FAQ

We send our customers a hire agreement to review and sign when they are placing a booking. Each hire agreement is specific to each event, so we don't publish a generic one here on the site, (as that may actually lead to more confusion).

However, on this page you'll find more detail to the key aspects on our hire agreement aka terms of hire. Please do call, text, email or whatsapp us though if you're still unsure.

Firstly, you may be familiar with an alternate term for this, which is used in the property letting and vehicle hire industries for example, a "damage deposit".

We don't call it a damage deposit, because that's perhaps giving the wrong connotation. As we're not expecting things to be damaged when they return. We're expecting to work with people who do take good care and look after the equipment. 

And so more likely, we'll be refunding you this deposit that you've put down, hence the term refundable security deposit.

It exists so that you don’t have to take out your own insurance on the equipment whilst it’s in use by you.

And providing you take good care of the equipment, we will refund this once:

• You bring the equipment back to us, on the date given next to “IN BY” on the invoice.  
• And we’ve checked the equipment over and back in to our system
• Provided that the equipment is in the exact same condition and working order as when it was first collected by you.

A common question that customers ask us is is the equipment insured? And if so by who? Well it is insured by us, but there are terms to that insurance. 

Some of those times go beyond the scope of this writing, (if you've got further questions, please do call, email, text or Whatsapp and ask us).

But in a nutshell and in plain english, hopefully you are familiar with insurance excesses?

Our business excess is £800.

Meaning, in the very rare and unfortunate case that equipment is damaged while it is in use by a customer, and that damage to replace or repair comes to a value anywhere up to £800, if we hadn’t charged a refundable security deposit, then here at ST AV, we'd be putting ourselves in a risky position! (Frankly, with too much to lose to be able to properly offer you the great service we intend to). 

And so the refundable security deposit goes some way towards covering the excess.  

We are working on the basis that you and I have discussed the hire, and we both feel comfortable going ahead. On your side, we are expecting that you're going to use the equipment with the best possible care.

And in which case, this deposit payment is going to reach back onto your card as a refund to you, usually within two weeks but anywhere up to 30 days. (At the time of booking you will see we do have a term in the hire agreement which says up to 1 month. That’s because at our most busy times, it can take longer to process things back in to our system). 

Finally another common question that we get asked is,  is this refundable deposit related to the payment of the hire itself.  Or other words some people (perhaps understandably because this is the case in other industries), have made a presumption that it has to do with the part payment for the job. I'm afraid not. This refundable deposit is not related to the hire payment at all. The hire payment that we receive for the equipment hire itself, i.e the price of the hire, is the amount that we make for providing the service.

If the refundable security deposit was in any way related to the hire payment of the equipment itself, then the protection outlined above, covering part of the excess, wouldn’t be there in the unlikely case that we need to do a repair or replacement on something which has got damaged while in your care. 

Within 30 days, but we're working hard to shorten the amount of time it takes to turn this around for you, (without increasing the cost to you!) 

The Basics

So you're excited about your event, and thinking about how to make sure it sounds and looks right?

Great.

But let's also be realistic here and deal with the practical matter of...how do we get the things you need to where you need them?

I will just have to tell you straight here: because there are a few options, this may at first seem complicated. So if in doubt, just give us a call and we'll make it easy.

CALL US

Firstly just to highlight that we're not a delivery company like the national and international names, (I won't list here, but you know the typical delivery companies and what experiences you've had with them!)

I know it's a big ask, but forget what they are like: we're different.

Sure we are more expensive than ordering something for delivery from Amazon...but...those guys won't set your equipment up nor support you. We bring the equipment into your space, set it up, carefully test and hand over to you. In other words, you're investing in support and peace of mind, not a small parcel left "behind your bins".

Again as I've said elsewhere on the site, if you're only looking for the cheapest way to get a bit of noise at your party, we won't be for you. Keep in mind here, the value is in the peace of mind we offer, by the fact you don't have to worry about any sound or vision technical aspect of your event. We will deliver the equipment, to make sure your event sounds and looks exactly as ordered. And so you don't have to lift or do the work.

The price for delivery depends on time of day and distance from our base in central Manchester.

Inside “CORE HOURS” refers to after 10am and before 8pm.

