Question 1

What is Merrily?

Accepted Answer

Merrily is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can rent beautiful party supplies, decorations, and themed kits from people in your neighborhood. Think of it as Airbnb for party supplies: borrow what you need, return it when you're done, and save money while reducing waste.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Browse party kits by theme or occasion, pick the one you love, select your dates, and request to book. The host has up to 72 hours to confirm, though most respond much sooner. You can arrange pickup or delivery, enjoy your party, then return everything clean and ready for the next celebration.

Question 3

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Merrily is currently launching in Santa Barbara, CA. We're expanding to new cities soon! If you'd like Merrily in your area, let us know.

Question 4

Is there a minimum rental period?

Accepted Answer

Most kits have a minimum rental of 1 day. Some hosts offer multi-day discounts. Check each listing for specific details.

Question 5

What’s included in the price I see?

Accepted Answer

The price on every listing is all-in. It includes our 15% Service & Protection Fee, so you won’t see a separate fee line at checkout. The only thing that could be added is delivery, if the host offers it and you choose that option. Sales tax may apply depending on your location.

Question 6

What is the Service & Protection Fee?

Accepted Answer

It’s a 15% fee baked into every booking that covers our platform costs and includes accidental-damage protection for both sides of the rental, up to 50% of the item’s replacement cost.

Question 7

How does the security deposit work?

Accepted Answer

A refundable deposit (between $20 and $500, shown in your price breakdown before you pay) is charged with your rental at checkout. It is refunded automatically about 48 hours after you return the items clean and on time. If something is damaged or the return is late, part or all of the deposit can be kept to cover it.

Question 8

How do I file a damage claim?

Accepted Answer

If items are damaged during your rental, the host can file a claim through their dashboard within 48 hours of the return. We’ll review the claim, assess the damage, and process the coverage. Both parties will be notified throughout the process.

Question 9

What happens when there’s a dispute?

Accepted Answer

If a host reports damage (within 48 hours of return, with photos), our team reviews the evidence and decides: refund the full deposit, keep part of it, or keep all of it. If verified accidental damage exceeds the deposit, Merrily’s protection covers the gap up to 50% of the item’s replacement cost. Both sides are notified of the outcome.

Question 10

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. The rental price you see already includes everything except optional delivery and the refundable security deposit, both shown clearly in your price breakdown before you pay. The deposit is charged with your rental and automatically refunded after a clean return.

Question 11

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel a booking before the host confirms it at no charge. After confirmation, our cancellation policy applies. Contact us if you have special circumstances. We're always happy to help.

Question 12

What condition should items be in when I return them?

Accepted Answer

Items should be returned clean and in the same condition you received them. Normal wear from party use is expected. If something breaks, our protection coverage has you covered.

Question 13

How do custom quotes work?

Accepted Answer

Some kits are quoted per event instead of priced per day. Tell the host about your event up front (date, guest count, pickup or delivery) and they’ll send an itemized quote — usually within their 72-hour response window. You can accept and pay, or ask for changes; nothing is charged until you accept. The same cancellation policy applies as regular bookings.

Question 14

What if the kit is dirty or incomplete at pickup?

Accepted Answer

Don’t start the rental — tap “Found an issue? Report it first” on your booking page and document it with photos. Unresolved pickup issues qualify for a full refund, and reporting before you start protects you from being charged for problems that weren’t your fault.

Question 15

What happens if I return the kit late?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your host as soon as you know you’re running behind — many are flexible. Late returns can be charged as an additional rental day, and the deposit isn’t refunded until the host confirms the return, so lateness delays your money too.

Question 16

Can I pick up and drop off, or is delivery available?

Accepted Answer

Each host sets their own service options: self-pickup, delivery, or full service (host delivers, sets up your kit at your event, then returns at the end to break down and remove everything). Pickup is always free; delivery and full service are priced per listing. Check the listing details for what each host offers.

Question 17

How do cancellations work?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel a booking before the host confirms it at no charge. After the host confirms: cancel 7+ days before pickup for a full refund, cancel 3-7 days before and half the rental price is refunded, and within 3 days of pickup the rental price is non-refundable. Your deposit and any delivery fees always come back to you in full, whenever you cancel, and refunds are processed automatically. The same policy applies to every kit, including custom-quote bookings. Hosts can also cancel in rare cases (e.g. damaged kit) and you'll get a full refund.

Question 18

What if my event is canceled or rescheduled?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to us at support@rentmerrily.com -- we work with hosts on rescheduling whenever possible, especially for life events outside your control. The standard policy applies if rescheduling isn't available.

Question 19

Can the host cancel on me?

Accepted Answer

Hosts can cancel before pickup if a kit becomes unavailable (damage, prior renter delay, etc.). You'll get a full refund and we'll help you find a similar kit. Repeat cancellations affect the host's standing in the marketplace.

Question 20

Can I change my service type after booking?

Accepted Answer

There's no in-app switcher, so message your host. If they have availability, they may be able to cancel and rebook with the new service. The standard cancellation policy above applies to the rebooking.

Question 21

How do I list my party supplies?

Accepted Answer

Click "List Your Kit" in the navigation, fill out the details about your kit (photos, description, pricing, available dates), and submit for review. Once approved, your listing goes live and renters can start booking.

Question 22

How much can I earn?

Accepted Answer

Earnings depend on your kit’s value, how often it rents, and your pricing — you keep 90% of every rental. The earnings calculator on our host signup page gives a realistic estimate for your category and rental pace.

Question 23

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Your payout starts the moment you confirm the kit’s return — Stripe then deposits it to your bank account within 1–3 business days.

Question 24

What about taxes?

Accepted Answer

You’re responsible for taxes on your rental income — Merrily doesn’t withhold anything. If your volume crosses IRS thresholds, you’ll receive a Form 1099-K through Stripe. When in doubt, ask a tax professional.

Question 25

What if a renter damages my items?

Accepted Answer

Report the damage from your dashboard within 48 hours of the return, with photos. The report flow walks you through it. The renter’s deposit is applied first; if verified accidental damage exceeds it, Merrily’s damage protection covers the gap up to 50% of the item’s replacement cost (one claim per booking; normal wear excluded). We review every claim and handle the money movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Fees & Protection

For Renters

Cancellations

For Hosts

Still have questions?