Barbur Blvd Rentals

Wow. Been renting here for years and am floored at the current customer service. Last month, I rented supplies for a charity event, and when a fork was missing at return, I paid for it but was told if I found it I could bring it back for a refund anytime. When it turned up, I brought it in, but Alex at the front desk couldn’t find record of the order or the return and insisted the last time I rented was in 2013. I suggested he try looking under my husband’s name, which he resisted, «if you had placed an order, it would be under your name.» After insisting he try, he did find it and did give me my money back, but as I was leaving, he looked me in the eye and said, «By the way, you’re really rude.» Uhhh… okay.

They have delivered on my last minute needs time and time again. The most recent experience was renting 5 pop-​up canopies ($ 45 each/​3-​day duration) for a park event. The weather forecast anticipated 40% precipitation, but it turned out to be a straight out downnnnnpour. Without those canopies, my event probably would’ve been cancelled.
Both of my phone and in-​person customer service experience were pleasant. They’re knowledgable about their equipment and suggests the right items for your needs. They’re also helpful in putting the equipment in your car/​trunk. One great thing about them is that they’re opened on Sundays … which is seldom to other party rental stores in Portland.
Despite all of the negative reviews by other Unilocalers, I’d consider them again for my future party rental needs. #sometimeshatersgonnahate #butimnotahater

When you are renting tools for half a day transportation time is a factor. Most tool rental places will have similar selections. So go to the nearest. That meets your needs.
But this review goes to the root of tools.
There is a romanticism, and it is deserved, about tools. One romanticism are tools used by, and inherited from, great (great, great) grandparents. In that era, American tools were made in, well, America. Same for most countries, respectively.
Some are my most prized possessions.
Forward to Japanese tools, Taiwan tools and Chinese tools. By the way, there are some fine German tools about. And there is a whole galaxy of European stationary power tools.
Meanwhile we have consumer values and the clean and new aesthetic. Now, new is all. Shiny.
And today is buy brand, not buy to pass on to generations, homes, art, clothes, furniture — and tools. Brand replaces family values.
In this context, we are talking tools, rented.
You are renting, not passing on, or using extensively. You can go to another big box rental and get a clean branded machine.
In rental, the durability and reliability of makers does not matter. If it fails, return for credit!
Or you can buy failure-​prone tools from China. Think Chicago Tools at Harbor Freight. I have noticed some contractors buy tools intent on destroying them in the warranty period or losing them — a perfect option in that inexpensive tools «business model is disposable». Just build it into the cost structure. But think, every material object-​tool takes resources and carbon to make. Why landfill it or destroy after minimal use?
Immoral, in my view, to buy it, trash it and landfill it.
Another option is to buy used durable and reliable brand tools on the secondary market. Or if you use a tool often, or desire to pass it through generations, buy durable, reliable, quality.
But if you need a tool infrequently or once upon a time, rent it!
Yes, Barbur tools for rent are, well, well used. But they are not there for ego-​stroking new and shiny, they are there to do a job. And yes, this rental place buys a tool and runs it into the ground. But if it works for you in the SW hood, I say go for it.
Barbur rental has party supplies, think weddings; and tools. They have many of their items in an online list, but it is always a good idea to tour the yard and the tool room and get their paper list. Hey, you might find something you did not know you needed to rent, or that you might need in the future!
I’ve mainly rented jackhammers and hammer drills with bits. I would suggest that you double check the bit chucks up before you leave. I rented a demolition hammer only to discover the bit had been peened out of usability on the chuck side. If it’s your own tool, abuse it, whatever, but don’t do that otherwise. And don’t do to a rental tool. They did refund my money on that problem.
I would say that barbur does not have the shiny, but limited selection, power tools the big box does. They have old, well used tools, to do your job.
I know my tools, and know when Barbur is better than other options.
You want to get the job done, not get your shiny ego massaged. So suggest know your tools and rent wisely when it is the best option.
Barbur does go down in the Portland Museum of Oddities list. The owner keeps his collection of big game head trophies on the wall. I asked, they don’t rent them, but if you were a set decorator for a major film or series, maybe they would!
Medium size tool and party rental shop with fine service. Worth engaging if you are in the ‘hood, know your tools and check function before renting, Just don’t mix tools and parties! Demolition hammers — do not bring to weddings!

