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Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

patio.so

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Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#121

Post by GouacheApp »

nswizzle31 wrote: post #81
GouacheApp wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks a lot for sharing all of this! That’s a really thoughtful approach — and very aligned with how we’ve been thinking about it too. The neighborhood-level model is especially compelling — tools within walking distance, built-in trust, and someone local acting as a tool steward or mini-hub. We’ve been exploring similar ideas, including ways to support individuals or organizations that want to take on that role. Di…

A local hub to go get tools is the only way this works, in my opinion. Your current offering is obviously compelling from the renter’s perspective. I am renovating a cottage and would love to go pick up a chainsaw, brush cutter, etc for half the price of Home Depot (they have everything and great service). But I just don’t see it from the tool owner’s perspective. My suburban aunt has two chainsaws sitting in the gar…

Thanks for the feedbacks! The local hub model makes a lot of sense, making it easier for folks to contribute tools without the day-to-day management. Its true that this is not for everyones tho but some folks are happy to rent out tools and connect with neighbors, others would rather drop them off once and forget about it. We're exploring ways to support both but the local hub idea fits that really well.

The FE us using React and styled-components. We're not using components-library, pretty much everything is customized for our needs.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#122

Post by GouacheApp »

mmphosis wrote: post #107

Initially, I was impressed by the articles. I tapped on one then tapped the visit button then Firefox Nightly 141.0a1 (Build #2016093823) crashed. The web page is slow on this old tablet. I could bring out my new phone or the laptop but I think the web page should be just as fast even on old devices.

We will take a look and try to figure out of what is happening there, thanks for your feedbacks, it's really appreciated.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#124

Post by GouacheApp »

Animats wrote: post #108
GouacheApp wrote: post #89

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're right, some tool rental service are not perfect! Maybe if they had a better platform and more users, they would be able to update their inventory more frequently. This is also what we aim to help solve.

It's inherent in the rental model that the inventory is worn out. Auto rental works because there's a secondary market in used cars. There's nothing comparable in tools.

You're right, tools are a different game compared to cars or housing. That said, this means challenges that we're trying to solve. If it were easy, more people would already be doing it.

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#125

Post by GouacheApp »

fhackenberger wrote: post #120
GouacheApp wrote: post #116

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible without the cost or storage hassle. We'll certainly think about how this model could be implemented!!

There's a successful one running purely on donations in Berlin: Resi https://www.resi-ressourcen.org/

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing :)

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#126

Post by GouacheApp »

burger_moon wrote: post #109
itake wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seattle has a few non profit tool libraries. Membership is $60/yr. Instead of buying a $200 bulky tool I use once every 5 years that I have to keep sharp and maintain, I just go there. For items that I use once per month, I still keep handy, b/c driving 20+ minutes is just not worth it. Their tools are also in good condition and there are volunteers that maintain them. They also help with bike repairs too. Specifical…

This is awesome. My partner runs events in Seattle and has talked about how there is a big need to do classes on teaching basic household handyman things but also her thing is turning events into social mixers for singles. I just think it’d be great to teach people how to hang a shelf or clean the filter in a mini split, fix a flat tire on a car, etc. All the stuff I have to regularly do for people now. I may sign up…

Thanks and that sounds amazing, love the idea of mixing DIY classes with social events. We’re exploring ways to cover those kinds of risks, whether through small fees, deposits, or even shared insurance. You seems to truly love DIY and home improvements so if you had other ideas or you would to chat more about it, feel free to contact me at julien@patio.so!

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#127

Post by mttch »

GouacheApp wrote: post #116
keerthiko wrote: post #112

I used to live in Berkeley, CA circa 2013. They had a tool library, which was part of the local public library system, and tools were free (!) to rent. I miss it everyday, as it was a godsend for broke new grads who still wanted to do some quick but heavyduty DIY. I now live in NYC, and my local Home Depot rents out power tools for $20-30/day. The typical tool would pay for itself in 2 days at these rates, but it's s…

That's a really good idea. A community-run tool library with donations + a small monthly fee could be a game changer, especially in dense cities. It makes DIY more accessible without the cost or storage hassle. We'll certainly think about how this model could be implemented!!

There was one running in Frome, UK but unfortunately these community things are hard to keep going and it has now closed. The issues are cost of storage space, insurance, staffing etc.

You can see the requirements they needed to keep it going here: https://sharefrome.org/save-SHARE-together/

Re: Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste

#129

Post by chrisweekly »

GouacheApp wrote: post #119
Freak_NL wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That thing where your every first sentence starts with a short statement followed by an em-dash and then continues? Stop that. That's what's really annoying people. Em-dashes as such are fine — really, you can use them if you want — but that gimmick isn't helping you.

Sorry it bothers you and others.

FWIW it doesn't bother me at all.
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