Glad these guys are gone, at least from SW PDX. Their sleezy business practices and generalized dishonesty were a blight on the neighborhood. Wasn't always like that; they had been a reputable fixture to the neighborhood for decades, which those who live and work nearby valued. A good, well maintained selection of equipment that the staff was knowledgeable with, together with business practices that empasized service, made them a welcome asset worthy of repeat customers. Then something changed. Gone was the service and maintenance, in came ... something else. Good Riddance. read more

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! read more

I used Barbur Rentals for an outdoor event including staging, trash cans, and a canopy. Every time I talked to their staff I felt rushed through the call and never hung up feeling confident that they cared about my business, event, or what I had just discussed with them. In my most recent calls I have been talked down to, disrespected, and told "I have no idea how you could have thought we were giving you a discount based on that conversation." They were 30 minutes late to arrive after I waited the three hour delivery window at my event site. Because of the delay in delivery my event was delayed 90 minutes. The day of my event I talked to someone on the phone where they told me I would receive a $500 credit for not using a canopy that we did not have time to set up. I was so disrespected while trying to get the credit reflected on my account that I told them to forget it. To top all of this off, I was accidentally copied on an email between Barbur and their insurance agency. The Barbur employee said "Sorry for the short notice, if *I* was doing an event and needed a COI, I would have asked at least a week in advance." read more

Nope. Absolutely tell everyone to never come here. Looking for a speaker system for my wedding, Barbur tried to charge me 500 plus to even get started to rent a garbage little microphone and speaker system. I went to Guitar Center and literally bought an entire P.A. System brand new, five times better, more compact, and NOT RENTED OVERPRICED GARBAGE. Not a joke. Wanted to Rent a P.A. System for my wedding. It was literally cheaper to go buy a better system and keep it than to rent Barbur Blvd Garbage trash speakers. I would be embarrassed to work here. If you are looking for quality, trust me, DO NOT SHOP HERE!!! read more

Do NOT use this company. They will charge you for items you did not confirm that you wanted. Shaun said he would put heaters aside if I needed them, just call to confirm. I called and confirmed what I wanted which did not include the heaters and was charged for them anyway. They came one and a half hours AFTER the delivery window with all the items for our wedding set up. This left our crew waiting and that cost us additional expenses for our crew. Shaun was extremely rude and uncooperative when we tried to settle the bill. DO NOT add stress to your important event by using this company. read more

Amazing service, easy process and flawless execution! The team at Barbur rentals was so friendly to work with and so accommodating when we needed some chairs and tables for our wedding. They were flexible with pickup time, charged a very affordable rate and equally as flexible with drop off. I highly recommend for anyone who needs to rent for an event. Thank you! read more

I went there to refill 2 bottles of propane. I asked about the price and was told it was less than Fred Meyer. It cost me $96. Later, I was at Fred Meyer and looked atheir propane bottle exchange rate. It was $19.95 per bottle! I returned to Barbur Rentals to ask about this. Two men were extremely rude to me and one of them actually threw me out saying I was a liar. I don't lie; but I am a fool - I paid over twice what it would have cost a block away, almost $100 compared to less than $40. Long ago, it was a good place, but no longer. read more

Party time. We needed tables. Linens. Glasswear. They had all of those and more. Chocolate fountain? Spinning prize wheel? Velvet rope to keep out the riff raff? A tumbleweed, perhaps? We didn't need them, but if you do, Barbur has you covered. Their website is a little janky throwback, but I was still able to see all of the items and pricing I needed before I made the call. When I made my reservation, they gave a couple of suggestions as far as correct linens to match the tables and how much I could fit in my rig. Y'know, the little stuff you don't necessarily think about, but turns out to be hugely useful on the day of your event. Speaking of the day of your event, they're smart about that, too. When I said I needed a one-day rental, they assumed I'd pick up the afternoon prior. They give you a true 24-hr rental, because they are reasonable human beings, and they understand that on the day of your event the LAST thing you want to be doing is rushing to pick up your equipment. They were super friendly, very reasonably priced, and helpful in many ways. They even loaded and unloaded my car with Tetris-master level skill. Our event went without a hitch, and I slept like a log that night, dreaming only of the great possibilities for our next event. Lu'au? Casino Night? Wild West? Red Carpet? Whatever the jam, I can rest easy, knowing that Barbur Rentals can make those dreams come true. read more

