A-1 Party Rental Center

If I could give 0 stars I would!!!
Where to even begin?
We decide to use this company for our wedding. (Big mistake!!!) We had booked all of our rentals almost a full year in advance. Please tell me why it wasn’t until FOUR days before my WEDDING (!!!) that our rental was finally confirmed. After being told multiple times that they would get back to us in a few days (for months every time we called that was their answer). Piss poor managerial skills and a serious lack of character was shown by this company. And it gets worse…
They delivered the equipment (tables, chairs and linen) the night before. Most of the tables looked like they were going to fall apart because they were missing screws. Most of the chairs looked like they would collapse because they were missing screws. Some of the chairs didn’t come with cushions (because they had fallen/​ripped off and hadn’t been replaced). The cushions we did receive had so many stains on them that it was kind of embarrassing to be putting them out for our wedding guests. The linens they gave us which were supposed to come in one color came in a plethora of colors. Even with all of this we were determined to have a wonderful day spent having fun and making memories…
I’m sure my mother will remember this day and not in a way that I wanted her to. Cut to the day of the wedding. They were scheduled to pick up the ceremony chairs (and all their missing pieces) after the ceremony had ended. We had placed water bottles and programs and bags of wedding rice on the chairs. Those all ended up in a garbage bag!!! My father had presented my mother, the mother of the bride, a beautiful bouquet of roses during the ceremony as a thank you for raising their daughter and to show his love and appreciation, that was also placed on one of the chairs so she could talk pictures with all of us. When she came back the roses were gone!!! She saw the guys packing up the chairs and went to ask them if they had seen them or had moved them. The guy rudely asked if they were red roses and then proceeded to tell my mother that he had seen them in the trash bag!!! My mother spent 20 plus minutes going through the trash practically crying trying to find the roses only for someone else who worked for them to come up and tell her «oh yeah I saw someone in a tux take them away»!!! The mother of the bride should never have had to go through the TRASH looking for something in her beautiful dress crying. But she did all because of the incompetent a-​hole who told her they threw them away!!! If you’re a rental company employee picking up your company’s equipment you shouldn’t be handling anything but your F***ing equipment!!! We spent so much money on decorations and rentals and the whole day that the fact that they didn’t care that they were throwing away someone else’s money let alone unused unopened things that obviously did not belong to their company was infuriating!!!
I will NEVER use this company again. They are the most inconsiderate, unskilled, unorganized establishment I have ever seen. And if you want to rent subpar mismatched stained and falling apart equipment (that’s if they even confirm your rental before your event) then this is the place for you. I have had better luck making the tables and chairs and sewing my own linens, at least then they would all match.

I’ve used A-​1 multiple times, usually for tables, chairs, dance floor, etc and all was well. This time I noticed they rent small PA/​sound systems and I figured, «Great! I don’t have to go to Gelb and pick up and return myself, I’ll have A-​1 deliver and pick up everything for me!»
Reservations and delivery went fine. Comes to using the sound system and visually it looked a little beaten up. I plug it in and it «worked» but sounded HORRIBLE. It also seemed to cut out or stop working sporadically.
I was using it for a very small block party talent show, have something for the kids to plug their iPod music into and use a microphone. Thankfully no one needed to play any music this year and we were able to hear everyone without a microphone, so we didn’t use it. We tried, but were spending more time trying to get it working and «the show must go on»
On the day they were picking up the equipment for return, I stopped by the office and explained the challenges with the PA system. The receptionist took notes on what was wrong with it and pledged to have someone check it out. That was it. I then said, «I’d like a credit for that item since it didn’t work enough and I didn’t use it.» She then offered to take 10% off my whole bill… I had a $ 300 bill, so I get credited $ 30 when the PA system was $ 53.
I left feeling like I don’t have a lot of attachment to renting future tables and chairs from them.
And get your sound system from Gelb.

I have been renting tables, chairs, tablecloths etc. for years from A-​1 Party Rental… The office staff has always been very friendly and nice… and the delivery and pick up guys are absolutely great… I will continue to use A-​1 Party rental for many years to come.
Janice U
San Carlos

The reviews regarding the woman owner with a poor attitude is true. She ignores the customers who are waiting and continues to do work behind the counter without acknowledging anyone. After waiting for about 20 minutes she gives a huge attitude when asked for service. Never returning there again. Best to take business elsewhere.

