How payments are held and released
GearUp doesn't hand cash to listers up-front. Funds sit in a platform-managed escrow until the renter confirms pickup — so neither side has to take the other's word.
- Stage 1
Renter funds the booking
When a renter confirms a kit, the rental amount + platform fee + VAT moves from their wallet into a platform-held escrow.
- Stage 2
Funds are frozen until handover
Neither side can move that money. The lister sees it as 'pending payout'; the renter sees it as 'held'. The platform holds it.
- Stage 3
Pickup OTP releases the money
At handover, the lister shows a one-time code. The renter types it. Once it matches, the lister wallet is credited the rental amount minus the platform commission.
- Stage 4
Closure on return
When the gear is returned and a return code matches, the booking closes. Damage or no-show? Open a dispute and admin reviews before any further movement.
Built into every booking
Verified identities
Every lister completes email and NIN verification before they can accept bookings, list gear, or move funds. Renters see the verified badge on every listing.
OTP handover
Pickup and return are confirmed by one-time codes — not signatures, not photos. The platform records both sides of every handover with a timestamp.
Admin-mediated disputes
If a no-show is flagged, both sides have a fixed window to dispute. An admin reviews, decides, and the escrow settles to whoever is right — not whoever shouted loudest.
Damage and loss policy
Listers can charge a deductible against the renter's wallet for documented damage. Disputed deductions follow the same admin-review path as no-shows.