The Importance Of Online Hire Agreements

If you’re hiring out products, machinery, equipment or other goods in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to have an agreement in place with your customers to set out the terms of the hire.

And, if you’re hiring out these items online, you’ll need an Online Hire Agreement.

What Is An Online Hire Agreement?

As an online hire business in New Zealand, an Online Hire Agreement will be the main contract you use with your customers whenever they hire something from you. 

Generally, it will set out a clear description of the goods or services you are offering, how payments and refunds are managed, what happens in the event of a dispute, and other important protections and limitations specific to New Zealand law.

Since you’re offering these goods for hire online, an Online Hire Agreement will also include terms around making payments online and how delivery will work within New Zealand.

Why Do I Need A Hire Agreement As An Online Business?

The main reason to have a well-drafted Online Hire Agreement as an online business in New Zealand is to ensure that both parties are clear about the terms of the hire. 

An Online Hire Agreement will:

• Set out the rules. Online Hire Agreements clearly set out clauses addressing what you will provide to the client and what happens when something you provide is lost or damaged. This will include provisions regarding expected timeframes, delivery and return shipping within New Zealand, and what happens if a customer damages your goods.

• Cover your bases. What happens if a hire is cancelled? What happens if a customer is injured due to a product they hired from you? An Online Hire Agreement will cover all bases and propose solutions for what to do in these situations, in accordance with New Zealand law.

• Limit your liability. As an online hire business, you may encounter situations where clients are not satisfied with the products or services they received and wish to dispute payment. An Online Hire Agreement will include disclaimers and clauses that clearly outline what you are and aren’t responsible for under New Zealand law — saving you headaches down the track.

What Is Included In An Online Hire Agreement?

The specific details included within Online Hire Agreements are typically customised for each business depending on their individual circumstances and the requirements they have from such a contract under New Zealand law. 

However, the agreement would generally include clauses relating to:

• Payment terms

• Delivery and Return Shipping

• Cancellation/ Changes to Orders

• Intellectual Property Ownership

• Liability protections

Need Help?

Having a well-drafted Online Hire Agreement will ensure that you are protected in the event that a dispute arises, as well as laying out your processes clearly to your customers in New Zealand. 

At Sprintlaw, our lawyers are experienced in drafting comprehensive, easy-to-understand and user-friendly Online Hire Agreements tailored to New Zealand’s legal environment. 

Feel free to get in touch to get things started on your Online Hire Agreement! Our friendly team can be reached at 0800 002 184 or at [email protected].

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