faq

General Rental Information

You need a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID and a major credit card. Both must be presented at the time of pickup.

Yes, we highly recommend making reservations in advance to ensure availability, as all equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis.

No, we cannot guarantee availability for short-notice or walk-in rentals due to high demand. Reservations are strongly advised.

Equipment & Condition

Yes, absolutely. You are required to inspect all equipment and accessories listed on the Equipment Checklist before taking possession. By signing the agreement, you acknowledge receiving the equipment in good working order, free from defects, unless noted on the checklist.

Any damages, malfunctions, or discrepancies that occur after the equipment leaves The Camera Exchange’s premises are your sole responsibility. This is why thorough inspection at pickup is crucial.

We provide one additional rechargeable battery with equipment that requires it. However, batteries may not be fully charged, and it is your responsibility to charge them before use.

Most instruction manuals are available for download on our website. You are responsible for accessing and reviewing necessary manuals.

Rental Period, Returns & Late Fees

A rental day typically covers a 24-hour period from your scheduled pickup time. Specific return times will be outlined on your invoice.

If equipment is returned after the scheduled return time, you will be charged a late fee of one full rental day for every 24-hour period (or any portion thereof) past your due time, until the equipment is returned. Total late charges will never exceed the retail price of the equipment.

You can request an extension by calling our Rental Department at 210-349-4400 before your scheduled return time. Extensions are subject to equipment availability and our sole discretion, and new rental charges will apply. Extensions are not guaranteed.

If your rental is not returned on time and it causes a loss of revenue or inconvenience to the next rental customer, you will be charged for the lost revenue in addition to standard late fees.

Deposits, Payments & Refunds

A deposit for the full value of the equipment may be required for select rentals, as determined by The Camera Exchange.

All rental fees are due in full at the time of pickup. Deposits must be made in person by the individual picking up the equipment. Deposits for non-established accounts must be made with a credit or debit card with a sufficient limit. Cash is also an acceptable form of deposit.

By signing the agreement, you authorize us to charge your credit card for all applicable fees, repair costs, and replacement costs. If charges are denied, your account will be turned over to a collection agency, and you will be responsible for all collection costs, including attorney’s fees.

All refunds are issued by the same method of payment. Cash purchases over $50 will be refunded by check. Please note that some refunds can take up to ten (10) business days to process.

Cancellations

You can cancel a reservation more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time without any fees or penalties. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup will result in only a partial refund.

Loss, Damage & Responsibility

You assume full responsibility for all rental equipment from pickup until return. You must immediately notify us if equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged. You agree to allow us to charge your credit card for the full cost of replacement for lost or stolen equipment, or for all repairs up to the full replacement value for damaged equipment.

“Full replacement value” means the current retail price of a new identical or comparable item, as determined solely by The Camera Exchange, Inc.

You agree to be bound by the report of The Camera Exchange’s chosen repair venue regarding the cause and extent of the damage and the cost of repair.

Yes, in cases of severe damage, loss, or theft, you may also be responsible for loss of use fees (lost rental income) that The Camera Exchange incurs while the equipment is being repaired or replaced.

Rental Protection Plan

The Protection Plan is an optional add-on that, when purchased, limits your liability for certain types of damage to covered equipment.
What does the Protection Plan cover? It limits your liability for damage caused by ordinary negligence to the lesser of 15% of the replacement cost or the actual repair cost.

It limits your liability for damage caused by ordinary negligence to the lesser of 15% of the replacement cost or the actual repair cost.

  • Water damage
  • Camera sensor damage caused by sun exposure
  • Intentional damage
  • Damage from reckless or grossly negligent use
  • Damage from abnormal or abusive use
  • Damage as determined by The Camera Exchange to be outside ordinary negligence
  • Lost or stolen equipment
  • Lost accessories

No, the Protection Plan is not insurance and does not replace your personal or commercial insurance. We encourage you to consult with your own insurance provider for coverage.

Usage & Restrictions

No, the equipment is to be used solely by the Renter. No other person may use the equipment without the express prior written consent of The Camera Exchange, Inc.

Rental equipment must not be taken out of the Continental United States without prior written permission from an authorized official of The Camera Exchange, Inc. You are solely responsible for customs registration and any international regulations if permitted.

No, you are not permitted to make any alterations or modifications to the rented equipment.

Other

Up to one day of rental charges can be applied to the purchase of the same equipment rented, within a one-week period from the rental return date. This offer is valid for in-store purchases only.

We reserve the right to refuse rental of our equipment to anyone we deem inexperienced or who does not meet the requirements set forth in our rental agreement or general terms and conditions.