Sleepco CPAP Hire Agreement: Terms of Hire

This Hire Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by and between Sleepco (the "Company") and the undersigned hirer (the "Hirer"), collectively referred to as the "Parties."

Agreement Acceptance

By purchasing a hire service from Sleepco, you (the hirer) agree to all terms and statements made on this page. You agree to:

• Use the CPAP equipment only as intended and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Keep the equipment in a clean and hygienic condition
• Not modify or attempt to repair the equipment
• Report any malfunction or issues to Sleepco immediately
• Not transfer or sublease the equipment to any other person
• Use only approved accessories and consumables with the equipment
• Store the equipment in a safe, dry environment when not in use
• Return the equipment with all original components and accessories

1. Equipment

The Company agrees to hire to the Hirer the following equipment:

• CPAP machines
• CPAP masks
• CPAP batteries
• Other accessories as agreed

2. Technical Support and Service Scope

This hire service is primarily focused on providing access to CPAP equipment. The scope of technical support includes:

Included Support:

• Initial setup assistance - We will configure your equipment before dispatch
• Basic operational guidance - Simple troubleshooting for common issues
• Equipment replacement - Faulty or defective equipment will be promptly replaced or refunded
• Safety-related support - Immediate assistance for any safety concerns

Service Limitations:

• This is not a comprehensive CPAP therapy service - We do not provide ongoing clinical support or detailed pressure adjustments
• Limited ongoing technical support - Extensive back-and-forth troubleshooting sessions are not included in the hire service
• No medical advice - For therapy adjustments, pressure changes, or medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider
• Equipment hire focus - Our primary service is providing access to quality CPAP equipment, not comprehensive therapy management

3. Hire Period

The hire period shall commence on the date agreed upon by the Parties and shall continue until the agreed return date, unless extended or terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

4. Bond and Payment

Full Bond Option:

• The Hirer shall pay a full bond amount equivalent to the total purchase price of the equipment.
• If the Hirer decides to purchase (keep) the equipment, the hire amount paid will be refunded to the Hirer, provided the full bond amount has been paid.

Reduced Bond Option:

• The Hirer may opt to pay a reduced bond of $500.
• The Hirer must provide two current forms of proof of address showing the Hirer's name, home address, and date of the document (dated within 2 months of the hire start date).
• The Hirer must also provide a scan or photo of a New Zealand driver's licence, New Zealand passport, or another official government-issued form of ID.

Payment Methods:

Credit Card:

• A surcharge of up to 3.5% applies for bond payments made via credit card. This is determined by your credit card vendor.
• A surcharge of 3.5% applies for bond payments made with PayPal. This is determined by the current PayPal payout surcharge.
• Upon bond return, credit card vendor surcharge fees will be deducted from the bond refund.
• Note: Credit card processing fees currently range from 2.5% to 3.5%, however these fees may increase without notice as they are determined by your bank and credit card company. Sleepco has no control over these vendor-imposed charges.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellations made more than 14 days before the hire start date will receive a full refund
• Cancellations made within 14 days of the hire start date will incur a $65 surcharge
• The surcharge covers handling, sanitization, and equipment setup costs already incurred
• This policy exists because hire equipment requires advance preparation, testing, and cleaning

5. International Hires

• Contact must be made with Sleepco prior to placing any international hire order
• Full bond payment (equivalent to purchase price) is mandatory
• Partial bond option is not available for international hires
• Freight costs must be discussed and quoted before order confirmation
• The Hirer is responsible for all shipping costs both:
  • From New Zealand to the destination country
  • Return shipping from the destination country to New Zealand
• All international shipping arrangements must be organized with Sleepco before order placement
• Additional customs duties, taxes, or import fees are the responsibility of the Hirer
• International tracking must be available for all shipments

6. Extension of Hire Period

Hire periods may be extended by mutual agreement between the Hirer and Sleepco, subject to the following conditions:

Standard Extensions:

• Extensions must be requested and confirmed before the original return date
• Additional hire fees will apply for the extended period at the agreed daily or weekly rate
• The existing bond remains valid during standard extensions

Extended Hire Bond Requirements:

• If the total hire fees exceed the bond amount paid, an additional bond payment is required
• Example: With a $500 bond and $50 weekly hire rate, extensions beyond 10 weeks require an additional bond payment
• This requirement exists because bond funds may be applied as credit toward hire fees during extended periods
• When bond credit is fully utilized, only hire fees have been paid with no remaining security deposit
• The additional bond ensures continued equipment security throughout the extended hire period
• Sleepco will notify the Hirer when an additional bond payment becomes necessary

7. Damages and Loss

Full Bond Option:

• If the equipment is returned in fair working order, with no functional damage or serious cosmetic damage, the bond will be returned in full.
• Minor wear and tear is expected and will not affect the bond refund.
• If the equipment or any parts are missing, the replacement cost will be deducted from the bond.

Reduced Bond Option:

• The partial bond of $500 covers damages or losses not exceeding this amount.
• If damages or losses exceed $500, the Hirer will be invoiced for the outstanding cost of repair or replacement.
• Invoices remaining unpaid after 28 days will result in engagement of a third-party debt collection agency.

8. Return of Equipment

• The Hirer agrees to return the equipment by the agreed return date.
• The Hirer is responsible for courier and shipping charges if unable to return the equipment in person.
• The Hirer must use NZPost Courier Service or an equivalent courier service that provides compensation for loss or damage equal to or exceeding the equipment's value for goods worth over $250.
• If a courier service without adequate compensation (e.g., NZPost Economy Service) is used and loss or damage occurs, the Hirer will bear the full cost of the equipment beyond the bond amount already paid.

9. Late Returns and Non-Return

Late Returns:

• Returns up to 7 days late will be charged at the daily hire rate for your order.
• After 7 days, an additional daily hire fee of $15 will be applied on top of the daily hire rate.
• After 20 days of no return, failure to extend hire, or non-contact, the hire will be converted to a purchase and the hirer will be invoiced for any remaining balance.

Non-Return:

After 28 days, Sleepco reserves the right to engage a debt recovery agency.

10. Inspection and Bond Refund

• Upon return of the equipment, Sleepco will inspect the items for functional and cosmetic damage.
• Refunds of the bond will be processed within 7 business days of the return, provided the equipment meets the conditions outlined in this Agreement.

11. Maintenance During Hire

• The Hirer is responsible for routine maintenance of the equipment during the hire period, including cleaning masks, filters, and tubing as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Failure to maintain the equipment resulting in damage or reduced functionality may result in deductions from the bond.

12. Insurance and Liability

• Sleepco does not provide insurance for hired equipment. Hirers may choose to obtain personal insurance to cover damage or theft during the hire period.
• The Hirer assumes all liability for loss or damage incurred during use or transit.

13. Data Privacy

• Any personal information, including proof of address and identification documents, will be securely stored during the hire period.
• Sleepco will delete or securely dispose of this information within 30 days of the end of the hire agreement, unless legally required to retain it.

14. Legal Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand.

15. Agreement to Terms

By entering into this Agreement and paying the bond, the Hirer acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Proof of Address Requirements for Partial Bond

Acceptable documents must:

• Show the Hirer's full name
• Be dated within 2 months of the hire start date
• Include one of the following:
  • Utility bill
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Insurance document
  • Bank statement
  • Credit card statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Property tax receipt
  • Car registration
  • Employment document
  • Government letter
  • Telecommunications account
  • College enrolment papers
  • Tax document
  • Addressed payslip
  • Electoral roll papers