FAQ
How does renting work?
- Once you’ve determined what you want, when you want it, and for how many days, use the the contact email to email us. We’ll then confirm availability, and email you back usually with a proposed appointment time.
How does the pricing work?
- Let’s say you want a Canon 8-15mm for one day. You find it on the list, go over to the first column (1 day), and if you aren’t using a credit card, it’s $40 + $3.60 tax = $43.60. For five days, you go over to the third column (4-7 days), and see that it lists for $80. Add $7.20 for tax (and possibly the 4% credit card convenience fee), and that’s your total to have that lens for five days.
What’s the best way to contact you?
- The best way to contact us is to email or by calling Pixel Studios at +1 843 730 0661.
How and when do I pay?
- Payment is check (made out to Charleston Multimedia LLC), Venmo (@CMedia / Charleston Multimedia), Cash App ($CharlestonMultimedia), credit card if you’re willing to pay the 4% convenience fee, or cash and due when picking up gear. Listed prices do not include the SC sales tax of 9%. The bounced check fee is $35. Due to issues with some previous customers, some larger orders will require a $50 retainer when the reservation is made, fully applicable to the rental, but that will not be refunded if the rental is abandoned; this is to cover our time and effort to gather and prepare the gear
Where are you located? What is your address? How do I get the gear?
- We are in West Ashley, in Pixel Studios, at 1040 Gardner Rd (go to the corner of Gardner and Jenkins, then take a left), # 2A Charleston, South Carolina 29407, and by appointment only. Arrangements can sometimes be made for alternate locations, as well as delivery/emergency delivery, typically $50-$75 around Charleston. More info and a map: https://shootrentals.com/moving-to-a-new-location/
What are your hours?
- Hours are by appointment only. Punctuality is the standard, and not the exception, so unless otherwise agreed upon, exact set appointment times are to be honored.
What happens if I’m late picking up / returning gear?
- You may incur a late fee, $1 for every minute you’re late, or simply not get your gear, so it really is best if you show up on time, or better yet, a few minutes early.
What are the general requirements for renting? Is a deposit of some sort required?
- Usually a copy/photo of your driver’s license and a credit card, along with a business card, are enough. Usually no deposit is required. However, due to issues with some previous renters, some larger orders will require a $50 retainer when the reservation is made, fully applicable to the rental, but that will not be refunded if the rental is abandoned; this is to cover our time and effort to gather and prepare the gear.
Do you offer some sort of insurance with the gear? What would happen if I damaged/lost the gear?
- No, so you are assuming all risk when renting. There are now several sources of short term insurance available online. Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover this, some not, so it’s best to make sure. If you damaged/lost the gear, or had it stolen, you’d be responsible for a repair or a like-condition replacement. Please keep in mind that rental charges will continue to accrue while the gear is either repaired or a replacement is procured; this is because it’s not possible to rent something to someone else that’s not available due to damage/loss.
Is it possible to reserve equipment?
- Yes, absolutely, people do it all the time, and the further in advance you reserve, the better. A reservation retainer is usually not required, though if you do make a reservation, please confirm or cancel it no later than 2-3 days prior to the rental date. Repeat last-minute/no-show/no-call cancellations will prompt me to ask for a non-refundable retainer. Due to issues with some previous renters, some larger orders will require a $50 retainer when the reservation is made, fully applicable to the rental, but that will not be refunded if the rental is abandoned; this is to cover our time and effort to gather and prepare the gear
Is it possible to rent for less than a day, or some odd number of days not listed in the 1/3/7 day chart?
- Yes, you can rent for less than a day, but the minimum one day charge will still apply. Any number of days are possible, and I’ve had customers rent gear for as long as five months.
Do you provide tech support/training for the equipment?
- Generally no, it is up to the renter to either be familiar with the equipment or learn to use it, especially prior to a stressful situation such as a wedding, interview shoot, etc. Google, forums, PDFs, etc. are all great resources.