How to Rent Camera & Lighting Gear in LA | New Renter Steps – Black Dolphin Rentals
New Renter Guide

How Rentals Work

Straightforward workflow from picking dates to returning your kit.
Read this once so you know exactly what to expect.

1

Pick dates & build your cart

Go to the Book page.
Select pickup/return dates, browse live inventory, add gear to cart.

Cart shows pricing; request quote or checkout directly.

2

Create your account & checkout online

When you’re ready, you’ll create an account and complete checkout securely via Stripe.

During checkout you’ll see:

  • A required field labeled “Mobile phone number (for pickup/return updates)” so we can text you pickup reminders, return reminders, and important rental updates. We do not send marketing texts from this number.
  • An optional checkbox labeled “Get rental deals & special offers by text” if you want occasional promo codes, bundle deals, and renter perks by SMS from a separate marketing number. This is not required to rent gear and you can reply STOP at any time to opt out.

Message and data rates may apply. You can always reply STOP to stop texts and HELP for help. Full details are in our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Rental Agreement & Coverage.

3

New renter verification

For first‑time renters, we review your booking before final approval.

We may briefly pause the order to:

  • Confirm basic contact info and a valid government ID
  • Request a production insurance COI or offer a paid damage waiver, depending on order size

Returning renters with a good history are usually approved automatically once payment clears.

4

Pickup, shoot, return

Pickup: By-appointment only, ~15 min south of Downtown LA. Exact address and instructions are sent after approval.

Standard windows:
– Pickups: between 1–5 pm
– Returns: due back by 12 pm (noon) on the agreed return date

Off-window pickups/returns need approval and may have fees. Late returns may be charged extra per the rental agreement.

5

Check-in & final clearance

We check:
  • All items present
  • No damage beyond normal wear
  • On-time return

Good return → holds released. Issues → email details; final charges per agreement.