The honest answers.

Do I pay a bond when I rent?

Yes — but it's a temporary hold, not a charge. Each owner sets the bond amount on their own listing, scaled to what the gear would cost to replace. It's pre-authorised on your card 24 hours before pickup and released after the gear comes back in good condition. You see the exact amount on the listing before you book.

What happens if gear is damaged?

It runs through Gear Envy's Protection Plan. Because both sides photograph the gear at pickup and return, and a bond is pre-authorised before the handover, there's a clear record and a clear path — the owner isn't left chasing a stranger, and the renter isn't blamed for a scratch that was already there.

Is the gear insured?

No — and we won't call it that. Every booking includes our Protection Plan: a documented process for accidental damage, funded by the platform at launch while a partner is sourced. Protection is a described feature of the platform, not an insurance product.

How do I get the gear?

Pickup from the owner, at a time you both agree — the address unlocks when your booking is approved. At the handover you walk the gear together and take timestamped condition photos in the app. Two minutes, total clarity at both ends. Launch is pickup-only; delivery is on the roadmap — coming soon.

What if I need to cancel?

Each owner picks a cancellation tier for their listing — Flexible, Moderate or Strict — and it's shown on the listing before you book. The exact refund terms behind each tier are being finalised and will be published before launch.

What does it cost to rent?

Owners set their own daily rates. At checkout you see a clean breakdown: the rental price, a small service fee that covers payment processing, and the refundable bond hold (a temporary hold, not a charge). The Protection Plan is included on every booking.

When and where does Gear Envy open?

Sydney first — lower north shore and northern beaches, where the creator density is. The waitlist is open to anyone, anywhere; at launch, listing and booking unlock for the launch postcodes first, and new areas open from there. The waitlist hears first, and referrals move you up it.

Why is my message flagged?

Messages are screened for contact details and off-platform payment hints. Outside a booking there's no bond, no protection and no reviews — for either of you. Keep it on-platform until the handover and everyone's covered.