Rates, taxes, and transportation.

Rates

How owners set prices

Each owner sets their own rates. You'll typically see a daily rate, an optional weekly rate, and sometimes a monthly rate. Rates are shown up front on every listing, before you request a booking.

What the renter pays

The total at checkout is the rate times the number of days, plus a 10% idle iron service fee. The price you see on the listing's booking sidebar is what the card on file will be charged after the rental is confirmed complete. There are no hidden fees added at the end.

What the owner receives

Owners receive the booking subtotal (rate times days, plus any owner-set delivery fee) minus the 10% service fee. Payouts go to the owner's connected bank account through Stripe.

Deposits and damage

Some owners require a refundable deposit on top of the rental rate, or they may rely on the card on file for damage coverage. Each listing shows the owner's choice. Damage claims are filed through the rental agreement and the card on file may be charged for documented damage, subject to the renter's 72-hour dispute window.

Taxes

Sales tax

idle iron does not currently collect or remit sales tax on rentals. State and local tax rules vary, and rental of heavy equipment can be treated differently from goods. Owners may need to collect and remit sales tax on rentals depending on where they operate. Talk to your accountant or local tax authority if you're unsure.

Income reporting (owners)

Income from renting your equipment is reportable income. idle iron and Stripe may be required to issue you a tax form (such as a 1099-K) when your rental income crosses the reporting threshold for the year. You're responsible for reporting your rental income to the IRS and your state regardless of whether a form is issued.

Receipts

Renters receive an email receipt after each rental is confirmed complete. Owners can see all bookings, dates, and amounts in their account dashboard. Both parties can use these records for tax purposes.

Transportation

Pickup is the default

Unless an owner specifies otherwise, rentals are pickup only. The renter is responsible for transporting the machine to and from the owner's location. Each listing shows the equipment's weight so you can plan trailer capacity.

Delivery (when offered)

Some owners offer delivery within a set radius for a fee. The fee is shown on the listing and added to the booking total. Outside the owner's radius, delivery is not offered through the listing, though renter and owner are free to arrange transportation separately.

Pickup logistics

Renter and owner coordinate pickup time and location directly through the messages on their booking. We don't dispatch drivers and we don't act as a transportation broker.

Damage during transport

When the renter transports the machine, the renter is responsible for any damage that occurs in transit, including loading, tie-down, and unloading. When the owner delivers, the owner is responsible until the machine is handed off. Either way, the rental agreement spells out what counts as "handoff" and when responsibility transfers.

Cancellation

Before owner approval

A booking request is just a request. Until the owner approves it, either side can back out at no cost. Cards aren't charged at request time.

After approval and signing

Once both parties sign the rental agreement, cancellation terms come from that agreement. Owners are encouraged to spell out cancellation rules in their rental terms. If neither party set written terms, expected good faith applies: cancellations far in advance shouldn't cost the renter; same-day cancellations may cost the rental amount minus the service fee.

No-shows

If a renter doesn't show up at the agreed pickup time without prior notice, the owner can mark the booking as a no-show and charge the card on file for the rental subtotal. The renter has the standard 72-hour dispute window to challenge it.

The agreement is the source of truth

This page is a summary of how the platform handles money and logistics. Anything specific to your rental, such as exact cancellation windows, late return fees, machine condition expectations, and operator requirements, is governed by the rental agreement you sign with the other party.

idle iron provides a template rental agreement that covers the basics. Owners can use it as-is, modify it, or substitute their own. Read every agreement before you sign. If significant money is on the line, have it reviewed by a lawyer.

A separate Terms of Service covers your use of idle iron as a website (account rules, dispute process, indemnity, governing law), and our Privacy Policy covers your personal information. Any other questions? Email info@idle-iron.com.