Grundlagen
Dry Hire vs. Full-Service: What's the Difference?
Dry Hire means renting equipment only, with no additional services - you pick it up or have it delivered and set it up yourself. Full-Service additionally covers delivery, setup and teardown, configuration and often on-site support. Dry Hire is cheaper and flexible; Full-Service saves time and effort.
What is Dry Hire?
“Dry Hire” is renting technical equipment without additional services such as setup, operation or support. The equipment comes plug-and-play ready, and the rental period is flexible - from a single day to multi-week projects. You handle transport (or book delivery), setup and operation yourself. It is the most affordable option and ideal when you or your team can handle the equipment yourselves.
What does Full-Service include?
With Full-Service we take care of the entire technical process: delivery to the location, setup and cabling, configuration of sound and lighting, operation during the event on request, as well as teardown and removal. You don't have to worry about a thing - a sensible choice for larger events, tight schedules or demanding technical setups.
Dry Hire and Full-Service in direct comparison
| Feature | Dry Hire | Full-Service |
|---|---|---|
| Price | cheaper | higher (service included) |
| Setup & teardown | yourself | by the team |
| Delivery | optional (surcharge) | included |
| On-site operation | yourself | included on request |
| Time required from you | higher | minimal |
| Ideal for | experienced users, small budget | large/time-critical events |
When is each option worthwhile?
Choose Dry Hire if you have technical experience, want to save budget and the setup is manageable - for example a PA for a club celebration. Choose Full-Service if the event is large, time is tight or the technology becomes more complex (stage, multiple trades, rigging). Many also combine the two: Dry Hire for the standard equipment plus a spot setup service.
Frequently asked questions
Is delivery included with Dry Hire?
No, Dry Hire is equipment rental only. Delivery in the Munsterland region and in North Rhine-Westphalia is available for a surcharge, as is pickup by arrangement.
Can I combine Dry Hire and setup?
Yes. You can rent the equipment as Dry Hire and add only the setup or the briefing - a flexible in-between solution.
Do I need expertise for Dry Hire?
A basic understanding helps but is not essential - the systems come prepared and we explain how to operate them. If you're unsure, Full-Service is the safe choice.
Written by Vincent Bladt, owner & event technician at Vivent Rental. Questions about your event? Contact us.