The finer points of RED Rentals

[Mark Thorpe]

Hi Guys,
I know there has been an increasing number of threads as regarding the renting out of RED cams as a way to reccuperate the outlay of buying this system. I would like to think that seeing as this site is and forever will be the nerve centre of all things relating to RED there will eventually be some sticky related to RED Rentals. I think that we owe it to ourselves to set the industry standard when it comes to rental costs for RED and all its peripherals. I would suggest a brainstorming session with the objective of settling a tiered rental structure starting with the RED body only and then different costs for the added peripherals, Cage, Rails, Magazines, Lenses etc etc.

I'd hate to think that the cammeraderie and friendships we are building pre-delivery will be washed away as individuals look to rent out their systems and do so by undercutting all and sundry. Business is business I know but if we set a recognized pricing structure I believe we can all have an equal chance at benefiting from the initial industry demand for RED as and when deliveries start.

Just a thought,
Cheers,
Mark.

[Martin Ludwig]

Hi Guys,
I know there has been an increasing number of threads as regarding the renting out of RED cams as a way to reccuperate the outlay of buying this system. I would like to think that seeing as this site is and forever will be the nerve centre of all things relating to RED there will eventually be some sticky related to RED Rentals. I think that we owe it to ourselves to set the industry standard when it comes to rental costs for RED and all its peripherals. I would suggest a brainstorming session with the objective of settling a tiered rental structure starting with the RED body only and then different costs for the added peripherals, Cage, Rails, Magazines, Lenses etc etc.

I'd hate to think that the cammeraderie and friendships we are building pre-delivery will be washed away as individuals look to rent out their systems and do so by undercutting all and sundry. Business is business I know but if we set a recognized pricing structure I believe we can all have an equal chance at benefiting from the initial industry demand for RED as and when deliveries start.

Just a thought,
Cheers,
Mark.

Mark, thats a good idea, but all we learned in the past is, that nobody will stay in the line. That´s a normal thing, because business is going cool in some companies, in others not. If the pressure is high enough, they will rent out it for less and for less. You will have different structures in different companies. there are companies offering services on weekend and 24/7 - some have a big team with well experienced people, but others are working alone and do not need a full paid rental. I think this is the same in every country and in every business...

[Sanjin Jukic]

Agree, a very good point CamDiver.

[Mark Thorpe]

ludmux,
Great points and ones I knew were coming. Whilst we can't always expect everyone to tow the line for the very same reasons you highlight I think there should at least be a standard rate for RED rentals etc, or at least benchmark guidelines for those of us who have never rented our gear out before. I understand that most who are willing to rent will be flexible when it comes to money wanted and money available from the client. I just hope they use their common sense and don't start undercutting to the extreme.

I guess we will only really find out as and when the whistle blows heralding the release of RED one.

Cheers,
Mark.

[Gavin Greenwalt]

Haha, and here at first I was hoping you meant: "Let's not lose that tight knit community and cut a great deal for all of our friends' rentals on REDuser.net"

Thanks a lot Mark... *Grumble* *grumble* *grumble*

[Mark B.]

I'm against the formation of monopolies and oligopolies. It hurts the general public, so I'd have to pass on price-fixing with other companies.

[Blaine Golden]

I'm against the formation of monopolies and oligopolies. It hurts the general public, so I'd have to pass on price-fixing with other companies.

I agree with this.

I want to be able to rent out my Red for as much as a can (naturally) but after I saw www.IndieRentals.com release their rates of $495 (Day) / $1,475 (Week) / $4,950 (Month) for Red One and that they will actually ship you the camera, it seems I can never rent it out for higher than those rates. As such, I will probably rent it out for exactly those rates, or maybe slightly less.

Even IndieRentals is going to have a limited number of RED ONEs. People are going to want to rent the camera, if they can't get it in their needed time frame, they may be willing to pay more to get one within their time constraints. But don't forget, they're going to want more than just the body. They're used to renting a kit. You'll need to be able provide lenses, tripod, mattebox, etc.

[Shawn Nelson]

I want to be able to rent out my Red for as much as a can (naturally) but after I saw www.IndieRentals.com release their rates of $495 (Day) / $1,475 (Week) / $4,950 (Month) for Red One and that they will actually ship you the camera, it seems I can never rent it out for higher than those rates. As such, I will probably rent it out for exactly those rates, or maybe slightly less.

BUT...I will probably never rent out my Red without myself or a very trusted friend/family member going as Red Operator. So, I will be able to bundle in an addditional fee for operator.

Why? Because I'd say for at least the first year, the vast majority of people wanting to use Red will have no idea on how to use it, so I will be equally renting out my Red and my ability to use my Red. Anyone who already knew Red and simply wanted my gear, would probably just rent it out of LA. Thus any Pacific NW people who want Red will also want me to be the operator. Now what to charge for me to be the operator? I don't know, I guess it depends upon how good I can get with it.

[Gavin Greenwalt]

I want to be able to rent out my Red for as much as a can (naturally) but after I saw www.IndieRentals.com release their rates of $495 (Day) / $1,475 (Week) / $4,950 (Month) for Red One and that they will actually ship you the camera, it seems I can never rent it out for higher than those rates. As such, I will probably rent it out for exactly those rates, or maybe slightly less.

You'll just have to do what everyone else does: sweeten the deal. Include things (like your own talents) that a pack and ship business can't. It's the classic boutique vs walmart scenario. I don't think charging a premium is going to be difficult at all. Especially since a lot of people renting aren't going to know/understand how a red workflow can efficiently manage.

In fact you can effectively rent yourself for $1000 a day and then say the camera comes free.

[Shawn Nelson]

...It's the classic boutique vs walmart scenario...

Yeah, exactly, and last i checked WalMart routinely crushes all the little boutiques