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?

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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.