Comparing The
Schedules
The standard 3-day/7-day discount schedule normally used in the film & video
rental industry rewards renters who book gear for three or more days.
Another discount kicks in after seven days. Professional rental
clients very often rent gear around these time periods hence its
emergence. But, such a schedule doesn't reward the two-day or
four-day renter.Austin Film Tools uses a schedule
with discounts starting on day two. Renters receive a deeper discount
earlier in the week. Here's a comparison:
7-day Rental Discount Schedule
Comparison
(based on $100 rental)
|
Standard 3-day/7-day
method |
|
Austin Film Tools method |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
days |
fee/day |
tot. fee |
disc. |
|
days |
fee/day |
tot. fee |
disc. |
|
1 |
100 |
100 |
0.0% |
|
1 |
100 |
100 |
0.0% |
|
2 |
100 |
200 |
0.0% |
|
2 |
50 |
150 |
25.0% |
|
3 |
100 |
300 |
0.0% |
|
3 |
50 |
200 |
33.3% |
|
4 |
0 |
300 |
25.0% |
|
4 |
50 |
250 |
37.5% |
|
5 |
0 |
300 |
40.0% |
|
5 |
50 |
300 |
40.0% |
|
6 |
100 |
400 |
33.3% |
|
6 |
50 |
350 |
41.7% |
|
7 |
0 |
400 |
42.9% |
|
7 |
50 |
400 |
42.9% |
As you can see from the table, Austin Film Tools clients
receive deeper discounts much sooner.
Renting Beyond Seven Days
After seven days, all rental houses become a bit more
arbitrary in their discounts. A variety of factors may affect how much
a rental house discounts a rental.
Elements that improve the chance for
discounts:
- longer rentals with contiguous days
- more gear
- attractive, long-term client
- prestige project
- gear is experiencing a high turnaround
- rental agent had a good day :)
Elements that reduce the chance for
discounts:
- shorter rentals and non-contiguous days
- less gear
- perceived as one-time client
- maintenance and repair costs/time
Renting from an Owner/Operator
Austin Film Tools differs from other rental houses because
it is run by an owner/operator. I make my living by both renting and
using my gear. Renting gear from an owner/operator has advantages and
disadvantages:
Advantages of renting from an
owner/operator:
- Gear is very well maintained (I have to be
proud of it on set.)
- I receive income from bookings so I can be
more generous with long-term discounts
- You can pickup and return gear on evenings
and weekends.
Disadvantages of renting from an
owner/operator:
- PROBLEM:
AFT is run by a single owner/operator who may be away on a
long-term, out-of-town gig.
- SOLUTION:
Even though I'm away from the shop, I'm available by phone and
email. (All hail the Internet.) I can advise you
about your rental and handle paperwork from the set. I
send orders to the shop (read: my house) where my knowledgeable partners assist
you with pickup/return.
- PROBLEM:
Shop visits are by appointment only.
SOLUTION: You can
pickup/return gear after-hours and on weekends. No
employees manning a shop during "business hours" means deeper discounts.
- PROBLEM:
AFT doesn't have higher-end gear like HMI's and HD cameras.
SOLUTION: It hasn't made
sense for AFT to stock these excellent tools... yet. AFT
can augment its inventory with cross-rentals from other rental
houses and owners. We handle the pickup/return of that cross-rented
gear so you only have to do business with one rental house.
If we feel you would be better served by doing business directly
with another rental shop, we will tell you.
- PROBLEM:
AFT's small inventory may mean my desired gear is not available.
- SOLUTION:
AFT has cross-rental deals with the other rental houses.
- PROBLEM:
AFT is inconvenient to reach in North Austin and doesn't have
the professional feel of a "real" rental house.
- SOLUTION:
Yep, my shop is my home. Since I don't have the expense of
retail space or employees, I can offer more generous discounts.
The Real Secret of Receiving Rental Discounts
In reality, every rental deal is a negotiation.
Unlike the rigid, non-negotiable rates offered by other rental industries,
Austin Film Tools understands that clients have a wide range of projects and
budgets.
So really, just ask.
If AFT can afford to give you a better deal, we will.
If we can't, we will help you discover a rental package that will serve your
needs and budget.
Now, you may ask, why would I give you this information?
The answer is: Every production professional already knows this.
Now, you do too. :)
Have fun out there! -
Michael Morlan |