Went to rent a tiller; from word one, the employee consistently interrupted me to tell me what I needed, with no knowledge of my terrain, prior experience, etc. I’d asked to see the available equipment, but he instead interrogated me, then took me to a 9 horsepower semi-​monster, one of the costlier pieces. Amid continued interruptions, I mentioned a particular model that I was interested in, and he told me it wouldn’t work on our yard. I mentioned that was odd, since it’d worked before. He had nothing to say, then began a lecture on why it wouldn’t work anyway. I told him it was a poor sales technique to treat his customers like fing idiots, and his immediate response was, «If you swear at me again, I’ll ask you to leave and call the police.» He apparently was too dim to realize that he’d already guaranteed my departure. I noted that, and said that the tiller I was going to rent wouldn’t come from here, nor would I rent anything here again. His reply? «Okay.» So much for trying to support small business.

I rent tools, trailers and party supplys from Barbur Blvd Rentals often and have a good experience every time. I find their prices really good. Their associates are not stellar, but are cordial. They don’t go out of their way to be helpful, but address all of my questions. They have a great selection of large and uncommon tools that has made my life so much easier during my remodel.

I was really hoping this would be my place to go for rentals but it’s hard to get passed the lack of customer service. When you walk in, don’t expect to be greeted. The kids that work there just stare at you with a blank look. They won’t even greet you. They see you and proceed to ignore you. You have to be the first to start the conversation in order to get any help. It must be a culture there — poor customer service. Fortunately, there are a ton of other places to rent supplies for parties and events.

Having been a long time customer of Barbur Rentals, I am fed up and will never go back. In recent times, their products have become worn and shabby at best. When I recently rented a rolling clothing rack, the customer service upon my returning the item was so bad, I will NEVER RETURN. When asked how the rack worked out, I responded that it was difficult to put together and didn’t work properly at all. The individual then accused me of hammering dents into the rack and causing the problem myself. You have to be kidding me! I absolutely did not do such a thing and am furious that not only was I accused of the damage, I did not receive any compensation for the item not working for me. Local businesses need to realize that there are too many options in this town for them to treat people badly and provide substandard products.

I wish I had read the reviews on here before I used them for my wedding for a tent rental, tables, and chairs.
They were super nice and helpful when we went to pick out the tables and chairs but completely horrible the day of the wedding and afterwards.
Horrible, horrible customer service. I had to take them to court to get some of my money back after they showed up 5 HOURS late on my wedding day.
They told me they were late because a family member had called to upgrade my tent to a bigger tent the day of. Instead of saying «no» or «okay, but that means we’ll be late», they just said «sure». Then, they charged *my* credit card for the extra price difference and did not check with me first.
When I asked them to refund my money – or at least part of it – they told me it was my fault for changing the tent size the day of the event.

Tried this place again today. I didn’t want to, but they are so close to my house that it would be a great asset.
I needed a hammer drill with 5/​8″ bit for putting in some rebar. I was at Home Depot getting supplies and thought I would save some time by renting from Barbur Rentals. While at Home Depot, called Barbur Rentals to verify they had the equipment. He confirmed that they had the stuff.
After getting everything checked out, guy goes to get the equipment and comes back saying that he only has ¾″ bits. AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGG!!!
Waste an hour going back to Home Depot; but at least they have what I need and it is well maintained.

I am basing this review on pricing only. I went into Barbur Rentals to give the little guy a chance instead of going to Home Depot as I normally would. I went to rent a Concrete/​Paver Saw for 4 hours. The price seemed fair at something like $ 43 or so for 4 hours. The catch, though, was the mandatory additional fee for the diamond bit blade. They wanted to charge another $ 40 on top of the rental fee for the blade. I decided to check out Home Depot and ended up paying the same rental fee but with no special «blade fee».
Other than pricing, Barbur Rentals seemed to have good customer service and a decent selection of tools. Unfortunately the hidden fee did not sit well with me and I will not likely be back.

I called a month in advance to reserve some children’s tables and chairs from Barbur rentals. The customer service rep assured me that no reservation was needed. I went about planning my party convinced that I would have the right amount of tables and chairs.
When I went to pick up the tables and chairs, the man there told me that they were out. He was not apologetic at all that someone had told me not to make a reservation. I left and tried to find another rental place, but none of them had children’s banquet tables. I returned to rent adult tables and chairs for the kids. I spoke with another person and told him about my dilemma and asked if I could get some kind of a price break on the white chairs vs the disgusting brown chairs because I had already set my budget. He refused. He had horrible customer service and was very rude, but what choice did I have but to rent the adult tables and chairs.
When I went to the back to pick up the tables and chairs the warehouse guy told me that there were some tables, but not many chairs. He was actually very helpful and helped me change my rental. I had some kid chairs at home and substituted them.
This was the worst customer service I have ever received. They are very unprofessional and unorganized. I will do everything in my power to rent elsewhere in the future!

