How It Works

How do I borrow?

 

At les Tableaux we make it easy for you to borrow luxury brand porcelain so that you can change up your entertaining by enjoying the latest and most popular brands!

ü  Decide if you would like to borrow (or yes, buy!)

ü  Browse our showroom by appointment or our website and reserve the items you’d like to borrow!

ü  Borrow on a three-day basis or for the week!

ü  Borrow more than one pattern at a time! 

ü  Borrow 5-piece place-settings, service plates, flatware and more!

ü  Let us know if you would like to pick up your order or have us deliver it to your door!  We'll do the dishes!

 

 

Why is it called borrowing instead of rental?

 

Technically, a “borrow” is the same cash or credit card transaction as a “rental”. 

 

But, it’s really more than a rental.  We believe that borrowing is a philosophy of caring for something like it is your own.  We are putting our fine china, flatware, and other precious items into your care and custody for a period of time and trust that you will return it in exactly the same condition that you received it in.

 

 

BENEFITS

 

What are the benefits of borrowing?

 

We are told by our customers that there are MULTIPLE reasons they borrow!

ü  There is no need for invest in inventory, maintenance or storage - we did that for you

ü  It’s okay to use something other than your bridal china without guilt

ü  It’s fine to forego standard rental items when you really prefer something more precious

ü  You are hosting from 1 to 36 to 100 guests and you care how your table looks and feels

ü  Because your table is a reflection of who you are

 

 

How much does borrowing cost?

 

Borrowing costs a fraction of the real cost of fine china, flatware and serving pieces.  Most of our fine china patterns are in the range of $200-$600 a place-setting to purchase, you borrow for $5, $10, or $18 per place-setting depending on the designer! 

 

 

What is the length of time for a typical borrow?

 

Pick up your order on the first day, set your table for your event on the second day, and return your order on the third day…. or we will be glad to do the delivery and pick-up for you.

 

 

Can I receive a discount if I borrow more than just place-settings?

 

Five-piece place-settings of dinnerware range in price from $10 to $18 each!  Add flatware options at $8 per place-setting and serving pieces which include serving bowls, platters, sugar and creamers, coffee and tea pots, and more and we’ll discount your total order by 10%.
 

 

Do taxes apply to borrowing?

 

Not if you live in Illinois.  We are required to collect sales tax for deliveries to the following states: California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

 

 

Can I only borrow or can I purchase the full array of items at les Tableaux?

 

Every item we have in the shop to borrow is also available for purchase brand new!  In fact, we have a wonderful variety of hostess gifts priced in the same range as a nice bottle of wine. 

 

Some items may be in inventory and some may need to be ordered.  Shipping timeframes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  We will always keep you informed about the status of your order.

 

  

Do you offer insurance?

 

Because of the nature of fine porcelain, we know you will care for ours as if it were yours.  Our insurance company believes you should return it in the same condition your borrowed it in and tells us to share with you, “if you break it, you own it”.  We think you will agree that there is no reason for something to break but we know that things do happen.  So, we have been asked by our insurance company to charge your credit card for the full replacement price which is less than the full retail value but more than the rental charge.

 

 

When is my credit card charged for borrowing?

 

Your credit card is charged upon delivery or store pick-up at the listed borrow rates.  When the items are returned, we close out the transaction.  If the items are not returned as scheduled, we will charge full retail value for the items assuming you have decided to own them!

 

 

Do you accept checks or money orders?

 

Yes, we now accept checks for rentals and purchases!

 

 

How do I keep my order longer than I originally expected?

 

Contact us at les Tableaux to check our schedule.  If another client has not reserved the items, you will be able to keep them an extra day or two and we will be glad to provide you with the additional pricing information.

 

 

What is your delivery area?

 

We are pleased to provide complimentary delivery to and pick-up from your home or other venue within the Chicago metropolitan area.

 

If you prefer to pick up your items from our shop, we will be pleased to assist you in loading them into your car and will also assist you when you make your return visit.