Hire › FAQ
Camera hire, answered plainly
How it works, what you need, and what happens when plans change. Anything not here — message us from your account or email info@mannysvantage.com.
- How does hiring work?
- Pick your kit, choose dates and send the request — it takes a couple of minutes and nothing is charged. We confirm availability, send an invoice with a payment link, and the first time you hire we verify your ID and you sign a digital hire agreement. Then you collect from us in London or we deliver.
- Do I need an account?
- No — you can send a request without one. An account (Google sign-in) keeps your details and ID on file so the next hire is a few taps, and it is where you see your bookings, photos of the exact kit you were handed, and messages from us.
- Where do I collect?
- From us in London, close to the centre. The exact address is on your booking confirmation.
- Can I collect the same day?
- Often, yes. If the item shows as available and we can confirm in time, same-day collection is normally fine — message us as early in the day as you can.
- Do you deliver?
- Yes, across London. Choose delivery when you send the request and the fee is shown before you confirm. Tell us the address and any access notes and we will agree a time window.
- What ID do I need?
- A valid photo ID — passport or driving licence — plus a digital hire agreement, signed once online. Verification is a one-time step; after that your account is ready for every future hire.
- Is there a deposit?
- Most hires do not need one. For some high-value items we take a refundable deposit, and if that applies to your order we tell you before you confirm — never afterwards.
- How do I pay?
- By card or bank transfer through the secure invoice link we send once the booking is confirmed. Payment is due before collection; nothing is charged when you send the request.
- What's included with each item?
- It's listed on the item page under "in the case" — batteries, cards, chargers, cages and cases where they come with the kit. If something you need is not listed, add it from Accessories or ask.
- What condition will the kit be in?
- Tested, cleaned and charged before every hire. At hand-over we photograph the exact units you receive, and those photos appear in your account, so both of us have a record of the condition it left in.
- What is the cancellation policy?
- More than 24 hours before collection: full refund. Under 24 hours: a 50% fee. No-shows are charged in full. Message us as soon as plans change and we will do what we can.
- Can I extend while the kit is out?
- Yes, if nobody else has it booked — message us before your return date and we update the booking and the invoice. The earlier you ask, the more likely the answer is yes.
- What happens if I return late?
- Tell us as early as you can. Late returns are charged for the extra time and can cost the next customer their shoot, so an early message matters more than the fee.
- What if something gets damaged?
- Minor wear is expected and never charged. Accidental damage is covered by your hire agreement: you are responsible for the kit while it is with you, and significant damage is charged at the repair or replacement cost.
- What if the kit stops working during my hire?
- Contact us straight away. If it is a fault rather than damage, we swap it where we can or refund the affected time. Everything is tested before it goes out, so faults are rare — but call first, do not push on.
- Do I need insurance?
- You are responsible for the kit while you have it, so insurance is recommended — production or short-term hire cover is common and inexpensive. Ask and we will send a value list for your insurer.
- Who can hire?
- Individuals, students and companies alike, as long as you can verify your ID and sign the hire agreement. Most of our customers are filmmakers, photographers and small production companies.
- Do you offer discounts for bigger or longer hires?
- Yes. Orders with several items get a multi-item discount applied automatically in the cart, and for longer hires or repeat work message us for a quote.
- Can you get something that isn't listed?
- Often. We work with a network of partner rental houses, so if you cannot find a lens, body or light on the site, message us with dates and we will tell you quickly whether we can source it.
- How do I reach you?
- Message us from your account, or email info@mannysvantage.com. During a hire, use the same channels for anything urgent and we will answer as quickly as we can.