Need a pressure washer or kayak for the weekend, but don't want to buy one?
A Petrolia man has created the Next-Door Rental app and website to help people save money by letting them rent equipment from their neighbours.
Jordan Huzevka said the idea started in his garage, with a concrete saw he bought for one job and barely used.
"I grew up around a farm, we always had access to an abundance of tools, but the problem was we never lent to people we didn't know on a first name basis," Huzevka said. "So, we created this app for anyone to join the sharing economy."
Close to 200 items are posted on the platform.
"Whether it's a table saw, a lawnmower, a leaf blower... anything that's collecting dust, we help monetize those items and help list them so they're helpful to another community member that's nearby," Huzevka said.
He said some items are unique. "Whether it's tools and equipment, event space like a pickleball court, wedding supplies is something we're getting into -- whether you have tables, tents, and things like that -- that's becoming more of an interest item," Huzevka said. "We're in a lot of different industries right now and time will tell which is the best."
Huzevka said trust and safety protocols have been worked into the platform to ensure items are taken care of and returned.
"Anytime you list your product, you get to specify the security deposit amount," Huzevka said. "We hold that deposit in trust, until the end of the transaction. On top of that, we offer property insurance, that you can opt into on every rental transaction and that is good up to $10,000."
Users are also evaluated by previous interactions.
"Before you even rent out that product, you can do your due diligence and judge to see if they are of good character, if they have a high star rating, and if they don't you can always decline their request," Huzevka said.
The location of each rental item is pinned to a map.
"We're still getting our footing and we're actually seeing more demand then we have supply," Huzevka said. "So, we're asking the community if they have items lying around, it's free to list, it's free to sign up and it's a great way to introduce yourself to the sharing economy and help out a neighbour that's either completing a do-it-yourself project or, if you're listing an e-bike, you're helping them enjoy the fresh air."
Huzevka has spent three years improving the app and website.
Lenders receive their payments through Stripe, a verified payment processing platform, and receive about 80 per cent of every booking after fees.
