FAQ: Local Pickup

Renting Equipment

• Where is Magnanimous Rentals located?

  We are located at 1100 W. Cermak Rd. Unit 123 in Chicago.

• What are Magnanimous Rentals' hours of operation?

  We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturday.

• What is parking like at Magnanimous Rentals?

  The front entrance is on Cermak Rd. If you have a small order, then parking may be found on Cermak Rd, or on S. May St which is west of the park next to our building. If you have a larger order, then our loading bay can be found in the center of our building off of Carpenter St.

• What is the best way to reserve equipment?

  To reserve equipment, visit our website magrents.com. On the website, you can register an account and set up a rental. Click this link to go to a description of how to set up an account [How Do I set up an Account?].

• What if the website isn't working for me?

  If you are having trouble with our website, you can send a rental request via email to rentals@magnanimousrentals.com or call us to set up your rental. If you email us, please include your name, phone number, the dates you would like to rent and the equipment you would need.

• What if I am unsure what I need?

  Feel free to call or email us regarding your equipment needs. While it is best to check out magrents.com to see what options are available, our rental coordinators are always available to assist you in setting up your optimal equipment package. Another great option is the videos on the item description page. These videos will give you a closer look into the set up or functionality of our equipment.

• How do I know what is included in each equipment kit or package?

  On our website, we list the basics that are included with each kit or package. If you are looking for a more descriptive list or something in particular, please ask a rental coordinator via email or phone.

• How do I set up an account?

  The best way to set up an account is at magrents.com. t the top right hand corner of the page, click "Sign In". At the bottom left corner of the small drop down window, click register. Follow the instructions on the registration page in order to finish setting up your account. You can also choose your preferred method of local pickup or shipping.

  In order to register, you will need to upload a high resolution photo or scan of your government issued photo ID and a link to your "Proof of Professional Experience" to waive any security deposits. Send us what ever you have and if it is not sufficient we will reach out to you for more information.

  Once you have provided your information, your ID and your link, your account will be registered and you will be able to set up your rental. If there is an issue with any of the information provided, you will be contacted by a rental coordinator. Your account will be verified upon submission of your first order.

• Can I set up an account under in a company name?

  We set up accounts under individuals' names. The account holder signs the paperwork, making him/her responsible for the equipment. The account holder can also confirm if others are able to add or remove equipment on any particular rental, but the account holder must confirm booking or cancellation. Your IDs, Payment Method, and paperwork must match the account holder's name. If you would like to add an alternative payer to your account we will request a copy of their ID as well.

  Your account will be in your name and you can continue to use your account if you change companies. If you change companies or addresses, just update it in your user profile.

• Can I just come in to set up an account?

  Yes, you can come in and ask a rental coordinator for assistance. If you come in to set up your account and rent for the first time, we will not be able to waive the security deposit and you will need to wait for the equipment to be tested and prepped. For these reasons, we suggest using our website to set up your account beforehand.

• How do I know the equipment has been reserved for me?

  Submission of an order on the website confirms your intent to book. This creates a soft hold in our system. Our rental coordinators will look over your rental and make sure that everything is set for you to book. They will then confirm your booking and you will receive a booking confirmation via email.

• What if I do not receive a booking conformation?

  If you do not receive a booking confirmation, then your rental is not confirmed. There might be some missing information or our rental coordinators are still working on your rental. We will reach out to you if there are any issues. If an order is submitted after 5:30pm CT it may not be confirmed until the following morning. You may also need to check your spam folder.

• Do I have to come in to pickup for a local pickup rental?

  If someone else is picking up your rental, please enter the contact's name, phone number, and email in the final review section during checkout.

  All paperwork is done through our website so having someone else pick up or us deliver is a breeze.

• Can I extend a rental once it is out on rental?

  We are happy to extend your rental, pending availability of the equipment. Call or email us to let us know your desired return date, and we will work to make it happen. If the rental is within the week rate or month rate, then there is no charge for the extension (see Rental Rates for pricing information). If there is a balance due the card previously used will automatically be charged for that rental for the extension, unless otherwise specified.

