Instructions weren't apparent to me so I didn't show up at the recommended time which seem to create some hostility from the worker. "You don't have time to look through it so just so you know it isn't our fault if it is missing anything." I fully accepted that I wasn't there on time but I wasn't upset or angry I couldn't get a run through so don't know why she had to come off so aggressive. I also seem to have upset when I Rang the bell multiple times as no one was answered and I needed my kit. This system seems inefficient to me. Some of us have kids or are coming from out of town and being there at the butt crack of dawn (5:30am) to get the bag and run through it isn't realistic. So again, to be treated with such hostility when I'm Gonna be forking out 115( + another $15 for wipes if you don't have any) in CASH, not card I expected a different tone. Couple zippers on my bag were broken, and only thing missing was a lip liner (just heads up If you also can't show up on time, to double check on your own, or just improvise) everything else was there, organized + extra for mishaps!! I chose to rent a kit since my personal was packed for the old version of the test. If I had to re-take it, I would adjust my current kit instead of rent again. But renting was easy, efficient, and it made me more comfortable walking into the new test. read more

I went to SJCC, and they have been suggesting we use rent a kit for our state board test for years. Sorry to hear about Paul though. My class was unfortunate to not have met him. Because of that, we were unable to have someone come down to our school and show us the kit. But I trusted our teachers me went with it. I was so glad I did! You arrive 30 minutes before close, 430. Sign a waiver that pretty much says, rent a kit is not responsible if you fail. Then they get your kit ready, ask if you need any extras, tripod, mannequin, hand etc. and you go and get your kit. Easy as pie! You can pay online to reserve your kit of you can pay there too, which is just as fast. They make it so that there are people who are there are the ones who are testing the next day. Be sure to look through your kit thoroughly before using it! You may not like some of the stuff that they provide for you. I didn't like the razor, shears or that they didn't have short rod in the perm bag. I also didn't like how the dryer was as powerful as I would have liked. Another thing was that the simulated relaxer product was almost not enough for me while I was doing the procedure. I wanted to use enough so that the instructor would be able to see it. They give you a demo before the test and they are also located around the corner from the test. After your done, you just give them everything back, even your waste bags. Then they give you back your receipt. Glad to say, I passed with rent a kit! read more

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Second time renting a kit from them for my manicuring practical exam. I passed this 2nd time! I love the simplicity of this kit and demo that I actually got this time! Kit cost $50 Mannican Hand $20 White Jacket Rental $5 Two things the kit could use some improvement on... 1) Acrylic brushes - They are wooden and small very difficult to work with in my opinion. I highly recommend bringing your own brush. 2) Nail glue - Difficult to despense from bottle and takes forever to dry. Bring your own nail glue! It will save you time. Other than that, they helped me pass and i'm so greatful for that! read more

Happy to say I passed and got my license!! Rent A Kit played a huge role in my passing. I stopped by about a week before my exam to pay for my kit reservation and to sit in on one of the demos. The demo was really helpful, it helped keep me up to date with what's new and what's expected of me. Starting may 2015 for the esthe exam, there will be no tripods! All this time I've been practicing with the clamp/tripod so having someone show me how to work with the mannequin head alone really helped me. I was quite nervous as we were all taught differently! At the end of the demo, we were allowed to ask questions and the staff here was always very helpful. I came back again the following week to pick up my kit the evening before the exam. I recommend you do this! This is so that you have a chance to familiarize yourself with what's inside the kit. Before they hand it to you, they explain what is going inside it. Any extra disposables that you need, just pick some up after the demo the day of your exam. After you take your exam, return everything (except used disposables) by dropping it off. You don't even have to clean the makeup off the doll (hooray!). Very easy! I highly recommend this place for all your kit rental needs!! Don't miss their demos! Their set up is exactly like the state board's! read more

