thread Re: Checkout item in Archived Discussions (Read Only)

If an item is not returned could I charge the customer an additional amount?

LANKing — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:29:50 GMT

The title of this thread has been edited from the original: Checkout item

Is there a way I could Charge an upfront item for rental and then if the item is not returned charge them an additional amount? For example say I rent them an item for $1 that they need to return to me in order to not be charged for the replacement of the item. If the item is not returned I charge them $25 to replace it.

Does Square offer the right features for rental businesses?

OutFinessing — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 02:12:00 GMT

Hi, I am trying to start a clothing rental business and looking for the right payments processor. Does Stripe allow me to charge a customer up front for a rental and then again at a later time if said customer had to pay a late fee for returning the clothing after a deadline? I'm looking for a payments processor that would allow me to charge a customer's CC once a day every day after the return deadline for up to 20 days if need.

Re: Checkout item

ryanwanner — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 07:24:55 GMT

I can see three different ways to take care of this.

First would be the easiest. In your scenario, I'd charge a total of $26 up front. $1 for the rental and a $25 deposit. When the item was returned in satisfactory shape, you can refund the $25. If this happens frequently, Square may wonder what's going on, though...?

The second way would be to put the customer's card on file. You can see how to do that on this help page. The risk here is the whole "I didn't authorize you to charge me!!!" chargeback issue. If you do this, I recommend some type of contract stating that if the rental comes back damaged (or doesn't come back at all) you have the right to charge the $25. (Check with a lawyer in your area to make sure that's ok, too!)

The third way would be to invoice the customer the $25 if there is a problem with the rental. Just make sure to get their email address beforehand so you can. You'll run the risk of non-payment, but this way is the safest for chargeback issues since the customer will have to initiate the transaction.

Good luck!

Re: Checkout item

VanKalkerFarms — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:01:02 GMT

you can use customer directory to create the customer and then use Card on file to store their card for future charges.

Re: Does Square offer the right features for rental businesses?

puka — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:00:24 GMT

Hi @OutFinessing - I've merged your post with this thread on the same topic. The suggestion from @VanKalkerFarms should give you the results you're looking for.

If you have any other questions, please let us know!

Re: Does Square offer the right features for rental businesses?

LANKing — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:17:00 GMT

@VanKalkerFarms @puka I'll take a look at that systemm. Thanks.

Re: Does Square offer the right features for rental businesses?

WirlNet — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 18:47:03 GMT

I have looked at this concept of being in a "rental of something" business and so have others.

There are several threads / requests on it but in general, this is just not what square is designed to do.

Yesterday I did a quick search on line and found that there are several firms with software packages / services specifically focuses on the "rental business. It is 100% of what they do and what they think about.

Example - musical instruments, tools, etc use these other software packages / services successfully, but even they have to carefully look at the features to compare what each type offers.

I don't have a recommendation for a specific one, just the general suggestion that this type of business has very specific needs and their are companies in that business. That is the path that I am going to pursue for the rental business aspect.