Deposit, damage & fine policy
The deposit is the maximum a renter can be liable for — there are no charges beyond the deposit. That is why the deposit is set at 50–100% of the replacement value of the item, so it stays fair to both parties.
How your money works
1. The renter books
Pick dates and review the bill: rental rate + deposit + shipping (if by courier). The Owner has 24 hours to accept.
2. Pay the platform (escrow)
Transfer with the 3-digit unique code and upload the receipt. Funds are HELD by the platform — the owner has not received anything yet.
3. A documented handover
The Owner uploads photos of the initial condition (required). The Renter confirms 'condition matches the photos'. These photos become the anchor if a dispute occurs.
4. Rental period & return
The Renter uploads photos of the final condition. The Owner verifies within 48 hours at most — after that, the transaction completes automatically and the deposit is returned in full.
5. Payout
The Owner receives the rental rate + fines − the platform commission. The Renter receives the remaining deposit. Everything is recorded in the ledger and can be audited.
Damage matrix
| Case | Deduction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Condition as described | None | The deposit is returned 100% to the renter. |
| Minor damage | 20–40% of deposit | A creased book cover, markings, small tears, light stains — the item is still fit for use. Determined by admins from before/after photos. |
| Major damage | 50–100% of deposit | Water damage, a broken structure, many damaged parts, unfit for use (e.g. loose book pages, a cracked camera lens). Refers to the replacement value of the item / reasonable repair costs. |
| Lost / not returned | 100% of deposit | More than 7 days past the due date without a return. The entire deposit becomes compensation for the owner. |
| Returned late | Daily fine | Half the daily rate per day (capped at the remaining deposit). The rest of the deposit is still returned. |
| Damaged in courier shipping | None (full refund) | If damage is visible before the Renter confirms receipt: a 100% refund, the item goes back to the owner, and the owner files the claim with the courier. Unboxing photos are required. |
If a dispute happens
Both parties upload photo evidence (initial-condition photos are always available for comparison). Admins decide within a reasonable time based on the matrix above, and the decision is recorded in the transaction ledger.
An Owner who does not verify the return within 48 hours is considered to have accepted the condition as is — the deposit is returned in full to the renter.
Want a handover to run smoothly without misunderstandings? Read Safe Handover Tips.
Also read the Privacy Policy — how Carter handles your data.