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Do not go here. Make your own kit. The owner is unprofessional trash. The one star is generous. There is a disclaimer they have at the initial kit check. You may be charged $600 or SUED if something isn't returned. Their whole ragedy kit, including the duffel bag is $30 tops. The pictures shown on this page must be very old because the kits did NOT look like that at all. $115 for the kit I had rented. No demonstrations or prep as advertised. I had built a kit of my own that was good, but program councilor insisted that I rented one. I got an email from rent a kit that I could come as early as 5:30am, but when I got there I was told I have to come back because the barbers, estheticians, and cosmetologists are all checked in at different times. Email didn't make that clear. Came back & they had us go over the kit contents in the main lobby on the floor. (I asked for a table but the others were forced to work off of the ground). Kit looked dirty and sparse. A nice staff member assured me that their kit had everything needed to take the test. I still wanted to compare kits though so after their check, I stayed at a table & unpacked to see of I felt more comfortable with my personal kit, or their kit rental (that was already paid for). A foul, old, nasty Karen came out with a bad attitude in a huff. She gave me a dirty look, turned the corner of the hall, and angrily yelled "what the hell is goin on? This lady has her s*** all over!". I thought that was very unprofessional, but tried to ignore it and finish with what I was doing because my test was coming up. She came out again and this time started YELLING at me. Saying "you can't add to my kit...". I tried to explain what I was doing & she kept cutting me off before I could get a sentence out. I tried to stay calm and explain again. She kept yelling. I said the kit was already paid for so I could look at it. I told her to stop yelling at me, and by this time she was maybe a foot and 1/2 away (during covid). I said I'm just going to go. She just kept escalating and I couldn't take any more if her without losing my temper. It took allllll of my restraint not to treat her like I would anyone else who was so disrespectful. I took the mannequin head, a bottle, and a lash out of the rental. I put the remainder of the rented kit in my locker and left. I returned after the test to put the items back in their kit, and the bag had been removed from my locker WITHOUT MY CONSENT. I handed over the items and a staff member said there was a bottle missing. (A 0.25 cent bottle). I didn't have it. I just wanted to be done so I said take mine. They said that's not how it works & they needed the same bottle back. They found it in THEIR stuff because I didn't have it. Turns out the foul mouthed old lady was named Patty and she is the owner of the business. If she had been 40 years younger, the situation would have gone very differently for her. I should find some elderly goons at a nursing home... Make your own kit. Don't waste your time, money, or your self restraint on that trash. read more

I got the kit for my esthetician state board practical and I passed thank you for your setting me up for success!

You can make your own kit. Makeup must have been from the 90's lol. Glad California no longer requires a practical for estheticians anymore cause these guys charged 115 for a RENTAL kit that you could have made for 40$ from the dollar store. read more

Super convenient and easy process. Would highly recommend renting your kit from here. They were very good at explaining the contents and the instructions on everything was very clear. Great place. read more

Staff was nice the scissors in the kit sucked so made my haircut choppy they didn't cut at all. Docked points from that portion because of it. Blaaaah. read more

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THESE PEOPLE!!!!! Reserved a kit and it had NO HAND!!!! I got the boot from my practical and when i went back to complain they had to nerve to tell me they ran out!!! UNACCEPTABLE !!!! If you rent kits to people who are taking exams and you don't have the items needed for the test!!!????? GET REAL!!!! SAVE YOUR MONEY AND MAKE YOUR OWN THESE PEOPLE ARE TRASH!!!!!1 read more

Cosmetology Applicants: (Based on my personal experience) If you want a stress reliever I definitely recommend renting your kit from them, the kit was a bit pricey but totally worth it in my opinion, $135 (Cosmetology) and I also purchased the manikin hand for $25 which came with the tips attached and shaped. When you first walk in you fill out a clip board, and you have to have your admissions letter and you pay and after that you wait for a demo where they go over the over view of the test and they allow you to ask questions as well as switch out some items if you'd like. The kit is assembled in an orderly fashion that isn't confusing. Also at the very end of your practical exam you don't have to deal with the mess of cleaning up your kit because you return it how ever you finish your test. It was a huge help and I passed my first time! read more

If you are wondering if it is worth the money to rent instead of bring your own kit, RENT RENT RENT!!!!! They go through everything before you go over to check in for your test. It makes everything so much easier and helps to ease the nerves!!! Thank you rent a kit for helping me pass my test!! Also, they have deals with the hotels in the area. I stayed at the Marriott right down the street. I got a deal on my room and they had a to go breakfast waiting for me in the morning to grab on my way out the door!! Rent a kit made everything so much easier and convenient! Use rent a kit! I will be back when I take my barbering test!! :] read more

