Rentals FAQ

We’re glad you’re interested in renting with Z Systems! We want you to be as successful as possible while using our equipment, so here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

How do I schedule a rental?

You can reserve our gear by calling or emailing in advance. Please remember to cancel your booking if things change – someone else might need the gear you reserved.

Will I be charged if I don’t officially cancel my rental?

If we call & you confirm your order, you’ll be responsible to pay for the rental for the dates in question even if your needs or dates change. (We’ll only call if another customer is ready to commit to the gear you have reserved. If you can’t confirm it and the other customer can, we’ll need to reserve the gear for them.)

Do I need insurance?

Yes. You will need to provide Z Systems with proof of General Liability Insurance (example pdf) that names us as Additional Insured, and Property Insurance (example pdf) that names us as both Certificate Holder and Loss Payee. If you do not have Property Insurance, we can authorize a credit card for the value of the equipment – which will put a hold on those funds and make them unusable until the gear is returned and your credit card company releases the hold. You can also seek out a short-term renter’s insurance policy. See our Rental Requirements page for more information.

Can I come in and get familiar with the gear?

If the gear is available, you are always free to come in and tinker if you want to familiarize yourself with the menus and functions before your rental. If it doesn’t leave the premises, there’s no charge. We do recommend calling ahead, because our gear goes out often.

When can I pick up the gear?

Rental pickups are available after 3pm the day before the rental. Oftentimes, the gear can be ready earlier. If that helps out, please ask us if it’s possible. If you are a new rental customer, please allow for some extra processing time to get you set up in our system when you come in for your first rental. To speed up the process, download and fill out our New Customer Info (pdf) form & email it to us before your rental.

Can you ship it to me?

Z Systems is generally happy to ship gear for rentals (shipping costs will be extra). If we ship the rental equipment to you and the package is delivered damaged, opened, or otherwise in a suspicious looking manner, refuse the shipment and notify us immediately. If you choose to accept it, save all packaging material for inspection by the carrier’s agents and notify us immediately.

Will you show me how to use it?

Feel free to ask questions while you’re here – don’t leave without feeling comfortable with the gear. We’re happy to help, and we want you to be familiar with the functions, and make sure you have all the necessary pieces. Don’t be afraid to call us either! We’re available from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you need in-depth technical training, please schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. (Additional charges apply.)

Do I pay upfront?

Unless you have been approved for terms, be ready to pay with cash, money order, check, or credit/debit card at the start of your rental.

When do I need to return it?

Rental returns are due by 12pm the next weekday after your rental. Another customer might be waiting for the gear to come back so they can rent it that same day, so please be on time. The rental clock will keep ticking and late fees will apply.

What is your weekly rental rate?

Weekly rentals will be billed as three days (3x the daily rate). Please call us for pricing on longer rentals.

I just rented, and now I want to buy. Can I get a deal?

Under most circumstances, half of your rental price (up to 3 days max) may be applied to equipment purchase if you buy within 30 days of the end of the rental.  Please note – this policy only applies to new (‘a-stock’) purchases of equipment with a purchase price over $500.  Specially priced items such as open box, overstock, blowouts, used, and demo purchases do not qualify for this.  If you aren’t sure, please ask!

Do I have to pay tax?

Yes – unless you’ve set your company up as tax exempt. For Minnesota sales tax details, see the MN ST-3 Sales Tax Exemption Form (pdf).

What are your terms and conditions?

Download a complete copy of our Terms and Conditions (pdf).

Ready to rent? Check out our rental catalog online.

Z Systems is your number one source in Minneapolis for video camera rentals, video equipment rental, lens rental and more. If you want us to stock something in our rental pool, let us know!