Rental FAQ:
Q. How long are the units of rental?
A. We rent
on a weekly basis. You can return things before they are due, but it does not
affect the pricing.
Q.
What
about pricing?
A. The
pricing is by week and by item. We try to charge between 15%-35% of what the
item is worth for the first week price (sometimes less if the item is
expensive, sometimes more if the item is heavy). The second week is half of the
first week price. Then, the third week and every other week are a fourth of
that first week price. Here is a table:
|
1 week |
1st
week price (p) |
|
2 weeks |
1.5p |
|
3 weeks |
1.75p |
|
4 weeks |
2p |
|
5 weeks |
2.25p |
|
6 weeks |
2.5p |
|
7 weeks |
2.75p |
|
8 weeks |
3pÉ |
However, we
understand that most people have budgets and we are flexible with our offers.
If there are items in which you are interested, please feel free to email zapprops@sbcglobal.net and request
first week prices on the items.
Q.
What
kind of payment do you accept?
A. We
accept cash, check, and credit cards (in person or over phone). At least half
of the rental price is required to be paid upon pick up (with few exceptions).
Q.
Is
everything you have pictured on your site?
A. Not at
all. We are constantly adding to the online inventory, but we have a 36,000 sq.
ft. warehouse bursting with items, so we could not possibly portray all of
them. So, if you are looking for something and you do not see it, please ask. Or
come on down to the warehouse and take a look around.
Q.
What
kind of stuff do you have?
A. If you
have browsed the pictures, you can get a little of an idea of what we carry.
Obviously, because we have so many various things, it would be impossible to
give a concrete answer. Generally, we have antique set dressing items. Most of
the things in the warehouse are genuine antiques, things that actually existed
and were used at some point in time. Mostly, our inventory specializes from the
1920s-1970s, but we often can work in other eras as well.
Q. Can I purchase
things that I see in the pictures?
A. Short
answer: No. Longer answer: We do sell antiques and collectibles, however, everything
that is pictured on the website at this time is strictly for rental. If you
would like to purchase antiques, you can browse items offered by our Ebay name toytownchicago.
Or, you can find us at an antique show in the Chicago area, hawking our wares.
We also do restaurant design and dcor and sell items to those facilities.
Q. What happens if
things get damaged?
A. If something
is broken beyond repair, full cost of the item is due (which is usually about
four times the first week price, but not always). If we deem that the item can be repaired, we charge for the
hours of labor it will take our shop to repair it (at $30/hr), as well as
administrative fees that are usually around $20. Just try not to break stuff.
Q. Can I alter the
props for my rental?
A. All
alterations/repairs have to go through our approval. In general, the only
alterations that are allowed are those that improve the integrity of the piece.
Permission is not usually granted just for color changes or additions. Also, if
the items is original and would decrease in value from any tinkering,
permission is not granted.
Q. Do you guys make
props?
A. We do
have a full fabrication shop. However, the shop is often building things for
the restaurants that we decorate, so advanced notice is needed and availability
is sometimes limited. Also, all props that we build are for purchase in which
you pay materials/labor/etc., not rental. Our shop can make about anything that
you can imagine, and usually at a cheaper cost than other fabrication places.
Q. Will you deliver my
props to me?
A. No. We
only have one truck and the restaurant dcor side of our business uses it. So,
if it is not on the road, it is filled with stuff. It is up to the renting
party to coordinate pick-up and drop-off of their items. If your items are too
large for your car, you can rent a truck or hire a messenger service. If you do
come yourself, please make sure the vehicle is the appropriate size for the
items that you are picking up. If you donŐt know how big a vehicle you will need, ask us.
Also, nothing leaves and nothing is accepted back after 5pm (Monday-Thursday)
or 3pm (Friday); please make sure your delivering company knows this.
Q. What about shipping props?
A. We do occasionally
ship props to other parts of the country (outside of the Chicagoland area). The
renter must pay all shipping costs there and back and a handling fee. Some
props are too valuable to us to ship them, and some are just to heavy to make
it worthwhile. So we do, but we are a little squeamish about it.