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Original poster

Entertainment ruined my sons party

111 replies

Feys · 01/09/2024 21:25

Hello I need some advice
I booked entertainment for my sons 1st birthday. This consisted of a bouncy castle, ball pit, light up numbers and balloon arches. And tables.
This company was supposed to arrive at half 12, they didn't show up until almost 4pm. By which time most of my guests and their children had left. The party that I had planned for so long had been ruined.
She still wants paying the full amount. Am I wrong to refuse?

OP posts:

topsy22 · 01/09/2024 21:26

Of course you're not. Providing there's no miscommunication on your part then they fucked up and didn't provide the service you asked for. They ruined your party and if anything should be offering compensation or at least a heartfelt apology, not asking you for money! The cheek.

DeCaray · 01/09/2024 21:27

I wouldn't have let her set anything up let alone pay her.

probster · 01/09/2024 21:27

really op? you have to ask? of course don’t bloom in pay her

but presumably you’ve paid a substantial deposit which she’ll keep

(for a 1 year old?!! 😮)

LesMisSaigon · 01/09/2024 21:28

Firstly, though this sounds like a shitty experience for you, your one year old son will not really be troubled by this. However there is no way I would be paying the entertainers for their non appearance.

IndigoIsMyFavouriteColour · 01/09/2024 21:29

Well the good thing is, the kid won't remember... I wouldn't pay her anything and would be asking for my deposit back or threaten with small claims court

TemuSpecialBuy · 01/09/2024 21:32

What a joker.
absolutely don’t pay.
tell her you’ll see her in small claims if she thinks she has a case

Sunshineandtequila · 01/09/2024 21:33

What happened when she turned up, did you turn he4 away,?

Changingplace · 01/09/2024 21:35

Absolutely she does not get paid, I’d have just turned her away at that point, no point setting up at all.

HotCrossBunplease · 01/09/2024 21:35

Of course you don’t pay! Most kids parties only last a couple of hours, surely it was over by the time she arrived?

This is a slam dunk breach of contract case, she doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Consumer Rights Act covers it too.

TheShellBeach · 01/09/2024 21:36

Did they get the time wrong or did you?

It seems a bit odd that they were so very late, still want to be paid, and seem to think they're entitled to the money?

RampantIvy · 01/09/2024 21:48

Do you have the agreed time in writing?
It sounds like they were very much in breach of contract.

Are there any review sites that you could leave comments on?

Original poster

Feys · 01/09/2024 21:51

TheShellBeach · 01/09/2024 21:36

Did they get the time wrong or did you?

It seems a bit odd that they were so very late, still want to be paid, and seem to think they're entitled to the money?

I messaged her at 12.50 asking what time she would be with me to set up and she said she was stuck in traffic having just left to come to me.

OP posts:

saraclara · 01/09/2024 21:52

Feys · 01/09/2024 21:51

I messaged her at 12.50 asking what time she would be with me to set up and she said she was stuck in traffic having just left to come to me.

Show quote history

Yes, but what time was she contracted to come and have set up by?

Delphiniumandlupins · 01/09/2024 21:53

What does your agreement with the company say? Their terms and conditions should state in what circumstances they can even keep your deposit. I wouldn't think arriving 3 and a half hours later than booked would allow them to keep any of your money.

Scarydinosaurs · 01/09/2024 21:54

What time did you book her for?

Beekeepingmum · 01/09/2024 21:55

saraclara · 01/09/2024 21:52

Yes, but what time was she contracted to come and have set up by?

Show quote history

Traffic is their problem not yours. They should have left earlier. Of course sometimes these things happen and can't be avoided if there is a crash or similar but in that case a gushing apology would be due to you certainly no payment it a risk of running a business.

TheBigFatMermaid · 01/09/2024 21:57

Stuck in traffic on a Sunday? How does she cope on Saturdays, when traffic is much busier?
No, yanbu, do not pay. Keep the text saying she was stuck in traffic and all previous messages making arrangements and tell her she's free to try and take you to court for the money!

cannynotsay · 01/09/2024 21:57

What time did you book?

BobbyBiscuits · 01/09/2024 21:57

They should not receive payment. It's like a vicar turning up to officiate a wedding after the bride, groom and guests have left. Absolutely pointless! No way should you pay. What was their excuse for being four hours late?

Original poster

Feys · 01/09/2024 21:58

saraclara · 01/09/2024 21:52

Yes, but what time was she contracted to come and have set up by?

Show quote history

12.30

OP posts:

Sunshineandtequila · 01/09/2024 22:00

Again what happened when she got there, did she provide the service or did you send her away?

LIZS · 01/09/2024 22:00

What time was the party due to start? Dod she tell you she was further delayed? Seems unlikely 3 1/2 hours was genuine.

Littletreefrog · 01/09/2024 22:01

Did you turn her away or let her set up? If you let her set up and some people used some of the equipment you need to pay her something (not a lot). If you turned her away then you owe her nothing.

Noshowlomo · 01/09/2024 22:02

Then fuck no, she was 4 hours late

flossyragdoll · 01/09/2024 22:03

Have you got anything in writing (text message/whatsapp/email/paper) from them agreeing to arrive for a 12:30 start?
What happened when they did show up? Did they still set up? What was said/agreed at that point?

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