Understanding the Plant Hire Cancellation Policy and Charges
In construction and industrial work, plans change, often at the last minute. Whether it’s a delay in permits, bad weather, or a shift in project priorities, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to cancel a hire.
Understanding the plant hire cancellation policy is crucial for managing costs effectively.
But many plant hire companies don’t care. Cancel within 24 hours? That’ll still cost you. Cancel on the day? You pay the full amount even if the machine hasn’t moved an inch.
These unfair cancellation charges are one of the most frustrating parts of equipment hire, and we at FESS Hire simply don’t believe in them.
The Industry Norm: Charges Even When Nothing’s Been Delivered
Understanding Our Plant Hire Cancellation Policy
We hear it all the time: customers being charged 50%, 75%, or even the full hire fee just for cancelling within 24 hours of the job start.
This happens with:
- Powered access platforms that are “in the yard but booked”
- Skips that haven’t been dispatched yet
- Welfare units that were only pencilled in for delivery
These penalties are especially painful when the cancellation isn’t your fault; maybe the job site isn’t ready, or access has been blocked. Either way, you’re stuck paying for a machine you never used.
One frustrated project lead told us:
“We had to cancel a boom the afternoon before delivery due to weather delays. The supplier still charged us 75% of the hire; it’s just ridiculous.”
Why It Happens
Most hire firms schedule deliveries in advance and block equipment availability when you place an order. That’s fair enough. But instead of building flexibility into their operations, they pass the risk onto you.
They’ll argue the machine was ‘allocated’, that it ‘left the yard’ but more often than not, it hasn’t even been loaded. It’s a penalty charge dressed up as policy.
FESS Hire’s Flexible Cancellation Policy
We’ve taken a different view.
At FESS Hire, we know that projects shift all the time. We don’t punish you for that. That’s why we offer:
- Free cancellation on most kit until 5 pm the day before delivery
- No hidden fees or admin charges
- Simple, transparent terms that work in the real world
We work closely with your project team to plan ahead, but if you need to cancel, it’s no problem. Just let us know before the cut-off, and it won’t cost you a penny.
This approach has saved customers hundreds, even thousands, over the course of a project.
As one long-standing client told us:
“FESS are just fair. If we need to shift a job, they shift with us. No arguments, no penalties, just proper service.”
Why It Matters
Unfair cancellation fees don’t just hurt your budget—they damage trust. They make you think twice about hiring until the last minute, which increases the risk of kit not being available when you actually need it.
A flexible cancellation policy lets you plan ahead without fear. You can reserve the necessary equipment and adjust if plans change—confident you won’t be penalised.
That’s how it should be.
Real-World Example: A Win for Flexibility
A major fit-out contractor working with multiple retail brands often faces last-minute shifts due to site access or store approvals. When they moved over to FESS Hire, they immediately saw the benefit.
Over a 10-week programme, they had to cancel or delay over 20 hires. With their previous supplier, the penalty costs would have exceeded £4,000. With FESS? £0.
More importantly, they could plan confidently and act quickly—knowing we had their back.
FAQs
Q: What’s FESS Hire’s cancellation policy?
A: We offer free cancellation on most items until 5 pm the day before the scheduled delivery; there are no hidden charges.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel on the morning of delivery?
A: We’ll do everything possible to reduce or waive charges, depending on how far the order has progressed. We’re always fair and transparent.
Q: Do I need to cancel in writing?
A: All it takes is a quick call or email to your account manager. We keep it simple.
Q: What if I cancel frequently—will that affect future service?
A: Not at all. We understand that project timelines change. We work with you, not against you.
Q: Can I reserve equipment in advance without financial risk?
A: Yes. Booking early ensures availability, and with our flexible policy, there’s no downside if plans change.
Why FESS Hire?
We don’t believe in punishing customers for things they can’t control. Our flexible, fair Plant Hire Cancellation Policy is just one example of how we put your needs first. With us, you can book early, adjust freely, and get on with the job—without worrying about hidden charges.
Hiring kit should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why at FESS Hire, we give you the flexibility you need to deliver every time. Call us now.