Pass...find the next place in your search. Not big on customer service or help. Pretty straightforward review, why Yelp wants you to write a book is a mystery. read more

1. Do not accept help loading or unloading equipment into your personal vehicle. They are not responsible if they damage said vehicle. 2. Ask to test any equipment that you rent from them. We got a large BBQ that only worked on half. My company rented a large BBQ and since I live the closest, I was charged with pick up and drop off. Pick up was early. I get it. No one wants to load a 200# BBQ at 7:30 in the morning. You shouldn't make the customer feel as though he is a bother tho. We get set up and are gearing up to feed 300 construction workers only to fire up the grill and only one half works. Upon taking the unit back, the gentleman decides to use the forklift to get it out of my truck. He slides partially under and one of the forks hits the base of the leg slot. Instead of looking to see what is catching, he guns it, moving my truck (with the parking brake on). I yell STOP and run to the other side and literally kick the BBQ sideways so it fits on the forks. When I confronted the forklift operator, he says that was there already. When I asked to speak to the manager, he informed me that I signed the contract and so I took responsibility for any damages that may have occurred. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Needed to do some wood work while I had some help in town. Went by the store to look for a mider saw. Didn't know there were so many different types so I ended up with a basic one that didn't do what I needed since apparently I needed a sliding compound mider saw. I went ahead and used it for the boards it could cut and then returned it to try and upgrade to a different option. They didn't have an other mider saws and since I was in a bit of a hurry they helped me choose a table saw. Unfortunately after driving it back home I was notified that it wouldn't work because it had no guard and could not cut a straight cut on the long boards we had. I took it back immediately and decided I would just pay for the rental I had used rather than the upgrade 19 dollars vs 27 dollars. The person at the counter said Them: "I'm going to charge you 27 dollars does that sound fair?" Me: "Not really I wasn't able to use it since it wasn't safe and wouldn't work. I didn't even have it for 15 whole minutes. So I think it would be fair if I just paid the 19 for the mider saw that I at least turned on and as able to use for part of our project." Them: "Well I didn't force you to put it in your car" Don't ask me if it is fair and then disagree when I give you a reasonable reason why it is not fair. Since I didn't want to spend time fighting in the store and I wasn't going to go out of my way to actually reject the charge on my credit card I figured I'd make you earn your 8 dollars of "fairness" on the internet. You decided that me putting an unsafe machine that could have more easily cut off my fingers than made a straight edge in my car means I have to pay even if I didn't use it an returned it in less than 15 minutes. I've decided you can pay me back by letting me vent on the internet for all other people who may be trying to decide to rent from you in the future. I will never use your services again even though you are less than 2 miles from my house. I will always to the distance and rent from Johnson Creek Rentals since their customer service is much better, their equipment is much better, and their prices are even better. read more

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. read more

I showed up at 5:05 pm on a Monday to return some tables and chairs after work. Google said that they closed at 6pm so I was feeling good. I arrived and the employees were there just about to lock the door. I mentioned that google said they should be open till 6 and they said "google lies" and then left without any remorse. Thanks guys. read more

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... read more

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 yelpers, I'd consider them again for my future party rental needs. #sometimeshatersgonnahate #butimnotahater read more

Our go-to for party supplies for many, many years. Balloons, table wear, all kinds of stuff. We go in for one thing and end up with much more! Support our local, family owned business! read more

Do not come to this tool rental place. I'm a customer, or was, called ahead of time and was confirmed that I had a tool available. No tool by the time I drove 20 miles. If you want to waste your time and money come here read more

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. read more

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. read more

Horrible, horrible customer service. I rented a wheelbarrow on Friday 15 minutes before closing, with the intention of moving compost Saturday. Crew never showed up. So, I returned it on Sunday 15 minutes after they opened. It was a brand new wheelbarrow, and I returned it unused and without a scratch. Asked very nicely to be charged for just the Saturday rental and that I'd be back on Tuesday to rent again when I had another crew. They wouldn't do it. I tried to explain rationally how customer service works. Big Hawaiian dude at the counter could have given a s#*t. So, they made an extra $10 on the deal. Let me tell you how this works: you lost my business for good, and I'm posting about it on all available sites. Over $10. Great business sense! read more