Equipment

• Has the equipment been tested before I receive it?

  Our equipment is always tested and prepped for your rental. We have a very thorough testing process where the equipment is tested and double-checked in order to have the equipment in good working condition for each rental. If you are renting multiple pieces of equipment, we test the items together to make sure that the set up will work for you, and we will suggest alternatives if a more suitable set up is available, however the responsibility for understanding the proper use and function of the equipment is always that of the renter.

• What if I am missing a piece of equipment?

  If you ever have an issue or cannot locate a piece of equipment, please call us. Our rental coordinators will assist you or have you speak to a gear technician if necessary. After pickup, we email the account holder a list of every item included in their rental, including all the parts of each piece of rental equipment. Paper checklists are available upon pickup, by request. This sheet will assist you if you cannot locate an item and when you are preparing for the equipment return.

• What do I do if there is a problem with the equipment?

  While we strive to make sure that every piece of equipment is sent out on rental in perfect condition, once in a while you might have an issue. If this happens, please call upon discovering the issue and let us know that you are having troubles. Our gear technicians will assist you to correct the problem or find an alternative solution.

• What if I want to switch out a piece of equipment I have on rental?

  Once the equipment has left Magnanimous Rentals, it is yours for the booked rental period. We cannot switch out a piece of equipment for another, the new equipment would need to be rented as a separate rental, pending availability. This is because once you book equipment we turn down other renters who might want that equipment.

• Can I prep in house?

  We encourage you to prep in house to make sure that your equipment will suit your needs, and there are prep tables you can use. If you need a gear technician to assist you during prep one will be provided. If you have any quick questions regarding your equipment or equipment needs or if you would like to add or remove any items, please ask the rental coordinator assisting you at pickup. We do suggest letting us know if you would like to prep in house so that we can make sure we have a station and tech available for you.

• Does Magnanimous Rentals sell expendables?

  At this time, we do not sell expendables.

Rental Rates

• What constitutes a day rate?

  Our rates are based on a 24-hour day and every rental period has a 6-hour grace period at the end. In the event that the grace period extends beyond our hours of operation then the order is due back before we close. For example if you pickup today at noon your items would be due back before 6pm on the following day or the rental will incur another day charge. Additionally, if you pickup today at noon and rent the items for a week they will be due back a week from today by no later than 6pm.

• Does Magnanimous Rentals have week rates?

  Yes, one week is charged the same rate as three days. Additionally, four weeks is charged the same rate as three weeks. Any rental that exceeds 90 days in length will require a custom quote or a long-term lease. Let us know if you need any equipment for an extended period of time.

• Does Magnanimous Rentals offer partial day rates?

  Our one day rental period is based around a 24 hour day and is our minimum charge, but if you pickup after 4pm the night before your shoot and return the day after by noon we will only charge a 1.2 day rate. For example, if you pickup Monday night after 4pm and return Wednesday morning before noon we will charge a 1.2 day rate. We also offer 2.2 day rates, so the pickup would be Monday after 4pm and return by Thursday before noon for a 2.2 day rate.

  There are no hourly rates except for the Production Space and Studio, which have hourly and day rates. See the descriptions on our website for more information.

• Does Magnanimous Rentals offer weekend rates?

  We do! If you Pick up after 4pm on Friday and return Monday before Noon your order is eligible for the Weekend Rate.

• Does Magnanimous Rentals match other rental houses' rates?

  If you have a quote from another rental house, feel free to email it over and we will beat it!

• Flash Discounts

  From time to time we offer rental items at a discounted rate for a limited period of time. If you book during that time period you are eligible for the discount!

• Discount Deals

  Discount Deals, we place items on discount in our Discount Deals section. These deals update every day!

Shipping and Delivery

• Does Magnanimous deliver?

  We offer delivery and pickup within the Chicago area. Delivery and pickup costs are based on the delivery location. It costs $25 for delivery within the Chicago city limits, and the rate increases as the location goes further into the suburbs. Your delivery quote will be added to the rental when you input the zip code of the delivery location during checkout.

