Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a list of common Party Rental questions. While this is not intended to cover every situation, we hope we will answer to the most common ones quickly. If you don't find the answers here you're looking for, please call our office at (813) 404-6744 and one of our party professional will be happy to assist you.
 

Big Lou's Bouncies Weather Policy

It's Raining or it may rain Now what?

We Have it pretty good here in Florida, and we have great bouncing and sliding weather most of the year but every once in a while it will rain on party day.

If there is scattered rain in the area, we will be in contact with you 24 hours prior to plan our options. If you decide to go ahead with the party as planned, we will deliver and setup.

Q: Are you guys properly insured?

A: Yes we are! While It’s illegal in most states to rent inflatables without state inspections and insurance, Florida remains one of the few unregulated states in the country. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there that ignore your safety and rent inflatable bounce houses without insurance. If you choose not to rent from Big Lou's Bouncies , please research our competitors to ensure they are running a legitimate business and choose a company that is properly insured.

Q: Does Big Lou's Bouncies offer Customer Pick-ups?

A: At this time we do offer customer pick-up. Rest assured all of our employees are trained on how to transport and set-up our Bounce houses and Water slides without damaging the unit, your property or themselves. However if you would like to pick up a Regular Bounce house you can do so at our warehouse. call ahead for availabiity and times for pick up.

Q: Do you guys rent by the Hour?

A: The answer is, no. We take the setup and cleaning of our Bounce houses and Water slides very seriously. Some companies feel they can rent units twice in 1 day by offering 4 hour rentals and maintain clean bounce houses and on time deliveries. It has been our experience over the years that we have had customers call because their bounce was dirty or did not show up when they have rented from other companies. We feel as though we would be offering our customers a disservice by doing so. Therefore, we only rent our jumps and slides out once a day. This gives us time to make sure our inflatables are inspected, sanitized and properly installed. A FULL DAY IS CONSIDERED 5 to 7 HOURS.

Q: It's raining now what?

A: We Have it pretty good here in Florida, and we have great bouncing and sliding weather most of the year but every once in a while it will rain on party day. If there is scattered rain in the area, we will be in contact with you 24 hours prior to plan our options. If you decide to go ahead with the party as planned, we will deliver and setup.

If you decide to cancel our delivery because of weather, we will work with you. We can reschedule and offer a rain check on your deposit that is good for 60 days. Please keep in mind, All deposits at the time of check-out are non refundable so it is important that you reschedule in a timely manner and all re-shedules are subject to availability.

Q: Will that thing blow away?

A: We use heavy duty steel stakes when securing our units however the Wind can be extremely powerful.
If the wind starts blowing the tops of the trees and looks to be gusting 20 mph or more, go ahead and get the kids out and deflate the unit for a while. If you are unsure please don't hesitate to call us (813)404-6744
Please use common sense, our 20 foot slides are more affected by wind than our smaller bounce houses and combo units. Have the supervising adult keep an eye on the stakes and use good judgment when unexpected weather comes up. Again please don't hesitate to call if you are unsure. (813)404-6744

Big Lou's Bouncies takes safety very seriously and please believe us when we say wind can be extremely powerful. If The wind starts blowing in excess of 20 mph, deflate the unit and get the kids out. When the wind lets up make sure the stakes anchoring the unit are as secure as they were at setup, turn the blower back on, and let the kids start having fun again..

Set up area:

We will need a fairly flat, clean area with an outlet within 75- 100 feet of the blower (we have generators for rent if we are too far away from an electrical source $59.00). Please clean up any sticks, rocks or doggy poo before we get there. We will not be able to setup in an area covered in rocks, sticks or dog poo; having to clean doggy poo off our bouncers makes us very sad. We have posted the area needed for setup in each of the unit descriptions. These are actual minimum areas and we will require at least this amount of space listed for setup. If you are unsure please call for dimensions and measurements (813)404-6744

Q: How do I pay?

Big Lou's Bouncies Accepts Cash Or Credit cards/debit cards. You can Pay by credit card through our website or we take cash on delivery We do not accept Personal checks. Deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking.

Q: What do I do to reserve a rental?

A: Simply call, we like to do business face to face not through an automated machine. Or if you are after Hours feel free to Order Online. Ordering Online Is Fast, Easy and Secure. Simply click on the link or go to our homepage, click on the link at the top right of the page and start your online order. 

Q: How much area do I need?

All Inflatables have measurements on website, you should add 5 feet to
each measurement to have plenty room. (Don't forget height) all
measurements are Length x width x height. Most water slides and combos you will need 40x20x20, and bounce houses you will need 17x17.

Q: Do I need to supply anything?

A: Big Lou's will include everything needed to set up within 50-75 feet of a power supply. Please make sure there is a clean area for set-up, remove any branches, rocks or sharp objects. If you Are renting a water slide you will need to supply your own hose.

Q: What if it rains?

A: Big Lou's will call to confirm all rentals ahead of time if bad weather is imminent you will then have the option to reschedule, once we set up your rental there will be no refunds.

Q: What about bad weather?

A: We take into account all of your concerns... including inclement weather. For your convenience, if you cancel an order prior to setup, you will need to let us know 24 hours in advance. For your safety, if winds exceed 20 Mph we reserve the right to cancel delivery or remove any property of Big Lou's Bouncies LLC. If we deliver and set-up for your event and it rains after the fact, there are no raincheck, refunds or discounts

Q: Do you supply attendants?

A: YES! Call to book an attendant

Q: Can I change the unit I rent?

A: You may change rental unit for any other unit that is available, we
need a 24-48 hour notice.

