Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Welcome to Instaprophire. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about hiring and purchasing props, delivery, returns, and how our service works. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us at instaprophire.uk@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.
What does Instaprophire do?
Instaprophire is a UK-based prop house specialising in hire props for film, TV, theatre, and content production, alongside a curated selection of props available to purchase. We operate as a professional hire service rather than a general retail store.
Some purchased items are fulfilled by trusted suppliers on our behalf, while all hire items are managed directly by us.
Hiring Items
How does hiring work?
All hire items are booked in weekly (7-day) hire periods. The hire period starts on the day your items are delivered to you (this counts as Day 1).
You do not need to keep the items for the full week if you finish early, but the full hire period remains chargeable.
Can I hire items for more than one week?
Yes. You can book multiple consecutive weeks (e.g. 2, 3, or more weeks). Items must be posted back on the final day of your booked hire period.
What happens if I need the items for longer?
Where availability allows, hire extensions can usually be arranged. Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you’ll need additional time.
Why does the booking system ask for a time?
The time selection is required by the booking system but is not used to calculate your hire. Only the delivery date determines the start of your hire period.
Delivery & Shipping
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the UK only.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery charges are tiered based on the total order value, excluding VAT and deposits:
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Orders up to £19.99: £9.99 delivery
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Orders £20.00 – £49.99: £6.95 delivery
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Orders £50.00 and over: Free delivery
All prices are exclusive of VAT, which is applied at checkout where applicable.
Do you offer guaranteed or next-day delivery?
No. We do not offer guaranteed or time-critical delivery services through the website. Dispatch and delivery times are estimates only and may be affected by courier delays.
When will my order be dispatched?
Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). While we aim to dispatch promptly, dispatch times are not guaranteed.
Returns
How do I return hire items?
All hire orders include free return postage. A prepaid return label will be emailed to the email address used at checkout.
Items must be posted back on or before the final day of the hire period.
Do purchased items include free returns?
No. Purchased items do not include free return postage unless required by law or explicitly stated on the product listing.
All returns of purchased items must be sent back to Instaprophire, not to the supplier.
Purchases & Supplier-Fulfilled Items
Are purchased items supplied directly by you?
Some purchased items are fulfilled by trusted third-party suppliers on our behalf. Even where this is the case, your contract is always with Instaprophire, not the supplier.
Who do I contact if there’s an issue with a purchased item?
Please contact Instaprophire directly. Do not contact the supplier. We handle all customer service, returns, and issue resolution.
The Vault (Free-Use Items)
What is The Vault?
The Vault is a goodwill initiative offering free-use props donated by the community.
Are Vault items really free?
Yes. Vault items are free to use. If shipped, a £6.95 shipping & handling fee applies. No charges apply for loss or damage.
Do I need to return Vault items?
You’re welcome to return Vault items using the free return label provided, but you may also keep any items you don’t wish to return.
Collections
Can I collect my order in person?
Local collection is not offered at checkout. Collection may be available by prior arrangement only for hire items.
Where collection is agreed:
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Delivery charges still apply
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Collection allows earlier access but does not reduce hire or delivery costs
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Free return postage is still included
Damage, Loss & Responsibility
What happens if an item is damaged or lost?
You are responsible for hire items while they are in your possession. Charges for loss or damage are set out in our Terms & Conditions of Hire and are in addition to any hire fees already accrued.
What if something arrives damaged?
Please inspect your order immediately on delivery and notify us within 24 hours, including photos where possible.
Still need help?
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
We’re always happy to help — and we love seeing how our props are used.