• Can I add a pickup after the equipment is already on rental?

  Yes, it is easy to add a pickup of equipment out on rental. Give us a call or email us to let us know the location and time you would like pickup. We will let you know if that time works and send you an updated booking. Pickup cut-off time in the city is 5:30 PM; suburban pickup cut-off will be determined based on pickup location. If you have a credit card on file, we can use that for the pickup fee. If not, we will require that a payment method be confirmed before making the pickup.

• I am a local renter, but I need equipment outside Illinois? Can I have equipment shipped?

  We ship anywhere in the continental United States. Shipping is free for orders over $750, i if booked with enough advance notice to ship ground. During checkout, input the delivery zip code and location. A pop up will appear telling you that the zip code is outside our delivery range. You will then be able to switch to shipping for that rental, and shipping rates will be added to your rental.

  We also suggest having the rental equipment arrive the day before you need it to allow for any shipping irregularities, especially in winter months. We will ship the equipment on the day required to have it arrive on time, but any shipping issues are out of our control.

Insurance and Security Deposits

• Is insurance required?

  There are some items that we absolutely require insurance for; these items are listed on our website. Insurance is also required for large orders. You will be informed if your rental requires insurance during check out. You can add insurance to your profile even if your current rental does not require insurance. To add your Certificate of Insurance to your profile, go to your account page in the "Account Setup" tab.

• Can I just get Insurance through Magnanimous?

  Not at this time, but we do offer a damage waiver. You can apply for Magnanimous Coverage on our website and use the card on file for the application fee. We will give you a follow up call to finish the process which includes a credit check. We'll then let you know if you have been approved and your coverage limit. The cost of coverage is on a per rental basis.

  Magnanimous Insurance does not cover lost or stolen items or damage that occurs outside "Normal Use". "Normal Use" includes tripod mounted, handheld, handheld gimbals (single operator without hand-offs), Steadicam, and jib uses or any purpose built use of any item except for any car mount or device built for external mounting on a vehicle, aircraft, aerial drones, or waterborne vessel. The use of underwater housings is also excluded.

• Is a security Deposit required?

  We require a deposit for the full replacement cost of your rental items to be held on a credit card. If you can provide what we call "Proof of Professional Experience" then we will waive the security deposit for most of our items. "Proof" being your legal name in the credits of a video or on the your professional website.

  A security deposit is a hold on a credit card in your name. The full replacement value of the rental equipment, not the rental rate, is held on the card until the items are returned, checked, and tested. Depending on your credit card company, it might take a few business days to release the hold. Rental fees are due upon the rental items leaving our shop.

Payment

• When is payment taken?

  Payment is due upon pickup or when the equipment leaves our shop. If the equipment requires insurance, there is a 20% down payment required at the time of booking. A 20% down payment is effectively a cancellation fee taken in advance. Down payments are applied to the rental balance upon processing payment.

  We do not charge a credit card until the items are picked up or sent out for delivery to allow for changes to your rental up until the last moment.

• If I return early can I get a refund?

  Once the equipment has left Magnanimous Rentals, it is yours for your requested rental period. Equipment returned early will not be refunded.

• What forms of payment are accepted?

  First time renters must pay with a credit or debit card: Visa, American Express, Discover, or Mastercard. After the first time, we accept major credit cards, checks or cash. We do not accept prepaid credit cards, gift cards, money transfers, or travelers' checks.

• Can the equipment be delivered or picked up without payment?

  Payment is required before a rental leaves our shop. If we are unable to confirm payment, the equipment must stay in house. It is best to communicate what payment method you would like to use before the start of your rental; if it is a credit card make sure to have available funds.

• Why is there a hold on my credit card?

  If you place an order through our website within 48 hours of the start of your rental, we hold the rental cost on your card. That hold is processed when the equipment goes out for delivery or you pick up. If your pickup date is beyond 48 hours of your initial booking we will not place a hold on your card.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

• What is the Cancellation policy?

