If you’re starting a shared power bank business, the deposit rule is a super important call to make—and you can’t take it lightly.

We’re a factory that’s worked with tons of clients around the world, so let’s get straight to the point: deposits are a must for most places. The only time you can skip them is if the country has a really solid credit check system, where people’s credit scores can take the place of a cash deposit. Any other situation? Ditching the deposit is risky—don’t do it.

And it’s not just about credit, either. You’re trying to be a leader in the sharing economy, right? Your job is to make people trust shared products, not mess things up with bad rules. Let’s talk about what happens if you get rid of deposits: first off, it’s almost impossible to hold people responsible. If someone doesn’t return a power bank or breaks it on purpose, calling or emailing them barely works. You’ll waste hours and hours negotiating and begging them to do the right thing, and the money and effort you’ll burn through? It’s not even worth counting.

Here’s a simple business rule you need to remember: customers should come to you—not the other way around. With a deposit, users who want their money back will actively return the power bank and reach out to you for a refund. That’s easy and cheap. Without a deposit? You’ll be the one chasing down people who ghosted you with the device, wasting time you could’ve spent growing your business.

At the end of the day, a deposit isn’t just an extra fee. It’s a simple way to keep your business running smoothly, protect your stuff, and help you be a successful leader in this market.