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 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 provider may offer is critically important to the type of event you are hosting. Click here to learn more about the different options typically offered or feel free to reach out to us theboothbros@gmail.com for a free consultation.
2. 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 may be 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 down 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.
3. Instagram:
Check out their Instagram. Do they have a lot of content? Are they posting frequently? Their Instagram is a great way to see their services in action. Websites are cool and great, but Instagram gives us better real life perspective on what they have to offer especially if they are posting lives. Of course, not having an Instagram or a seldom used one does not mean a poorly run Photo Booth company, but having one helps you identify the good ones.
4. Google Reviews:
Check their reviews. Take a quick note of the company’s rating and spend a few minutes browsing the feedback from customers. One negative review or a handful among many positive comments, maybe a red flag worthy of exploring but doesn’t necessarily indicate that a company provides poor service. Companies are not perfect and do make mistakes. The key thing is to see how the company responded to the customer, and compare it to other customers feedback. If there is a still true concern, ask the provider about the issue and what they did to resolve it. Also, while reviewing feedback, use your analytical skills to determine if the feedback is genuine. Finally, like Instagram, not all companies have a long list of reviews because they are new. If that’s the case, ask for references of previous customers, particualry if you are willing to give them a shot on your big day. Overall use common sense judgement.
5. Insurance:
Before making your final selection, make sure the Photo Booth companies you are considering 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, a week before your big event, is to learn that your service provider has no insurance, you are stuck in a contract, and still have to scramble to find a legitimate Photo Booth Rental replacement. Even worse, if the Photo Booth catches fire, which there are several reports you can google, or causes major damage to your selected venue or your home, you are then responsible for the cost of the damages. Make sure you are covered by making sure they are covered. A one million dollar policy should be the minimum amount.
Raul is a Business Professional with over a decade of marketing and operating experience in the Higher Education, Non-Profit, and For Profit industries. He is also Owner, Operator, and Creator in Chief of the Photo Booth Rental Company, TheBoothBros, serving all of New Jersey, NYC and Philadelphia. Feel free to reach out to theboothbros@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding Photo Booth rentals or would simply like to join our network of providers.
By: Raul Arlequin Jr.