Rental

If you can't find the answer to your question below, please call your local TFC Branch 

How do I contact my local branch?

London: 020 7837 5649
Leeds: 0113 247 0937
Birmingham: 0121 327 9220
Email: rental@theflashcentre.com

Do I need an account?

No, you don't need an account to rent from us. However, if you don’t have an account you will need to leave a deposit for the rented items, this can be cash or card. The deposit will vary depending on the total value of the goods rented. Please give us a call in advance if you’d like to enquire how much a deposit will be. If you use a card to pay the deposit, it will be taken out of your account and refunded upon return. Please be aware that refunds can take 5 days to clear back into your account, depending on your bank. 

When are you open?

9 am-5:30 pm Monday to Friday (Leeds branch closes at 5 pm)
Early morning pickups and drop-offs may be made by prior appointment. 

What time can I pick the equipment up?

At any time whilst we are open. For the special weekend rate, you can pick up any time on Friday. 

Can I have my rental delivered?

If you have an account, we can deliver your goods the next day to anywhere in the country, excluding UK Islands and Highlands which is a two-day service. 
If you live local to one of our three branches (this includes anywhere in London), we can also arrange same-day delivery. Please enquire with your branch for more details.
If you are a non-account customer leaving a deposit by card, we can only deliver to the registered cardholder address (your home or office), not to a rental studio, location etc. 

How much will my delivery cost?

The delivery fee is entirely dependant on the size and weight of the goods sent and the speed of service chosen. Your local branch will be able to give you an accurate quote at the point of enquiry. All rentals with a total value of £150 (inclusive of VAT) or more are entitled to a free next day UK mainland delivery (excludes Scottish Highlands). 
All collections are to be paid for dependant on the size and weight of the goods sent and the speed of service chosen. 

What time do I have to return my rental?

Rentals can be returned any time we are open.  Please remember that our chargeable one day period is 24 hours, this means you should return your rental at the same time of day (or earlier) as you picked up, to avoid an additional charge 

Can you collect from me?

If you live local to one of our three branches (including anywhere in London), we can arrange same day courier pickup by van or bike. Please let us know before midday of the collection date to ensure the items can be collected that day. 
Anywhere else in the UK we can arrange a next day overnight courier pickup. Please let us know before midday on the day before the goods are to be collected. You will not be charged a rental fee for the period whilst the goods are in transit. 

How much do you charge for insurance?

Insurance is not included with any TFC rental equipment. Equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in your possession will be entirely your responsibility, and so we highly recommend that you take out your own insurance before hiring.
If you are hiring equipment with a total deposit value of over £5,000 (inclusive) then you must provide proof of adequate insurance cover before the hire commences. 

How many days will I be charged for?

This depends on how many days, or part days you have the items. However, you will not be charged a rental fee for the period whilst the goods are in transit:

We also offer a very special Week Rate, which enables you to hire for up to 7 days, and only pay for 3.5 days.

You will be charged when you drop the equipment back to us. If you have a 'No Deposit Pay In Advance Account' you will need to pay for the rental when you collect.

*Please note, an extension of your special weekend rate outside of these times will change the way your rental period is calculated. Outside of the times listed, weekend days will count as whole days and be charged in line with the table above. 

I'd like to rent something but it's not kept at my local branch, what do I do?

You should call the local branch and ask them to request it from the holding branch. 

I need to rent an XYZ, I know you sell them but I can't find it on your rental list, help.

Please call us, we're always willing to consider additional items for our rental stock and often put items in at the special request of our customers. Alternatively, if we have a demonstration unit of the item required, we may make special arrangements to rent this item to you. 

I am a student, can I have a discount?

Yes! You can. 
We now offer a special student "Pay in Advance Hire Without Deposit" account, which also gives you a 20% Student discount off our rental prices. This is not a full credit account but it will mean that you don't have to leave a deposit for any rental with a deposit value of £1000 or lower. You will have to pick the rental up in person and pay for in advance. For more information on how to apply for a student account please give us a call, or apply HERE. 

I also need to rent a studio for the day, can you recommend one?

Please contact us and we can point you in the direction of a decent local studio.

Terms and Conditions of Hire

1.1 The "Hirer" is the customer who is hiring the Equipment from The Flash Centre thereafter called TFC.

1.2 "Equipment" means the hired items.

