a delivery and we
dismiss our employees, it may not be possible to reschedule for same day
delivery.
6. The inflatable bounce (cotton candy machine, popcorn
machine, etc.) kept tripping breakers! Do I get a refund? (Also see
electrical requirements under inflatable questions) To ensure
proper operation of the equipment, we ask that you provide a dedicated 20 Amp
circuit for each item. NOTE: Separate outlets DO NOT necessarily mean
separate circuits! Circuit breakers normally trip because the circuit
is overloaded. Often people have numerous extra appliances such
as coffee pots, food warmers, etc. shared on circuits along with our
equipment causing the overload. It is not a sign that there is a problem
with the equipment. If the rented equipment can't be used because suitable power
is not available, no refunds will be issued. If electrical availability is
a concern, please contact us to see if a generator might be needed. If
equipment fails to operate because of another mechanical or electrical
malfunction, refunds will be prorated or issued for the defective item
only, not for other items rented.
7. Do you set up in public and private parks?
Yes. We ask that you provide proof of permission to hold your event at the
park. Public parks commonly require proof of insurance for us to set up.
Please contact us if you require an insurance certificate.
8. Will my lawn be damaged by the equipment? The
weight of equipment may flatten the grass. Also, the traffic caused by
children entering and exiting the unit may cause a worn area. Our slip &
slide and dunk tanks will often cause muddy areas in their immediate
areas. Most damage to lawns is temporary and will recover within a couple
weeks. We will not be held liable for any damage to lawns or
landscaping.
9. Do you give discounts for non profit
organizations? We feel strongly in supporting various local
causes and in fact donate about 10% of our revenue in money and equipment
annually. The nature of our business means that the majority of our
work is already for schools, churches, charities and many other worthy
organizations. We value all of our customers very highly and
structure our prices to provide the best value for everyone. For us
to provide a discount for such organizations
would practically translate to an "across the board" rate cut.
We are confident that our very competitive pricing and excellent
service make us the best value anywhere.
10. Can I use your equipment for fund
raisers? Yes. People do it all the time. Please contact us with
your goals for the event and we will help you decide what equipment might
best meet your needs. Of course, we can't guarantee any amount of profit
for any event but we will do our best to advise you on what has worked well for
numerous other customers.
11. Why do you charge extra for blacktop set
up? Whenever possible, we prefer to set up our inflatables on grass
because it is safer for children when entering and exiting the
units. It is also easier to securely fasten our units to earth using
stakes. Staking is extremely important to prevent tipping that could be
caused by an unexpected wind gust or extra active children. When staking
is not possible, we must use sandbags or other weights to do the job. We use up
to 400 lbs. to secure a bounce and closer to 900 lbs. to secure a slide.
(This is much more than some companies use, but we just want to make sure
that our inflatables stay upright, and don't go anywhere!) Cortland
Party Co. also uses ANSI approved fall mats around entrances of units on hard
surfaces for added safety. These weights and mats are very heavy and take
up more space on our trucks. Loading, unloading and the setups take a bit
longer to do. The added minimal costs are to offset the added labor
required for this handling.
INFLATABLE QUESTIONS
12. How much electricity do I need? We
require one 20 Amp outlet without any other loads (appliances) on the circuit
for each concession and for all inflatables except our Adrenaline Rush
obstacle course and Toddler Combo. These larger units require 3 and 2 circuits
respectively. Each should be within 100 ft. of desired equipment location. We
will provide extension cords and are willing to run them to any part of your
home or business as needed. If suitable electricity is not available, or if
equipment cant be operated because of low or defective power, no refunds will
be issued. Please contact us if you think you need a generator.
13. How much room do I need? A
regular inflatable bounce requires about 30 X 30 feet on a flat surface
with no overhead tree branches or power lines. This includes clearances for
staking and entrances. For other or larger pieces, or for indoor set-ups, please
contact us for specific requirements.
14. What time will you set up? Our bounce
drop of times are normally between 7 AM and 11 AM. For other time scheduled
events, we will arrive about 30 minutes before the event time for smaller
set-ups (i.e. single bounce) and 1 to 1 1/2 hours ahead to set up larger
equipment. We always allow plenty of time to set up our equipment and take
pride in being set up on time, everytime. In fact, most of the time we're
even early. However, to ensure smooth and on time set, please be prepared with
the following:
15. Can you set up indoors? Yes, we set
up in gymnasiums and similar areas frequently. We typically waive hard
surface setup fees for indoor set ups. The building must have access by double
doors and no steps. If this is not the case, please contact us so that we
can determine if we can access by other means or if using different equipment
is possible. Also call us for the specific dimensions of each piece of equipment
to ensure adequate ceiling height.
