BetterBounce Frequently Asked Questions – Your Questions Answered
We receive many questions on a daily basis regarding the purchase of bouncy castles and inflatables. To ensure you have all the necessary information, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. However, if there's anything that you feel is missing or if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to Contact us. We're always happy to assist you in any way we can
DO NOT OPERATE ANY INFLATABLE PURCHASED FROM OURSELVES WITHOUT HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD OUR DESIGN REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION IN FULL. YOU MUST ALSO BE FULLY COMPETENT IN THE OPERATION & SUPERVISION ELEMENTS OF EN14960 BEFORE USING THIS INFLATABLE. FAILURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. YOU MUST BE AWARE OF ALL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO OPERATE SAFELY, OVER AND ABOVE WHAT IS SUPPLIED BY BETTER BOUNCE DIRECT. WE HAVE A 70+ PAGE STARTUP GUIDE THAT IS REALLY HELPFUL START. FEEL FREE TO REQUEST THIS AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ORDERING.
Do all the prices on your website include VAT?
No, all website prices are subject to VAT at the current rate. All our current prices are clearly displayed on the website.
We will endeavor to ensure that the prices shown on this website are correct.
If for any reason the price(s) of any item(s) are incorrect at the time you place an order with us, we will contact you at the earliest possible opportunity to advise you of this. At this point, you have the right to change or cancel your order. Any payments made or due will be adjusted or refunded to account for any changes or refunds as the circumstances dictate. Delivery charges to your area- please phone or email.
You affirm that you understand that all transactions are subject to plus the current rate of VAT if you are a UK Customer. If you are an EU customer outside the UK and you provide us with your VAT number in your country, once the number has been authorised, no VAT will be payable. For customers outside the EU IE Australia, Africa, USA, South America etc no VAT is payable.
Commercial customers are deemed business to business transactions and therefore not covered by the sale of goods act. Whilst there is an active shopping cart with prices on the site, it calculates the prices without VAT as we export internationally and as such VAT rates vary.
Please call to clarify your purchase with the correct final charge of VAT. (If applicable in the country you reside, along with the correct carriage costs.) All prices whenever quoted either on the website, in correspondence or verbally are all plus VAT at the current rate. Please Enter your details here to Subscribe to our monthly special offers & Industry information updates. We will not bombard you with mountains of Junk email or pass your details onto a 3rd party.
What payments do you accept?
Payments can be made by any of the following Pro-Forma methods;
- Cash transactions are subject to a 0% fee
- BACS transactions are subject to a 0% fee
- Cheque transactions are subject to a 0% fee
- Bankers Draft transactions are subject to a 0% fee
- Chaps transactions are subject to a 0% fee
- Credit card transactions are subject to a 3% fee (Mastercard maybe higher)
- Clearpay bouncy castle finance, subject to a 6% fee Click here to find out more
- Purchase orders are accepted but still subject to Pro-Forma
Do you still charge for credit cards?
We would like to inform our customers that starting April 1, 2018, personal card fees have been abolished. Therefore, we will only accept corporate credit cards. A 2% levy will apply to most cards, but certain corporate cards may have up to a 3% levy to reflect our own charges. We do not accept personal credit cards, but we will accept business credit cards in a personal name
Brexit and the implications for our UK, European & Irish customers
Looking to Export from England? Click here to learn more about EORI and the Import/ Export changes since Brexit!
Why do all your sizes say approx?
All our sizes say approximate next to them as its quite difficult to measure an inflatable from its widest point for example due to the way in which the PVC inflates. As such we use a predicted inflation value based on a 3D mock-up and not a real life size.
For example an 8ft slide has a footprint of say 12ft wide, However the sides of the slide can bow outwards as much as 2ft, making the total width 14ft. Similarly, The 11x15 BB-008 is another example. The 11x15 has a 10ft footprint but measured 11ft exactly from the widest outer points f the side walls after inflation.
Are your inflatables with roofs and covers waterproof?
NO!. Please be aware the no sewn inflatable in this category is waterproof and upgrades are available if required.
