What is Hughes Rental?
Hughes Rentals was founded in Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1921 by Frank Hughes. The original company rewound industrial electrical motors for fishing fleets.
Frank trained as an electrical engineer after serving in World War 1. He bought his first shop in 1928 where he built and sold radios. Almost one hundred years on, Hughes Rental remains a family business with Robert and Jeremy Hughes, the third generation running it.
New technologies were quickly embraced and developed by the company. They started to offer not only Hughes TV rental but also Hughes TV and audio rental televisions and labour-saving appliances like Hughes Rental washing machines.
By renting, these products became within reach of the typical household of the time, most of whom were in the grip of post-war austerity.
As the technology was in its infancy with new equipment notoriously unreliable Hughes Rental's engineering background enabled the company to develop an extensive repair and service infrastructure. It was expanded, to over thirty shops and five service centres located throughout East Anglia.
Hughes Rental is now the country's 4th largest specialist electrical retailer and the 2nd largest provider of home entertainment and kitchen appliance rentals.
In 2016 a quarter of a million customers voted Hughes Rental the Domestic and General Internet Retailer of the year award for Best Electrical Website of the Year.
Hughes Trade division was awarded the preferred supplier contract for kitchen appliances to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The company motto of "inspiring customer loyalty through quality customer service" remains as relevant and valid today as when Frank Hughes first founded the company, almost a hundred years ago.
The four key demographics who rent products from Hughes are: -
People Who Don't Want to Buy But Enjoy the Experience
This demographic don't want the responsibility of ownership and the cash outlay this usually entails. They prefer to pay a set monthly amount to be able to use the appliances. They keep up with the latest devices and tech and desire whatever their peers have.
When something newer arrives, they exchange what they have for the more recent options. Gone are the days when the primary rental consumer were predominantly men wanting the latest' toys'. Today's market is driven mostly by children demanding the latest' kit'.
They access everything through their phone, streaming or using the cloud. Rentals are very popular with the younger generation, more interested in the experience and keeping up with their peers rather than outright ownership.
The JAMs
These are families who are 'Just About Managing'. They are careful with their monthly budget; any money left over is considered 'treat money'.
A broken washing machine can cost £90 for a call-out fee before an engineer starts the work, with no guarantee they'll be able to repair it.
The Traditional Older Customer
This demographic most often need a helping hand but don't want what they consider 'charity'. They are willing to pay, so renting appliances makes perfect sense, rather than buying.
People Whose Only Financial Option is Rentals
Sadly, this group is the fastest-growing demographic, mainly due to the current recession and the Covid implications.
- What is Hughes Rental?
- What Services Does Hughes Rental Offer?
- What Hughes Rental Deals are Available?
- Benefits of Shopping at Hughes Rental
- Disadvantages of Shopping at Hughes Rental
- What Payment Methods Do Hughes Rental Accept?
- Can I Use Hughes Rental's Services with Bad Credit?
- How Does Hughes Rental's Delivery and Return Policies Work?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Sources
What Services Does Hughes Rental Offer?
Hughes Rental offers an affordable route to the latest appliances. The company allows you to spread the costs by renting with the offer of free annual upgrades.
As the technology evolves, you have the option of swapping to a newer model, keeping up to date with the latest appliances.
A free repair service is also offered should any item break down, an experienced repair technician will come to your home to service, fix problems, or replace items if necessary.
Hughes TV Rental and Audio Rental
By renting, you can have the latest technology with no expensive outlay or concerns about future TV repair bills. The range of TVs includes the latest technology, from curved screens to 4K UHDTV, 3D, plasma, LCD and LED screens.
TVs from 19" screens to a 65" screen size are available, together with entertainment equipment such as Blu-ray players and audio equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying.
Top brands are stocked, such as LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and others. Smart TVs come with a host of additional features, apps and functionality.
Depending on the make & model, most give access to social networking sites like Facebook & Twitter, and easy access to on-demand video services, and subscriptions like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Free services, such as YouTube and BBC IPlayer, is also available. You can add soundbars, digital recorders and other audio equipment for a home cinema effect!
Sonos is a wireless music system with multi-room capabilities, allowing you to stream music throughout your home.