Here are the delivery options (you can click on the underlined text to see more details about each of these services).

If You're Asking Us To Deliver Between 10am and 8pm

1. Equipment going to a location within the M60 ring road, within core hours, (10am - 8pm)

2. Equipment going to a location outside of the M60 ring road, within core hours

This is where you should speak to us about the best way to get the equipment to you. It depends on the location of the venue.

In the case of equipment going to a location outside M60, the technician's time is added, on an hourly rate of £32 + VAT between 10m and 8pm, (and £40 per hour before after 8pm and before 10am).

Please note that orders take up to 1 hour to prep and load up,

+ time on the road,

+ up to half an hour on site.

+ time back on the road for the technician to return to base.

You can see more details about this service here:

In core hours delivery - technician hourly rate

If You're Asking Us To Deliver Either Before 10am or after 8pm

3. Outside core hours (before 10am and after 8pm), to your venue within the M60 Manchester Hassle Free, We Bring It And Set Up

4. Outside core hours, equipment going to a location beyond the M60 ring road,  (before 10am - after 8pm):

Again in this case you should speak to us about the best way to get the equipment to you. It depends on the location of the venue. 

In the case of equipment going to a location outside M60, the technician's time is added, on an hourly rate of £32 + VAT between 10m and 8pm, (and £40 per hour before after 8pm and before 10am).

Please note that orders take up to 1 hour to prep and load up,

+ time on the road,

+ up to half an hour on site.

+ time back on the road for the technician to return to base.

You can see more details about this service here:

Outside core hours delivery - technician hourly rate

Other Factors affecting Delivery Service Type

How big is what we're delivering to you, and does it require two people to handle it? In which case, you'll need:

5. Two Person Delivery, Large Van Delivery Hassle Free We Bring It To You Within The M60, Within Core Hours (10am-8pm)

Collections are priced separately to delivery, because some of our clients ask us deliver (to save their time and efforts).

But are then happy when it's calmer after their event to return the equipment to us themselves.

Here are the types of  collection available:

Price of collection depends on distance from our base in central Manchester and the time of day / night

"CORE HOURS" are 10am - 8pm.

If You're Asking Us To Collect Between 10am and 8pm

1. Equipment being collected from a location within the M60, between 10am and 8pm

2. Equipment being collected from a location outside of the M60 ring road, within core hours

In the case of equipment going to a location outside M60 you should speak to us to check the most appropriate price.

But just so you know, here's how it's worked out:

The milage at 0.75p per mile.

+ The technician's time is added, on an hourly rate of £32 + VAT between 10m and 8pm. 

Please note that orders may take up to 1 hour to derig and load up, 

+ Time on the road for the technician / driver to return to base.  You can see more details about this service here:

In core hours collection - technician hourly rate

If you need any help booking the right type of collection for you event and circumstances, then:

CALL US

If You're Asking Us To Collect Between Before 10am Or After 8pm

3. Specific timed delivery within M60

Is our best premium service applicable for all items which will fit in a small or medium van. (If what you require is a two person collection, e.g. for stage, TVs or larger PA systems, please see below 5.)

This is our exact minute service. It's chosen when there's a specific window, e.g. at the end of night when the equipment needs to be out of the venue before the venue closes because there’s an event the next day.

4. Specific timed delivery beyond M60

In the case of equipment going to a location outside M60, you should call us to confirm the most appropriate price. But so you know how it works, it's the mileage at 07.5p per mile, + the technician's time is added, on an hourly rate of £40 per hour before after 8pm and before 10am.

Please note that orders may take up to 1 hour to derig and load up, + time on the road for the technician / driver to return to base.

You can see more details about this service here:

Out of core hours delivery - technician hourly rate

Absolutely. organise an appointment with me .

We will make time for you to make sure you're happy with the sound of the speaker's you're hiring. It's very much our ethos to explain to you how you can get the most from your hire. We actually enjoy showing customer equipment. For example, see the video below.

Occasionally, we get asked this question. The reality is, that in (most markets) there'll usually a company, or companies, whose strategy it is to price themselves lower than other people.

Affectionately known as under cutters 🙈 these business join the race to the bottom.

