How often will you use it?
Are you planning to attend more than one event in a year or is it just a one off event? If you regularly trade at outdoor events or markets througout the year, or want to use your gazebo as a promotional tool, then buying makes more sense. If your event is a wedding, family party or you only want to use the gazebo once every few years, then hiring is a better option.
What are the costs?
The cost of buying or hiring a gazebo can vary widely between suppliers and so it is difficult to compare like for like. If we take a commercial grade gazebo in the most popular 3m x 3m size, the cost for frame canopy and sidewalls is around £450 including VAT. This type of gazebo is designed for regular event use and will give years of service is used and maintained correctly. Compare this to the cost of hiring the same type of gazebo which is around £118 including VAT which includes delivery and collection. On that basis, you only need to use a gazebo four times before you recover the intitial investment.
Deposit & damage
Generally a hire company will require you to put down a deposit in case their gazebo is damaged during use or lost. Loss can also include loss of staff time through labour, waiting to deliver/collect at your event, or cleaning of the gazebo on return. It is wise to read the full terms and conditions agreed at the start of hire.
Quality
Buying your own gazebo gives you the opportunity to chose one that is the right quality to meet your needs from a reputable supplier.Used with care and maintained, you know it’s history so there are no surprises. A good hire company will hold quality stock however the gazebo may have been used many times and exhibit signs of wear and tear, colour fading and have been subject to repairs.
Availability & Flexibility
Clearly if you own a gazebo then you do not need to plan for this to be available for your event. Hiring gazeobs will need advance booking to ensure the size and colour gazebo you want is available for your event date. Choice of gazebos colours might be limited with hire companies but you do have the flexibility to use different colours for each event if you wish.
Printing Options
Buying a gazebo comes with the opportuntiy to add printing to the canopy or sidewalls to display your logo or branding. This is another expense but there are a range of printing options available to suit a small budget. Your gazebo can become an effective marketing tool to reinforce your brand recognition.
Transport & Storage
Gazebo hire companies will often deliver and collect gazebos, within a specificed area, either to you or your event. Some companies many charge a fee for this but often it is included in the hire price. This may limit the companies prepared to hire to you based on your location. Before you chose to buy a gazebo, consider how you will tranport and store it. Commercial grade gazebos are roughly 1.6m x 0.35m x 0.35 in length when folded and so you will need a vehicle capable of transporting this. Compact frames are available on the market that are a smaller 1.05m in length when folded so there are other options available. Storing a gazebo is not complicated as they can be stored with the canopy attached to the frame inside the frame bag. Gazebos should always be taken down dry and stored in a dry place like a shed or garage when not in use.
Setting up & taking down your gazebo.
Some hire companies will offer a setting up service which may incur additional costs. They will expect all goods to be stored securely and in the correct way to avoid damage if they are delivered prior to your event. It is generally expected that gazebos will be returned clean and dry or relevant charges for replacement or repair may apply. Late returns may also be chargeable. If you own your gazebo, the same precaautions should be taken to preserve the gazebo in the best condition for future events.
Maintenance
Hire companies should perform their own routine checks and maintenance after every use. This will ensure the gazebo is good and ready for the next hirer. If you purchase a gazebo, some regular maintenance is beneficial as some of the moving parts may require screws to be tightened over time. This is normal, takes just minutes and can help prevent parts working loose and screws being lost. It can be sensible to keep some frame spare parts with you at events in case of emergency.
Conclusion
Hiring a gazebo can be a sensible choice for singular events and you don’t want to have to store, transport or have to carry out any maintenance to it. For those who attend outdoor events on a more regular basis, who need flexibility and the option to use the gazebo for brand promotion, buying a gazebo is the better investment for longer term return.
| Buy if... | Hire if... |
|---|---|
| You attend multiple events in a year | You only need a gazebo once |
| You want custom printing | Branding isn't important |
| You need flexibility | You plan well in advance |
| You value long term savings | You want low up front cost |
| You can store & transport to events | You prefer not to store or transport |
