Condition photos and bonds: how handover works on Markethire (Perth guide)

Hiring a trailer or a mini excavator from someone down the road is handy. It's also normal to wonder what happens if something gets a scratch or a dent while it's out. Owners wonder the same thing from the other side.

Markethire gives you two simple tools for that: condition photos on every booking, and an optional bond the owner can set. Here's how they work from request to return.

Before pickup: request, accept, then sort a time

It starts with a request. You pick your dates and send it. The owner has 48 hours to accept, and nothing is booked until they say yes.

Once they accept, their contact details appear on your booking, so you can sort out a pickup time and place between you. If the listing has a bond, that's a good moment to agree how you'll handle it, cash or bank transfer.

At pickup: take condition photos

Every booking has a place for condition photos at pickup. Either of you can add them, and you both see them.

A few clear shots go a long way: each side of the item, any existing marks or wear, and anything that's easy to argue about later, like tyres, a tow hitch or a bucket edge. Take them together if you can, before the gear leaves.

Then you pay the owner in cash at pickup. That's how every hire works right now, and MarketHire takes no fee on it.

Why the photos matter

Once condition photos are added, they can't be edited or deleted. In the site's own words, "if there's a disagreement later, there's a record you both trust."

That's the whole point. Not to catch anyone out, just to save everyone a "was that scratch there before?" conversation.

At return: same again

When the item comes back, do the same thing. The booking has a place for condition photos at return too, and again either of you can add them and both of you can see them.

A quick walk-around and a few photos, and you're done.

Bonds: what they are and how they work

A bond is optional. Owners can set one on each listing, and you'll see it on the listing before you request.

If there is a bond, the renter pays it directly to the owner at pickup. The owner returns it when the item comes back in the same condition. Agree on how you'll handle it, cash or bank transfer, when you arrange pickup.

MarketHire doesn't hold bonds. They're handled directly between owner and renter at pickup and return.

If you don't agree

Most hires go back without a fuss. If something does come up, the site's advice is plain: "sort it out with each other first, and contact us if you can't agree." The condition photos from pickup and return are there for both of you to look at.

One thing to know up front: MarketHire doesn't insure items, hires or people. Owners should check whether their own policy covers hiring an item out, and renters are responsible for an item while it's in their care.

Ready to hire or list?

Owners: list your gear free at markethire.com.au. Add photos, a daily price and, if you like, a bond.
Hirers: browse what's near you at markethire.com.au, pick your dates and send a request.

Photos at pickup, photos at return, cash at pickup. Done the neighbourly way.