HiveSuite vs RentKit

HiveSuite is software for party hire businesses to manage bookings, equipment availability, deposits, invoices, and delivery and collection schedules. Website enquiry forms can record party details, create customer records, and generate draft quotes. Inventory is tracked against bookings to show item availability and help avoid double bookings. HivePlanner provides a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling deliveries and collections and assigning jobs. Customers can view booking details, approve quotes, and pay invoices through a branded portal. Stripe is included on every plan, and businesses may use their own payment methods; QuickBooks and Xero are also included and can sync accounting data. HiveCrew is available as an Android app or an installable iOS Progressive Web App with push notifications. HiveIntel answers plain-English questions about business data and presents results as charts, tables, or dashboards. Monthly plans include VAT and start at £34.99/mo for Solo, with 1 admin and 2 crew; higher tiers cost £89.99, £149.99, £249.99, or £499.99 monthly. The maker describes the service as designed for UK service businesses, including party hire companies. HiveSuite says AI submissions may go to third-party providers and advises against sharing unnecessary sensitive personal data.

RentKit is paid event-rental software for inventory, invoicing, delivery routes, mobile crews, and QuickBooks synchronization. Its availability calculations include the full rental period, turnaround time, and bundle components. An embeddable catalog supports live availability, delivery fees, discount codes, blackout dates, wishlists, and checkout. Route planning handles time windows, truck capacity, driver assignments, grouping, stop splitting, and live GPS tracking. Native Android and iOS apps cover order preparation, route execution, photos, signatures, time clocks, and payment on delivery. RentKit supports deposits, payment links, field card readers, and real-time QuickBooks Online and Desktop sync. WordPress, Shopify, and direct HTML embed integrations are listed. The software targets tent, party, and event-rental businesses, including operators of tables, inflatables, trailers, AV, and heavy equipment. The RentKit plan is $99 a month and includes two users. Payment processing is additional: 3.5% + $0.30 through Stripe, 3.0% + $0.25 in-house, or ACH at 1% + $0.50.