The Sonos One Gen 2 smart speaker delivers an incredible sound, with deep bass and clarity and can connect to popular streaming services including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and YouTube Music and power your home via Amazon Alexa.
Kitchen Appliances
Hughes offer kitchen appliances, from fridges and freezers to washers, dryers, cookers, including Which? Best Brand winners. Or choose from favourite brands.
Hughes Rentals stock Sony, LG, Panasonic, Bosch, Humax, Yamaha, Sonos, Pure, Roberts, Denon, Samsung, Zanussi, Hotpoint, Miele, Hoover, Indesit, Dyson, and Apple, available.
A popular kitchen staple is the Zanussi ZCV66370WA Electric Cooker with Ceramic Hob. It has a large-capacity oven, with two oven cavities, allowing you to bake and grill simultaneously.
Use the Set & Go function to pre-program the cooking time; once that time has elapsed, the oven will automatically shut itself off. You can keep the oven clean using Its special catalytic lining which absorbs grease and burns it up at high temperatures.
The popular Bosch PKE611CA1E 592mm Built-In 4 Zone is a built-in model, which lies flush in the worktop, giving a seamless look. It is fast and powerful with four cooking zones, and nine power settings for each zone.
A spacious layout ensures pans have plenty of room. You can cut cooking time with the 'QuickTherm' feature, which allows the hob to heat up quicker than other ceramic models. Induction heating saves energy by applying heat directly to the pan.
This hob features large dials, which are easier to grip, and settings easier to read. It is quick to wipe down, and there are no seams or gaps where food and crumbs can hide.
Rental items are delivered and installed at no charge with a professional demonstration of your chosen equipment, plus in-home repair or replacement should you need it.
The company's engineers fix 90% of appliances in the home or will organise a replacement if this is not possible. If they cannot replace an item quickly, a loan unit will be installed.
Refurbished models are an excellent option, for example, the refurbished Hotpoint Washing Machine with 1400rpm Spin Speed. Hughes refurbished products ex shop demonstration or quality refurbished goods.
All products undergo a strict refurbishment process, including a thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure they meet our quality standards before being offered to customers.
These are not brand new appliances; these are quality refurbished items that may have been on rental accounts previously or are ex-demonstration units but are all supplied in excellent working condition.
These models are top-rated and are snapped up quickly, so they are provided subject to availability.
The Flexi-Pay options mean you can choose to pay monthly or annually. Hughes Rental offer the most popular items, from top brands including Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, Bosch, Hotpoint, Beko, Zanussi, Miele, Leisure, Humax, Toshiba, Apple and many more.
Laundry
A mid-range washing machine could cost you £400 plus delivery, installation and disposal of your old one. Many only come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
After 12 months you can swap it for a new, more up to date model! A mid-range washing machine could cost you £400, plus delivery, installation and disposal of your old one. Many only come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
Popular models include the Bosch WAJ24006GB Series 2 7kg 1200rpm washing machine, or the Miele WCA020 7 kg 1400 rpm Washing machine.
Computing Equipment and Laptops
Hughes Rentals stock all of the latest computers from Apple, Sony, Dell and more. Servicing is free as it is included in the rental agreement, saving the high cost of repairs or replacement or call-out costs.
Rental is ideal if you want to keep up with the latest technology. You can update annually, particularly relevant for home entertainment items as updates are introduced regularly.
A 'Worry-Free Guarantee' is offered for your peace of mind. Engineers will fix 90% of appliances first time in the home, or, if this isn't possible they will organise a replacement or loan you another machine whilst yours is being replaced!
Hughes Rentals offers free delivery, installation and a demonstration of how the appliance works (should you need one).
Hughes are the largest renter of electrical products in the country, with knowledge gained providing electrical products for almost 100 years. Hughes electrical have been renting televisions since the 1950s and more recently have branched into appliances and commercial products.
If you want the latest tech without the expense of repairs or servicing, then you should rent from Hughes. Ask any of our 100,000 happy customers or check out Hughes Rental reviews.
All of the products you associate with Hughes are available to rent including commercial and domestic washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges, chest freezers, TVs, laptops, iPads and multi-room audio equipment, for example.
