The phone rings while you're serving someone at the counter: "Is the pressure washer free on Saturday?" On Saturday you fill in the contract by hand and write the deposit down from memory. On Monday the tool comes back with a new scratch, the customer says it was already there, and you have no photo to prove otherwise.
What you check
La trattenuta la decidi tu. Il confronto delle foto indica dove guardare, non emette verdetti.
I consigli seguono le tue regole. Per motoseghe, demolitori e attrezzi che richiedono esperienza risponde una persona.
La cauzione è bloccata, non incassata. Si incassa solo la parte motivata.
Similar cases
The same automation logic applied to other kinds of business:
Frequently asked questions
Is the deposit actually charged?
No. With a Stripe or Nexi pre-authorization, the €100 stays held on the customer's card and only the deduction you decide on is charged. The hold lasts 7 days at most: for longer rentals you need a different solution.
Who decides whether the tool is damaged?
You or the clerk. The photo comparison points out where to look, but with different light and distances it can mistake dirt for a scratch. A person decides the deduction and the customer signs it with the two photos in front of him.
Do I need a chat on my website?
No. You can start from the hardware store's WhatsApp, which many customers already use. The website chat can be added if you have a website.
What if the customer asks for a dangerous tool?
For chainsaws, demolition hammers and tools that require experience, the system suggests nothing and passes the request to you. The advice on the other tools also follows rules that you write.