Hey Senior wisemen (and women) I'm trying to figure out how to not get scammed when renting for short-term my inventory with some protection that I don't have issues with on time returns, damage . I have a standard waiver they sign off on but honestly trying to set things up so I don't scammed and lose my inventory. Any guidance is appreciated. In Ontario Canada if that matters Thanks in advance
Always a deposit and credit card info. Deposit is based on the value of the equipment. What equipment are you renting?
Trailer rentals and Purchase Enclosed but mostly Open Livestock, EZ load boat, Vehicle, Heavy Equipment, etc
I know a place that does exactly that. They just went to credit card deposits only no debit. They had someone steal a trailer and found it in Ontario. They are in Alberta. They've also had people keep trailers longer than the rental period and couldn't get paid for the extra day or 2. They let customers drop trailers off on the weekends and when they're closed. They give a trailer lock so the trailers can be left outside their gate. Someone that's supposed to drop a trailer off Sat. doesn't return it until Mon. and figures they don't have to pay for the extra day or 2. Also rental trailers are a high maintenance item. Bearings need to be greased on a regular basis and brakes, tires and lights checked before anything goes out on rental. They keep lots of parts in stock. Also they don't rent out trailers after 4:30 because of this. They close at 5 and want to leave then. They have lots of hitches, tie down straps and different ramps that are often an extra cost option. They won't rent out a trailer with brakes unless the tow vehicle has a brake control. They install brake controls and do lots of repairs to trailers. They used to make about 300 trailers a year but now just do repairs and modifications. Too many complained their trailers were too expensive but weren't comparing apples to apples. Their regular customers were disappointed they stopped building custom trailers but understand why. Too many cheap trailers coming up from the US. Not that all US built trailers are cheap but some need the wiring completely replaced or even the hubs sometimes. Unfortunately too many people only look at the low price. They were a PJ dealer for a while but too many unhappy or warranty issues because of bad paint. PJ was mad at them for telling customers the paint issue was because PJ doesn't use primer and the kicker, PJ won't warranty their own paint! How are they supposed to keep customers happy when the paint is worn off in a few month's. How do they make any money if they have to redo the paint at their own expense. They sandblast, prime and paint their trailers or any the customers wanted it done on. They are crazy busy because they don't skimp on anything. They have over 80 trailers for rent up to tandem duallies. They don't rent or work on semi trailers though.