Guides for running a better hire business
Practical tips from the hire counter: what to put in writing, what to record, and how to handle the hires that go sideways. Each guide ends with how to do it in Signd.
Agreements and terms
What your hire agreement should say, and getting it signed before the gear leaves.
- The hire agreement checklist — 10 things every hire agreement needs before the gear leaves your yard. Free PDF.
- Switching from paper hire agreements — Bring your terms across, test it on yourself, then switch at the next hire.
Hire agreements by equipment
Handovers and returns
Condition, late returns and the end of the hire.
- How to handle late returns — Set the return time and late charge up front, then follow up the same way every time.
- Condition photos: so damage isn't your word against theirs — A before-and-after photo routine, so damage isn't your word against theirs.
- Off-hire notices: agree when the hire really ends — Agree how customers call off-hire, when charges stop, and how you confirm it.
Bonds and extra charges
Security, fuel, cleaning and the charges customers agreed to.
- Bonds, security holds and extra charges — Pick one kind of security, write down what it covers, and agree extra charges before handover.
- A fuel and cleaning policy customers can't misread — Define “clean and full”, set the charges, and record fuel at both ends.
Put it on every hire
General information for hire businesses, not legal advice. Check your agreement and charges with your own adviser.