- The marquee is available with a sealed/ plastic welded roof to ensure a better waterproof seal. Prices from £200+vat
- A fully sealed alternative is available with a 99.9% waterproof guarantee. Prices start from around 100% uplift
- Internal velcro electric cable holders are available from £99
- Waterproof speaker/ disco covers are available fro £59
- Additional doorways available from £99
- Branding and customisation available from £99
How do I know you are reliable & what sets you apart from the rest of the bouncy castle manufacturers?
The Better Bounce name was established over 30 years ago making it one of the longest established names in the manufacturing industry. We have sold over 10,000 products shipped to countries on every continent around the world. We also do things a little bit different to others. Click here to find out why.
How long has BetterBounce been manufacturing for?
The Betterbounce brand was 1st established over 35 years ago by the founder Martin Holmes. The brand was taken over by our current director over 10 years ago and has gone from strength to strength. Betterbounce is ow the oldest, longest established manufacturing company in the UK. Click here to find out more. .
What is your 1,2,3 Guarantee?
This one simple its a combination of our 1 years safety certificate & design review pack, our 2 years return to base warranty and our 3 years annual safety inspection discount guarantee on our inflatable products* some exclusions apply. See terms & conditions for details as some used product warranty is only covered for 6 months. Click here to find out more.
Do you offer finance?
Yes, like any well established organisation, we are able to offer a number of creative finance registries to suit all company styles and needs. We have anything from the acceptance of credit cards, Clearpay, Formal finance and leasing to our famous weekly payment system.
Click here to find out more!
Who do I contact to discuss an order or for advice?
The best contact by far is myself (Samantha). I can be contacted by Clicking here and I'm always happy to help.
Do your inflatables have a weight limit?
All inflatables are designed with the following weight users in mind, regardless of the user height as follows:
- Slides upto 6ft platform: 65kg
- Slides over 6ft platform: 85kg
- Inflated walls, under 12x15ft with 300mm thick walls (approx.): 65kg
- Inflated walls, over 12x15ft with 300mm thick walls (approx.): 75kg
- Inflated walls, under 12x15ft with 500mm thick walls (approx.): 75kg
- Inflated walls, over 12x15ft with 500mm thick walls (approx.): 85kg
- Netted walls, under 12x15ft: 55kg
- Netted walls, over 12x15ft: 55kg
- Obstacle course Netted walls (When used for the purpose in which it was designed for): 85kg
- Obstacle course Netted walls (When used for bouncing and sliding not racing): 65kg
- Moonwalk Domes upto 15x15 : 75kg
- Moonwalk Domes over 15x15 : 85kg
- This maybe subject to change on specific inflatables and not guaranteed, Please ask before purchase if this is crucial
How do you create your custom products?
Better Bounce designs all its products in our Leeds based factory’s. Customers are always welcome to come and view the production process for themselves. In recent years we have invested heavily in over £100,000 worth of sophisticated 3D Computer Aided Design Software and a computer controlled flatbed cutting machine which gives unrivaled accuracy in the production process which really is worth a visit to see it in action.
Our CNC cutting machine is the largest most efficient bouncy castle & inflatable cutting machine currently operating in the bouncy castle industry, which combines with our directors experience in designing Roads and Bridges in a previous career for 8 years gives unrivaled accuracy in the production of panels and enables us to design some of the most complex inflatables on the market.
Please visit our Custom Designs/ Bespoke Inflatables page by clicking on the link on the left-hand side of the page.
Click here to see just how we do it.
Are your beds double stitched?
Yes, all our inflatable beds are double stitched on a twin needle sewing machine as standard with twin stitching in all other areas of the inflatables.
Can anyone buy your inflatables? NO! All our inflatables are sold on the strict basis that you are or your organisation has a dedicated competent person and that you or your organisation possess the skills required to operate such equipment. Whilst our products do come with some guidance, We must insist you are fully competent in the requirements of the HSE & have a full understanding of the operational elements of EN14960.
We also offer a full training service on all our inflatables if required with prices starting from £395+vat per head based on a minimum of 4 delegates.
DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT THE REQUIRED TRAINING OR COMPETENCE LEVELS. Please see our terms & conditions for detail.
Do you offer artwork?
Yes, Better Bounce is now pleased to offer a full digital print service for our inflatables if required. To take a look at the artwork we offer please visit our artwork section and please read the item description carefully to check if the artwork is included within a particular product.
Yes, we at Better Bounce are pleased to offer a full digital print service for our inflatables, should you require it. You can view the artwork we offer in our artwork section, but please make sure to read the item description carefully to check if the artwork is included within a particular product.
Please note that all artwork must have copyright permission from the owner for us to process the files. We do not obtain copyright on your behalf, and it is the client's responsibility to adhere to copyright regulations at the time of order. Better Bounce will not be held responsible for any unauthorized use of artwork. We offer a printing service just like any other printers, but we take care to ensure that we respect intellectual property rights
Please Note: that we can only commission artwork on our inflatables if full copyright permission has been obtained. This policy does not apply to our own brand of artwork range. However, it is essential that you, as the client, ensure that you have obtained the necessary copyright permissions for any artwork that you want to use on your inflatable.
Please be aware that if copyright issues arise at a later date, the liability lies with the client, not with Better Bounce. It is not our duty to check for copyright permissions, and we will always presume that you have obtained them. It is vital that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you have the appropriate permissions in place before placing your order.
We take copyright law very seriously and expect our clients to do the same. If you have any questions about copyright permissions, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you
For more information on copyright, please Click Here to view our dedicated blog
Likewise, if we are asked to source and image online for you the quality will not be guaranteed unless a vector image is available. We aim for 1 megapixel or above.
Please note: While we do offer a professional printing service, we are primarily an inflatable manufacturer and not a printing company. When graphics are sent to us, they are automatically processed by our print rip software based on the images you provide. If you require specific RGB, CMYK, or PANTONE color coding, please include this information at the time of order, and we will send the drawing to an appropriate engineer for a quotation. If this information is not provided at the time of order, Betterbounce cannot and will not be responsible for any color discrepancies.
It is important to note that any color profiling work is chargeable. Standard prints may not be identical and may differ, even on the same unit. Our knowledge of printing is limited and specific to our industry. We require all custom artwork to be supplied in a .AI format via Adobe Illustrator and must be a fully editable vector file for maximum quality. It must be exactly how you wish for it to be printed. Please keep in mind that all printing is done on white media, so there is no need to compensate for any background base PVC, etc
How do I care for my artwork?
Although our artwork is of the highest quality and designed to last, it is important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. Avoid using excessive force and do not use any bleach or strong cleaning products, as these can damage the artwork. When storing the artwork, always roll it up instead of folding it to prevent cracking or peeling over time. Additionally, avoid placing any heavy objects on top of the artwork or leaving it wet for long periods of time.
Despite these precautions, please note that our artwork is incredibly robust and durable. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your inflatable remains in pristine condition for years to come.
Why do you attach your own tags to other manufacturers products?
As of 01.04.2013, All inflatables presented for repair or testing will be retrofitted with a Betterbounce tag as pictured below, regardless of who the original manufacturer was. The tag will allow both ourselves and other organisations track the status of the inflatable and its compliance with en14960. These tags will also be retrofitted to inflatable games falling outside of the scope of en14960 for ease of transition, as and when they are included in the standard.
What material are your bouncy castles manufactured from?
At Betterbounce Direct, we take pride in the high quality of our products. That's why we only use the best materials in their construction. Our inflatables are made from high-quality, fire retardant reinforced PVC coated fabrics, with a strong Nylon or Polyester weave that is coated on both sides with PVC. This results in an extremely robust material that is polished to resist dirt and has a nominal weight of 610 grams per square meter.
We know how important safety is when it comes to inflatable products, which is why our materials are non-toxic and certified as fire retardant. They comply with BS5438 and BS5867 standards to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you're getting a product that's both high quality and safe.
