Terms & Conditions
So this is the boring bit but please read it as it will give you all the information you require.
WASHING UP!
Some of our china is 70 - 100 years old!! So it’s very delicate and while we want you to enjoy it, it does require some careful handling please.
We request you please to not wash up - that is included in the price - but to simply drain the cups and wipe food from the plates and stack them carefully in the boxes they arrived in. Full instructions for collection will be included and discussed on collection/delivery and are included in our booking form.
BREAKAGES!
Accidents can and do happen despite the best of care taken.
That’s why we will always include a couple of extra items in the event of a breakage so your day can go ahead without a hiccup.
We require the damaged item to be returned please (we still use cracked or chipped items for display) or if that isn’t possible, please take a quick photo for insurance purposes before throwing it away (in the case of glass or dangerous pieces).
A damage deposit of 50% of the total order or £150, whichever is the greater amount, will be taken at the time of the final payment, 2 weeks before the hire date.
This will be returned to you once all the items have been returned and inspected and there are no missing or damaged items. Any damages costs will be taken out of this deposit and charged at replacement cost. Any ‘missing’ or substituted items will be charged at 200% replacement cost to dissuade ‘souvenir’ taking! Below gives you an idea of replacement costs but it will be down to the damaged piece as values vary.
£5 for any of the following: glass, tea strainer, cake server, teaspoons
£10 for any of the following: cup, saucer, tea plate, jug or sugar bowl
£15 for sandwich plate, serving plate
£35 for teapot
£40 for cake stand
AVAILABILITY
We book on a first come, first served basis. If you have booked either our Luxury or Bespoke package then your choice of colour theme or specific tea sets will be reserved for you and you will be told of their availability at the time of booking. Our Classic package will be made up of china that fits in with your look and theme where we can but specific combinations can’t always be catered for.
DELIVERY
We are based in Essex however we will supply to surrounding counties.
We offer a delivery and collection service for orders over £100 priced according to location at 45p per mile. Orders under that amount are collection only from SS8 9TW. Orders within a 6 mile radius are delivered free of charge.
We generally deliver/supply the day before the event and collect/returns the day after. Arrangements can be flexible depending on your venue so this will be discussed at the time of booking.
STYLING
We offer a set up and styling service so you can be a guest at your own event! We will dress the tables and lay out the china and cutlery ready for the food to arrive. We can liaise with your florist, or provide vintage vases with roses per table. Set up can include white tablecloths and we can add bows to chairs if desired (we can offer some colours for hire - please ask). We can set up buffet tables and sweetie tables in a variety of displays - we are happy to hear about what you have in mind.
Any items of your own that you want us to include in the set up must be at the venue prior to our arrival with instructions on their use and place name cards and a seating plan must be with us a week prior to the event. Please note that we do not decorate the entire hall or room, just the tables where the tea is to be served and all tables and chairs must be in place.
BOOKING PROCESS
As mentioned above, we are happy to discuss your needs and tailor your order to suit you. We will then send you a quote with a booking form attached. Included in this form are our full conditions of hire. If you would like a copy of this form, please request one via email.
With your signed form returned and the deposit paid, you can be assured that your china for your date is reserved. This form is our mutual contract.
Prior to your event date, we will again talk about the finer points of the day and this will also be confirmed in writing so we are clear on the details.
PAYMENT
Once we have decided on your order and you agree to go ahead with the quote, we require a 50% deposit via bank transfer at time of booking to secure your date.
14 days prior to the event, the remaining 50% is due plus the damages deposit (see above) again, via bank transfer. Additions can be made at this stage and paid in full.
CANCELLATIONS
The booking deposit is non-refundable. If the full and final payment has been made, 25% will be refunded between day 14 and day 7 before the event and no refund given between day 7 and the booked date. Damage deposits will be refunded in full.
CHILDREN
An odd category but one we feel needs mentioning!
Most family events involve children of various ages so we can provide certain ‘special’ sets for their use so they feel part of the fun.