Highland Cater Hire T&Cs

Please read the following Terms & Conditions carefully before placing an order with Highland Cater Hire. By confirming a booking, the Hirer agrees to the terms outlined below.

In these Terms & Conditions:

  • “Owner” refers to Highland Cater Hire Ltd.
  • “Hirer” refers to the individual, company or organisation hiring equipment from Highland Cater Hire Ltd.

1. Hire Period & Charges

1.1 Standard Hire Period

All prices listed are based on a one-day hire period unless otherwise agreed. Equipment is typically delivered the day before use and collected the day after use.

Additional hire days are charged at 50% of the standard daily hire rate per additional day.

1.2 Duration of Hire

The hire period continues until all equipment has been returned to and checked by Highland Cater Hire Ltd.

2. Equipment Condition & Cleaning

2.1 Fair Wear & Tear

Hire charges include fair wear and tear only.

Equipment must be returned in the same condition as supplied. Additional charges may apply for:

  • Excessive cleaning
  • Damage
  • Reconditioning
  • Replacement of items
  • Damp or water damage

All catering equipment, crockery, glassware and furniture should be returned cleared of food waste and stacked appropriately for collection.

3. Lost, Broken or Incorrect Items

3.1 Lost or Damaged Equipment

Replacement items cannot be accepted in place of lost, damaged or broken equipment.

Any items returned that do not belong to Highland Cater Hire Ltd will be retained for up to 4 weeks. After this period, Highland Cater Hire reserves the right to dispose of or recycle unclaimed items.

4. Responsibility for Equipment

4.1 Loss or Non-Return

The Hirer is responsible for all hired equipment from the point of delivery until collection or return.

Any items not returned will be charged at the current replacement value. Hire charges already paid will not be deducted from replacement costs.

Highland Cater Hire is not responsible for returning to collect equipment that was unavailable or inaccessible at the agreed collection time.

Goods invoiced as lost and later found may be returned within 28 days for credit consideration. Please note that processing and washroom turnaround times may take up to 6 weeks.

4.2 Ownership

All hired equipment remains the property of Highland Cater Hire Ltd at all times.

4.3 Damage, Theft & Insurance

The Hirer is fully responsible for any loss, theft, damage or breakages during the hire period and should ensure equipment is stored safely and securely until collection.

We strongly recommend that Hirers arrange suitable insurance cover where appropriate.

Any shortages, damages or issues with equipment must be reported immediately upon delivery and before use.

Claims for missing, damaged or unused equipment made after the hire period cannot be accepted.

5. Delivery, Collection & Access

5.1 Equipment Standards

We take every reasonable precaution to ensure all equipment is clean, polished and delivered in good condition.

5.2 Delivery & Collection Terms

Deliveries and collections are made to the nearest accessible undercover ground-level point unless otherwise agreed.

All equipment must be returned:

  • To the original delivery point
  • Stacked and packed appropriately
  • Ready for collection

Additional labour charges may apply for:

  • Multiple delivery points
  • Setup or dismantling
  • Delays during collection
  • Equipment tracing or counting

Off-site labour is charged at:

  • £80 + VAT per hour
  • Charged in 15-minute increments

Delivery charges are calculated at:

  • £1.80 + VAT per mile (postcode to postcode)
  • Minimum delivery charge: £8 + VAT

5.3 Delivery Times

Standard delivery and collection times are between:

  • 7:45am – 8:30pm

Business hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

5.4 Out-of-Hours Charges

Out-of-hours call-outs, deliveries or collections are charged as follows:

  • Before midnight & Saturdays: £125 + VAT plus mileage
  • After midnight & Sundays: £225 + VAT plus mileage

5.5 Property Access

Where deliveries or collections are made within private or third-party premises, Highland Cater Hire accepts no liability for any resulting loss or damage.

6. Equipment Substitution

6.1 Substitute Equipment

In periods of high demand or unforeseen circumstances, Highland Cater Hire reserves the right to substitute equipment with similar items of equal quality and function where necessary.

7. Payments & Accounts

7.1 Payment Terms

All hire charges must be paid in full prior to or upon delivery unless an approved account agreement is in place.

Third-party invoicing is not accepted.

Approved account holders must settle invoices within 31 days.

Late payments may:

  • Incur additional recovery costs
  • Be referred to debt collection services
  • Accrue interest at 8% per month or part thereof

7.2 Cancellation & Repossession

Highland Cater Hire reserves the right to repossess equipment if these Terms & Conditions are breached.

The Owner also reserves the right to vary or cancel orders due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Storm damage
  • Strikes
  • Supply shortages
  • Transport disruption
  • Force majeure events