It's important to note that all polished products are only available on special request unless specifically specified on your order/invoice or on our website. We want to make sure that our customers are completely satisfied with their purchase, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the materials we use or the manufacturing process
What thread are your inflatables manufactured from?
Our inflatables are sewn together with rot-proof bonded nylon 20 gauge thread for maximum quality and durability as standard
Why do your inflatables state operating pressure and not blower size & type.
HSE has stated that they now want the end-users to ensure the inflatable has all the required pressures you'd normally find on an annual test during everyday hires. They require this information to be checked on delivery and recorded along with any relevant wind speeds. They also insist in other documents that these devices are calibrated annually so please ensure you have one calibrated.
HSE has stated that they now want the end-users to ensure the inflatable has all the required pressures you'd normally find on an annual test during everyday hires. They require this information to be checked on delivery and recorded along with any relevant wind speeds. They also insist in other documents that these devices are calibrated annually so please ensure you have one calibrated.
If the Manometer reading is over 4" water gauge(1 kpa) then the inflatable can be used in line with EN14960.
If the Manometer reading fails to achieve 4" water gauge (1 kpa), then simply change the blower for another and retest, Add an additional blower or use a larger horsepower blower to achieve 4" water gauge (1 kpa).
If none of the above work to achieve the 4" water gauge (1 kpa) requirements, then the inflatable is not fit for use and must not be used.
Why do we use manometers and not rely on blower HP?
A 1.5HP blower from every manufacturer gives a different pressure reading from new on the same inflatable with a range as big as 20%
The HP is the power of the motor and gives no indication of how much air leaves the blower or at what speed or pressure it leaves so its completely irrelevant to anything other than an initial guess at which one to pick out and try first.
- Now age a blower 3-4 years and you've another 10-25% drop.
- Dirty fan blades mess with the airflow, another 10-30% drop.
- Add a 50m extension cable and the pressure reduces further.
- Use the HORN7 cable with a better AMP rating and the pressure goes up.
- Use 1.5mm 3 core instead of 2.5mm and it goes down.
- Use multiple splitters or feed disco or light units from the same cable and the pressure goes down.
- Use a 4Hp petrol blower and you're somewhere around a 2.5-3Hp electric blower capacity equivalent.
- Use a generator and your HP can drop out by up to 30% too.
- This alone can reduce an inflatable from being perfect on a 1.5HP to needing a 2HP.
Now throw multiple blower tubes into the mix and the whole theory of HP is wiped out. You can use whatever combination of blowers you see fit but they must always achieve the manufacturer's recommendations or a minimum of 1kpa at the unit. This must be measured at the inflatable with a Manometer device in line with HSE's recommendations.
This is why we do not specify a blower type. Please contact us prior to ordering, should you require any more detailed information.
I can see white powdery marks on my inflatable. Is this normal?
The white powdery marks are PVC compounds inside the PVC migrating to the surface. The nature of PVC is that these compounds need to remain flexible for a bouncy castle to remain bouncy and flexible, and as such, some of these fillers can migrate to the surface which is perfectly normal. It's also normal for the filler to move around, fade and reappear in different locations from time to time. The most common appearance is due to folded PVC being in storage for a longtime, however this will fade and is perfectly normal.
The same applies to the panel identification markers you may see, such as "M1" S24" "RS12" ect. These are how we identify the panels quickly and efficiently during manufacture and how we are able to provide such amazing prices, without compromising on quality. These marks are left in place as part of the manufacture process and will fade over time.
Dimensions?
All dimensions are very very approximate and all measured from a CAD drawing of the product NOT a real-time measurement. Due to the nature of inflatables and how they inflate, bow, bubble, twist, warp & rise off the floor when inflated, the measurements are given will vary massively from those given on this website. If measurements are crucial always add 2ft for clearance just in case.
Are you VAT registered?
Yes, we are a UK Ltd company registered for VAT. Our company name is Betterbounce Ltd trading as Betterbounce Direct - Vat Registration number: 260860213.
All of the prices on our website are subject to VAT if being shipped within the UK. Please see our dedicated VAT page for details.
Maximum User Heights?