  If you cancel a Booked rental within one week of the rental start date it is subject to a Cancellation Fee (20% of the total rental), as we have to turn down other renters to make sure it is available for you.

• What is the Rescheduling policy?

  A rental can be rescheduled once without a cancellation fee. If you need to reschedule, let us know what date you need to change to. You must let us know the new date by 5:30pm on the same day you request to reschedule to avoid the cancellation fee.

Damaged or Lost Items

• What happens if a piece of equipment is returned damaged or is misplaced?

  If you notice damaged or misplaced equipment while on rental, please let us know as soon as possible. When the equipment is returned our technicians will assess the damage and let you know the next steps.

• How do I know that the damage happened on my rental?

  Sometimes internal components wear out and break or hinges reach the end of their functionality. We will not charge you for repairs or replacement of damage caused by normal wear and tear. If we let you know that there is a damaged or missing item from your rental, we have already checked to make sure that it was not normal wear and that the damage happened on your rental. If you believe that the item was not damaged on your rental, let us know and we will look into it further to confirm.

• When will I be billed if an item is damaged on my rental?

  It may take 3 to 5 business days to test every item on your rental. Once the equipment is tested and checked, we will let you know what items are missing or damaged and send an invoice for replacement or repair.

Demos and Consults

• Does Magnanimous Rentals offer demos?

  Yes, we offer free 30 minute demos on most equipment. Demos are for one item and must be scheduled in advance to assure that the equipment and a tech are available.

• Are there any restrictions to a demo?

  Demos are for one piece of equipment and demos are not offered for motion stabilization equipment, steadicams, or large jibs. The equipment cannot leave Magnanimous Rentals during a demo. Any demo that exceeds 30 minutes, the demo becomes a consultation and charged at a rate of $100/hour. Demos are for customers who intend to rent with us, we do not demo outside equipment. We will not demo the same item or like item(s) for the same account holder more than once.

• What is a consultation?

  During a consultation, a gear technician will answer any questions you have and go over the equipment for you on an hourly basis. Consultations are $100/hour. You can bring your own equipment to a consultation or demo to test with our equipment. We suggest watching our tutorials on our website before requesting a consultation.

• Are there any restrictions to a consultation?

  The equipment cannot leave Magnanimous Rentals during a consultation, and consultations must be scheduled in advance. Consultations are subject to Gear Tech availability.

• Can I just come in to look at equipment?

  Generally, we suggest setting up an appointment. Our gear is usually on rental and therefore we cannot guarantee that it is available for you at any given time.

• What if I need to cancel a demo or consultation?

  If you need to cancel, please call before your scheduled time. There is no cancellation fee for cancelling a demo or consult.

Aerial Drones

• How do I set up an aerial drone rental?

  For pricing please see our website. In order to set up a rental, email or call us with the date and times you have in mind. Setting up drone services is much like setting up an equipment rental. We will let you know if the drone and the operator are available for the requested time and send you a quote. We suggest booking well in advance when possible.

• Do I have to have an operator or can I operate the drone?

  The drone services come with operators and the drones are not rented without operators. This insures your safety and the safety of others as well as ensures you get great professional footage. Our drone operators are highly trained and will work with you to achieve the look you want.

• Can the drone fly indoors?

  Drones cannot fly indoors due to safety concerns. If you have any questions regarding where you would like to film, please feel free to ask.

Other

• Does Magnanimous Rentals sell equipment?

  Yes. Select “USED GEAR” at the top of our home page to see most of our gear that is for sale. You can also go to our eBay page for more items.

• What if I want something not listed on the Magnanimous Rentals website?

  Just let us know and we will work to get you what you need or a suitable substitute. If our equipment is not available or you are looking for something that we do not carry, we will suggest a substitute or look into getting you the item you need.

• Can I take rental equipment on a commercial flight?

  Usually, you can take gear on a plane. To check equipment, the items must be properly packed and in a hard case, so you will want to contact the airline to ask what their regulations are regarding film equipment. If you are flying internationally, you will need to obtain serial numbers. Please let us know if this is the case, and we will let you know what your next steps are.