Terms

1.1 In these conditions, the following words have these meanings:

“Contract” – An agreement incorporating these conditions, between the Customer and AVE Services for the hire of Equipment and/or services.

“Customer” – The person, company, or organisation hiring Equipment.

“Deposit” – An advance security payment held against possible damage, cleaning, loss, or late return.

“Equipment” – All items, accessories, and materials hired to the Customer, as described in the Contract.

“Hire Period” – The agreed period the Customer has use of the Equipment, ending when it is returned or collected by AVE Services.

“Liability” – All damages, claims, costs, or losses resulting from the hire.

“Services” – Any work (including delivery, collection, set up) provided by AVE Services in conjunction with the hire.

“Supplier” – AVE Services, its employees, freelance staff, agents, or authorised representatives.

2.1 All hires are subject to Equipment availability at the required time. AVE Services is not liable for any loss if Equipment is unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control.

2.2 Nothing in these terms limits your statutory rights as a consumer.

3.1 The hire fee, deposit, and any service charges must be paid before Equipment is released, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.2 Prices are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.

3.3 Timely payment is essential. If payment is not received in full and cleared funds by the due date, AVE Services may charge interest at 4% above base rate, compounded quarterly.

3.4 All sums must be paid in full without any set-off or withholding.

3.5 AVE Services may set a credit limit and suspend or terminate hire if this is exceeded.

4.1 Risk in the Equipment passes to the Customer once it leaves AVE Services’ control and returns when received back.

4.2 Ownership always remains with AVE Services. The Customer must not sell, assign, or otherwise deal with the Equipment.

4.3 AVE Services may require the Customer to insure the Equipment. Proof of insurance may be requested, and standard home or business insurance may not suffice.

5.1 The Customer is responsible for collecting and returning Equipment, unless otherwise agreed. Delivery/collection by AVE Services will incur an additional charge.

5.2 If the Customer delays, postpones, or cancels Services after confirmation, additional charges may apply.

5.3 The Customer must ensure suitable access and working conditions for delivery, collection, or set up.

5.4 AVE Services is not responsible for delays caused by events outside our control, or for technology failure on the day; partial refunds may be considered but are not guaranteed.

6.1 The Customer must:

• Not remove labels or interfere with Equipment mechanisms.
• Only use Equipment for its intended indoor purpose, following any operating/safety instructions.
• Protect Equipment from theft, loss, dirt, water, or misuse. Equipment returned with excessive dirt, stains, or residue will incur a cleaning fee deducted from the deposit.
• Immediately report any damage, loss, breakdown, or change of address/location of Equipment.
• Allow AVE Services access for inspection or collection if required.
• Not attempt repairs without written permission.

6.2 Equipment must be returned in working, clean condition, with all accessories. Missing items will be charged at full replacement cost.

7.1 Allowance may be made for hire fees if breakdown occurs due to inherent fault or fair wear and tear, as long as AVE Services is notified promptly.

7.2 The Customer is responsible for all losses or damage due to negligence, misuse, or unauthorised repairs.

7.3 Routine maintenance and fair-wear repairs are the responsibility of AVE Services; other repair costs will be charged to the Customer.

8.1 If Equipment is returned damaged, unclean, or defective (excluding fair wear and tear or inherent fault), the Customer is liable for the cost of repair and/or cleaning to restore Equipment to re-hireable condition. Cleaning fees will be deducted from the deposit based on severity (light dusting, heavy soiling, sticky residue, etc). An itemised invoice will be provided within 7 days.

8.2 Lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged Equipment will be charged at full replacement cost (minus any insurance proceeds paid to AVE Services). Missing accessories are charged at replacement value.

8.3 If repairs or cleaning delay re-hire, hire charges will continue until Equipment is ready for use.

9.1 AVE Services may terminate the hire or repossess Equipment if the Customer fails to pay, breaches contract terms, or becomes insolvent. All outstanding sums become immediately due.

9.2 The Customer must return Equipment immediately upon termination or make it available for collection.

10.1 AVE Services is not liable for loss, injury, or damage arising from misuse of Equipment or any consequential, economic, or indirect losses.

10.2 Liability is limited to the hire fees paid or the replacement cost of Equipment, whichever is higher, except in cases of death or injury caused by AVE Services’ negligence.

10.3 The Customer indemnifies AVE Services against any claims, costs, or losses resulting from breach of these terms or misuse of Equipment.

11.1 For certain hires, two forms of ID may be required (one must be photographic). Data is kept confidential unless required for investigation of damaged/stolen Equipment.

11.2 We do not sell, distribute, or lease your information except as required by law.

11.3 You are entitled to request details of your personal data held by us.

12.1 AVE Services is not responsible for delays or failure to fulfil obligations caused by circumstances beyond its control (force majeure).

13.1 All confirmed hires (order accepted or quote signed) are subject to cancellation charges as follows:

• Cancellations more than 7 days before the hire start date: No fee, full refund.
• Cancellations 7 days to 24 hours before the hire start date: 50% of hire fee.
• Cancellations less than 24 hours before the hire or after Equipment has left our premises: 100% of hire fee.
• Outsourced items/services are subject to 100% cancellation charge once ordered.

If AVE Services cancels your hire, all payments will be refunded in full.