Q: Why should I rent from Big Lou's Bouncies?

A: Big Lou's Bouncies is a local family owned and operated business. Our Core team is comprised of a Nurse, former Army Medic and a former Certified Fire Fighter we know about safety and health, this is why we clean and sanitize every unit and keep up with the safety standards for every Party rental. So you can focus on having FUN!!!

Q: Does the price include set up and delivery?

A: Yes and No, it Depends on distance. Additional Travel fees may apply for areas farther out, with gas prices on the rise there may be a small fuel charge for areas nearby. Remember prices do not include sales tax. All public venues have special drop off and pick up requirements, we charge a 25$ fee for all public venues. 

Q: Do you deliver to other cities?

A: Yes, but once again please be aware that due to rising gas prices and the possible need for an extra truck and labor that travel fees can be quite high. Please call our office for a current quote.

Q: Does the standard 6-8 hour rental time include your set up time?

A: No. We arrive early to set up so you get the entire rental time to play. Our latest pick-up time is 7:00 pm. Again a full day are the start to the end time, there is no need to put early times because we already come out earlier than the time you enter for your start time. A full day is considered 6-8 hours, keep in mind this must fall within our earliest delivery time and latest pic up time.

Q: When do you set up?

A: That depends on how many rentals we have that day. Generally we arrive 1-4 hours before the rental time begins. If we have a lot of rentals that day, we may need to set up as early as 4 hours in advance. If this is the case, we will call the Friday before to confirm that someone will be at the party location. Pick ups are also 1-4 hours after your party ends, so please be patient we will be out to pick up the equipment after your event.

Q: We've rented some really dirty jumps from other companies in the past. Are they always that dirty?

A: No. The Bounce House or Water slide should be clean when you get it. Big Lou's Bouncies cleans and disinfects after every rental. We take personal pride in delivering a clean product every time.

Q: Do we have to keep it plugged in the entire time?

A: Yes. A blower keeps air in the jump unit the entire time. Once unplugged they deflate. That's why we require an outlet within 50´-'75' feet of the unit or a generator. Longer cords can pop your circuit breaker so we bring our own heavy duty cords.

Q: What about parks? Do parks have electricity?

A: We love setting up at parks but most parks do NOT have electricity. If you want to set up at a park, you must rent a generator. We rent generators at a reasonable cost. Also, parks are first come, first serve so get your spot early in the day. NOTE: City of Tampa Parks require that you set up and pay for a green space, we cannot violate our contract with the city so we will not set up if a green space is not aquired. Hillsborough county parks may require a pavillion rental. All park rentals city or county require a generator. 

Q: What payments do you take?

A: Cash, checks or Credit Cards. The day of your event we only accept Cash. If paying by cash, please have exact change as our drivers do not carry cash. If you would like to pay by Credit card or Debit card you may do so upon reservation or 72 hours prior to your event. Due to the amount of returned checks we no longer accept checks.

Q: What if we need to cancel?

A: We will work with you. If you have a scheduling issue, sick child etc please give us at least 2 days notice before the scheduled event and we will update your file with a rain check. Please reschedule in a timely manner and all re-schedules are subject to availability.

Q: Do you require a deposit?

A: Yes all orders require a minimum of a $25 and no more than 25% of your total,  Credit Card deposit. The deposits are Non-refundable if you cancel your order. However you will be given a rain check that is good for 60 days.

Q: How big are the bounce houses?

A: Most of our bounce houses (all of our character jumps for example) are 15´x15´ or 13x13 which is a little bigger than many companies rent. Please note the space required for each bounce house or slide (listed near the large picture) as some are VERY big and require extra space. When in doubt, measure your space to make sure it will fit. Jumps need room to be staked and they need room for the blower and can't rub against walls or trees as this may damage the jump. The sizes listed with each jump include the space needed for stakes etc. If you have stairs or a tiered backyard, please call our office to discuss options for setup.

Q: What about the big jumps? Any special requirements?

A: Check the requirements listed with each jump. Also, make sure you have at least a 4´ foot access to the area where it will be set up. The jumps can weigh up to 650 pounds so we need a clear path with ample room.

Q: What surfaces do you set up on?

A: We can set up on Grass (our favorite and best for the kids), dirt, asphalt, and concrete. Sorry, we can´t set up on any type of rocks as the constant rubbing will wear through the vinyl jumps. Please let us know as soon as possible if we will be setting up on concrete so we can make arrangements for proper anchoring of your unit. NOTE: We will not set up water slides on concrete, wet slides, kids and concrete do not mix.

Q: Can we see a copy of your contract and safety rules?

A: Yes. There is a link in your receipt once you've ordered or you may contact our office.

Q: Are we responsible for the unit if it gets a tear or damaged in any way?

A: Yes and no. You are not responsible for normal wear and tear on our units. Seams may develop tears in high traffic areas over a period of time. If this happens please alert us at once so we can remedy the situation. If however, damage occurs due to failure to follow our safety rules or negligence (i.e. not turning off the blower in high winds, sharp objects, silly string, adults using a bounce house not rated for adults) you will be responsible for all damages up to and including replacement of the unit/blower etc which can cost thousands of dollars. We don't want you or us to be in that situation which is why we have you sign and initial on all of our safety rules so that you can be the trained operator. Also silly string, gum, hair dyes, sticky substances,  candy and food stains or cleaning will be subject to $150.00 cleaning charge. Silly string damage is permanent and will be charged the entire cost of the unit, please be aware of this, once paid you will own the unit.

Still have a question? Call or Write: Biglousbouncies@gmail.com 813-404-6744
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