Hire and Rental News - February 2017

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These online rental pop-up portals
promote opportunity for the general
public to showcase equipment and wares
for rent online. Equipment an individual
might have sitting at home in the garage
can be listed for rent. Online customers
select what they’d like to hire and the
equipment changes hands with some
standard terms and conditions agreed to
by the two parties.
These rental portals combine the services
and equipment offered by potentially
thousands of individuals - such as bouncy
castles, popcorn machines, marquees and
items like bicycles and tents; into a one-
stop search-book-compare shop.
The online rental portals are promoted as
an aid for customers needing items for
hire nearby. Of course, the comparison
factor is huge too. With consumers now
well versed in shopping online and
comparatively too, being able to source
equipment locally online is a fabulous
opportunity. And some rental companies
are jumping on board too, offering
equipment for rent via these portals.
Everything is available in these portals
and is limited only by what members of
the general public (or rental businesses)
put up online for rent.
Equipment available via these online
rental pop ups ranges from rental services
for parties and events, DIY power tools,
sporting equipment, kids toys, camping
gear, musical instruments, catering
supplies, picnic blankets, surf boards or
even billboard opportunities – human or
otherwise.
But the HRIA is concerned the bigger
picture is being ignored.
James Oxenham, CEO of the HRIA, said:
“What we as HRIA members need to
ask is: how can an online provider (like
these pop-up portals) guarantee all the
equipment listed as available for rent,
has been regularly maintained in line
with Australian Standards. Will proper
instructions and education be provided at
the time of hire?
“In recent years there has been a raft of
Is the sharing economy also sharing responsibility
for safety and education?
The recent consumer trend towards a sharing economy, where consumers dedicated to
reducing mass consumerism and reducing the ‘second hand economy boom’ is leading to
the introduction of online rental pop-up portal businesses.
new legislation creating uniformity for
Australian business but simultaneously
tougher working conditions right across
the board for all industries,” James said.
“This has occurred as every market
has worked to adjust their businesses
and conform to the new operating
requirements.
“Changes in legislation in recent years
relative to the hire industry have included
changes in:
• workplace health and safety;
• training and licensing;
• privacy laws and marketing to
customers; and
• the biggest hurdle for the hire industry
in recent times, the introduction of the
national property registration system –
the Personal Property Securities Act.
“We as HRIA member companies
are adhering to these strict operating
requirements, but are the pop up rental
portals?” James said.
A major benefit of hiring is the education
and instruction on the safe and correct
use of equipment operators receive upon
hiring from reputable hire companies
such as HRIA members.
“For the hire industry, safety of the
operator and liability for use of the hired
equipment are prime considerations.
“For the general public utilising the
services of an enterprise such as an
online renting forum, when it comes
to hiring equipment, safety has to be
paramount,” James said.
“If equipment is being hired out by the
general public, where is the responsibility
for the safe instruction and education of
the end user? Who is ensuring Australian
Standards are met, the correct level
of servicing and repairs have been
carried out by a competent person and
Workplace Health and Safety regulations
are observed? In the event of an accident,
who is responsible if the accident
is caused by non-compliant faulty
machinery, or operator error?
“Online pop up rental portals may not
necessarily accept responsibility for the
equipment transaction or what follows
in that transaction; they may merely be
providing a forum for potential hirers and
hirees to meet.
“It all comes down to education, safe
operating procedures, maintenance and
quality equipment.
“Hiring’s cost-effective and beneficial
business edge extends business options.
This does not necessarily translate to
a domestic or personal hiring situation
arising from an online, non-professional
rental forum. Does the hiree have an
ABN? Can they provide a tax invoice?
“Hiring equipment from rental businesses
is fully tax deductible which makes good
economic sense. By hiring, businesses
can offset any outlays, recoup some of
their operational costs and limit overall
capital equipment purchases, while
enabling a wider range of jobs outside
what they normally do,” James said.
“Hiring is a smart alternative to buying
outright and whether you are a business
or a private operator there is a serious
proposition to consider. People are
increasingly seeing the advantages of
becoming more hire-conscious.
“But it definitely pays to ensure you
seek professional assistance and advice
from professional operators and the
HRIA recommends its member hire
companies to ensure end users receive
the best equipment which complies
with Australian Standards, with the
best instruction and the safest loading/
unloading and operational advice.”
Contact the HRIA on 02 9998 2255 or
visit:
We as HRIA member
companies are adhering
to these strict operating
requirements, but
are the pop up rental
portals?
INDUSTRY in FOCUS
20 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • FEBRUARY 2017