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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:
Skyrainlight · 02/09/2024 16:10

You aren't wrong to refuse, she missed the party. Why would you pay for a service not delivered.

Judecb · 02/09/2024 17:39

They broke their contract and have caused you distress. Do not pay them and ask for compensation. I'd also threaten to put the story of their disgraceful behaviour all over social media so no-one would book them again.

Onthepage · 02/09/2024 17:56

Absolutely don’t pay.
Must say though seems a bit OTT for a 1st birthday party. Sounds like it was more for you than baby anyway

MammaTo · 02/09/2024 18:15

Screenshot everything before the other party can delete the messages.

MattSmithsBowTie · 02/09/2024 18:16

Obviously if they turn up after the party has finished they don’t get paid, we once had the bouncy castle turn up 30 minutes late and they gave us some additional soft play items to make up for it and were very apologetic.

Gravystain · 02/09/2024 18:16

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

PinkyFlamingo · 02/09/2024 18:20

I'm surprised you even have to ask!

TheBerry · 02/09/2024 18:21

How is this even a question! Obviously don’t pay her.

And if you paid a deposit she should give it back.

Mintypig · 02/09/2024 18:23

Of course you don’t pay her! Terrible service. Leave a review.

WiddlinDiddlin · 02/09/2024 18:25

Do you have it in writing that the hire of the entertainment stuff was between specific hours?

Say 12.30 set up - til 5pm take down - something like that.

Don't pay her - even if she did set up or try to set stuff up for a few straggling guests.

Your contract with her (ideally written but verbal is still legal) was for her to provide this equipment for use AT the party.

By turning up however many hours later, she's broken that. You owe her nothing.

Do not delete any texts - particularly if she was meant to be there, setting up at 12.30 and you have a text from her at 12.50 saying she'd just left/leaving soon, as that clearly demonstrates she was NEVER going to be on time to meet the terms of the contract.

Thursdaygirl · 02/09/2024 18:27

Do not delete any texts - particularly if she was meant to be there, setting up at 12.30 and you have a text from her at 12.50 saying she'd just left/leaving soon, as that clearly demonstrates she was NEVER going to be on time to meet the terms of the contract.

This

StarsandShine · 02/09/2024 18:29

Don't pay a penny! If anything - leave reviews!

listsandbudgets · 02/09/2024 18:32

YANBU OP I wouldn't pay her a penny and if I'd paid a deposit I'd be taking her to court to claim it back... but ONLY if I had a written confirmation that she was due to set up at 12.30

Thursdaygirl · 02/09/2024 18:35

OP, you’re not giving us much info here, does she say why she still thinks she is entitled to your payment?

Thefaceofboe · 02/09/2024 18:49

Unless there’s going to be a huge drip feed, you know you aren’t being unreasonable to not pay?

Mintgum · 02/09/2024 18:55

Nothing to add really if she was 4 hours late then no i would not pay.
But it seems way over the top for a 1 year old 12 months old hes not gonna care at 4 yes but i dont see many 1 year olds on bouncy castles.

Beautifulweeds · 02/09/2024 19:03

Party was over, no show no payment

Allthehorsesintheworld · 02/09/2024 19:10

Feys · 01/09/2024 21:58

12.30

Show quote history

Then you had a contract, either verbal or written , ( I hope written) which she broke.
You write to her saying as she is in breach of contract you will not be paying and your deposit should be returned or you will claim via small claims court, assuming you’re in UK.

suburberphobe · 02/09/2024 19:24

Sorry OP, sounds a way over the top birthday party for a one-year-old. Far too much stimulation.

Can't help with the legalities, don't live in UK.

Thursdaygirl · 02/09/2024 19:25

I hope the OP gave the entertainer more info than she’s giving us!!!

LadyGabriella · 02/09/2024 19:26

Do not pay. This is not acceptable in any way, shape or form. Leave a scathing review.

Viviennemary · 02/09/2024 19:30

She cannot be paid for a service that wasn't delivered.

autienotnaughty · 02/09/2024 20:01

I'd pay nothing and leave a honest review

Strictlymad · 02/09/2024 20:15

So she left very late and didn’t account for traffic, she doesn’t get a penny…

pollymere · 02/09/2024 20:18

I think she should be refunding you any deposits actually.

If you paid by Credit Card, I'd contact them and put in a dispute for failure to provide Goods and Services. Same for PayPal.