A-1 Amusement & Party Rental

Our company rented from this business and had the absolute worst experience possible. We are based in Michigan but were opening a branch in a different state, and found the rentals we were looking for at A-1 Amusement, which was located about 1.5 hours from the event location. We discussed with their event specialist WEEKS prior to the event that we weren't from the area and confirmed if it would be an issue to drop the rentals back off a few minutes late if needed since we would be traveling to return them from 1.5 hours away. The event specialist confirmed it would be "no problem" and to just give them a call the day we were returning them. We called when we left the event location to let them know that GPS was showing we'd arrive at 4:40pm (they close at 5pm). The lady said okay, no problem. We ended up hitting some traffic, and GPS adjusted itself to say 5:05pm. We called back just to keep them in the loop that we'd be 5 minutes late. The lady again said, no problem. Ten minutes later she called back and flipped a switch. Saying that "Doors close at 5pm, so if you're not here by 5pm, you have to wait until tomorrow." We reminded her we were from out of town, and it was just five minutes, and that we were told before we rented from them that they would have some flexibility. She proceeded to say their staff "has lives" and they've had a busy week and she discussed it with the owner and that nobody will be there at 5:05pm. We explained we had children at home, home is 4 hours away, it would be a huge ordeal to not be able to drop off FIVE MINUTES LATE. She actually laughed at that point. We asked if we could leave them in the parking lot in the back, she said they would charge us full price for every rented item. I have no words for the appalling and disgusting display of customer service this company exhibited (the "higher standard of customer service" they advertise is a complete joke). The way we were spoken to, the way they went against their word they originally gave us, and the way they handled the situation is outrageous and beyond unacceptable. Every person should think twice about renting from a company that will laugh at you when you express concerns. All over a mere five minute delay. Unbelievable.