Terms & conditions

Lessor: Cognito Supply Inc. (“Cognito Supply,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) Website: cognitosupplyinc.com Lessee: The individual or entity renting equipment (“you,” “your,” or “Renter”)

By renting equipment from Cognito Supply Inc., you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions.

1. RENTAL PERIOD AND FEES

  • Rental Term: The rental begins at the time of pickup/delivery and ends when the equipment is returned to Cognito Supply Inc. in the condition specified herein.
  • Late Fees: Equipment returned late will be subject to a late fee of $25 per day for wheels/small tools and $50 per day for kilns and large equipment, unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking. We reserve the right to charge the payment method on file for any additional fees, including damages, cleaning, or late returns.

2. SECURITY DEPOSIT

A refundable security deposit is required for all rentals, based on equipment type:

  • Pottery Wheels: $100 deposit
  • Kilns (Small/Test): $150 deposit
  • Kilns (Large/Production): $300 deposit
  • Extruders, Slab Rollers, and Other Studio Equipment: $75–$150 deposit (depending on value)

The deposit will be returned within 5 business days of the equipment’s return, provided it is clean, undamaged, and complete. We may deduct from the deposit for unpaid fees, cleaning charges, or repair costs before issuing a refund.

3. EQUIPMENT USE AND CARE

  • Proper Use: You agree to use the equipment only for its intended purpose and in a careful, proper manner.
  • Pottery Wheels: Wheels must be cleaned with a wet sponge only. Dry sanding or scraping of clay on the wheel is strictly prohibited to prevent hazardous silica dust exposure.
  • Kilns:
    • Firing Temperatures: You are responsible for ensuring your clay and glazes are compatible with the firing temperature (Cone rating) of the kiln rented.
    • Kiln Shelves: You must use kiln cookies or protective disks for any experimental or unpredictable glazes. Damage to kiln shelves due to glaze runs or improper loading will result in a replacement fee of $35 per shelf.
    • Electrical Requirements: Kilns must be plugged directly into a dedicated circuit of appropriate voltage/amperage. Use of extension cords or power strips is strictly prohibited and voids any damage coverage.

4. HEALTH AND SAFETY (SILICA DUST WARNING)

Warning: Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in clay and many glazes. Inhaling dry clay or glaze dust can cause serious and irreversible lung disease, including silicosis.

  • Wet Cleaning Only: You agree to clean all equipment and surfaces using wet methods (sponges, wet mops) only.
  • No Dry Sanding: Dry sanding of greenware or bisqueware is prohibited unless performed outdoors with a NIOSH-approved respirator.
  • Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge the inherent health risks associated with ceramic materials and voluntarily assume all responsibility for your safety and the safety of others in the vicinity of rented equipment.

5. CONDITION, DAMAGES, AND REPAIRS

  • Inspection: By accepting delivery/pickup, you confirm the equipment is in good working order.
  • Damage Liability: You are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear, including but not limited to motor burnout from overloading, bent wheel heads, cracked kiln elements, or damaged control panels. Repair costs will be billed at actual cost plus a 15% administrative fee.
  • Total Loss/Theft: If equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, you are responsible for the full replacement cost at current market value.
  • No Self-Repair: Do not attempt to repair equipment yourself. Contact Cognito Supply Inc. immediately if a malfunction occurs.

6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

  • No Warranty: Equipment is provided “as-is,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
  • Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Cognito Supply Inc., its officers, and employees from any and all claims, damages, injuries, or losses (including those related to fire, electrical malfunction, or silica dust exposure) arising from your use or possession of the rented equipment.
  • Liability Cap: In no event shall Cognito Supply Inc.’s total liability exceed the total rental fee paid for the specific transaction giving rise to the claim.

7. PROHIBITED ACTS

  • No Subletting: You may not sublet, loan, or relocate the equipment to an address other than the one provided at booking without our written consent.
  • No Modification: You may not remove, deface, or alter any safety labels, warnings, or manufacturer markings on the equipment.

8. CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the scheduled rental will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled rental are subject to a 25% cancellation fee.

9. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in [Insert County, e.g., Allegheny County], Pennsylvania.

A Note on Pennsylvania-Specific Considerations:

  1. UCC Compliance: Since this involves the rental of “goods,” Pennsylvania’s adoption of UCC Article 2A (Leases) may apply. Your indemnification and warranty disclaimers should be clear and conspicuous to be enforceable.
  2. Consumer Protection Law: If renting to individual consumers (not just businesses), ensure your late fees and cancellation fees are not deemed “unconscionable” under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL).
  3. Security Deposits: Unlike PA landlord-tenant law (which has strict deposit rules for housing), equipment rental deposits are less regulated, but you should still specify the exact timeline for return in writing (as done above) to avoid disputes.