We had a big event and needed extra table and chairs. I went into A-​1 rental to see what kind they had, I was greater by Mary. She showed me all the different kinds of chairs they had. She was so helpful I even rented linens and glass wear. I will be using back for my next event to have Mary help me again

Rented some items from A-​1 and it included some chivari chairs with some cushions. I was disappointed to know that the cushions made a. Lot if noise with the plastic inside. Feeling frustrated with a short time before the party, I called the store and spoke with a lady on the phone and explained the situation. I wasn’t getting no where with her and she wouldn’t help me in regards to removing the plastic. I told her that I would be there at some point to pick up some cushions to replace the ones with the plastic and she told me that she couldn’t remove them. I was angry but then I received a phone call from Mary that she had removed the plastic of nine cushions for me and were ready for me to pick them up. I was so surprised and pleased with the fact that she went out of her way to please and to help me with the problem. Just when I thought that they didn’t give good customer service and willingness to help, Mary showed me the opposite, I thanked her and she said not to worry about it, and it was her job to make sure the customer was happy. I give A-​1 five stars. I will rent with them again and go with Mary again.

We are planning a baby shower in our backyard and in need of tents, tables, chairs, china and crystal. We had the smarts to stop in the store and better understand the pricing, options and ask questions.
In my opinion the staff wasn’t rude, just appeared exhausted. Tired of explaining the same thing 1,000x daily. As we don’t rent equipment like this on a regular basis, we need to ask the basic questions, but their answers seemed like a 16 year old, gum chewing, high school girl in a 1980s video rental store bored out of her mind.
I am not an expert on the party rental supply business. There seems to be a fair amount of competition in the Bay Area. Perhaps, business is so good you don’t need to make an effort to obtain more customers? If that is the case, good for you!
The thing is… although I was renting for just my little backyard baby shower… I am also responsible for a large number of community events in the Bay Area and I am getting select new vendors for the upcoming 2015 season.

I’ve rented from A-​1 for years and have never had issues. I have always been able to go in and find what I need and be able to know that if they don’t have it they’ll help me find it.
As a caterer and event planner I have been very pleased. They’re helpful, able to work with me when clients have changed their minds or added things on at the last minute. Or… I’ve forgotten something! Not to mention that my clients have also always been completely satisfied with my selections for their events.
I think perhaps it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what you may want. I’ve gone in many times w/​friends to help them figure things out & put things together for them so they end up with all the items needed for their parties.
For me… I like A-​1 Rentals, from the front of the house to the drivers and yes, I would use them again and again!

I have used A-​1 several times for parties, usually renting tables, chairs and linens. I have always had great experiences with them, either in person or over the phone. The first time I used them, one of the tables cloths was incorrect and they drove to my home to replace within 30min of my calling them. With the exception of that one incident, which they rectified immediately, my orders have always been correct. I will continue to use A-​1 for my party rental needs.

I am really disappointed in the service for my tent rental.
1) I asked to be called when tent was delivered b/​c it was not my residence. — no call, they didn’t come until after 6:30, which was super inconvenient (and past the window originally discussed.
2) We waited until 6:30 to move a vintage trailer in for our event, but then A1 was blocking our ability to get it in. When we tried to work with the driver/​team to get around, they were rude, dismissive, and not attentive to what we were trying to do.
3) Now, at 4:15, the tent is still up, blocking other activities at the rec center, and who knows when it will get taken down.
4) When I called to explain my dissatisfaction, I was told how hard «THEIR job» is, and how many hours they work, like I am supposed to feel bad? Hire more people, use more trucks, and don’t overbook/​over-​promise what you can not deliver in reasonable times.
5) This was for a charity fundraiser for education — and we wasted $ 300 bucks on something we would have been better off without at this point.
^) offer good service/​not excuses and sad stories about how hard your job is.
Extremely disappointed,
Linda SIguenza

In many ways they are great: the folks working there are friendly, and the prices are reasonable. However, while I mulling over rental possibilities, on two different occasions and of two different persons I inquired about delivery costs. «$ 60 to Menlo Park,» I was told each time. It seemed expensive since I live a mere 3 miles from this location (and they will drop stuff only at the street), but I was renting 8-​foot tables and three dozen chairs, so could hardly toss them into my Prius. Then later when I tried to schedule the delivery, I suddenly learned that they will deliver only if you’ve rented over $ 150 of equipment. Major hassles followed — cajoling friends to use their truck, etc. A-​1 should be upfront from the beginning about delivery requirements. Delivery is a major piece of the rental process, and most of us don’t have trucks at the ready.