I’ve always had great service from these guys. They have a ton of stuff to look through and a great sense of humor to leave you laughing while you do.
Definitely worth the rental… I mean, where else could you get a tiki bar for a night’s use…

I’m updating this review because someone reached out to me after I had a bad experience. I appreciate that someone addressed my concern and would definitely give this business another chance if I ever have the need for their services.

I would give them zero stars if I could. Like many others, we’ve used Barbur Rentals for quite a few projects over 10 years. We also put up with poor service (like they’re doing you a favor) and unkept machines (several times we’ve had to return and get another one) for the convenience of being the closest rental. But it was the worst this time — they actually insulted me publicly.
We called in advance to see if the equipment would fit in our minivan or if we needed to borrow our neighbor’s truck. «Oh, we’ve gotten them into minivans, «was their response. Unfortunately, we were unable to get it out of our van for 1 – 2 hours — yes, hours — since we didn’t have the equipment they used to get it in. We called back explained our frustrations and that we felt mislead. We recommended letting future customers know of the problems using a minivan. They said nothing. Silence. All he finally said was, «Are you bringing it back now?» No comments, no understanding, not even any acknowledgement of the problem. It was clear they didn’t care.
To return it, we borrowed the neighbor’s truck, went back to the store and rented a trailer. I asked more questions this time, to make sure I understood how to put the machine on the trailer and bring it back. I stated «I want to make sure I will be able to do this.» «You probably won’t be able to, if YOU believe you were mislead,» he stated in a very snide voice so that everyone else could hear. It almost wasn’t surprising that this 50+ yr old man would respond in this immature way. I wonder if it was because I’m a lady. We were charged for the four hours we had it, even though we couldn’t use it all of those four hours. I asked someone else if he was the owner, and was told he was in the family and this was a family business. To be fair, the older gentleman in the yard was very kind and helpful. Unfortunately, he works with the others.
We obviously won’t be back. United Rentals is much nicer, but a little farther to drive… its worth the drive.

They have a ton of stuff! And so do you, in your garage. The trouble is any of that junk in your garage worth anything? Maybe, you might have a tool you’ll let the neighbor borrow. Except BBR is going to burn you on the return fee.
Typically 1 day rentals, like renting a movie, have a due time. In the world of BBR It’s exactly to the minute. The machines we rented were all broken down, needed replacement parts, and one of them even had to go back to the shop entirely.
They were the only place open and available. They were a little cheaper, but in the long run the lack of experience and quality equipment is going to cost us more by the end of our project. To give you an example of their outfit, they advertise Big Screens for rent! And there’s an oversided projection TV from 1995 that looks like it hasn’t moved off their shop floor in the same amount of time.
Some things adorning the outside like the big equipment looks in decent shape. I think experiences at Barbur are all over the board and I certainly can’t give them a recommend based on our experience. Done right the first time certainly isn’t in their motto.

Tools, Tractors, Hot Dog Machines & More
I have rented items ranging from glass ware to the king of hydraulic roto-​tilers from Barbur Rentals. They really have just about anything one could need. In the last few years that I have lived in SW I have rented at least a dozen times if not more. The pricing structure is what you would expect from any rental place, usually broken down by 4 hours or by the day. Rates are reasonable and inline with everything else.
Here is a tip during the summer when the days are nice and long try to rent your equipment about 3.5 — 4 hours before they close. You will only get charged for the 4 hours if you return it right when they open in the morning but you then get to use whatever it is till it is dark out.
Also need propane for the BBQ? They can fill you up. Great to make a combo trip and kill two birds with one stone.
Staff is always helpful, if you don’t know how to use something they will show you.
My only gripe is that they need to refresh their website and put a current list of equipment and prices. You can go in a grab a complete list but I like to plan out my projects in advance from the comfort of my couch.
Final thought, drop in and walk around the place. They really have a ton of random stuff for rent. Thinking about a party, they have a ton of stuff.