Question 1

Is it free to use the platform?

Accepted Answer

We believe in the power of sharing and want to make it as easy, accessible and beneficial as possible. That’s why Little Big Shed has no platform service fee. We cover the costs for the smooth sailing of our shed so that you can earn more when you do good sharing your stuff.

As a lender, the only cost of using Little Big Shed is a 2.9% processing fee + 30c transaction fee charged by Stripe, our third party payment provider. This amount is deducted from what you get paid each time your item is rented out.

Question 2

Where can I download the app?

Accepted Answer

The Little Big Shed app is free to download on both Android Play Store and the IOS App Store so you can borrow and lend on the go!

Question 3

Can I cancel a share once booked?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

As a lender, you can cancel a booked item at any time. We recommend you give the borrower at least 24 hours notice before cancelling the item. You will be charged a small payment processing fee. Check out our cancellations & refunds policy for the full details.

As a borrower, you can cancel a booked item more than 24 hours before the share begins. You will forfeit the time slot that has been allocated to your borrow and be charged a small payment processing fee.

As a borrower, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the item is due to be delivered by the Lender, you will lose 50% of your deposit. You will also only be refunded 80% of your initial borrow deposit to account for our handling fees.

Question 4

How are users on the platform verified?

Accepted Answer

It’s important to us that you feel safe and secure while using Little Big Shed. That’s why we have a two-step verification process when signing up users.

To join the platform, a user must enter a valid mobile number, receive a text and complete a two-factor authentication process. If the user is banned, they cannot use their mobile phone number to create a new account.
Additionally users are verified through our Stripe payment portal to ensure secure transactions. Stripe requires a valid credit card and a bank account.

Question 5

What happens if something goes wrong during the share?

Accepted Answer

We know that in life the unexpected can happen! If something goes wrong during your share such as the item stops working, breaks, is returned late, or not at all, we have processes in place to make sure you’re looked after. Check out our Damage and Disputes Process here.

Question 6

How does COVID-19 impact lending and borrowing?

Accepted Answer

During the uncertain climate of Coid-19, we encourage you to take extra care when sharing your items with neighbours. Follow the government guidelines for life at orange .

Our platform also offers a ‘contactless sharing’ option which means you can choose to have an item delivered and/or picked up for an extra $10.

Question 7

How do I take a good photo?

Accepted Answer

Having visual images on your listings will help users discover and learn more about the type of item you have on Little Big Shed. We recommend following the below criteria to create a successful listing:  Add at least four recent photos of your item to your listing at least one photo that shows the entire item (you can add additional closeup photos to show detail) Image files must be high quality (make sure they are not blurry and that detail can be seen) You can upload as many images as you like in any file format. Tip - it’s good practice to take time-stamped photo/s of your item before each share as part of your lender protection.

Question 8

How much should I list my item for?

Accepted Answer

Here is a recommended price list that we’ve put together for some common items to help with listing your item.  As a rough calculation, we recommend charging 20% of the price of the item when it is brand-new.  There is an option to set a $0 lending fee. Note, items listed at $0 are not covered by the lender protection policy.

Question 9

Can I lend for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is an option to set a $0 lending fee.

Question 10

How to make sure your item is safe for others to use?

Accepted Answer

Keeping our users safe is top priority. Follow the below tips to lend safely:  Check your item before the booking date to ensure there is no damage that could affect its performance and safety We encourage you to add ‘how to use’ instructions to your listing When you meet the borrower in person make sure to discuss the item, show them any quirks, and answer any questions they may have You can also use our in-app chat function for ‘how to use’ discussion Lending electrical equipment?  Although not mandatory, the New Zealand Standard recommends that electrical equipment needs to be inspected prior to being hired, as well as being tested and tagged every three months.  If your item is electrical, we recommend you get an ‘Electrical Test and Tag’. Test and tagging is a generic name given to the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing in-service electrical equipment for personal safety.  To find where you can get this done, check out Test and Tag NZ

Question 11

What to do if my item is damaged or stolen?

Accepted Answer

In the unlikely situation that your item is damaged on return, or is not returned and the renter is not responding to your messages, follow our Damage and Disputes Process here.  Rest assured that when you share your shed on our platform, we have your listed items covered against damage during the lending period if something goes wrong – up to NZ$500 of cover per item. Read our full Lender Protection Policy

Question 12

How to create a successful listing?