16. Can you set up on hard surfaces? (Blacktop,
Concrete, etc.) Yes. Whenever possible, however, we prefer to set
up our inflatables on grass because it is safer for children when entering
and exiting the units. It is also easier to securely fasten our units to
earth using stakes. Staking is extremely important to prevent tipping that
could be caused by an unexpected wind gust or extra active children. When
staking is not possible, we must use sandbags or other weights to do the job. We
use up to 400 lbs. to secure a bounce and closer to 900 lbs. to secure a slide.
(This is much more than some companies use, but we just want to make sure
that our inflatables stay upright, and don't go anywhere!) Cortland
Party Co. also uses ANSI approved fall mats around entrances of units on hard
surfaces for added safety. These weights and mats are very heavy and take
up more space on our trucks. Loading, unloading and the setups take a bit
longer to do. There is an added minimal costs (normally $30 per unit) are
to offset the added labor required for this handling.
17. Why can't I rent your large slide without an
attendant? We install all of our attractions in strict accordance
with manufacturers instructions and they are safest when used under careful
adult supervision. We know that even the best parents can become distracted
during a busy event. Although improper use greatly increases the potential for a
mishap with any inflatable, the potential for serious injury is much
higher when children are elevated 12 feet or more off the ground. A greatly
overloaded slide may suddenly collapse or tip without warning.
Slide policies vary from company to company. With child safety in mind,
Cortland Party Co., LLC insists on providing a dedicated attendant for all
attractions that elevate children more than 12 feet off the ground. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
CONCESSION QUESTIONS
18. How much ice do I need
for sno-kones? Ice yield varies based on heat, waste and other
factors. We estimate that a 10 lb. bag will produce 15 to 25 sno-kones.
On a hot day when servings are made slowly, more ice will melt and the yield
will not be as good. On a more temperate day, when servings are made
constantly and quickly, the ice will go much further. Keep in mind when
buying ice, many grocery store bags aren't 10 lbs anymore! They are more
likely to be 7 or 8 lbs.
19. Do I need a table to put concession machines
on? Yes, all our machines are tabletop design. These machines are
quite heavy so please provide a sturdy table or counter to place them on.
Folding card tables and inexpensive plastic patio tables are not suitable. If
the table that you provide collapses under the weight of the concession
machine, you will be responsible for any damages. Cortland Party Co. has
tables available for rent if you need them.
20. Do I have to clean the concession
machines? No. We clean them for you. This saves work for
you and also provides us the opportunity to carefully dissasemble and inspect
every machine between use. We prefer that you don't attempt to clean
them to avoid accidental wetting of electrical components and heating
elements. Cortland Party Co has a person on staff who specific job is
cleaning concessions.
21. My package includes food suplies for XX# of
people. What is NOT included? As a rule of thumb, we do not
provide any food product that is prone to melting, spoiling or going stale.
Specifically, we DO NOT provide ice for Sno-Kones, we do not provide chips for
nachos (we do carry canned cheese sauce) and we do not carry hot dogs, buns or
condiments. For our cotton candy machines and popcorn machines, we provide
everything that is needed.
22. Can I buy food supplies elsewhere? Yes,
provided that the food products meet concession manufacturers specifications.
Please contact us for guidance regarding supplies that are not acceptable,
especially concerning cotton candy sugar and popcorn popping oil.
23. Can I rent a cotton candy machine for two
hours and buy supplies for 1,000 servings? Yes you can, but it probably
won't work. If you are expecting a large crowd at a relatively short
event, please contact us regarding the output/throughput capacity of our
concessions and attractions. A cotton candy machine can produce 100
servings per hour with the best operator. Other concession capacities vary. In
such circumstances, it may actually be best to rent 4 or 5 cotton candy
machines. Yes, we got them. Please call us and we will be happy to help you
plan your event to get the most out of our equipment.
1. How early should I schedule?
2. Is there a deposit required?
3. What is your cancellation policy?
4. What if it rains?
5. Ok, it stopped raining! Can you come over and set
up my bounce RIGHT NOW?
6. The inflatable bounce (cotton candy machine,
popcorn machine, etc.) kept blowing fuses! Do I get a
refund?