1.3 "Hire Period" is the period for which the equipment is hired. Each day is calculated on a 24-hour period from the time at which the equipment is either (a) collected from our premises or (b) leaves our premises because it is being delivered to the Hirer. Where equipment is delivered or collected via courier we will not charge for the rental whilst in transit.

2. Identification

2.1 “Cash Customers” - are required to provide 2 forms of ID for their rental booking. This must include one form of photo ID i.e. a passport or driving licence, and a recent utility bill.

2.2 “Account Customers” - are required to provide 1 form of ID as confirmation. An account customer can request collection by their representative by prior arrangement when TFC are provided with a written or electronic confirmation, as well as 1 form of ID for the representative collecting.

2.3 “Pay In Advance Hire Without Deposit Customers” - must provide 1 form of photo ID and must provide payment by credit or debit card in advance of their rental. For full terms of account please see point 19.

2.4 “Student Account Customers” must provide 1 form of photo student ID and must provide payment by credit or debit card in advance of their rental. For full terms of account please see point 20.

3. Deposit

3.1 A refundable deposit will be required from the hirer who does not have an established credit account with us and we reserve the right to vary this amount. Credit customers and others must provide an official order or letter to cover the equipment required before it is collected or delivered. Failure by customers to do so will not be accepted as a reason for non-payment of the hire charge.

3.2 “Cash Customers” are required to pay a deposit in advance for their rental booking. “Pay In Advance Hire Without Deposit Customers” must leave a deposit for anything above the Hire Without Deposit limit set.

3.3 Where a deposit has been paid by the hirer, this deposit will be refunded only to the same card or account from which the deposit was paid, upon the return and checking of the equipment by TFC, as soon as possible after the point of return. Equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in the hirer's possession will be the entire responsibility of the hirer. As per 7.6. Deposits can take up to 3 working days to return to the hirer's account, subject to bank clearance.

4. Payments

4.1 Cash customers & pay in advance customers can pay for the hire in one of two ways. By cash (cash customers only) or by credit/debit card, excluding AMEX. TFC accept payment at the time of rental in-store where the customer & card are present, or over the telephone where your order is delivered to the registered card address.
Earlier payment can be made by direct bank transfer, allowing time for us to verify secure receipt.

5. Insurance

5.1 Insurance is not included with any TFC rental equipment. We highly recommend the hirer take out their own insurance before hiring.

5.2 If hiring equipment with a total deposit value of more than £5,000 (inclusive) the hirer must provide proof of adequate insurance cover before the hire commences.

6. Rental Period

6.1 All hire bookings are charged from the time they leave us or are collected from us to the time they are returned to us. Where equipment is delivered/collected via courier we will not charge for the rental whilst in transit.

6.2 We retain the right to terminate the hire at any time and recover the rental equipment.

7. Hirer Responsibility

7.1 Hirer responsibility for the equipment begins when the hirer or hirer’s agent receives the equipment. Hirer responsibilities include safe-keeping of the equipment including but not limited to protection against the elements of theft, vandalism or improper use.

7.2 The hirer is responsible for the return of the equipment or making clear arrangements with us for the collection of the equipment. The hirer must not sell or otherwise part control of the equipment.

7.3 The hirer will indemnify us against any and every expense, liability, financial loss, claim or proceedings whatsoever, and in respect of any death or personal injury whatsoever or damage to or loss of property whatsoever (other than the Equipment) arising out of the delivery, use, non-use, repossession, collection or return of the Equipment or any parts of it. The indemnity will be reduced in proportion to the extent that such expense, liability, financial loss, claim or proceedings or death or personal injury or damage to or loss of property is due to our proven negligence.

7.4 The hirer will pay the rental rate for each day that the equipment is in the hirer's possession & until the equipment has been returned to us, including any additional charges incurred.

7.5 Any items not returned from hire including but not limited to lens caps, cable releases, sync leads, spare lamps, etc. will automatically be charged to the hirer's invoice at the full current replacement cost.

7.6 Equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in the hirer's possession will be the entire responsibility of the hirer. Account customers and pay in advance customers will be invoiced at replacement cost and for non-account customers, the replacement cost will be deducted from the deposit. If there is any further balance owed above the deposit value, it will be added to the hire invoice.

7.7 It is the hirer's responsibility to make sure that all the people who use the equipment are properly instructed in its safe and correct use and that they have all of the instructions supplied by us. You must ensure that the equipment is not misused, and that supervision is adequate at all times.

