Hire is based on a period of three days unless otherwise agreed between Tea Total Vintage China Hire and the client. The hire period of three days covers Day 1: collection/delivery, Day 2: event, Day 3: return/collection. China items will be in our opinion, in good vintage condition. However, due to the nature and age of the items patterns and gilts can be expected to show signs of wear. Similarly, our tablecloths which will be handmade and pre-owned may show slight signs of use or irregularities. All vintage items for hire are carefully checked by Tea Total Vintage China Hire for any substantial or noticeable imperfections. As such, any known imperfections will be highlighted to the client before a hire period. Vintage items for hire will never knowingly be sent out without disclosing this information. Clients must contact Tea Total Vintage China Hire immediately if an item or items are broken or if an item or items are missing from the order. It is the responsibility of the client to check the consignment of vintage hire items on delivery or collection. The client will sign a delivery note complete with inventory to verify safe and correct receipt of the ordered items. When it is not possible for the client to sign for the order a third party representative must sign for the order. In this situation, please be aware that the client is still responsible for the order and not the third party signee. Clients must contact Tea Total Vintage China Hire immediately if the order is incorrect.

A non refundable deposit of 50% of the total hire fee (not including delivery) will be required on making a vintage hire booking with Tea Total Vintage China Hire. The final balance of the booking will be required 21 days prior to the booking start date. Clients failing to pay by the due date may forfeit the booking resulting in possible disappointment. Payments are by cheque made payable to Jane Pinches or by direct bank transfer (details on request). Cash on delivery or collection is not accepted. Due to the age of our vintage items a separate indemnity deposit cheque will also be required on the same date (21 days prior to the booking start date) as the final balance.This deposit will be refunded to the client on safe return of all hired items without any damage, breakages, cracks, chips, or loss. China returned chipped will be charged as broken as it cannot be re-used. Any broken items are to be returned to Tea Total Vintage China Hire for verification. Customers not supplying an indemnity deposit will not be able to accept receipt of an order and will forfeit the said order. The indemnity amount will be set at half of the total hire cost or £150 which ever is the greater with certain exceptions being made for larger hired items i.e from our props department, these will require a higher indemnity and will be calculated accordingly. Indemnity payments may take up to 10 working days to process if there have been problems with the return of an order. At Tea Total Vintage China Hire there is a £50 minimum order during peak periods in May, June, July, August and September not including delivery charges.

Unpacking and repacking your order could be quite time consuming so please remember to factor this in when setting up and clearing down. Cake stands can be especially time consuming and could take up to 10 minutes per three tier stand to put together or dismantle. If you haven't the time to unpack or repack your order then why not take advantage of our packing service and take the pressure off! This service is charged at £20 for unpacking before your event and £20 for repacking after your event. Our set up service is calculated at £8.00 per hour with the total based on the order size. If you have arranged for Tea Total Vintage China Hire to collect the china it is essential that it is pre packed in the containers provided and ready for collection at the agreed time. Tea Total Vintage China Hire will make an additional charge to the hirer of £40.00 per hour or part of an hour for any time spent waiting, or for re-packaging if this becomes necessary. This fee would be deducted from the damage waiver along with any deductions for possible damage or loss.

A free delivery and collection service is available up to a 20 mile radius of Tea Total Vintage China Hire applicable to orders over £80. Delivery or returns by Tea Total Vintage China Hire outside the 20 mile radius will be charged at £0.40p per mile. Delivery and collection charges may change at any given time. A collection address if different from the delivery address must be supplied at the time of order.

Cancellation of hire services must be done in writing and signed by the booking client 30 days prior to the hire start date. Clients cancelling after the 30 day period will forfeit the 50% deposit and may also be asked to pay the final outstanding balance of the booking. Cancellations by telephone or email will not be accepted. Please make your cancellation in writing via Royal Mail by recorded delivery to the address shown on your order confirmation. Third party cancellations will not be accepted. Clients who significantly reduce the number of hired items after a booking has been accepted and confirmed will incur a surcharge of half of the original total hire cost for the item or items reduced in numbers. The total hire cost for the order will be then be recalculated.

Due to the age of the items, cutlery should not be used with foods that have a high vinegar content such as pickles, mayonnaise, sauces etc. Teaspoons are to be used with tea or preserves only. Bunting must not be secured using drawing pins or any other sharp object. Bunting is suitable for indoor use only NOT for outdoor use. As the vintage items are very old and fragile they will always be carefully packed and secured in sturdy containers for carriage. It is the clients responsibility to ensure that all items are repacked with care for their safe return. All vintage china and cutlery at Tea Total Vintage China Hire is NOT dishwasher safe! After use it is the clients responsibility to ensure all items are returned free from food stuffs before packing. Items must be handled with care. Washing up of vintage items is offered as a complimentary service therefore clients are NOT expected to wash any hired items. Under no circumstances must any vintage item of china or crockery be placed in a hot oven or microwave.

Any table cloths or linen hired and used must not be packed with any food stuffs on them. As much debris must be removed from the cloths as possible before packing away for their return to Tea Total Vintage China Hire for laundering. Please ensure that any linen is dry before being packed away. If tablecloths or napkins are put away damp, they are highly susceptible to mildew. Damage caused by mildew, cigarettes, candle burns, or heavy staining will be charged at the full replacement cost, (see replacement price list).

In the unlikely event that an item is chipped, damaged, or not returned it will be charged at it's full replacement value and this amount will be deducted from the indemnity deposit. Cost for any damage - example of value: cup £5.00, teapot £40, tablecloth £20, cake stand £35. Clients will be fully informed of replacement costs in the delivery inventory. A full replacement price list appears on our website.

For your peace of mind we strongly recommend that a suitable insurance be taken out by yourself as all equipment is the responsibility of the hirer until return or collection. Any losses, damage or breakages will be charged accordingly.

At Tea Total Vintage China Hire washing up is offered as a complimentary service. Clients are asked to remove food debris from all items used before repacking.

Clients accepting services provided by Tea Total Vintage China Hire also accept the terms and conditions of service and as such hire will only commence once a client has agreed to these terms. The client will be required to sign acknowledgement of the Terms and Conditions along with the delivery note and inventory. Tea Total Vintage China Hire accepts no responsibility for accident or injury to persons whilst using any of the hired vintage items or accepting services and items provided by Tea Total Vintage China Hire and or named parties connected with Tea Total Vintage China Hire. At Tea Total Vintage China Hire we reserve the right to refuse a booking. At Tea Total Vintage China Hire we reserve the right to amend our terms and conditions at any time.