7. Do you set up in public and private
parks?
8. Will my lawn be damaged by the
equipment?
9. Do you give discounts for non profit
organizations?
10. Can I use your equipment for fund
raisers?
11. Why do you charge extra for blacktop set up?
INFLATABLE QUESTIONS
12.How much electricity do I
need?
13. How much room do I
need?
14. What time will you set
up?
15. Can you set up
indoors?
16. Can you set up on hard surfaces? (Blacktop,
Concrete, etc.)
17.
Why can't I rent your large slide without an
attendant?
CONCESSION QUESTIONS
18. How much ice do I need for
sno-kones?
19. Do I need a table to put concession machines
on?
20. Do I have to clean the concession
machines?
21. My package includes food suplies for XX# of
people. What is NOT included?
22. Can I buy food supplies
elsewhere?
23.
Can I rent a cotton candy machine for two hours and buy supplies for 1,000
servings?
GENERAL QUESTIONS-
1. How early should I schedule? It's never too early to schedule. If there is a
specific piece of equipment or a specific date you need, call as early as
possible. Many of our regular customers schedule a year or more in
advance to guarantee their equipment selection. We hate to turn away work, but
unfortunately we can't always accomodate everybody, especially in peak times
such as the May carnival season. Generally for a larger event, you should
try to schedule 3 to 6 month in advance if possible. For smaller events
allow 1 to 2 months. For single inflatable bounces, we can
often provide a suitable theme even up to the last minute.
2. Is there a deposit required? Yes. a deposit of 50% is due within 10 days of making the
reservation. After scheduling, you will recieve a contract and information
sheet in the mail with the specifics. This deposit holds your equipment and
date. The balance is due on set up. If you are scheduling last
minute, please discuss deposits arrangment with us over the
phone.
3. What is your cancellation policy? (See also rain policy below) If you cancel more than
10 days ahead of event, deposits will be refunded 100%. For
cancellations under 10 days, but more than 5 days, deposits may be credited to a
future date. Cancellations under 5 days will result in forfieture of
deposit. However, if circumstances require you to change your plans at
last minute for any unforseen reason, please call us as early as
possible. We'll do our best to help you in your situation and be as
fair as possible.
4. What if it rains? In the event of an
inclement weather forcast, we will call you before delivering. At that time, you
have the right to cancel or refuse delivery for a full refund. If you have
us deliver and set up the equipment, you are responsible for full payment.
Cortland Party Co, also may refuse to deliver if we feel the weather
forcast is unsuitable. Refunds of deposits will be issued. We will
not be held liable for any damages if we refuse delivery for this
reason.
5. Ok, it stopped raining! Can you come over and
set up my bounce RIGHT NOW? In short, we'll try. A rainy morning
can ruin a very well planned delivery schedule. When rain delays our
deliveries, please remember, it may have also delayed deliveries for many other
customers. Like you, these customers are also anxious to get their
equipment for their special events. During these times, we maintain
careful communication with our customers and prioritize deliveries
based on many factors including the date they scheduled, local weather
conditions, event times and location. Although we can't control the
weather, we will do the best we can to work around it
to accomodate everybody. Also, if you cancel a delivery and we
dismiss our employees, it may not be possible to reschedule for same day
delivery.
6. The inflatable bounce (cotton candy machine, popcorn
machine, etc.) kept tripping breakers! Do I get a refund? (Also see
electrical requirements under inflatable questions) To ensure
proper operation of the equipment, we ask that you provide a dedicated 20 Amp
circuit for each item. NOTE: Separate outlets DO NOT necessarily mean
separate circuits! Circuit breakers normally trip because the circuit
is overloaded. Often people have numerous extra appliances such
as coffee pots, food warmers, etc. shared on circuits along with our
equipment causing the overload. It is not a sign that there is a problem
with the equipment. If the rented equipment can't be used because suitable power
is not available, no refunds will be issued. If electrical availability is
a concern, please contact us to see if a generator might be needed. If
equipment fails to operate because of another mechanical or electrical
malfunction, refunds will be prorated or issued for the defective item
only, not for other items rented.
7. Do you set up in public and private parks?
Yes. We ask that you provide proof of permission to hold your event at the
park. Public parks commonly require proof of insurance for us to set up.
Please contact us if you require an insurance certificate.