8. Late Returns 

8.1 Late returns are subject to an additional charge, which may include remuneration for any lost revenue.

8.2 It is the responsibility of the hirer to inform TFC of any hire period extension no less than 24 hours before the end of their original hire period.

8.3 “Hire Without Deposit Customers” will automatically be charged for any additional rental period.

9. Cancellations

9.1 The hirer must advise TFC as soon as possible if you have a cancellation.

9.2 Same day cancellations / no shows will be subject to a cancellation charge of one day’s rental as originally booked, subject to confirmation within that period that the remainder of the rental period is not required.

10. Equipment Check & Liability

10.1 All equipment is serviced regularly and is tested prior to each hire to ensure that the item functions according to its specifications. Every effort is made, therefore, to ensure that the equipment is supplied in working order. TFC cannot be held liable, however, for the failure of equipment or consequential or sub-consequential loss therefrom.

10.2 It is strongly recommended that the hirer tests that the equipment functions properly for its intended use at time of receipt and prior to commencing an important assignment or overseas travel. 

10.3 Any breakdown or unsatisfactory working of equipment must be immediately notified to us. Under no circumstances must you repair or attempt to repair the equipment. The equipment must be returned to our premises for examination. You must notify us immediately if the equipment is involved in an accident resulting in damage to the equipment or other property, or injury to any person.

10.4 If the Equipment is defective due to manufacturing error, you must notify us immediately. If the defect has not been caused by anything you have done or failed to do and nothing can be done to rectify the situation with that existing equipment we will (at our option) arrange collection of the goods and the redelivery of a replacement of the same or similar specifications as soon as reasonably possible. Should a replacement not be possible TFC will credit the hirer for the hire charges of the defective equipment.

11. Damaged, Missing & Stolen Equipment

11.1 The hirer must report any shortage of equipment to us within 1 hour of receiving the equipment.

11.2 Any failure of equipment should be reported immediately in accordance with 10.4.

11.3 The hirer is responsible for the equipment whilst in their care, including any breakages, as per section 7.

11.4 Dependent on the severity of the damage or supply of replacement parts and thus the length of repair, a penalty charge may well be incurred due to a loss of hire of the equipment to other customers.

11.5 Any rental equipment that is stolen must be reported to the police and TFC within 24 hours, and a crime reference number provided as well as details of the theft. Equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in the hirer's possession will be the entire responsibility of the hirer, as per 7.6.

11.6 All digital cameras are checked and cleaned before leaving TFC rental. We can therefore accept no responsibility for dust or debris found on the sensor whilst the hired goods are in your care.

11.7 We understand that the equipment may over time pick up the odd minor scratch or mark, however, any marks to lens glass and obvious neglect of use will be treated as damage and charged.

12. Equipment Suitability

12.1 It is the hirer's responsibility to ensure that the Equipment is suitable for the purpose for which you intend to use it and to give us sufficient information to ensure that the Equipment supplied is suitable.

12.2 The hirer is responsible for ensuring that he/she is familiar with the controls and functionality of the equipment rented. TFC will assist with this as required.

13. Electrical Equipment

13.1 Where any part of the equipment is electrical it should normally be used with plugs and/or socket as fitted but if temporarily fitted with other suitable plugs or sockets, this must be carried out by a competent person who must also return it to its original condition. It will be your responsibility at all times to arrange a suitable supply of electricity for use with the equipment.

14. Our Right of Access

14.1 You authorise us to enter any land or premises where we reasonably believe any Equipment to be, at reasonable times and after reasonable notice. In order to make necessary inspection of it, or to test, replace or repossess it.

15. Identification Marks

15.1 The hirer will not remove, deface or cover up our nameplate or mark on the equipment indicating that it is our property.

16. Unreturned Items

16.1 The hirer is responsible for returning all rented equipment to TFC complete. Any unreturned items will automatically be charged to the hirer as per section 7.5.

16.2 Spare, failed or damaged consumables including but not limited to bulbs, flash tubes and batteries must be returned with the equipment. Failure to return these will result in the value of the unreturned items added to the hire invoice.

17. Despatch, Deliveries & Collections

17.1 Cash Customers – If paid by card TFC must deliver hire equipment to the registered card address.

17.2 Pay in Advance Hire Without Deposit customers - must collect in person in store as equipment cannot be delivered.

17.3 Account Customers - Can arrange collection from us, delivery to the hirer or with written confirmation, delivery to an address of your choice.

