Terms of hire

Hire period


A standard hire period for a weekend event will run from delivery on Friday to collection on Monday.



A standard hire period for a mid-week event will run from delivery on Monday or Tuesday to collection on Thursday or Friday.



Longer hire periods may incur a surcharge but this will be discussed at the time of ordering.



Non-standard hire periods may be arranged for orders where the customer collects and returns the crockery themselves from our base in Timperley, Cheshire.



During the period of hire, all items remain the property of  The China Syndrome.




Delivery and Collection


Delivery to and collection from your event is free within a 30-mile radius of our base in Timperley, Cheshire.


Delivery beyond this radius will be charged at 45p per mile, based on 2 round trips per order eg. an event 40 miles from Timperley will incur a delivery charge of  £18 (20 extra miles x 2 round trips x 45p per mile)


In addition you must reimburse any parking charges or tolls that we incur when delivering and collecting your order.

You may like to collect and return your order yourself. Mutually convenient times and our address will be discussed at the time of ordering.






Cancellation


If you have to cancel your order more than 30 days prior to the agreed delivery date your 50% deposit will be returned minus a £20 administration fee. If cancellation takes place within 30 days of the agreed delivery date your 50% deposit is non-refundable.


Please make your cancellation in writing by Royal Mail or by e-mail to thechinasyndrome@gmail.com. Notice of cancellation will be effective when received by us.



Packaging


All your items will arrive carefully packaged and must be returned to us having been re-packed with care in their original packaging. Our vintage crockery is obviously fragile and must be handled with care. If you choose to wash up yourself then please wash and dry all our items by hand. Nothing is dishwasher or microwave proof!






Condition


We will supply items in good vintage condition with no cracks or chips. Due to the age and nature of the items, some evidence of wear must be expected.



Checking items at delivery


It is very important that you check your items carefully upon delivery and sign the accompanying delivery note to confirm that you have received the items in good order. Please bring any problems to our attention at this time as we are unable to deal with any queries at a later date.






Responsibility


We are not responsible for any injury or damage caused by any hired item or the related packaging.



Damage


A separate damage deposit of £80 is payable 10 days prior to the agreed delivery date, by cash or cheque. This will be held in a secure location. This damage deposit will be returned (minus any charges) once the order has been checked and is deemed to be complete and in good order. During the hire period any damage to or loss of hired items, including packaging, is your responsibility.  If the total amount payable exceeds the damage deposit, you must pay us the balance.






Hire charges


When you place your order, we require a deposit of 50% of the value of your order (excluding the damage deposit) payable immediately by cash, cheque or bank transfer. The balance is payable 10 days before the agreed delivery date by cash, cheque or bank transfer. We reserve the right to cancel your order if you fail to comply with this term.


You should also provide us, 10 days prior to the agreed delivery date, with a separate damage deposit of £80, payable by cash or cheque. This will be held in a secure location until the satisfactory completion of the order.

Damage or losses will be charged at the following rates:
Tea pot   £10
Cake stand £15
Cutlery item £3
Delivery box £10
Table cloth £20
All other items £5



Items specification


You will receive a selection of  beautiful mismatched vintage crockery in the style of the items displayed in our marketing materials and these will vary in make, colour and size. We cannot guarantee the inclusion of any specific item in the order.