The maximum user height of inflatables is decided by the manufacturer. This takes into account the height of the walls, slopes, climbs, toys and implements, along with other influential design and play factors unless the item is to be used for other purposes and not specifically designed for bouncing and sliding. Please bear in mind that external testing bodies may agree or disagree with our views and as such it would be beneficial to contact them prior to us commencing manufacture. If contact is not made prior, we cannot be held liable for the change of user height and or max user heights.
Maximum user weights
All inflatables are designed with the following weight users in mind, regardless of the user height as follows:
- Slides upto 6ft platform: 65kg
- Slides over 6ft platform: 85kg
- Inflated walls, under 12x15ft with 300mm thick walls (approx.): 65kg
- Inflated walls, over 12x15ft with 300mm thick walls (approx.): 75kg
- Inflated walls, under 12x15ft with 500mm thick walls (approx.): 75kg
- Inflated walls, over 12x15ft with 500mm thick walls (approx.): 85kg
- Netted walls, under 12x15ft: 55kg
- Netted walls, over 12x15ft: 55kg
- Obstacle course Netted walls (When used for the purpose in which it was designed for): 85kg
- Obstacle course Netted walls (When used for bouncing and sliding not racing): 65kg
- Moonwalk Domes upto 15x15 : 75kg
- Moonwalk Domes over 15x15 : 85kg
For further information on testing, Please see our EN14960 statement and terms and conditions.
Why choose our products over others?
All our inflatables come with following items as standard which is an absolute must-have for many organisations.
- Free - 1 years annual safety test Certificate - Emailed electronically
- Free - 2 Year return to base warranty on all new units.
- Free - 3 years free annual safety testing on all new units.
- Free - Design review pack (Ideal for those looking ADIPS, PIPA & RPII) is carried out on all inflatables.
- Free - Risk Assessment template.
- Free - Tailored Hire agreement.
Free - Anchor pegs & peg bag.
- Free - Anchor peg bags.
Deadline refund (If we miss your deadline by a single day we refund your money).
- Full inhouse design and traceability of all our products, from all our factories worldwide.
I am a new company, what help can you give me?
Lots!!! All our products come with the following extras as standard (please bear this in mind when comparing our prices with others)
- Free - Large concealed zip opening underneath the castle for quick deflation.
- Free - Sewn in blower tube strap with cam buckle to prevent accidental deflation.
- Free - Quad stitched bed and Quad stitched stress points.
- Free - Customise your own inflatable colours free of charge.
- Free - Sewn in rain cover on all bouncy castles where needed.
- Free - Yellow pages listing
- Free - Google search engine submission (Secret backdoor URL)
- Free - Bing search engine submission
- Free - submission to our UK online hire directory to help generate more income
- Free - How to start, run & operate a bouncy castle hire company 50+ page guide
- Free - All the help and advice you could ever need.
How do I blow the castles up?
Our inflatable structures are designed to be used with fans that provide the necessary airflow to keep the structure rigid. Our stitching creates thousands of perforations to allow air to escape at a rate that is specifically designed for each product. The fans are carefully selected to provide sufficient airflow to enable many years of use, and they can even handle small tears or rips up to about 6cm.
It's important to ensure that the correct fan is used, especially when high-pressure fans are required. As the manufacturer, we can recommend or supply the right fan for your inflatable. In most cases, we recommend the use of a 1.5hp blower, which is available for purchase directly from Better Bounce. However, some inflatables require a 2hp or multiple blowers, so please ask us before making your purchase
Delivery & Production?
we take pride in our ability to create customized products that meet your unique needs. As such, most of the products we offer are made to order, ensuring that you get exactly what you need to make your event or business a success.
We understand that you may have questions about lead times and delivery, particularly if you need your product by a specific date. To ensure that we can meet your needs, we recommend that you contact our office prior to placing your order. This will allow us to confirm availability and provide you with an estimated delivery date.
Our production facilities are located around the world, which allows us to provide our customers with the highest-quality products at competitive prices. We have recently moved to a larger production facility and opened several smaller outlets, which has allowed us to increase our capacity and reduce lead times. This means that, at this time of year, we are able to offer good availability and faster turnaround times than ever before.