In my experience, (which crikey is more than 15 years now yikes that went quick!) many of those rock bottom cheap companies don't last, or at least. With tiny margins, are we surprised that they renege on commitments and let people down!?

I wont bore you now with all our finances, (though sometimes to be honest I wish you knew), because then I'm sure if you knew what it actually cost to store and maintain an inventory of reliable audio visual equipment, that would explain why what we charge is reasonable.

But I totally get that you don't care about that. You care about whether you feel you're getting value for money, and how our service benefits you, is that right?

Allow me please to highlight some of the reasons why previous and current customers tell us, they've received great value for money from us. And I'll do this by using customer's own words:

"The gear was in perfect condition" (Theo Hanson, hired May 2025)

"Took the stress away" (Jonathon Moran hired April 2025)

"Always been incredibly helpful and accommodating" (Elika Najafi hired numerous times since 2023)

"Nothing was to much trouble and were even on call to help solve any issues with set up of gear"

"Showed me how to connect everything up and collected from my house to save me a journey" (Scott Halstead hired February 2025)

"Really easy pick up, collection and drop off using the secure locker" (Christian Morris hired May 2025)

And remember that locker is 24/7 access. If you can find another local rental company willing to offer you out of hours collection and returns, please do let us know.

(You can see more of what people have been saying about us on our google business profile)

So if you don't feel like that level of reliability, service and support is worth it to you, and you'd rather take chances with your one off event, then maybe we're not the best match.

What I would say to conclude is, if you can tick off that you're getting all those benefits, from a cheaper supplier, then maybe, and that's only if you're comparing like for like in terms of equipment and service, then you'd be better going with them!

Otherwise if you still don't trust me entirely, but think you might like to hire, then let's discuss over a coffee and you can take a listen to some speakers in our demo room. You're most welcome to organise an appointment with me

There is a £60 inc VAT minimum spent on hire. As much as we'd like to help everyone who is looking to hire sound equipment, in reality, it's got to work for both parties.

Look after your equipment, so that your equipment looks after you

In order to clean, test and maintain a reliable inventory of trustworth sound equipment for hire, each time a piece of equipment goes out, and then comes back in, it's likely to involve at least 1 hour of our engineer's time. 

And we pay our people properly! You can rest assured that the equipment you are hiring has been diligently looked at, and listen to, by an experienced audio visual technician. 

There's a maximum public dry hire amount of £260 inc VAT.

(If you order online without speaking to us, and have put more than £260 including VAT of dry hire into  basket and then checked out, we will get in touch with you to discuss how to get that equipment to your event.

For less than £260 inc VAT, you can hire a lot of equipment. For example this speaker package, with 2 mid / top speakers, 2 subs, a mixer, and the relevant cables.

That is a fair amount of equipment! It will fit in a car with the seats down. But much beyond that, you're going to require a van.

And also, it's a fact that many of our many of our dry hire customers, as wonderful a they are, haven't got loads of experience setting up audio / visual  equipment for events before.

So to make sure that you're not left in a pickle, trying to squeeze too much equipment into car, and then struggling to set up when you get to a venue, we've decided to protect you from that, by delivering and collecting all orders over £260, 

See above, "do you offer a delivery window" for more about deliveries. 

People have varying levels of technical conference but, here's the answer in a nutshell: between July 2024 and July 2025, over 100 people dry hired 2 speaker PA systems from us. (That is they collected from us and set it up themselves). During that period, no one complained that they could get the equipment set up once they got to site. That's in part because we support with:

1. A demo / teach of how to set the speakers up

2. Have a listed parts / an instruction manual printed out in the box that people collect,

3. Have various explainer videos on this site and on our ST AV YouTube Channel

4. Offer support over the phone.

Anyway to test how hard it is to set up a two speaker sound system, I asked my wife (a self proclaimed tech amateur), if she could do it. Here's what happened...

Is It Hard To Set Up A Two Speaker Sound System? Video

A common question that I get asked is , do our speaker packages fit in a car?

Of course that depends which of the speaker systems, and which car. But in a nutshell, YES. Most of our two speaker PA system packages, that you will find on the hire shop here...

Hire Shop

...Fit in car. At least, any vehicle from a hatchback or larger.

(If you're hiring multiple items from us beyond a simple speaker package, please do check with us).

