Question 1

What is DIY Toolshare?

Accepted Answer

DIY Toolshare is a P2P (peer-to-peer) marketplace for DIY tools, helping neighbours lend and borrow locally. Each booking creates a separate Per-Rental Contract between the Lender and the Borrower. DIY Toolshare provides the platform and is not a party to that rental contract.

Question 2

Is DIY Toolshare a hire shop or the tool owner?

Accepted Answer

No. We're not the owner, manufacturer, importer, distributor, or supplier of tools listed on the platform. Tools are listed by users and rented between users.

Question 3

Why is the search radius limited to 5 miles?

Accepted Answer

We are designed for hyper-local sharing. A 5-mile radius keeps collection/returns practical, reduces cancellations and disputes, and adds a trust layer because rentals happen within a realistic distance for both parties. We may extend the search radius in some rural postcodes to unlock more options where population density (and listings) are lower.

Question 4

It looks like there's "nothing on the site" - why?

Accepted Answer

We're new and growing supply area-by-area. Some postcodes will have limited inventory while local lenders come onboard. New listings are added continuously.

Question 5

What if I don't find any listings near me?

Accepted Answer

Create a Wish-list request. Wish-list demand helps us notify lenders and encourage local supply for exactly what people are looking for - including lenders who may be set up to receive payouts but haven't created listings yet.

Question 6

Can I browse outside my area just to get ideas of what to lend?

Accepted Answer

We're working on improved discovery so the platform doesn't feel "empty" early on, while keeping bookings local. For now, Wish-list is the best way to surface what you want to borrow.

Question 7

When does a booking become a contract?

Accepted Answer

A borrower's booking request is an offer. A binding contract forms when the lender accepts the booking.

Question 8

Do I have to pay through the platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All rentals and related charges must be processed through DIY Toolshare. Off-platform or cash payments aren't allowed.

Question 9

What fees do you charge?

Accepted Answer

We charge tool owners a 20% platform fee (min £0.50) to operate and improve DIY Toolshare (including any VAT that applies to our platform commission where applicable). Any VAT on the rental itself (if due) is the lender's responsibility.

Borrowers pay only the listed rental price shown - there are currently no additional borrower fees at checkout. In future, we may introduce optional add-ons (e.g., enhanced protection) which would be clearly shown before payment.

Question 10

When is the borrower charged?

Accepted Answer

The borrower's payment method is authorised at booking. We collect payment at the start of the rental period.

Question 11

Do you take deposits?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. We may introduce optional security deposits in future (for example as a pre-authorisation) to help manage late returns or loss/damage - and if/when we do, it will be clearly shown at checkout before you pay. (Our terms allow for deposits where shown.)

Question 12

When does the lender get paid?

Accepted Answer

Net amounts (rental price less our commission, taxes, and any adjustments) are released to the lender after the rental period completes and no issues are reported, usually within 3-5 business days via our payments provider (Stripe).

Question 13

Can payouts be adjusted (late fees, damage, chargebacks)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Late fees, loss/damage amounts, agreed changes, and chargeback recoveries may be charged to the borrower and set-off against deposits or future payouts in line with the Per-Rental Contract and our processes.

Question 14

Who collects/returns tools - the lender or the borrower?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the borrower collects and returns the tool at the agreed times. Some lenders may offer delivery and/or collection as an optional arrangement, agreed directly between the lender and borrower. You can set your preference for each tool when you create (or edit) a listing.

Question 15

What should we do at collection and return?

Accepted Answer

Both parties should exchange photos/video of the tool's condition at collection and return via booking chat. Borrowers must inspect for obvious defects and must not use a tool that appears unsafe.

Question 16

What if I collect a tool and it doesn't work?

Accepted Answer

Don't use it. Message the lender immediately in the booking chat, share photos/video where helpful, and try to resolve it promptly.

Question 17

How do disputes work if people disagree?

Accepted Answer

Users must first try to resolve issues via booking chat. We may assist but are not obliged to resolve disputes. We may suspend accounts, remove listings, withhold payouts, or cancel bookings where we reasonably believe there's risk of harm, fraud, or legal non-compliance.

Question 18

How is the rental period defined?

Accepted Answer

The rental period runs from the booked start date/time to the booked end date/time shown in your booking. We're also working on features to capture collection and return confirmations for added clarity.

Question 19

Can I extend my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes - extensions must be made in-app and approved by the lender before the original end date.

Question 20

What happens if I return the tool late?

Accepted Answer

Unless you agree an extension in the platform, you'll pay the listing's late fee - or, if none is stated, up to 1× the daily hire price per day (capped at 7 days) plus any reasonable recovery costs.