17.4 Delivery Charges - All deliveries will be individually quoted.

18. General Conditions

18.1 Acceptance of the equipment by the hirer or his agent signifies the total acceptance of these terms and conditions for hire and excludes any terms and conditions you may have put forward except where we have agreed to any amendments or other conditions in writing.

18.2 All goods are advertised subject to availability.

18.3 TFC Hire Equipment remains the property of The Flash Centre at all times and must not be pledged, loaned, deposited or sold to a third party.

18.4 Any waiver or variation by TFC of one or more of the above conditions does not in any way prejudice its right under any other condition or conditions.

18.5 TFC reserves the right to change both the prices and the Equipment available for hire without prior notice.

19. Limit of our Liability

19.1 We will not be liable for any loss or indirect loss including but not limited to loss of business profits, savings you expect to make, wasted money, wages, fees or expenses due to late delivery, non-delivery, unsuitability, breakdown or stoppage of the equipment or any part of it.

19.2 TFC’s liability in connection with the hire of the equipment shall be limited to the sum paid for the hire.

19.3 All our times which state or quote for delivery or collection are approximate.

19.4 We will not be liable for any delays caused by any circumstances beyond our control.

20. Pay In Advance Hire Without Deposit

20.1 Pay In Advance (PIA) / Hire Without Deposit is not a credit account.

20.2 The Pay In Advance (PIA) / Hire Without Deposit agreement allows the facility holder to rent equipment up to the deposit value of £2500, without leaving a deposit. Where higher value goods than this are rented the excess of this deposit value will need to be paid.

20.3 Equipment must be collected by the facility holder and photo ID must be shown.

20.4 The total hire charge must be paid via debit or credit card on collection of the goods.

20.5 Payment details will be held by TFC for security only until the kit is returned. Any damages or extra hire charges will automatically be charged, but we will always inform the customer before we process a payment.

20.6 Goods with a deposit value of more than £5000 per hire will require the hirer to provide proof of independent insurance.

20.7 Any PIA facility which has not been used for 6 months or more may be closed.

21. Pay In Advance Student Hire Without Deposit.

21.1 To qualify for a ‘PIA Student Hire Without Deposit’ facility you must be in full-time education and reside in the UK. We will need a reference from a senior tutor or course manager.

21.2 Pay In Advance (PIA) / Hire Without Deposit is not a credit account.

21.3 The Pay In Advance (PIA) / Hire Without Deposit agreement allows the facility holder to rent equipment up to the deposit value of £1000.

21.4 Equipment must be collected by the facility holder and student photo ID must be shown.

21.5 The total hire charge must be paid via debit or credit card on collection of the goods.

21.6 Payment details will be held by TFC for security until the kit is returned. Any damage or extra hire charges will automatically be charged and we will always inform the customer before we process a payment.

21.7 Top value of non-chargeable deposit is £1000.

21.8 Goods with a deposit value of more than £5000 per hire will require the hirer to provide proof of independent insurance.

21.9 All ‘PIA Student Hire Without Deposit’ Agreements will be reassessed annually at the end of each course year.

Thinking of purchasing something but want to try it out first? We'd all like to try out a product before we splash our hard-earned cash on it. With most retailers, you're limited to having a quick play in the showroom, or the information you can find online. At TFC things are different! 

Why not use our rental service to ensure you’re getting the right product for you? Absolutely everything that we rent is available to try, at your leisure, using our unique ’Try Before You Buy' scheme.*

When you rent something, and then subsequently buy it, we'll give you half of the rental fee back.

To qualify for this discount, all you have to do is purchase the item within 30 days of your rental, and we’ll give you half of your rental fees off the purchase price of your new item. Rented the item more than once? No problem, we take into account all previous rentals within the 30-day period when we calculate the discount. That should give you plenty of time to decide if the kit is right for you.

When you combine that with our special ’weekend for 1-day' rate you have a real bargain! For example, the latest Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL Dual To Get Set would cost just £38.00+VAT to rent for three days from Friday AM until Monday AM, and when you buy one you'll get £19.00+VAT back.

As well as our special weekend rate, our Try Before You Buy offer can also be used in conjunction with any other TFC rental offers including ‘Rental Deal of the Month!*

Call any of our branches for more details. 

*Try Before You Buy discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other sales offers.

Try Something in Our Studio?

Prefer to try something in our studio first without spending a penny? Be our guest! For the full guide to using our studios, please click HERE