Event Rental Systems (ERS) vs InflateMate
ERS fits operators who want a Swiss army knife and don’t mind configuring every tool. InflateMate is faster to deploy and keeps recurring costs predictable for bounce house teams.
InflateMate verdict
ERS is powerful but sprawling, with pricing that rises quickly once you add SMS or email marketing. InflateMate covers the inflatable-specific workflows with fewer knobs to tune and a flat rate.
Pricing snapshot
Core platform
$149/mo
Billed monthly; contract required for SMS/email add-ons.
SMS add-on
$25/mo + usage
Marketing and reminder texts sold separately.
Email marketing
$15/mo + volume
Newsletter sends billed in tiers.
Pricing pulled from ERS sales sheet (August 2025).
- Extensive automation once configured (workflows, triggers, upsells).
- Broad support for event rentals beyond inflatables.
- Integrated CRM and marketing center for nurture sequences.
Feature comparison
| Capability | InflateMate | Event Rental Systems (ERS) |
|---|---|---|
| Booking System | Pipeline shows Hold -> Pending -> Confirmed in real time with automated holds, waivers, buffers, minimum spend, and refund controls. | ERS can mirror the stages but needs workflow rules, custom statuses, and manual waiver triggers. |
| Inventory System | Image-rich catalog with quantity tracking, Active/Maintenance/Retired statuses, and top-performer analytics. | Inventory spans modules; maintenance states and performance reports require advanced configuration. |
| CRM | Customer records auto-create with VIP/Active tagging, lifetime spend, booking history, and full CRUD. | CRM is broad but lacks automatic loyalty indicators; segmentation leans on manual filters. |
| Waivers & Documents | Waivers send automatically at confirmation, update Pending/Signed status, and keep DocuSeal audit logs. | Automations possible but depend on building custom rules and paying for SMS/email credits. |
| Payments & Invoicing | Quotes convert to invoices with transaction ledger, instant or scheduled payouts, and partial refunds in one place. | Payments supported but payout timing, refunds, and fee policies vary by connected gateway. |
| Website Builder | Hosted marketing site with customizable hero sections, landing/about blocks, themes, and embeds included. | Site builder exists but demands extensive setup; many operators keep a separate CMS. |
| Marketing Hub | Coupons, funnel popups, and captured leads sync into the CRM automatically. | Marketing center is powerful but requires paid SMS/email add-ons and ongoing rule management. |
Migration checklist
- Export inventory and categories; confirm SKU mapping for InflateMate.
- Review ERS automation rules and decide which to recreate in InflateMate.
- Notify customers about the portal change alongside new invoice links.
- Deactivate ERS-hosted website after DNS updates go live.
FAQs
Can InflateMate send the same automated reminders I have in ERS?
Yes. InflateMate includes built-in reminder, waiver, and follow-up automations. We help map your ERS schedule during onboarding.
Does InflateMate support non-inflatable rentals?
Absolutely. You can track chairs, tables, generators, and delivery fees—just without the extra ERS complexity.
How do I move my ERS website traffic?
Point your domain to the InflateMate site once your catalog is live. We supply redirect instructions so SEO value transfers.