What to ask When you're Interested in Renting a Frozen Drink Machine?

All of the questions may not pertain to your party, but many of them should arm you with enough information as to not be surprised by any of the details that may be important. If you'd like to add a question to the list send us an email at: info@partyrentalplanner.com

• What type or types of machines do you rent? This is important because certain machines work better in certain situations. For instance a clear bowl machine is not a good idea outdoors in the middle of summer. See our machines page for more information.
• What time can I expect my machine to be delivered? You should know when YOUR party starts and what time you'll need your drinks frozen and ready to come out of the machine. Delivery time needs to be worked out in advance to give enough time for setup, first batch drink preparation, and the first freeze.
• What liquor should I have on hand? Most drink rental companies DO NOT provide the liquor. You should discuss the number of drinks or batches of frozen drinks you will make and have the appropriate amount of liquor available. Also, If the rental company will make the first batch while delivering, be sure the have the liquor ready for him or her. They often have other deliveries to make and may not be able to wait for you to run out and get your supplies.
• What type of electrical requirements are there? Most machines will only require a 15 to 20 amp current. If you are renting more that one machine, you will need to make sure that these machines are not on the same circuit. This is NOT the same as the same outlet. Also, be sure another large device like a refrigerator is not on the same circuit. This could prevent a drink machine from being placed in the kitchen.
• Can the machine be delivered upstairs? Many rental companies DO NOT allow deliveries upstairs or may add an extra fee per flight of stairs. If your party is upstairs, be sure to mention it before a deal is made.
• Can I pick up the machine instead of having it delivered? Some rental companies only allow the pickup of machines. These are usually the clear bowl machines or the light stainless steel machines. If they don't delivery to your area, you may have to pick it up. If this is the case, you may also need to find a mix supplier. If you intend to pick up a machine, be sure you have the ability to lift 50 to 150 pounds. These machines can be very heavy. The last thing you'll want is to throw your back out before your party.
• What types of payment methods do you offer? Just about all rental companies can accept credit cards, however, there are some who only take cash and checks. Some require a deposit ahead of time and some bill your credit card in advance. This is an important question to ask.
• Are there discounts for multi-day rentals? Many companies will give discounts on second and third day rentals. It is a benefit to have their product used over many days and not having to incur gas fees by renting to someone else. We've found that the answer to this question is mostly YES.
• What About Extra Mix? Rental companies will often allow you to have extra mix on hand. Companies normally charge you for the used portions of the mix they've left behind when they dropped off your machine. If you intend to use a lot of mix or party multiple times a year, you may want to purchase a case from your rental company and book the machine in advance. This is a good way to build a relationship with a rental company too. Building a relationship also means better deals and discounts for you in the future.

  Generally speaking you should think about how much you want each guest to consume. For instance, if each guest should have two margaritas and you have 20 guests make sure you have enough mix to make 40 drinks. You'll have to chat with your rental company to know how much each batch will yield. For a 10 ounce margarita you will need 400 ounces or 3.125 gallons.