I just used A-​1 for my wedding. The people in the store were friendly and helpful to me and the drivers/​delivery guys were EXTREMELY nice and helpful. However, I had a couple of aggravating issues with A-​1.
My mom called a couple of times to adjust the order and the lady tried to get her to rent more (unnecessary) items, which I had to then cancel.
A MAJOR issue was the delivery. When placing the order, my mom was originally told a delivery window time starting at 8 am the day before the event. She called later to ask for an end time for the delivery window. They said she had to call at 9 am the morning of the delivery to see when the truck would get there. She did and they told her «early afternoon.» At 3:45 I called them and they insisted they told my mom «late afternoon,» and the truck would be there in 20 minutes. One hour later, they pulled up. The driver immediately apologized, but I 100% blame the store/​administration. That’s fine if it’s a 4:45 pm delivery time — just freaking tell me that from the beginning!
Also, there were some quality concerns with the actual items delivered, nothing too big but altogether pretty annoying. The napkins were supposed to be white but about ¾ of them had obviously been washed at some point with something red so they were pinkish. They also varied in texture which was odd. The flatware, especially the knives, had black marks on them. I heard that at least one of the table clothes had stains on it — it was dark navy so it really had to be stained for someone to notice.
Additionally, the amp/​karaōke machine that was delivered was broken. I called as soon as I noticed, soon after the items were finally delivered. It was after hours and so I called the «emergency line» given in the voicemail message. The woman who answered seemed really bothered that I called her. I told her that I was sorry but I have a wedding the next morning and need to get a working amp as soon as possible and that they should check whether their amps are actually functional before loading them on the truck. She finally said that she could have a new one delivered the next morning by 10am. Fortunately, that was enough time to get it for my morning ceremony. But gosh! No reason to be annoying when you deliver a broken amp 8 hours late the day before my wedding! That phone call was the only time I even hinted at being a bridezilla throughout the entire time I planned the wedding.
All in all, everything was fine; and I may rent from them again if I need to, but I will definitely look into other places first.

Follow up to my review — I am still waiting to hear from the Owner. 10 days and counting… no phone call.

A-​1 was great! I didn’t deal directly with them since my caterer took care of all the ordering! But the rentals were great, loved all the silverware and linens!!! Gorgeous linens and tons of options!
And we added a black and white dance floor through them that was amazing! It made the room! It was a great statement piece! Would definitely use them again!

I walked In to pick u my order for my fathers 50^th birthday and in somewhat of a rush however I didn’t show them I was in a rush. But apparently the ladies at the desk didn’t even acknowledge me as I was standing there for 5 minutes. They weren’t even busy so I can’t blame not being acknowledged due to them being busy. Clearly they are just rude and I felt I was entering a mean girls huddle. No smiles were cracked and I was assisted by a nice gentlemen the only nice person probably working there who loaded up my vehicle And off I went. I’m finally ready to set up my cocktail tables to find one major piece missing (the leg). Thank god my father is handy and we improvised and found something in place of the missing leg for the evening. Next time I get dealt with in a shitty manner I’ll be quick to address there careless attitudes and bad customer service. I will not ever deal with shitty customer service 2 times at a place of business on my dollar.

We recently used A1 for a large event held at Twin Pines in Belmont. We had to add, subtract, substitute and discuss items to rent on a regular basis leading up to the event. When asking for all the revisions, we were always given excellent customer service! Sunny helped thru email and by phone on every need and question I had in a very acceptable timely manner. When Sunny was not available, Michelle was able to step right in and help!
The delivery came as expected, as well a pick up.
I never had to step foot into the showroom, did it all online and by phone. Bonus!

I called and spoke with Michelle and asked to rent a huge 15×15 or 18×18 tent for our company over the Thanksgiving Holiday and she told me that I had rent something else to go with it. So I asked for some picnic benches — well, they told me that they did not have any.
So now what, genius?
You just lost a huge sale — whoever is allowing Michelle to handle the phones needs to to make better decisions! Your competitor, Your Party Rental, in Burlingame fixed us up and did not gouge us either!
Terrible terrible terrible customer service.