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 3/4" bits. AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGG!!! Waste an hour going back to Home Depot; but at least they have what I need and it is well maintained. read more

When I need to get something done I come here first!After you rent once a trust is made and it's time to throw your smart invention crap away and finish your project. One of the last local places I will ever trust! Our apartment was being gutted and liquidated for some typical slimy California co. .....Barbur Rentals stepped up and helped 36 units enjoy our last complex picnic and bonding good tenants for life! Thanks Alex! When the Tidal wave comes I will be standing next to....Thank you read more

This place is decent. They always have what I need last minute for parties and they often let you have things a day in advance. Some of their dark linens are a bit faded so be sure to ask for fresh if you are renting black or navy. read more

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. read more

They will keep your credit card on file and charge you things 9 months later so you won't remember why... would not recommend them at all since the customer service doesn't care. Why not close out these things the week after you rent something instead of waiting for 9 months? Good luck in the futures, for sure without me... read more

I rented a chain saw from these guys. When the kid brought it out I asked if it had been checked out and started up. After arriving at my job site I found the chain was dull so I took it back. The same kid took the saw and said he would get another one. A guy comes out and rudely say " hey bud, what did you cut with this saw? I explained the chain was dull when they gave it to me and I understand things happen. He grudgingly replaced the the chain, I drove back to the job site only to find there was no gas or bar oil in it proving it had never been serviced. Customers come first , just admit you screwed up and make it right! read more

I love Barbur Rentals. It is in the neighborhood and they rent lots of awesome tools. I am writing this because most of the other reviews seem unfair. Tool rental requires some thought. You gotta figure out what tool, learn how to use it, and check the tool. The employees are very helpful in answering questions, but they can't anticipate everything. If you can deal with that, Barbur Rentals has a lot of awesome tools. read more

I have been using the business for decades - whether to rent a rototiller, punch bowl, extra glasses, or any number of other random things. The prices are very good, the loading area is convenient, and usually the service is cheerful and upbeat. read more

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. read more

You need weird things? You come here to rent those things. I've never any problems here.

I'm pretty confused by the bad reviews here. We've rented from them approx 4 or 5 times.. rented a tiller and various yard equipment and recently rented tables, chairs, and chaffing dishes for a party. The friendliest guys always help us and we never have a problem getting or returning our equipment. Thumbs up all around! read more

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. read more

I got something's for my daughters party and I walked in and there was rude customers screaming. I got great helped and they even helped me take my stuff to my car. I'm looking at this reviews and is all bullshit. Great customer service read more

I spend $635 on renting chairs, tables a canopy plates and flatware. We had a 100 people at this gathering. 15 forks were lost. They charged me $10.50 a fork. I understand compensation for the lost forks but not at that price EXORBITANT!! Another time I reserved a power washer 2 hrs before time to get they tell me its not working. I do not recommend them to anyone. I live in the neighborhood but so much for the family local business read more

We have Barbur Blvd Rentals to thank for our incredible wedding reception. We rented everything from a gigantic clear-roof canopy (incredible ambiance, I must say) to chairs and tables & bar equipment. All the equipment was in great shape, delivery & assembly were fast, efficient and as promised, and the customer service was excellent. A batch of silverware didn't make it into the shipment to our house, but the owner of the company noticed the error and personally delivered these items to us. We had a top notch experience, and would strongly recommend using this company for any party/event planning needs. read more

Terrible customer service. My order was inaccurate, which caused problems for my event. Rather than simply apologizing, the men working kept defending I ordered the wrong items. I'm quite certain I didn't order bullion bowls when I needed coffee cups- pretty significant difference. Tip for your staff- work on not blaming your customer. A "I'm so sorry" goes a long way, and an event company should understand the stress that comes with not having what you need in the middle of an event. read more

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. read more

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. read more