This video will help visualise this question and answer:

Does a two speaker sound system fit in a car? Video on Insta

PLI stands for Public Liability Insurance.

The case of operated hire, we will provide your venue with a copy of our public liability insurance in PDF format. Operated hire is when we deliver the equipment, set it up, remain with the equipment for the duration of the event, and then pack it down and leave the venue with it.

In the case of delivered hire, that is where at your instruction we are not remaining on site for the duration of the event, the relevance of the public liability insurance is limited. The hirer’s PLI (that’s us ST AV aka stevent194.sg-host.com), is only relevant for the duration of time that we are loading into the building, setting up, and then later when we return to load out.

To be clear, ST AV’s Public Liability Insurance certificate is not relevant for the duration of your event where we are not in attendance.

In the case of dry hire, that is where you collect the equipment from us at our address, ST AV’s public liability insurance is not applicable. 
If your venue requires to see a public liability insurance, that’s something that you as the hiree, would have to set up. (Or more practically, go find yourself a venue that isn’t so obtuse and isn’t insisting on it.) 

Please note that our hire equipment is insured against fire, theft and accidental damage, which is separate to Public Liability Insurance. 

When you make a reservation, there’s are the terms and conditions you’ll see.

Please make sure you’re happy with these, and that you want to hire on this basis.

AGREEMENT OF HIRE

This contract is between Steven Thompson ST AV and PA Hire In Manchester, here on in referred to as the “Hirer”
And the person who is filling in the form above, here on in referred to as the “Hiree”.

The listed equipment on the order at the top of this page, is here on in referred to as "THE EQUIPMENT".
If the Hiree has selected DELIVERED HIRE or OPERATED HIRE above, that location will be here on in referred to as "THE VENUE"

THIS AGREEMENT is made on ***hire date***

BETWEEN:-
Steven Thompson trading as stevent194.sg-host.com & ST AV, a VAT registered sole proprietorship in England (Registration No 293820091) and of Post Code M5 3RQ hereinafter referred to as ‘Hirer’ which expression shall where the context so admits include its successors and assigns of the ONE PART
AND
The Hiree

WHEREAS:-
The Hirer is registered as the absolute owner of all THE EQUIPMENT
The Hirer has agreed to hire out and the Hiree has agreed to hire the equipment.

IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:-

HIRE PERIOD

In all cases, this hire agreement shall be deemed to have taken effect from the "START DATE" of the hire entered by the Hiree above, and shall consequently come to an end on the "END DATE" chosen above. This end date shall also be the date of collection of the equipment from the Hiree.

The Hiree undertakes to e-sign this hire agreement before delivery of the equipment. Should this deadline be missed, the Hirer reserves the right to cancel in entirety the booking.

Time shall be of essence during the entire hire period. If the Hiree has chosen "DELIVERED" or "OPERATED" hire above, THE EQUIPMENT shall be delivered and collected at the agreed dates. It’s the Hiree’s responsibility to ensure that there is adequate access to and exit from the venue, for purpose of delivery and collection of the equipment. In the event that the equipment is not packed down and ready for collection, the Hirer shall be entitled to charge an additional fee of £15 per half hour for waiting or derigging the said equipment.

If the equipment remains uncollected due to the Hiree’s inability to avail the same for collection as agreed herein, the Hirer shall be entitled to charge an additional fixed fee of £60 per item (regardless of hire cost) for each day that the equipment remains uncollected. This amount shall be deducted from the security deposit.

In the case that the Hiree is not a key holder at the venue, the Hiree undertakes to ensure access is organised with the venue. (Please note that unless otherwise already discussed, the Hirer’s “in hours” delivery window is from 10:00 – 22:00, 7 days a week. Whereas the Hirer’s “out of hours” premium delivery service is before and after those times).

If the Hiree has selected "DRY" hire on the above form, delivering and collection are not included in the price. Failure to return equipment on the end date shall entitle the Hirer to charge an additional fixed fee of £60 per item (regardless of hire cost) for each day that the equipment remains unreturned. This amount shall be deducted from the security deposit.

If the Hiree has selected "DRY" hire above, the Hiree undertakes to transport the equipment at his/her own costs and expense from and then back to the Hirer’s premises.

