Send the same brief to each supplier
Use the same dates, area, surface, location, access and transport requirements. Explain the result you need rather than assuming you know the machine model. Ask suppliers to identify their proposed equipment and inclusions.
Normalise the inclusions
Compare the agreed period, attachments, delivery and collection, fuel or consumables, cleaning and waiver charges. Use prices including GST consistently in the comparison tool. If a charge is unknown, leave it blank and ask.
Keep security bonds out of the price ranking
Track refundable security bonds separately to understand cash needed. Do not add a hire deposit again when it is already part of the hire price. Ask about release timing and circumstances in which a bond can be retained.
Use price as one input
After checking suitability and availability, consider support, collection hours, travel and the contract. OpenShed’s comparison is a calculation using your entries, not a supplier recommendation, verification or booking.
Further reading: official supplier information ↗. Supplier terms can change. This is a reference, not a partnership or complete market comparison.