Do you sign when you hire a tool?

[Phil Pascoe]

:shock: Did everyone/anyone see the article in the Mail on Sunday about the guy being held liable by Brandon Tool Hire because he signed the paperwork when he picked up something per pro a company that he worked for that went through shortly afterwards. In the small print, he is deemed to be the hirer, not the company. There is, apparently no doubt about his liability : it remains to be seen whether Brandon will take him to court, as he has no money.
How would a builder, or any of many other trades fare if all their employees just said pineapple that, I'm signing nothing? Who in an average company could sign?

 

[Mike.S]

From my days in banking I recall that a company director is personally liable on a cheque if the company's name does not appear on the cheque he's signed. (in the early days we used to print cheque book names/account numbers by hand - so this error was more likely!)

It's the same principle here: the person signing has agreed (perhaps unknowingly) to be the hirer. If he/she had added 'for and on behalf of' or 'per pro' then added the company's name he/she'd be alright.

 

[Mark A]

I've never had to sign at our local hire shop. They say to me "no problem Mr. Aspin, just bring it back whenever your ready."

The service is fantastic and the prices are considerably cheaper than anywhere else.

 

[carlb40]

Think i will no longer be signing for stuff on sites now