Renting Proceedure
Usually a rental begins with a telephone enquiry to determine if the instrument required
is currently available for rent. Often after discussing the clients needs, various measurement
solutions can be proposed including obtaining equipment from sources outside the ET owned
inventory.
After determining that the instrument wanted is currently available for rent, two items
are normally required before equipment can be released to the client.
1) A completed Electronik-Test rental contract, and
2) the funds specified on the contract.
A preliminary copy of the rental contract can usually be handled by fax, however the
the original signed copy must be posted to ET. The initial funds required by the contract
can be electronically deposited in the ET account as long as the bank stamped copy of the
deposit slip is faxed to ET.
Normally one month’s rent plus VAT and a security deposit of one month’s rent is the
payment initially required with the contract. Transport is for the clients account.
Therefore, it is possible to arrange for the rental of an instrument on one day, and
have it delivered to Gauteng/Midrand/Pretoria the next day.
Guaranteed next day transport is expensive. However “normal” airfreight, which
typically costs about R 100.00 each way, will almost always get the instrument delivered
to a client in Gauteng during the next business day.
Pricing and Discounts
The following indicates the adjustments to the Basic Monthly Rate (BMR) quoted in the catalogue.
Less than one month: 1/15th BMR per day for the first month, 1/30th BMR per day thereafter
1 to 2 months: BMR 6 to 11 Months: - 10%
3 to 5 months: - 5% 12 Months and over: -20 %
The total period of time chargeable to the hirer is calculated from the day that the equipment
leaves the premises of E-T until the day the equipment is returned to the premises inclusive.
Billing
and Payment
Billing is made on a monthly basis. Electronik-Test requires that monthly rent payments
for equipment be paid in advance for an upcoming rental period. A VAT invoice will be mailed
approximately 2 weeks prior to the payment due date. For instance, if an instrument was rented
beginning on March 15th, the invoice would be mailed to be received on approximately April 1st,
and the payment for the second month's rent would be due to be received at Electronik-Test on
April 15th. Payment may be made by bank transfer to the ET account. It is helpful to have
the company name shown in the notations of the transfer so that the payments can be associated
with the correct depositor.
ET Rental Contract
The ET rental contract normally consists of two pages, the front side specifies the
details of the particular contract including the equipment being rented, the dates, the company
doing the hiring and the particulars of the company and the individual orgainizing the hiring.
The reverse side consists of the "fine print" concerning the general conditions of hire
including the hirer liability for loss or damage, risk and insurance, the ET warranty and a
disclaimer regarding ET liability for third party damages.
Speed of Service
For those located within driving distance of Cape Town, the contract and payment for a
rental can often be made the same day, and therefore the equipment collected that day.
In instances where air transportation is necessary, the contract and payment can often be
arranged using fax and bank transfer facilities and the equipment packed during one day, and
the equipment delivered the next. If next day delivery is absolutely necessary, then usually
a courier service can provide the transport overnight with deliver by 10:00 AM the next day.
The cost can be in the area of R 400 each way to, for instance, Midrand.
ET uses Hellmann "normal" airfreight for domestic transport with
generally good results. Typically a parcel can be given to the Hellmann office at Cape Town
airport as late as 6:00 PM, and it will be delivered sometime during the next
business day in Gauteng/Midrand/Pretoria, however it is not guaranteed. The cost typically
is about R 100 plus insurance.
Transportation
Transportation means is chosen by the hirer and is for it's account. Many companies
have arrangements with a specific courier service and ET will coordinate with that service
for collection and return of the equipment. If ET arranges for the transportation, the costs
will be added to the hirer's account with no markup added by ET. Also see: Speed of Service
Insurance
Insurance for loss or damage to the hired equipment is required. Often the item is
temporarily added to the policy covering a company's other equipment. Insurance for the
equipment during transporation is usually arranged for with the courier service. In some
instances where the equipment involved is particularly expensive, ET will require a a copy
of the documentation indicating insurance coverage. In any event, the hirer is totally
responsible for the safekeeping and return in good condition of the hired equipment,
including all accessories and operating manual if provided.
Calibration
Current tracable calibration is not normally included with the rental. Most ET clients
do not require such certification. The equipment is warranted by ET to be in proper operating
condition and meeting the original manufacturer's operating specification. Should the client
for any reason be unsatisfied with the condition or operation of the equipment, all reasonable
measures will be taken by ET to accomodate the client, including replacement or repair
of the equipment, or return at ET's expense with the rental charges terminating immediately
with the onset of the problem.
It should be noted that according to the ET rental contract, under no circumstances will
ET be liable for any direct or indirect loss due to malfunction of hired equipment.
If traceable calibration is required, it typically can be arranged and the costs will be
negotiated. If the rental is for a relatively long period of time, it is possible to have
calibration costs borne by ET. In some instances where the equipment is relatively new, the
manufacturer's calibration will still be current.