Terms and Conditions of Hire & Service

1. Equipment Ownership & Handover

• Ownership: All equipment remains the property of [Your Business Name] (“the Owner”).
• Condition Record: Digital photos will be taken of all equipment at the point of handover. These photos serve as the definitive record of the equipment’s condition. The Renter agrees to return the equipment in the identical condition shown.
• Cleanliness: Equipment must be returned free of mud, dust, and sand (common in Cornwall festival/outdoor settings). A Cleaning Surcharge of £30 will be applied if gear requires professional cleaning or “detailing” upon return.

2. Damages and Loss

• Major Damage: The Renter is liable for the full cost of professional repairs for any damage beyond “Fair Wear and Tear.” This includes liquid spills, dropped microphones, and damage from “dirty” power (generators).
• Total Loss/Theft: In the event of theft or irreparable damage, the Renter is liable for the full current retail replacement cost of the item.
• Loss of Hire: If equipment is returned damaged and causes the Owner to cancel subsequent bookings, the Renter may be charged for the resulting loss of income.

3. Consumables (Drum Kits & Microphones)

• Drum Heads: Drum kits are supplied with functional heads. If a drum head is split or severely dented during the hire, the Renter must pay for an identical professional-grade replacement (e.g., Remo/Evans).
• Microphones: Damage to microphone diaphragms or capsules due to physical impact is not considered wear and tear and will be charged at full replacement value.

4. Insurance & Liability

• Public Liability (The Owner): The Owner maintains Public Liability Insurance (PLI) to a limit of [e.g., £5,000,000]. This covers the Owner’s legal liability for injury or property damage caused by the Owner’s actions or faulty equipment.
• Public Liability (The Renter): The Owner’s PLI does not cover the Renter’s negligence. The Renter is responsible for ensuring their event has adequate insurance to cover injury to performers, guests, or staff caused by the Renter’s use of the equipment.
• Hired-In Equipment: The Renter is advised to check their own insurance policy regarding “Hired-In Plant/Equipment” to ensure they are covered for the replacement value of the gear while in their possession.

5. Proper Use & Environment

• Outdoor Events: Equipment must be protected from rain, salt spray, and direct sunlight. Use of equipment in Cornwall coastal environments requires extra care to prevent salt air corrosion.
• Power: Gear must be connected to a stable, grounded UK 230V/240V supply. Damage from faulty generators is the Renter’s responsibility.

6. Payment & Cancellations

• Payment: All hire fees must be settled [e.g., 7 days] before the hire commences.
• Cancellations: * Cancellations within 7 days: 50% of hire fee due.
  • Cancellations within 48 hours: 100% of hire fee due.

7. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
How to use this for your “One Man” Business:

1. The Website Link: Host this on a page titled /terms. In your booking email or invoice, add a line: “Payment of the deposit constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions found at [URL].”
2. The “Photo Handover”: When you drop off the kit, use your phone to take a quick video or 3–4 photos of the rack, the mixer surface, and the drum kit. If they return a mixer with a beer-sticky fader later, those photos are your “proof” if you have to take them to small claims.
3. PLI Certificate: Many venues in Cornwall (especially hotels and council-run spaces) will ask for your PLI Certificate. Keep a digital copy on your phone to email them instantly—it makes you look much more professional than the average “guy with a PA.”