When we first started this business we didn't take a security deposit and we lost over 65% of our stock from people not returning our items or returning them damaged. We still wanted to continue the hire option for people as it really gives you an affordable option for your event decor if you don't want to purchase, so we had to come up with a solution. We now take a small refundable security deposit. This means if your items aren't returned, you loose a knife or a fork, you damage a napkin we can take the cost of that item to replace out of the security deposit. Damage fees below: $1.90 per napkin lost or damaged (*100% Linen napkin is $7) $10 per table runner lost or damaged (*100% Linen runner is $17) $4.90 per cutlery piece lost or damaged $2.99 per placemat lost or damaged We only take out the cost to replace the item not returned or lost and the remaining security deposit is refunded. i.e 1 napkin lost, only $1.90 taken out of your security deposit and the rest refunded.