If a demonstration is required, collection is by appointment set by the Hirer only. If a demonstration is not required, collection is from the self-service locker based at the same address. This locker is accessible 24/7 and the code will be sent to you within 24 hours prior to your collection.

Collection is from Number 28, Regent Square, Salford M5 3RQ. The Hirer reserves the right to amend the collection and return appointment times. Any amendment made by the Hirer to the equipment with respect to the return date/time will not incur the late fee outlined above.

TERMS OF HIRE

It is the Hiree’s obligations to maintain, during the hire period, the equipment in adequate mechanical and physical working condition.

The Hiree will be responsible for the safety of the public and the equipment between the hire START DATE and the hire END DATE.

If the Hiree has selected DELIVERED or OPERATED HIRE above, then the Hiree is responsible for the safety of the public and the equipment at all times when the Hirer is not present in person at “THE VENUE”.

Accordingly the Hiree undertakes to insure the equipment during the HIRE PERIOD against all risks.

The Hiree may choose to self-insure at a total cost in replacement of all of the equipment.

If the Hirer has selected DELIVERED hire above, then the Hirer can provide their Public Liability Insurance (PLI) for THE VENUE to keep on file. However, this PLI is only valid for the portion of time within the Hire Period when the Hirer is physically in attendance at THE VENUE. The extent of coverage of the PLI is therefore only within:

• The case of DELIVERED HIRE during the time taken for the safe setup of the equipment as per the manufacturer specifications by the Hirer.
• The case of DELIVERED HIRE during the time taken by the Hirer to safely dismantle and take the equipment out of THE VENUE.

Outside of those times, but during the HIRE PERIOD, the Hiree will be entirely responsible for the safety of the public as it relates to the equipment.

In the case of DELIVERED HIRE, once the Hirer has completed the set up, the Hiree will be presented with a Risk Assessment and Method Statement to sign, to state that the Hiree agrees the set up has been done correctly and safely, and that the safety features have been explained to the Hiree.

In the case of OPERATED hire, over time is charged at a minimum of £60 + VAT per hour beyond the curfew time filled in above by the Hiree.

The Hiree agrees to provide the Hirer with a clear photo of the identity page on their driver’s licence or passport. The Hiree should also provide their address by way of taking a scan, screenshot or photo of an official headed bill, addressed to the Hiree’s home (or place of work in the case that the Hiree is representing a business in this transaction). The Hiree agrees that these screenshots, scans or photos should be sent to identitycheck@pahireinmanchester.co.uk.

The Hirer will endeavour to return calls, WhatsApp messages, texts and emails within 24 hours. Where this is not possible, the Hirer will get back to the Hiree in due course. To maintain the most affordable pricing for customers, ST AV operates as a small, very experienced team. For contracts under £250 + VAT, ST AV offers: one support call per customer of up to 10 minutes, and up to five support emails or WhatsApp or text messages.

CONSIDERATION

By signing this agreement, Hiree undertakes to pay a refundable security deposit of £240 via online credit or debit card to the Hirer, using this link:

Refundable Security Deposit

This refundable security deposit payment should not be paid by bank transfer. It should be paid by debit or credit card only. Any deposit payments made via bank transfer WILL NOT be refunded. The Hiree understands that it may take up to 15 days, from equipment return, for the refundable deposit to reach back onto the credit or debit card used.

The hire payment is a complete intention and commitment to booking the hire, and is non refundable

Delivery of the equipment shall be subject to acknowledgement of receipt of the full hire price by the Hirer from the Hiree. By signing this agreement, the Hiree understands that if they cancel the delivery, the Hirer will not refund any of this amount.

The Hirer reserves the right to cancel this agreement if the terms are not complied with.

Security Deposit shall be reimbursed to Hiree if the equipment is returned in full working order, and exact physical condition as on delivery. The refund may take up to 15 days to be processed and/or reflect back on the Hiree’s payment card. In the event that the equipment is damaged and/or missing, the Hirer reserves the right to retain part or all of the Security Deposit to cover for repairs and/or replacement of the said equipment. By paying the refundable security deposit, the Hiree is making a commitment to the Hirer’s stock. The refundable security deposit may therefore not be returned if the Hiree requests to cancel the booking after the deposit payment is made, but before collection has taken place.