I decided to rent a kit for my cosmetology test because I went to school out of state. It was a little difficult to find this place even with google maps. Luckily, they open early and give a kit introduction early in the morning before the exam. I missed some of this introduction but it was pretty straight forward and helped calm my nerves somewhat. The kits have everything you need in the order for each service so its very helpful for the exam. They provide everything you need, including a smock for you and your model. You can also go the day before to look over your kit, so everything is covered so you can be prepared for your exam. Overall I would recommend this kit center for any student who want to rent a kit for state board. Good luck! read more

This place not only had terrible customer service, but how the heck are you going to sell incomplete kits?? Do not water your time there. They give either incomplete kits or faulty kits. Do not water your time, money or energy here. Bring your own kit it go somewhere else! read more

Service was so nice and friendly. If you're doing the manicure stateboard I'd recommend making your own kit. The kit here is $85 including the hand and the kit wasn't anything special. I only passed my written exam so the next time I go to stateboard for my practical I'm for sure going to set up my own kit. read more

My kit was not ready at the time stated in writing on the door of the building or the timing of my confirmation email. For me this was a big deal as I planned to get there, get in and out and have time to assure my kit was how I wanted it prior to my exam. I tried to explain this to the lady and she rudely declined the kits would not be ready for 2 hours later than what THEY posted in writing. On top of that they make you sit through a demo of the kit which other then showing the station set up seemed pointless for people highly anticipating an exam. Overall I was Highly disappointed I had to pay to deal with something that added much more stress to a highly stressful day! From someone with 15 years in the customer service industry I feel strongly that as a business if you screw up on a time or on something you have promised the customer it's in your hands to fix it and follow through. 1 star is for me still passing my test read more

Worth every penny. A nice little review in the morning, and absolutely everything you could need (and then some) in the kit. Best part was no cleanup... just throwing it all dirty into the bag was perfect after such a stressful test. My only complaint is the websites say you can come check out your kit from 4:30 to 5:30 the day before, and when I got in to town with a couple questions at 5:20.. the girl had already closed up shop and looked extremely irritated that I even pulled on the door. read more

I had a great experience. Nice and efficient ladies. My school encouraged us to pack our own kits but I highly recommend just renting. You will use everything in there. If it's in there just use it. Made the day so much less stressful. They give a tutorial beforehand on everything in the kit and give a couple helpful tips. read more

I recently made use of Rent-A-Kit services & found it to be so very helpful in my Cosmetology State Board Practical Exam. I did not have to worry about anything that I would need to bring, everything was neatly labeled, organized & extra's of everything. The class just before the exam was a huge help. My school provided me w/a voucher for the kit/hand/smock so I did not pay for anything extra. I do wish though that I had rented their stand instead of the one I had as their stand was very sturdy, whereas mine kept listing to one side. I had to keep adjusting mine throughout the exam & those that rented one from Rent-A-Kit didn't have to adjust @ all. I would highly recommend though that you pick up your kit the day before just to familiarize yourself w/it & check to make sure you feel you have enough of everything. You do have enough of everything, but I am sure you would like to see it for yourself & make sure. I did not pick up my kit until the day of & felt a bit off because I wasn't familiar w/the kit. I did pass though on my first time & I think not having the additional stress of having to put a kit together is a huge help, not to mention that the location is right next to the exam site, so if during the break you feel you need something more you can walk over & get it. Thanks Rent-A-Kit for making it easier and peace of mind. read more

This was worth every single cent! My esthetician kit was so well organized and packed in an order that mirrored my exam. The convenience of having the kit packed and ready to go for you alone is enough. But what truly makes this service worth the $ is the orientation. The staff did an outstanding job thoroughly walking us through each bag and providing us a clear idea of how the exam would go. After their orientation, my nerves were calmed so much and I felt that much more prepared for my exam. I would absolutely recommend spending the extra money to rent a kit from them rather then bringing your own. read more

The people here are so nice! And thorough!! Totally reassuring and helpful and they're there for you when you have questions! The process was overall super easy. I didn't catch anyones name but the older lady that helped us on a Friday in the morning was a sweetheart. Thanks Rent a kit! read more

Long waits, super small building but had everything in the kit I needed. Explained very well. 100% worth it to rent the kit instead of making it yourself! Makes everything so much easier. read more

Paul was at our school today and did a gray job making sure our students are prepared for state Board procedures. read more

Rent A Kit - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Fairfield, California