We take pride in our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, and we are always here to answer any questions you may have. Whether you're looking for a customized bouncy castle or a giant i
What about returns?
No returns are accepted on non standard or custom products. All returns on other items must be done within 7 working days and be in a 100% unused condition. restocking fees apply.
Safety first.
All our inflatables have undergone further rigorous safety testing procedure which includes our famous 50+ point safety inspection.
Our testing service is the most comprehensive test on the market, We don't just blow up it, have a quick look and give it a thumbs up, Our highly skilled Inflatable tester uses the same mathematics applied to both structural and mechanical engineering whilst ensuring the inflatable strictly complies with the European standard EN14960.
Our testers have extensive knowledge in the industry and have either been RPII trained or sit on the advisory board of the PIPA organisation. All our inflatables are supplied with appropriate certification too for piece of mind. Click here to find out more!
Why choose our products over others?
All our standard designs undergo rigorous testing before they are allowed to market. This includes spending anything upto 2 years in our own hire department to ensure all kinks have been ironed out before the product hits the market, although after almost 30 years in business it's very rare we have to revisit a design.
All our designs are completed on complex Cad Cam software and cut to within 100th of a millimetre accuracy on dedicated PVC CNC machines giving unrivalled industry accuracy and all our internal materials are made from only the highest grade of airbag material where possible in any of our worldwide factories.
Our airbag material is amazingly strong under tension, yet remains completely flexible in all weathers making the perfect structure for the inflatable industry. All our internals have specially designed air flow points to ensure rapid deflation and light enough to have a major impact on the overall weight of our products. Its the little things that make us stand out from the crowd! Click here to find out more!
A little helping hand.
As part of becoming a Betterbounce customer, we provide you with a number of tools to help make your business a success. We will provide you with bouncy castle directory listings, Discount vouchers, Administrative paperwork and Web design help and guidance. We also include bouncy castle hire agreements, bouncy castle risk assessments and a whole host of other information to help kick start you business today as listed below or Click here to find out more!
- Free - 1 years annual safety test Certificate.
- Free - 2 Years warranty.
- Free - 3 Years discount testing vouchers.
- Free - Large concealed zip opening underneath the castle for quick deflation.
- Free - Sewn in blower tube strap with cam buckle to prevent accidental deflation.
- Free - Quad stitched bed and Quad stitched stress points.
- Free - Customise your own inflatable colours free of charge.
- Free - Sewn in rain cover on all bouncy castles where needed.
- Click here to find out more!
In addition to the above, all new start-up companies receive the following to help them along their way.
- Free - Yellow pages listing
- Free - Google submission (Secret back door URL)
- Free - Bing submission
- Free - submission to our UK online hire directory to help generate more income
- Free - £50 discount voucher for the bouncy castle network
- Free - How to start, run & operate a bouncy castle hire company 50+ page guide
- Free - All the help and advice you could ever need.
- Click here to find out more!
Optional Extras?
Many of our customers have their own views on what inflatables should and should not be build or look like and as such we make all our units with a quad-stitched bed, quad-stitched stress points and without artwork as standard with the option of adding extras such as a webbed bed as you see fit.
What about a collection in person?
Collection in person is welcome from our Leeds distribution factory address below but please ensure you call first to make an appointment.
For more information, please visit our Terms and conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.better-bounce.co.uk/pages/terms-and-conditions
Cybercrime Alert!
If you receive any notification of a change of bank account details purporting to come from us, please disregard this and contact us directly for further advice using contact details you already have for us NOT details in the communication or sent. Cyber Crime professionals will always be one step ahead so please think logically and follow the advice given by the police and fraud UK before entering into business with our company. Our company will not be liable if you transfer money meant for us to an incorrect account.
Contact us
Should you have any queries regarding an order, Please feel free to contact us direct via the details mentioned below.
Social media!
Interested in keeping upto date with all our special offers, events and Betterbounce in general? Simply click on the logos below to follow us on your favourite social media platform