Accepted Answer

heck out our blog on how to create a successful listing Accurately and clearly describe the item and the condition it is in Price your item competitively by checking out similar items to yours, both on our shed and other platforms, such as TradeMe. Ensure that all photographs truly and accurately depict the item: Add at least four recent photos of your item to your listing Make sure to include at least one photo that shows the entire item (you can add additional closeup photos to show detail) Image files must be high quality (make sure they are not blurry and that detail can be seen)

Question 13

What can I list on Little Big Shed?

Accepted Answer

Anything you have in your ‘little shed’ (whether that’s a garage, a kitchen drawer or a cupboard shelf!) can be shared on our platform.  As long as the item is not illegal you should be good to go! Listings will be monitored by our team and if deemed as inappropriate you will be notified and the listing will be deleted. If you are unsure about listing an item get in touch.

Question 14

Is there a cost to lend on Little Big Shed?

Accepted Answer

As a lender, the only cost of using Little Big Shed is a 2.9% processing fee + 30c transaction fee charged by Stripe, our third party payment provider. This amount is deducted from what you get paid each time your item is rented out.

Question 15

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Once you confirm the share is complete ( there is no dispute), and you have reviewed the borrower, you will be paid directly into the bank account you provided.  Remember as a Lender, the only cost of using Little Big Shed is a 2.7% processing fee + 30c transaction fee for domestic cards and 3.7% processing fee + 30c transaction fee for international cards, charged by Stripe, our third-party payment provider..

Question 16

What if I need to cancel an item a borrower has booked?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel a rental request make sure you contact the borrower via the in-app chat at least 24 hours before they are due to collect the item.  Little Big Shed will add a small penalty fee to your account covering the third-party payment fees incurred by the borrower. All penalty fees will be deducted from your next payment in the next Lender Payment Run.  Before cancelling a booked item remember that your borrower may be counting on having the item for that specific rental period.

Question 17

Can I cancel a booked item or change the rental dates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if done prior to 24 hours there is no payment, if within 24 hours, the borrower loses their 50% deposit. By cancelling a booked borrow you will forfeit the time slot that has been allocated to your borrow. You will also only be refunded 80% of your initial borrow deposit to account for our handling fees.  To change the rental date, contact the lender via the in-app messenger to check first that the item is available for the new dates you desire and if so, cancel your current booking, rebook and you're good to go.

Question 18

Item Faults Disputes and resolution

Accepted Answer

What happens if the item I borrow is damaged? What happens if it breaks while I’m using it? When you pick up the item, take a photo that’s time stamped so that as the borrower you’ve got a record of what’s happened.  If you have an issue with the item, within 12 hours of pick up of the item, you need to first contact the lender through the app message feature. Then raise a dispute by contacting Little Big Shed’s customer service team at support@littlebigshed.co.nz

Question 19

What if the item I want to rent isn’t on Little Big Shed?

Accepted Answer

As our little shed grows into something big, you’ll be able to share almost anything! But as we get the ball rolling and you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to make a request by sending us a message. We’ll send your request to our existing network of lenders to see if someone has the item and is keen to share it with you!

Question 20

Can the rental period be extended?

Accepted Answer

That shouldn’t be a problem! You just need to contact the lender via our secure in-app messenger to see whether the item is available to be rented for longer. If the lender is okay with it, select the new dates, pay the extra amount, and continue your project.

Question 21

What happens if I return the item late

Accepted Answer

Wherever possible, try to return your item on time. But we understand, life happens.  If for whatever reason you have to return an item late, message the lender via the app to let them know before the end of your borrow period. You will be charged for each extra day it is in your possession.

Question 22

When am I charged?

Accepted Answer

Once you have returned the item at the agreed time and the lender has confirmed the share is complete (and there is no dispute), the borrow fee will be automatically deducted from the bank account you provided.

Question 23

Once you have returned the item at the agreed time and the lender has confirmed the share is complete (and there is no dispute), the borrow fee will be automatically deducted from the bank account you provided.

Accepted Answer

If you wilfully damage or steal the item while it is in your possession, you will be liable for its market value. If the item is worth less than $500 and you accidentally damage it while it is in your possession, Little Big Shed’s lender protection policy will cover the damage up to the market value of the item.

FAQs for sharing

Protecting our Little Big Shed Users

General FAQs

Lender FAQs

Borrower FAQs