All the reviews about the horrible customer service are true and after 10 minutes in the store my fiancé and I decided there was no way we’d give A-​1 our business.
We walked in hoping to rent tables, chairs and linens for our upcoming wedding. The first thing we noticed was that the showroom is rather bare… literally a couple of tables with a few linens thrown on and a few example place settings on the wall. From the outside I expected a lot but was very disappointed. The second thing we noticed was how rude the manager (Sunny?) was talking to a potential customer on the phone. The poor person just wanted information on renting a popcorn machine and the manager acted like she couldn’t be less happier to explain the rental process, patronizing the person with every question.
When the person asked if the machine came with popcorn or if they’d have to buy the ingredients themselves the manager went into overdrive… it was awful. I just stood there watching her have this conversation wondering if it occurred to her that the customers standing in front of her would not be thrilled to be treated this way but she seemed not to care. My fiancé kept looking at me in total disbelief that someone would talk to their inquiring customers this way.
Next it was our turn (yay). We asked if they had any setups that we could look at, maybe some photos, catalogs, etc. She points to a stack of printouts… doesn’t get them for us, points to them… as in «go get it yourselves.» My fiancé and I look over the pricing list (no pictures of anything so you have no idea what you’re getting) and he asks if we can see some sample photos. She responds, «it’s all online.» So I’m thinking, «we came INTO the store IN PERSON to talk with you IN PERSON to ask questions and get ideas and you tell us to go home and get on the computer instead.»
Brilliant.
If I’d had just a little more coffee that morning I probably would have given her a talkin’ to, but alas, I didn’t have the energy. Instead we just left, laughed at how bad the experience was-​both for us and that poor popcorn machine wanting soul on the phone-​and crossed them off our list of vendors. A week later I met with a florist who had nothing nice to say about A-​1 and directed me to Classic Party Rentals instead. Thank goodness we were saved from the nightmare others have had.

A-​1 provides a basic service — they rent a fairly wide variety of party-​related items. That’s pretty much it. They don’t go the extra mile in any way that I’ve seen. Service is neither friendly or unfriendly. It just is.
If they had a mission statement, it would say: «We rent stuff you don’t want to store yourself. It’s probably more expensive than you think. Sign here.»
Since they’re close to home, we’ve typically rented tables and chairs from A-​1 for big events. So far, these items have been serviceable but fairly beat up. Our latest rental was for some rolling garment racks (we were upgrading our closet shelving). The racks were in such poor condition that they were actually missing pieces (which I didn’t discover until I got home). I made due with some modifications, but when I told the staff about it, they simply replied «OK, thanks.» No kind of reimbursement (or apology) was offered.
For a service-​related business, the hours and staffing are poor. They close at 5 pm on weekdays, so forget running an errand here after work. You’d think they would increase staffing at lunchtime to compensate, but that was not my experience. It was just the opposite; I had trouble finding anyone in the storeroom — both picking up and dropping off.
For weekend party needs in Redwood City, I have no doubt I will be back here again. But it’s time for me to start looking for some alternatives.

I made the mistake of giving this place another try yesterday since it has been almost 2 years since my bad experience.
Yesterday I placed an order for delivery. The woman Annette I spoke with said they have a minimum for delivery and I was nowhere close. I explained to her that I’m a predominant caterer here in San Carlos and this event was for the Best Buy Store Magnolia Event. She then said that delivery would not be a problem. I then asked about disposable trash bins and she said she’d call me back about that.
I had not heard back yet today so I called to follow up and confirm the order (I was very nervous about using them again). I spoke with the woman Sunny and as she is confirming my order she mentions it’s a «will call». I say no, it’s supposed to be a delivery, that Annette told me it wouldn’t be a problem yesterday. She then begins to argue with me that there is a minimum and if I want my tables and tablecloths delivered I’d have to come pick them up. I told her that i can’t pick them up, that’s why I asked for delivery!
So even though the employee I spoke with the day before said it would be a delivery but entered it as a will call, neglected to call me back about trash bins AND neglected to tell me there is a $ 60.00 delivery fee… there was NO APOLOGY.
At one point I got very upset and had to remind Sunny that I AM THE CUSTOMER. After all this back and forth she FINALLY agreed my items would be delivered and after numerous times me asking for her to drop the delivery cost, it was dropped to $ 40.00. I sure hope I don’t get screwed tomorrow…