8. Will my lawn be damaged by the equipment? The
weight of equipment may flatten the grass. Also, the traffic caused by
children entering and exiting the unit may cause a worn area. Our slip &
slide and dunk tanks will often cause muddy areas in their immediate
areas. Most damage to lawns is temporary and will recover within a couple
weeks. We will not be held liable for any damage to lawns or
landscaping.
9. Do you give discounts for non profit
organizations? We feel strongly in supporting various local
causes and in fact donate about 10% of our revenue in money and equipment
annually. The nature of our business means that the majority of our
work is already for schools, churches, charities and many other worthy
organizations. We value all of our customers very highly and
structure our prices to provide the best value for everyone. For us
to provide a discount for such organizations
would practically translate to an "across the board" rate cut.
We are confident that our very competitive pricing and excellent
service make us the best value anywhere.
10. Can I use your equipment for fund
raisers? Yes. People do it all the time. Please contact us with
your goals for the event and we will help you decide what equipment might
best meet your needs. Of course, we can't guarantee any amount of profit
for any event but we will do our best to advise you on what has worked well for
numerous other customers.
11. Why do you charge extra for blacktop set
up? Whenever possible, we prefer to set up our inflatables on grass
because it is safer for children when entering and exiting the
units. It is also easier to securely fasten our units to earth using
stakes. Staking is extremely important to prevent tipping that could be
caused by an unexpected wind gust or extra active children. When staking
is not possible, we must use sandbags or other weights to do the job. We use up
to 400 lbs. to secure a bounce and closer to 900 lbs. to secure a slide.
(This is much more than some companies use, but we just want to make sure
that our inflatables stay upright, and don't go anywhere!) Cortland
Party Co. also uses ANSI approved fall mats around entrances of units on hard
surfaces for added safety. These weights and mats are very heavy and take
up more space on our trucks. Loading, unloading and the setups take a bit
longer to do. The added minimal costs are to offset the added labor
required for this handling.
INFLATABLE QUESTIONS
12. How much electricity do I need? We
require one 20 Amp outlet without any other loads (appliances) on the circuit
for each concession and for all inflatables except our Adrenaline Rush
obstacle course and Toddler Combo. These larger units require 3 and 2 circuits
respectively. Each should be within 100 ft. of desired equipment location. We
will provide extension cords and are willing to run them to any part of your
home or business as needed. If suitable electricity is not available, or if
equipment cant be operated because of low or defective power, no refunds will
be issued. Please contact us if you think you need a generator.
13. How much room do I need? A
regular inflatable bounce requires about 30 X 30 feet on a flat surface
with no overhead tree branches or power lines. This includes clearances for
staking and entrances. For other or larger pieces, or for indoor set-ups, please
contact us for specific requirements.
14. What time will you set up? Our bounce
drop of times are normally between 7 AM and 11 AM. For other time scheduled
events, we will arrive about 30 minutes before the event time for smaller
set-ups (i.e. single bounce) and 1 to 1 1/2 hours ahead to set up larger
equipment. We always allow plenty of time to set up our equipment and take
pride in being set up on time, everytime. In fact, most of the time we're
even early. However, to ensure smooth and on time set, please be prepared with
the following:
- Know where you want your equipment set up. If you can't be
there, please have a designated representative that can make that determination
for you. Obviously, if we have to wait 30 minutes or more (it happens)
for the "person in charge" before we can even unload our truck, it makes it much
more difficult to guarantee on time set up. Also, it's very frustrating
and time consuming, when we set up equipment as instructed, then have a
different person come along and have us move it because " He/she told you the
wrong spot." We will not be held responsible for damages or refunds for
late set ups if we have to move equipment. - Make sure we can find you. Sometimes big events are very
busy. There may be dozens or hundreds of people everywhere and its hard
for us to know which one of them is you. Again, it's hard to get set up, if
we don't know where you want the equipment. A cell phone number can be
very helpful in this situation. - Know where your electricity is. Please be sure we have access
to outlets and even more importantly, please be sure that you know where your
breaker box(es) is/are. In many schools and businesses, the breaker
boxes are locked in a closet somewhere. People often don't know where they
are, and usually don't have a key to the room. Please coordinate
with your custodian or maintenance person as needed to ensure that we can solve
any electrical issues quickly and easily. - Be sure we have access to the area. Will the road be closed off to
traffic that day for your event? Will there be a parade going through
preventing traffic during the time we need to set up? Will there still
be cars parked in the Church parking lot that we were supposed to set up
in during the church service? These are common problems that are
frequently overlooked when planning larger events. We need to be able
drive to the immediate area that we'll be setting up in. If we must park
1/4 mile or more away, it may take much much longer to get set up
or even be impossible for larger equipment.