They will give you the cost and benefits of both sales and rental to help you make an informed decision on whether to rent or buy.
What Hughes Rental Deals are Available?
Hughes TV rental department has a "Rent More Save More" offer which will save 10% on any additional product(s) rented. Popular models are the Sony Bravia, Samsung and Panasonic Smart TV's and you can also rent refurbished models.
Benefits of Shopping at Hughes Rental
With Hughes, not only can you buy from our range of great products but you can rent many of them, too. Hughes has been renting home entertainment and kitchen appliances since the 1950s. You can rent almost any products including:
- Kitchen Appliances
- TVs, Sound Bars, Blu-ray Players and Recorders
- Sonos Wireless Music Systems
- Laptops and iPads
Rental includes many of the top brands and manufacturers – Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, Bosch, Hotpoint, Beko, Zanussi, Miele, Leisure, Humax, Toshiba, Apple and many more, so if you have a preference, Hughes has it covered.
Hughes Rentals offers free delivery, installation and a demonstration of how the appliance works, if you need it, as well as In-home repairs.
They offer low priced leisure products such as kettles, toasters, and white goods. Ordering is simple and available 24 hrs via the company website.
Top branded TV's and Wi-Fi systems are available at very low prices as are fridges freezers laundry and kitchen appliances. Rental options require no upfront, no investment.
Hughes give customers competitive prices and speedy delivery due to their massive stock levels.
They stock all of the famous brand names alongside budget alternatives and have the expertise to offer advice, supply and install all appliances. Hughes Rentals uses its own recycling plant to sort and prepare packaging materials.
It is then passed on to our specialist contractors who continue to recycle it responsibly.
Hughes electrical rental includes delivery, installation and demonstration of your chosen products. We also have a complete in-home service on your items – covering breakdowns to assistance using your products should you need it.
Service call-outs are usually same day or next day, and engineers fix 90% of appliances first time in the home. Failing that they will organise a quick replacement.
In the event they cannot fix your products, they will give you a loan unit while yours is being fixed.
This forms part of the rental service: no extra costs, no high call-out charges and no expensive repair or replacements costs. Hughes Rentals offer a vast range of up to date appliances, carrying stock of 1000's of products from the biggest brands. High-quality rental products.
If you like to keep abreast with ever-evolving technology, rental gives you the flexibility to change your products regularly, no need to save up to buy new and then sell on your old model, just swap it or upgrade it.
With over £10m of stock in their warehouses, ready and waiting to go, Hughes can provide deals for all of the famous household names. Choose from big industry names such as Bosch, Hotpoint, Beko, Samsung and Miele.
Hughes even have options of quick to install, competitively priced pre-built compact kitchens from Elfin Kitchens, ideal as space savers for student accommodation. They also carry a wide range of technology, domestic and commercial appliances, from TVs and speakers to everything in-between.
Disadvantages of Shopping at Hughes Rental
Even though Hughes has a starter rental package available, it doesn't mean that you won't pay a higher admin fee if you have bad credit. Check terms and conditions with the company before committing to a contract.
It is worth noting that credit checks are still required if you wish to open an account with Hughes and any missed payments could adversely affect your credit score.
What Payment Methods Does Hughes Rental Accept?
Payments are taken every month, one month after your products have been delivered. Payment is taken a month in advance.
Payment is made using Direct Debit, Cash/Card/Cheque in any branch or over the phone or by post, or you can have a £1-coin meter installed in your home.
You can pay six months or twelve months in advance, and this would earn you a discount compared to paying monthly. Contract lengths are a minimum of 12 months with ex-rental or refurbished items available on a 6-month contract unless stated otherwise.
Can I Use Hughes Rental's Services with Bad credit?
Whilst bad credit can be a huge stumbling block, Hughes Rental believe in making home appliances available to everyone, even those with a poor credit history.
Your credit score is significant and so to help their customers rebuild credit rating, the company have introduced a "Starter Rental" scheme, designed specifically for those individuals with a poor credit history in the past who want to rebuild their credit score.