So thankful for this place! I rented an Esthetics kit for state board. They had a great demo of what to expect for the test. The kit was very organized and had lots of extras in case you dropped things. I dropped so many items during my test due to nerves and was so relieved to have doubles of so many items so I could trash the contaminated things and grab a new one. Thank you rent a kit, I passed my exam with your help! read more

The cosmetology kit from rent a kit was so convenient! I felt so much more confident than I would've bringing my own kit! The demo also is very cool. I work at a beauty school and would definitely recommend renting from rent a kit! read more

I had a great experience with Rent-a-Kit. Everyone there was friendly and answered my questions when I called and on the actual test date. Based on previous reviews, I made sure to go thru my kit to make sure everything was in there. Everything needed to pass Esthetics Boards is in the Kit. The process of picking up, review of how to use kit and actual use during boards made taking boards easy. I am so glad it was available, especially since I was coming from another state and wanted to make sure I was doing it correctly. read more

I recently rented a kit for my Esthetician practical exam from Rent-a-Kit. I recommend this place for renting the kits, it was simple and put my mind at ease. I made an online reservation and picked up my kit on the date of my examination. After picking up the kit, one of the employees gave a demo to show all the items included in the kit that will be used during the test. The demo helped me think of how I would use their supplied items during the actual practical exam. They were even willing to give a few extras of single-use items when I asked for some extras. And I passed! read more

for those looking for the website link its www.rentakits.com there is an "s" on the end of kits.

Not worth it but if you dont want to hassle urself to gather all the required things then only rent from them!I had to struggle taking products out from the container!They use cheap ziplocks which doesn't close at all,wasted so much of my time to close the ziplock! read more

If you can't find the building. They are connected to the state board building but behind them on your right if you are facing the state board building. A few of us were driving in circles trying to find it. I was taking my state board exam and decided to use rent a kit. My practical was at 7:15. I was to pay for my rent a kit and go through a brief demo at 5:45. Both of the ladies were polite with assisting everyone. My only problem is they didn't start on time. We didn't start until 6:15 or so. Timing is very important in a situation like this. I was expecting to have a few mins to get centered and try to relax before taking the practical, but there wasn't much time because the demo started quite late. As far as the kit goes, I was pleased. Everything was clean and easily organized. They gave us an option to use a straight or feather razor and we also got to choose from a Marcel or spring iron. The only thing I didn't like we're the perm papers. They were different from what I normally use. They were perforated and a weird plastic type feel to them. Also I feel like they should have given a few more towels. But overall I was happy. If you are not renting a kit from them you may not purchase other items such as a tripod You can call ahead if time to reserve a kit and other items you may need. read more

They were very unorganized and didn't have my reservation apparently even though I had the confirmation on my phone. There's nothing they can do so make sure you reserve your kit at least 3 weeks in advance or else they probably won't get it. They did comp me a free kit because I did drive 2 hours and got a hotel just for them to tell me I couldn't take my practical exam. Considering this is a important day for anyone who completed 1600 hours I assumed they would be more professional and understanding but it was not the case. read more

Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Rent a kit was so convenient. The kit was well put together, clean and properly labeled. During the demo she really takes her time explaining everything in your kit and helps refresh your memory before your test. I highly recommend rent a kit. I passed my practical portion confidently. read more

I wouldn't have gotten my license without you. Rent a kit is LITERALLY next door to the State Boards for Barbering and Cosmetology. They go through the entire kit with you, give you plenty of time to relax before your test. The employees are calming, funny, and make the test seem less intimidating. Highly recommend renting a kit! read more

I have been working with Paul for awhile, he truly is a great guy! He knows his stuff. He will do whatever he can to help assist any needs you have for your exam! They go over and above! Kit is amazing, very neatly put together. Everything you need, designed with ease in mind! His staff as well delivers the information just as well as if Paul was there! Very impressive! I highly recommend this company for all your state board kit needs. They truly will be there if there is anything you need! Thank you Paul and the rent a kit team for all your amazing help! I got my barber kit from rent a kit and it made my exam so much simpler! I passed by board and now am a licensed barber! Thank you rent a kit! read more

I passed my Manicuring Stateboard Exam & Rent-A-Kit DEFINITELY played a role in that. I love how they take away all the stress from having to set up your own kit and making sure you didn't forget anything. I do recommend bringing your own acrylic brush, though. Other than that, I had great experience working with them. Filled with a bunch of lovely people. read more