Question 21

Can I use tools for trade/professional jobs?

Accepted Answer

By default, tools are for DIY-only personal use unless the listing expressly permits trade/professional use.

Question 22

Can someone else use the tool if I booked it?

Accepted Answer

No. Sub-lending or third-party use isn't allowed. The original borrower remains liable if this is breached.

Question 23

Are there any types of work that are not allowed?

Accepted Answer

High-risk or regulated work is restricted (for example: gas work, fixed electrical installations, structural/load-bearing changes, asbestos or other regulated activities) unless suitably qualified and expressly permitted.

Question 24

Do you PAT test tools?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide training, engineering inspection, or safety certification, and we do not PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) test tools. Users must check safety and suitability before use.

Question 25

What are borrowers responsible for during the rental?

Accepted Answer

Borrowers are responsible for careful use, safe transport (including tie-downs), and secure storage (e.g., locked building or vehicle boot out of sight). Avoid wet conditions for corded tools.

Question 26

Any special rules for batteries/chargers?

Accepted Answer

Use only compatible equipment and stop use if overheating, smoke, sparks, or unusual smells occur.

Question 27

Do I need to be a certain age?

Accepted Answer

Borrowers must be 18+ and competent to use the tool safely, follow manufacturer instructions, and use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) where appropriate.

Question 28

What if a tool is lost, damaged, or stolen?

Accepted Answer

The borrower must report damage/loss/theft immediately (and within 24 hours) via booking chat. For theft, the borrower must file a police report promptly and provide a crime reference number and evidence of reasonable security. Lenders may be asked for proof of ownership/value (receipt/invoice or reasonable evidence).

Question 29

Do you offer platform protection up to £500?

Accepted Answer

Where the booking shows platform-funded Protection at checkout, it applies to the tool only, up to the stated limit (default £500), subject to exclusions (e.g., wear and tear, misuse, unsecured theft). It is not liability insurance and does not cover injury or third-party property damage.

Question 30

What's to stop fraud (fake claims, "I lent it but didn't", lending broken tools, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Claims require timely reporting and evidence (including the booking record, messages, timestamps, and handover/return evidence). We may withhold payouts, suspend accounts, remove listings, or cancel bookings where we reasonably believe there's risk of harm, fraud, or legal non-compliance.

Question 31

What if my tool is worth more than £500?

Accepted Answer

Where protection applies, it's capped at the stated limit. If your tool's value exceeds this, you should list it only if you're comfortable with the additional risk (or wait for enhanced protection options in future).

Question 32

Is there third-party insurance available?

Accepted Answer

If we offer third-party insurance in future, it will be between the named insured(s) and the insurer, and any optional premium would be shown clearly before payment. DIY Toolshare is not an insurer or insurance intermediary.

Question 33

What if someone injures themselves while using a tool?

Accepted Answer

Borrowers use tools at their own risk, subject to any non-excludable legal rights. Platform protection (if offered) covers the tool only - it does not cover injury or third-party property damage.

Question 34

What are the cancellation rules?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation rules are shown at checkout and/or in the listing and form part of the contract for that booking.

Question 35

What if the borrower doesn't show up to collect?

Accepted Answer

If the borrower fails to collect, the lender may keep the first day's hire and reasonable costs unless the listing states otherwise.

Question 36

Do you verify users?

Accepted Answer

We may require identity and/or address verification (for example via Stripe). A "Verified" badge indicates a completed check at a point in time; it is not an endorsement or guarantee.

Question 37

Can I arrange payment or repeat rentals off the platform?

Accepted Answer

No. Circumventing the platform payment system or fees is prohibited and may result in account suspension/termination.

Question 38

Do lenders need to pay tax on earnings?

Accepted Answer

Lenders are responsible for their own tax obligations and reporting to HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) where required (including Self-Assessment if applicable). We don't provide tax advice and don't withhold/remit tax on your behalf.

Question 39

How do you use my data?

Accepted Answer

We process personal data in line with our Privacy Policy and UK-GDPR (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation) requirements.

Question 40

Can I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes - contact us and we'll process deletion. If you have active bookings or unresolved issues, we may need to complete those first.

Frequently asked questions

About DIY Toolshare

Search radius, listings, and wish-list

Booking, payments, fees, VAT, and payouts

Collection, inspection, and "tool doesn't work"

Rental period, extensions, and late returns

Permitted use and restrictions

Safety, checks, and responsibility

Loss, damage, theft, and protection

Injuries and liability

Cancellations and no-shows

Verification, conduct, and platform rules

Tax, privacy, and account management

Still stuck?