The Tent Merchant
📍 436 E Gutierrez St Unit B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
The Tent Merchant provides event rental services including tents, chairs, tables, linens, dance floors, and umbrellas for weddings and special events in Santa Barbara. Customers highlight a variety of style options, reliable last-minute accommodations in some cases, and professional setup when executed well, but experiences vary with reports of setup delays, communication issues, and challenges meeting delivery minimums or contract terms. Pricing is noted as affordable by some, while others describe it as premium for the service level provided.
Common Styles
No specific wedding arch styles or designs are mentioned in the reviews; the focus is on tents, chairs, tables, dance floors, linens, and umbrellas with a variety of style options available in the catalog.
Quality Rating
Good
Delivery Time
Typical delivery and setup is described as timely and efficient when successful, often completed the day before events, but delays are reported with setups extending into the wedding day (e.g., unfinished until late evening) or last-minute adjustments during emergencies like rain.
Common Complaints
Setup delays and incomplete installations (e.g., leaving items unpacked or in wrong locations); poor communication and lack of callbacks; unavailability of specific items after quoting; issues accessing venues leading to drop-offs only; refund disputes and rude interactions with management; failure to meet contract terms like setup times.
Rental Terms
Contracts specify delivery and setup times (e.g., complete by a set afternoon window); minimum order amounts required for delivery; upfront payment expected; some flexibility for last-minute changes or refunds in emergencies, but not always honored; additional fees possible for venue access or adjustments.
Customer Service Rating
Fair
Pricing Feedback
Mixed; some praise low costs and good value for high-quality rentals, while others criticize premium pricing relative to unreliable service, with one instance of a $12,000 order feeling overvalued due to issues and a $600 partial refund offered.
Setup Tips
Tip setup crews generously, especially in challenging conditions like rain; confirm venue access details and setup timing well in advance; be prepared for potential last-minute DIY if communication breaks down; check item availability early as stock may not match quotes.