Bonds, security holds and extra charges
A bond or a card hold gives you something to fall back on if gear comes back damaged, dirty or late. It works best when the customer knows the amount, what it covers and when they get it back.
Seven steps for bonds and extras
- Choose one kind of security: A refundable bond is paid and refunded later. A card hold sets money aside on the customer's card and only becomes a payment if you capture it. Taking both for the same risk secures it twice.
- Match the security to the hire length: Card holds usually end within about a week and can't be extended. For longer hires, a refundable bond is the safer choice.
- Write the amount and what it covers: Put the bond amount, what it can be used for (damage, cleaning, fuel, late return) and when it's refunded in the agreement.
- List your standard extra charges: Refuelling, cleaning, lost attachments and late returns. Write a set fee, or how each one is worked out, before handover.
- Get the card and consent up front: If you'll charge a card for agreed extras, ask for the card and the customer's consent at the start, not after a problem.
- Back every charge with evidence: Before you deduct or charge, check your terms and the return photos and readings, and tell the customer the amount and the reason.
- Refund when you said you would: Refund the bond, or release the hold, once the gear is back and checked. A refund is a separate step, so put it in your routine. If you take a bond by card, the card fees usually aren't returned when you refund it.
How Signd handles bonds and extras
- Write the bond and your extra charges into your terms, signed before handover. Agreements are free.
- Request a security hold: the customer reads the amount and terms and authorises it from a link. Capture it only if you need to, or release it. (Signd Pro)
- For longer hires, add a Bond line to the invoice, collect it and refund it after the hire. (Signd Pro)
- Card on file: the customer saves a card and consents to agreed charges. Charge fuel, cleaning or damage later, after you review the amount. (Signd Pro)
- Save extras like a refuel or cleaning charge and add them to any booking. (Signd Pro)
Common questions
Do I need Stripe?
Yes, for card tools. Security holds, card on file and card payments need Signd Pro and a connected Stripe account. A bond paid in cash or by bank transfer doesn't use Stripe.
Will Signd charge the customer automatically?
No. You review and submit any charge under your terms, and card payments depend on Stripe and the customer's bank.
More guides
General information for hire businesses, not legal advice. Check your agreement and charges with your own adviser.