Pricing questions heard most
VAT, deposits, cancellation, changes, kit failure, the lot.
Are prices on this page ex VAT or inc VAT?+
Ex VAT. All ranges shown on this page exclude VAT. The written quote breaks out the ex-VAT total plus VAT on a separate line so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Do you take a deposit?+
For most operated events the ask is 25% to 50% on booking, with the balance due 7 days before the event. For dry-hire collected from the Salford workshop payment is usually taken on collection. Trade and repeat clients can move to invoice-on-completion.
What payment methods do you accept?+
Bank transfer (preferred) and card. A written invoice gets sent. Trade clients get 14-day terms after the first event.
What’s your cancellation policy?+
No charge if cancelled more than 14 days before the event. 25% if cancelled inside 14 days. 50% if cancelled inside 7 days. 100% if cancelled inside 48 hours. Date moves and venue changes are handled reasonably.
Can I change the kit after the quote is signed?+
Yes, within reason. Additions get added as a clear line item to the invoice. Removals get credited. Better to ask than worry about a small change.
Why is your “from” price honest but other companies’ aren’t?+
Because the venue gets walked before quoting. A “from £99” headline that turns into a £1,500 invoice is a worse outcome for everyone. The real ladder gets shown up front.
Do you offer trade pricing for production companies?+
10% to 15% off list price on dry hire if you collect, operate and return without needing technical support. Defined by independence, not job title. Trade pricing details.
Do you charge for the venue walkthrough?+
No. The walkthrough is free, and walking a room without winning the job is fine. It saves both sides time and money.
How long is a written quote valid for?+
Thirty days from issue. After that the quote gets re-confirmed against the current kit calendar in case anything has moved. Locked-in dates inside the quote are held for 14 days while you decide.
What happens if a piece of kit fails on the day?+
On Operated events backup mics and a spare PA channel are on site. If a fixture fails outside the backup stock, a replacement gets driven in from the Salford workshop, usually within the hour. No charge for the swap.
Do you charge for set-up and de-rig time?+
No. Set-up, tune-in and de-rig are part of the quoted price for delivered and operated tiers. No hourly billing at the venue.
Are there discounts for multi-day events?+
Yes. Day 1 is the full kit + operator day rate. Days 2+ usually drop by 30% to 40% because the kit is already in the room. Worked out per quote based on what stays vs derigs.
Do you offer charity / non-profit pricing?+
Often, yes. A handful of charities each year are supported with discounted operated days for fundraising events. Ask, and share the cause.
What about price-matching another quote?+
Line-for-line price-matching doesn’t happen, because cheaper quotes usually exclude something included here (operator, backups, recording, the walkthrough). If you have a cheaper quote, share it. The difference gets explained honestly.
How quickly do I get a quote back?+
Same working day. Steven answers his own enquiries, not an agency mailbox. If you send the form before 4pm you’ll get a written response back the same day, with a date for a free walkthrough.