5 things to know before Renting a Photo booth
Know what you need, leave a little room for wants: Before you start your search have an idea of what you need for your upcoming event, budget for a little extra, and begin exploring. There are countless different types of Photo Booths, Photo and Video Experiences. There are DLSR Photobooths, iPad Photobooths, Mirror Photo Booths, 360 Booths, some print, some just produce digital photos and Gifs, and others produce video. Knowing the difference between these main options along with the many different add-on services a service provider may offer is critically important to the type of event you are hosting. Click here to learn the difference learn more about the different options typically offered or feel free to reach out to us theboothbros@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Narrow your search: Google will provide you with endless results for Photo Booth operators near you. Paid and well designed websites with great SEO will generate on the top of the first page and while this maybe a good indicator of a solid company, definitely take your time to browse the results of at least the first two pages. After doing so, narrow your options to three and begin a deep dive. Thoroughly compare the Photo Booth types, services and pricing. Fill out their form, email them, and/or give them a call. Are they responsive? How responsive they are is a good indicator of the type of service you will ultimately receive.
Instagram: Check out their Insta. Do they have a lot of content? Are they posting frequently? Their Instagram is a great way to their services in action. Websites are cool and great, but Instagram gives us better perspective on what they have to offer especially if they are posting lives. Of course, not having an Instagram or seldom used one does not mean a poorly run Photo Booth company, but having one helps you identify the good ones.
Google Reviews: Review their reviews. Like Instagram, not all companies have a long list a reviews and some are new and offer great experiences. Ask for references of previous customers, particualry if you are willing to give them a shot on your big day.On the other hand, a company with many reviews is evidence of an experienced company with results. Even so, try to find any negative comments, determine if they seem legitimate and see if the company was responsive and looking to reconcile the issue.
Insurance: Before making your final selection, make sure they carry business liability insurance. Many venues will inform you that your selected vendors will have to provide current Certificates of Insurance (COIs) in the weeks leading up to your event. DO NOT WAIT until then to request this from your Photo Booth provider. There are countless operators with no insurance and the last thing you want is a week before your big event you learn that your service provider has no insurance, stuck in a contract, and still having to scramble to find a legitimate replacement. Even worse, the Photo Booth company causes major damage to the venue or your home and you are left responsible to repair the damages. Make sure you are covered by making sure they are covered.
By: Raul Arlequin Jr.