Security and Safety
RentStuff.ie is doing everything to make sure that rental transactions happen in full confidence. In addition there are lots of things you can do on your end to secure the process. Here are some practical advice and common sense guidelines to help you do that, either as an owner or as a renter.
Contract
For any rental transaction, whether online or offline, a rental contract/agreement, is established between the owner and the renter to confirm the deal and its conditions. Companies have contracts in order to protect everyone who uses their services.
RentStuff.ie provides you with a very solid contract designed to make the rules clear and keep you safe. Alternatively, rental companies can upload their own rental agreements. The consequences of an incident are governed by these agreements.
Deposits
Whenever you list your items on the website, you are free to charge whatever deposit you like. Of course, charge too high a deposit and people may not borrow from you, but we recommend placing a deposit for the replacement value of the item. That way you can lend without ever needing to worry about the item while it's gone. Of course this won't work for big things like cars & houses, but a good idea is to use a deposit that equals your deductable on your insurance. One important point about insurance — make sure your insurance covers the item if you lend out in a commercial transaction. Some will and some won't, and it is important to check with your provider before proceeding.
Rating System
The nice thing about renting to people you know is that you know who you can trust. Because trust is important, we developed an advanced rating system that tells you how the user you are dealing with has done in the past on similar transactions. Of course this is not as useful in the beginning, or for first time lenders, but make sure to leave your feedback for people so that you can help others, this way we will soon have a system that is valuable for everyone.
Identity documentation
Know who you are renting to. Check their ID when they pick up the item, and document it with our process. This way there can be no disputes as to who picked up the item.
Tips For Safe Renting…
Always ask for a phone number and an address, and verify them (make a call before meeting the other member).
Check out the evaluations and ratings of the other member and/or the item before any transaction.
If you are doing a transaction between individuals and are receiving a check, make sure the name on the check matches the person you are dealing with.
Do not accept to make a transaction outside of RentStuff.ie. You wouldn't benefit from all the security features that we implemented within our rental process.
Tips for Owners
List your rental items with confidence
Make sure you print and have the rental agreement signed when meeting for the transaction (either the one we provide or another of your choice).
Always ask for an official ID document to confirm the identity of the renter, and ask for a deposit.
Explain everything that needs to be known to operate or use your rental item.
If you're using cheques, make sure the name on the cheque matches the identity of the renter.
Tips for Renters
Carefully read the description of the rental item before confirming a reservation request.
If you need more information, contact the owner using the "Ask Owner a Question" button on the item description, before confirming a reservation request.
Contact the owner as soon as your reservation request has been accepted to work out the practical details.
When meeting the owner, make sure to ask about anything you would need to know to operate or use the item.
21/05/2010
Source: Rent Stuff