Customers will have all the benefits of a standard rental contract. Services include free delivery, installation and repairs. After building a reliable payment history, customers are given access to the whole range of appliances.
With a continually changing catalogue of ex-rental items, at lower prices on shorter contracts.
How Does Hughes Rental's Delivery and Return Policies Work?
Set terms and conditions apply to all orders processed by Hughes Rentals, either, by phone or in-store and form part of the contract. Read them thoroughly and print a copy for future reference. This will indicate your acceptance of the terms and conditions.
Prices
All prices include VAT. No contract is created until the order has been accepted. In the event, a product incorrectly priced due to a typographical error or error in pricing information received from suppliers the order will not be processed, and you will be alerted to the correct price of the goods.
You will have the option to proceed at the updated price. Hughes rental will only process your order with your explicit authority.
Delivery
At the checkout, choose a convenient delivery date. The couriers will send a text message or email the day before or the morning of delivery with a time slot. These dates and times are usually accurate, but they are not guaranteed.
If the product that you have selected comes directly from the manufacturer; they will contact you to book in your delivery date. Deliveries will usually take between 3-14 days. Prices are subject to stock availability.
You need to check your goods upon delivery for damage and make a note on the carriers consignment paperwork when signing for the items. Damaged goods must be reported within 48 hours of delivery; otherwise, complaints can not be taken up with the delivery company.
If the delivery is not completed on the agreed date because no one was at the delivery address; a second delivery charge will be applied.
If you have requested that the old product is removed the old machine must be disconnected in advance of delivery of the new appliance.
If the old device is not disconnected, engineers will not be able to remove the old product unless a payment is made for the delivery team to return. Cost depends on location, size and weight of the product. Prices start from £50.
Additional security checks to be carried out to protect customers from online fraud. Hughes Rentals reserve the right to accept or decline your order for security reasons.
If ordering a fridge or freezer, the appliance needs time for gas inside the compressor to settle before it is switched on. Failure to comply with can result in damage to internal workings.
Leave at least 4 hours for the gases to settle and at least 24 hours after it is switched on to reach optimum temperature after accepting delivery of these appliances.
Conclusion
Hughes Rentals are a trusted company that has been doing business for almost 100 years. They believe in customer service, attending to complaints swiftly and efficiently. Staff are highly trained in both product knowledge and customer care.
You will receive outstanding service, and engineers will deliver, set-up and demonstrate your chosen appliance in your own home and quickly repair or replace items if necessary.
Renting is an excellent way of getting the latest technology and appliances at an affordable price. By spreading the costs over manageable monthly payments, you can afford the latest machines on the market without the added worry of break down and repair charges.
By renting from Hughes, you are in the hands of a knowledgeable family company with years of customer experience under its' belt. Hughes Rental reviews can be easily checked out with a quick internet search.
FAQs
Q: What Payment Methods can I use with Hughes rental?
A: Payment is made by Direct Debit, Cash/Card/Cheque in any branch or over the phone or by post.
Q: If I rent a refurbished product, do I get the same service and support?
A: You will receive the same great service you would if renting a new product but at a lower rental rate, including free delivery, installation and demonstration.
You will still be eligible for the same day in-home repair facility. If your equipment cannot be fixed, a loan unit is left in its place so you will never be without an appliance.
Q: What if the product I wanted is not available?
A: Refurbished stock is changing daily and is limited and always in high demand. Refurbished stock changes daily, so check the website for what's available.
Q: What Happens After My Minimum Contract?
A: At the end of your contract, there is no need to renew. You can continue paying on a rolling monthly contract. Should you wish to stop renting and buy instead, you will need to give one month's notice in writing to the branch the account was set up in or online, to arrange a convenient date to collect the item(s).
If you move home, as long as you're still within our service area, you can move your rented items with you. We can even visit you at your new address to re-set things up again – free of charge! Rental is subject to 1 month's advance payment, minimum contract 12 months. New customers only with a one-off administration charge of £20.
Q: What happens if I damage a product that Hughes Rental has sent?
A: If you have taken out the Theft & Accidental Damage Waiver, the product will be repaired or replaced. If you haven't taken out the waiver or your account is in arrears you are expected to reimburse Hughes for the value of the product.
