How We Optimise the Logistics of Catering Equipment Delivery
At Plato Catering Hire, our commitment to excellence isn’t just about providing quality catering equipment, it’s also about delivering exceptional customer service. One way we do this is by ensuring efficient logistics for a seamless event experience.
From meticulously preparing each piece of hire kit to optimising delivery schedules, we are dedicated to providing a level of customer service that exceeds expectations, adhering to the highest industry standards.
Effortless ordering process
We’ve simplified the ordering process to make it as effortless as possible for our clients. Whether you’re a seasoned caterer or a soon-to-be-married couple planning your dream wedding, placing an order with Plato Catering Hire is simple.
Caterer convenience: For catering professionals, ordering is as simple as putting the desired items into our system. With just a few clicks, you can select the equipment you need, specify quantities, and provide any additional instructions.
Personalised assistance: We understand that planning an event can be very overwhelming with lots of different elements that need pulling together, so if you do need some extra help then our experienced team is here to guide you through the process, helping you choose the perfect equipment to bring your vision to life.
Transparent pricing: Once your order is submitted, we will promptly send you a detailed quote outlining all costs involved. We believe in transparency, so you’ll never encounter any hidden fees or unexpected charges.
Thorough quality control
Before any equipment is delivered, it undergoes a stringent quality control process to ensure it meets our high standards. This includes:
Picking list confirmation: Once your order is received, we generate a picking list to ensure that every item is accounted for. This step helps us maintain accuracy and efficiency throughout the preparation process.
Thorough checks: As a SafeHire-certified company, we adhere strictly to the standards set by the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) Code of Practice. This includes thorough cleaning of equipment at the correct tempartures, rigorous PAT testing, gas testing, and thorough checks to ensure that every item is in perfect working condition upon delivery. We also provide detailed operating instructions and safety guidance.
Efficient delivery logistics
Once your order is confirmed and quality-checked, we’re on to ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Here’s how we make it happen:
Assigned time slots: While clients cannot choose their delivery time slot, we work hard to accommodate their scheduling needs. On the day of the event, we operate within a designated time slot, either AM or PM, to ensure timely delivery and collection.
Advanced planning: For events like weddings, where timing is crucial, we take a proactive approach to planning. Deliveries are typically scheduled a day before the event, with collections arranged for Monday or Tuesday. Our warehouse team meticulously prepares orders, double-checking each item before it’s loaded onto the van.
Precise navigation: To further enhance our delivery process, we use tools like What3Words for precise location mapping. This eliminates the confusion often associated with traditional postcodes, ensuring that our drivers can locate venues with ease, even in remote or hard-to-find locations.
Site accessibility: Accessibility is key to successful delivery, so we urge our clients to communicate any access restrictions or considerations well in advance. Whether it’s narrow lanes, tight bends, or specific parking requirements, providing this information allows us to plan accordingly. Our fleet can include various vehicle sizes, ranging from long-wheelbase vans to 7.5 and 18-tonne lorries, ensuring that we can accommodate different delivery scenarios.
Fast loading and unloading: Time is of the essence, especially during busy event periods. With this in mind, we allocate a maximum of 30 minutes for loading and unloading equipment upon arrival at the site. This ensures that deliveries are prompt and efficient, minimising disruption to event preparations.
When hiring equipment from Plato, you can be safe in the knowledge that any electrical equipment is PAT tested before it’s hired out. Plato is also a member of the SafeHire Certification Scheme, SafeHire© represents a stringent certification standard, setting the benchmark for excellence in the hire and rental industry. Opting for a SafeHire© certified company ensures not only safety but also guarantees that the equipment you choose is meticulously maintained and perfectly suited for its intended purpose.
Looking for catering equipment hire that you can trust? Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your event!