Perfect for easing stress on your Stateboard exams. Just make sure you take EVERYTHING out and check it. My foils were so small that they were hard to work with. Also bring your own shears. read more

This place is incredible I highly recommend it! There kits are perfect and has everything someone taking there state board test needs. I am so grateful for Patty she is an angel and really cares about the students success. read more

Totally recommend this place! Latoya, who is an employee there also offers State Board Prep training at her Salon! I think I paid $100-$150 for a private lesson/demo on EVERYTHING I needed to know and expect during my practical exam! She also helped me w/ a little refresher on the theory portion of the exam. I passed my Cosmetology exam, 1st time, no struggle! Seriously, spending that little bit of $$ made me feel at ease and more confident with what I needed to do in order to pass. Thanks Latoya!! Rent-a-kit was awesome and made my frazzled Exam Day as smooth and easy as possible. read more

Unfortunately I had to take my practical twice.. I went to Rent A Kit both times. The first time I had my kit demo done by the chick with the makeup and the blonde hair (You'll know who I'm talking about..) and she pretty much said "Here you go". She was rude to myself and everybody I was in the room with, uninformative, did I say RUDE?! Weeell.. I ended up not passing my practical that day. I had a missed the mark by FIVE POINTS!! I couldn't believe I didn't pass, since I had done the practical right! I went in the second time and THANK GOD this man was there.. He pulled out every package and set up for every appointment. He explained different ways you'd get points taken off for not doing certain things that I had no idea about. Another woman that was in there for a retest with me had said she had no idea about these things either, since the last time she took the test and did Rent a Kit, that woman did the demo as well. I went into my practical with ease knowing the things he had told me (In which myself and another girl explained the woman there DIDN'T do last time) and I passed!! Since I did my practical the same both times, I believe it was the little things here and there, that he had explained that made a difference this time. If the woman there would've done the same demo as him, I believe I would've passed the first time. If you don't take anything from what I wrote above.. INSPECT YOUR KIT!! ASK FOR ALL INSTRUCTIONS! Hell, I'd even ask for the man that runs the show.. HE'S who you want to do the demo. So! I'm giving five stars for that man alone, as for that RUDE WOMAN.. I have nothing nice to say.. If I wouldn't have met that man I would've given two stars, JUST because of the kit. read more

I had read a few negative reviews about this place, but figured renting a kit for my manicuring state board would be a good idea. I reserved my kit in advance, and received an email stating the live demo class time to pick up your kit, and check in time. All the email said was "Manicurist 6am/8:20am/12:20pm, check in 5:30am/8am/12pm." So I figured since I booked a hotel to stay the night before, I could wake up early and pay for my kit and have a few hours to spare before my practical exam at 9:30am. I arrived and was the first to check in at 5:30am, to be told I could pay but I had to come back at 8am. I don't have a problem coming back, but I let the receptionist know the email was not clear and very short and made it look like 5:30am was an option. The receptionist said "well thats what the slashes are for" ???? Slashes look like an and/or option at times. Of course I am new to state board exams, so the email should have been more clear/should be made clearer for future reference. Had I not had a hotel to go back to, I would have been pissed I came out so early to be told to come back. Upon arriving again at 8am, we began the demo. The girl who went over our kit with us was very polite and kind. We made sure we had every item in the bag, and I assumed I was good to go! During my practical examination (sculptured nail and blended tip) I came to the realization that the files Rent-A-Kit provided me were extremely worn and used previously. A 100/180 file with absolutely no grit to shape my nails. Great. Luckily I was able to use the tiny spare file in the kit, but that took forever to shape. Not happy with the price of the kit resulting in such cheap material provided, and completely used and worn files. Luckily a friend had told me in advance to change out the forms, polish, and acrylic brush, so those were all replaced. The polish they provide you is thick, and both base and top coat are pink from the red polish from previous use/re-use. Acrylic brush that they provided felt like a tree branch (cheap). Forms they provided they had "run out of" so they initially gave us some super small forms, that didnt look like they were going to stick on at all. The polish remover was also horrible, and left my hand stained during the exam. I can say that the way the bags and such are arranged does make it easier, but this is totally something you can do at home. If you can, save your money and research what you need to bring in your own kit! If not, bring your own files, forms, acrylic brush, and polish. Luckily I passed, but if I had to re-take an exam I would make my own kit next time! read more