the policy really depends on the chain. The larger the chain the more likely you pay for it before walking out of the store. At blockbuster (I worked there on and off for five years in secondary school and college) it's paid for in advance for 1rental cycle. Your acct then is charged for a second cycle when returned late (whenever that is now--I have no idea since I found iTunes) but smaller chains in the past have sometimes gone with one payment upon return when they decide just how long you kept it. This way works better for stores that might use a less advanced rental system (the store in my memory kept index cards and the membership card ransom until it was returned). Owadays some of the largest chains have a netflix like system-a monthly fee for unlimited rentals (x amount of simultaneous rentals at the salt time usually being the limit) without due dates.
In terms of how they protect getting their property back, rental places will put charges and nonreturns on your credit report which could damage your ability to get credit cards, a mortgage, or even a job. Scary stuff to be honest and not that many people realize it until it's too late.
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Date: 2009-03-31 08:46 am (UTC)In terms of how they protect getting their property back, rental places will put charges and nonreturns on your credit report which could damage your ability to get credit cards, a mortgage, or even a job. Scary stuff to be honest and not that many people realize it until it's too late.