Hiring Commercial Kitchen Equipment - What to Look for in the Fine Print
Whenever you decide to hire kitchen equipment for your next event, you have to make sure you choose the right company. Choose the wrong one and you could find yourself getting the service you do not deserve. The devil is always in the detail. Make sure you read the fine print before you commit yourself to any agreement.
This short article is designed to show you what you need to be looking at when you hire kitchen supplies from a third party.
The Agreement
Whenever you decide to commit to a service package, you will be presented with a large stack of papers filled with what you can and cannot do. Too many people make the mistake of not reading it through. When the time comes to actually return the items, they find they have breached the agreement and have to pay a fixed penalty.
Always take the time to read it through and, if you do not understand it, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
The Return Date
It sounds patronising, but always check the return date for the equipment. You’d be surprised at how many people fail to keep track of this date and subsequently fail to bring the equipment back. This is a serious offense and can lead to hundreds of pounds in fines. What you have to remember is the catering company may well have already hired the same equipment out to someone else soon after this return date.
This is why they are so strict when it comes to when you need to bring everything back.
What about Cleaning?
Depending on the catering company, you could be responsible for cleaning the equipment up before you bring it back. You may or may not have the option of paying a small fee to have the equipment professionally cleaned by the supplier. If this is your responsibility, though, there will be a long section on the condition they expect the supplies to be in when they get it back.
The Food
If you are using specialist equipment, there is a good chance there are certain foods and substances you are not allowed to put in them. Although most of this section will be nothing more than common sense, it’s wise to spend time reading it anyway. You do not want to accidentally break the equipment;otherwise,you will be the one having to cover the repair costs.
Additional Services
Most kitchen suppliers also offer other services. They may provide you with trained staff to help you operate the equipment. In this case, you must also read sections on staffing and their responsibilities. Although the employees of the supplier are operating on behalf of the company, you are responsible for their management. Make sure you check what they can and cannot do, as well as the responsibilities they have to take on.
Overall, it can take time to read the boring small print, but it will only benefit you in the long run. If you have your own staff, make sure they understand this agreement before they get to work.
