Why Buying Cheap Marquees Can Cost You More and What Makes Gala Tent Different

In a world full of online bargains and overseas imports, it’s easy to be swayed by a lower price tag. But when it comes to purchasing a marquee or gazebo for your event, business, or organisation, choosing based on price alone can cost you more in the long run in time, money, stress, and reputation.

At Gala Tent, we’ve spent over 25 years earning our reputation as the UK’s most trusted supplier of high-quality, heavy-duty marquees and commercial pop-up gazebos. Our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction means we’re not just a quick purchase; we’re a smart investment.

Let’s explore why Gala Tent remains the go-to name for event professionals, local authorities, traders, and families alike and why cheaper alternatives may not be the “bargain” they appear to be.

The Hidden Costs of Budget Marquees

If you’ve recently compared prices online, you’ve probably noticed a significant difference between some unbranded tents and Gala Tent’s premium structures. But as with most things, you get what you pay for.

Here’s what often hides behind a lower price tag:

1. Flimsy Frames & Materials

Cheap marquees typically use thin aluminium or low-grade steel that bends under pressure or rusts in a season. Fabrics may be lightweight polyethylene, which can tear with minimal use and offers little to no UV or weather protection.

Gala Tent Difference:
We use powder-coated steel or reinforced aluminium frames with heavy-duty PVC or PE canopies. Our 650 gsm PVC, for example, is the same standard used by HGV lorries, meaning years of use, not days or weeks.

2. No Fire Certification

Most budget marquees do not meet UK fire safety standards, making them unusable at public events where a fire risk assessment is required. It’s not just an inconvenience; it could get your event shut down.

Gala Tent Difference:
All Gala Tent PVC products are fire retardant and fully certified, giving you peace of mind whether you're setting up at a wedding, street food market, or council-run event.

3. No Warranty or Support

Imported tents often come with no meaningful warranty, no spare parts, and no support when something goes wrong. You’re left with a broken structure and no recourse.

Gala Tent Difference:
We offer industry-leading warranties, hold a full range of spare parts in stock, and provide award-winning UK-based support, just a phone call away when you need help.

4. Misleading Specifications

Some sellers use vague or inflated specs (like quoting '600D Oxford fabric' or outlandish tear ratio factors to hoodwink you into thinking this is higher-quality material with no weight or falsely claiming fire resistance). What arrives may look the part in photos, but it falls short in real life.

Gala Tent Difference:
We are ISO 9001 certified for quality assurance. Our technical specs are accurate and honest, and we’ll never over-promise or under-deliver.

What You Really Get With a Gala Tent Purchase

Gala Tent is more than a product; it’s a partnership. When you choose us, you're backed by a business that supplies the British military, emergency services, and major UK retailers.

Here’s why our marquees and gazebos are consistently rated the best in the industry:

1. Trusted by Professionals Nationwide

We’re the first choice for the NHS, local councils, major festivals, and countless market traders. That trust has been earned through reliability, innovation, and performance.

2. Exclusive Patented Technology

Our products feature innovations you won’t find elsewhere, like the Spirotite® tensioning system and Hex, Pro 40™, Pro 50™, and Pro 60™ frame designs for unbeatable strength and stability.

3. Built for British Weather

With UK weather in mind, our marquees are waterproof, wind-resistant, and rugged enough to stand their ground all year round. No sudden collapses or soggy events here.

4. UK-Based Customer Support

Have a question? Need help mid-setup? Our UK-based contact centre support team is on hand with real-time help and guidance. We’re here before, during, and after the sale.

5. Warranties & Spare Parts for Peace of Mind

Our full product range comes with robust manufacturer warranties, and we stock genuine replacement parts for all models, ensuring your tent lasts for years to come.

Is It Really Worth Saving £50 on Something That Might Fail?

Let’s put it simply: buying cheap is often buying twice. A low-grade marquee that fails after one use could leave you facing:

• Lost time and money

• Event cancellations

• Unsafe conditions for staff or guests

• Replacing the entire unit at short notice

Meanwhile, a Gala Tent structure will continue to perform time after time, offering reliability, safety, and long-term value.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…

We’ve received over 17,000 five-star reviews across the internet and have been recognised with awards for innovation, export excellence, and customer satisfaction. Thousands of repeat customers return to Gala Tent because they know they’re in safe hands.

Final Thoughts: Quality First. Always.

In today’s world of mass production and drop-shipping, it’s easy to think all marquees are made equal, but they’re not.

Gala Tent exists to give customers a better choice: one that’s built to last, built to perform, and backed by people who care. Whether you're hosting a private garden party, launching a new business venture, or managing a large public event, you deserve better than budget-grade imports.

So before you hit "Buy Now" on a questionable alternative, ask yourself:

Will it last?
Will it be safe?
Will someone help if it fails?

With Gala Tent, the answer to all three is a resounding yes.

Ready to Choose Long-Term Value?

Don’t settle for compromise. Explore the UK’s best marquees and gazebos, backed by the support and service you deserve.

👉 Browse Gala Tent’s Range
👉 Or call us now for expert advice:  01709 242454

Buy Smart. Buy Once. Buy Gala Tent.