15. Can you set up indoors? Yes, we set
up in gymnasiums and similar areas frequently. We typically waive hard
surface setup fees for indoor set ups. The building must have access by double
doors and no steps. If this is not the case, please contact us so that we
can determine if we can access by other means or if using different equipment
is possible. Also call us for the specific dimensions of each piece of equipment
to ensure adequate ceiling height.
16. Can you set up on hard surfaces? (Blacktop,
Concrete, etc.) Yes. Whenever possible, however, we prefer to set
up our inflatables on grass because it is safer for children when entering
and exiting the units. It is also easier to securely fasten our units to
earth using stakes. Staking is extremely important to prevent tipping that
could be caused by an unexpected wind gust or extra active children. When
staking is not possible, we must use sandbags or other weights to do the job. We
use up to 400 lbs. to secure a bounce and closer to 900 lbs. to secure a slide.
(This is much more than some companies use, but we just want to make sure
that our inflatables stay upright, and don't go anywhere!) Cortland
Party Co. also uses ANSI approved fall mats around entrances of units on hard
surfaces for added safety. These weights and mats are very heavy and take
up more space on our trucks. Loading, unloading and the setups take a bit
longer to do. There is an added minimal costs (normally $30 per unit) are
to offset the added labor required for this handling.
17. Why can't I rent your large slide without an
attendant? We install all of our attractions in strict accordance
with manufacturers instructions and they are safest when used under careful
adult supervision. We know that even the best parents can become distracted
during a busy event. Although improper use greatly increases the potential for a
mishap with any inflatable, the potential for serious injury is much
higher when children are elevated 12 feet or more off the ground. A greatly
overloaded slide may suddenly collapse or tip without warning.
Slide policies vary from company to company. With child safety in mind,
Cortland Party Co., LLC insists on providing a dedicated attendant for all
attractions that elevate children more than 12 feet off the ground. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
CONCESSION QUESTIONS
18. How much ice do I need
for sno-kones? Ice yield varies based on heat, waste and other
factors. We estimate that a 10 lb. bag will produce 15 to 25 sno-kones.
On a hot day when servings are made slowly, more ice will melt and the yield
will not be as good. On a more temperate day, when servings are made
constantly and quickly, the ice will go much further. Keep in mind when
buying ice, many grocery store bags aren't 10 lbs anymore! They are more
likely to be 7 or 8 lbs.
19. Do I need a table to put concession machines
on? Yes, all our machines are tabletop design. These machines are
quite heavy so please provide a sturdy table or counter to place them on.
Folding card tables and inexpensive plastic patio tables are not suitable. If
the table that you provide collapses under the weight of the concession
machine, you will be responsible for any damages. Cortland Party Co. has
tables available for rent if you need them.
20. Do I have to clean the concession
machines? No. We clean them for you. This saves work for
you and also provides us the opportunity to carefully dissasemble and inspect
every machine between use. We prefer that you don't attempt to clean
them to avoid accidental wetting of electrical components and heating
elements. Cortland Party Co has a person on staff who specific job is
cleaning concessions.
21. My package includes food suplies for XX# of
people. What is NOT included? As a rule of thumb, we do not
provide any food product that is prone to melting, spoiling or going stale.
Specifically, we DO NOT provide ice for Sno-Kones, we do not provide chips for
nachos (we do carry canned cheese sauce) and we do not carry hot dogs, buns or
condiments. For our cotton candy machines and popcorn machines, we provide
everything that is needed.
22. Can I buy food supplies elsewhere? Yes,
provided that the food products meet concession manufacturers specifications.
Please contact us for guidance regarding supplies that are not acceptable,
especially concerning cotton candy sugar and popcorn popping oil.
23. Can I rent a cotton candy machine for two
hours and buy supplies for 1,000 servings? Yes you can, but it probably
won't work. If you are expecting a large crowd at a relatively short
event, please contact us regarding the output/throughput capacity of our
concessions and attractions. A cotton candy machine can produce 100
servings per hour with the best operator. Other concession capacities vary. In
such circumstances, it may actually be best to rent 4 or 5 cotton candy
machines. Yes, we got them. Please call us and we will be happy to help you
plan your event to get the most out of our equipment.