What is Peerby and how does it work?

Peerby is a Dutch app that lets you borrow things from people in your neighborhood. The concept is simple but brilliant: why buy a drill, party tent or fondue set when your neighbor has one sitting unused in the closet 99% of the time? Peerby connects people who need something with people who can lend it.

The app was founded in the Netherlands in 2012 and has since helped millions of users share things instead of buying them. This not only saves money, it is also better for the environment. Less production means fewer raw materials and less waste. Peerby fits perfectly into the sharing economy trend, where ownership makes way for access.

Getting started with Peerby

Downloading the app and creating an account

Peerby is available for free on iPhone and Android. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or use the website peerby.com. Creating an account is easy: you can sign up with your email address or log in with Facebook.

After signing up, you enter your location. This matters because Peerby works based on proximity. The closer someone lives to you, the more practical it is to borrow and return things. You can also add a profile photo and a short description to build trust with other users.

Borrowing something through Peerby

When you need something, you post a request in the app. Describe what you are looking for and when you need it. Peerby sends this request to people in your neighborhood who might be able to help. You can also search the catalog of items on offer directly.

As soon as someone responds to your request, you can discuss the details in the chat. Where and when can you pick it up? How long can you borrow it? Are there any special instructions for using it? This direct contact keeps the transaction personal and clear.

Lending your things to others

You can also offer your own things to lend. Make a list of items you are willing to share and add photos so others know what to expect. When someone in your neighborhood posts a request for something you have, you get a notification.

Lending things is a great way to get to know your neighbors and contribute to a more sustainable society. Many users find that giving is just as satisfying as receiving.

Peerby Go: the paid option

In addition to free borrowing, Peerby also offers Peerby Go. This is a paid service where you can rent things from private individuals and businesses. The difference from free borrowing is that there is a fee involved, and that Peerby takes care of insurance and delivery.

With Peerby Go, items are often in better condition and there is more certainty about availability. You pay a daily rate plus any delivery costs. This is ideal for more expensive items or situations where you want to be sure you have the item on time.

The insurance with Peerby Go covers damage up to a certain amount, so both the borrower and the lender are protected. This takes away many of the worries people may have about sharing valuable items.

What can you borrow through Peerby?

The variety of items on Peerby is huge. Here are some popular categories:

Tools and DIY

Drills, jigsaws, wallpaper paste rollers, paint sprayers: all the tools you only need a few times a year. This is by far the most popular category on Peerby.

Garden and outdoors

Pressure washers, hedge trimmers, lawn scarifiers, party tents and barbecues. All things that take up a lot of space but are only used now and then.

Parties and events

Beer taps, punch bowls, extra chairs, tables, tableware for large groups and sound systems. Perfect for that one birthday or family gathering.

Sports and leisure

Surfboards, skis, tents, canoes and sports gear you might want to try out just once before deciding to invest in your own.

Kitchen and household

A fondue set, raclette grill, ice cream maker, slow cooker or that one special baking pan for an unusual cake. Kitchen gadgets are ideal to borrow.

Tips for successful borrowing and lending

Be clear in your communication

Whether you are borrowing or lending, clear communication is essential. Agree in advance on the condition of the item, the loan period and any instructions for use. This prevents misunderstandings and disappointment.

Treat borrowed items with respect

When you borrow something, treat it as if it were your own, or even better. Return items clean and in the same condition you received them. If something does get damaged, be honest and discuss how to resolve it.

Build a good reputation

Peerby works with reviews and ratings. A good reputation makes it easier to borrow things in the future. Be reliable, respond quickly to messages and stick to your agreements.

Start by lending

A good way to get started with Peerby is to offer your own things first. This gives you experience with the platform and builds your reputation. Plus, it is a nice way to meet your neighbors.

The benefits of sharing instead of owning

Save money

The average drill is used for only 13 minutes a year. So why buy one? By borrowing, you save hundreds of euros a year on things you rarely need.

Save space

Dutch houses and apartments are not exactly large. By owning less, you keep more space for the things that really matter. No more overflowing sheds or storage rooms.

Reduce your ecological footprint

Every product that is shared instead of bought new means less production, less transport and less waste. Peerby contributes to a circular economy in which we use raw materials more wisely.

Get to know your neighbors

In our individualistic society, many people barely know their neighbors. Peerby changes that. Borrowing and lending things creates connection and strengthens the sense of community in your neighborhood.

Peerby and the Dutch sharing culture

The Netherlands is a frontrunner in the sharing economy, and Peerby is a perfect example of that. Dutch down-to-earth pragmatism (why buy when you can borrow?) fits the concept seamlessly. More and more Dutch people are discovering the benefits of sharing and are consciously choosing to own less.

Peerby has also caught the attention of municipalities and housing associations that promote the app as part of sustainability initiatives. In some neighborhoods, community cupboards or sharing points are set up where residents can drop off and pick up items.

Conclusion

Peerby makes it incredibly easy to borrow things from people in your neighborhood. Whether you need a drill for an afternoon or a party tent for the weekend, chances are someone nearby can help you out. Download the app, create an account and discover how pleasant sharing is. You save money and space and contribute to a more sustainable world, and you might even get to know some nice neighbors along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Peerby free?

Yes, Peerby's basic feature is free. You can borrow and lend things for free with people in your neighborhood. Peerby Go is a paid service with extra guarantees such as insurance and delivery.

What if something gets damaged while it is on loan?

With free borrowing, you make your own agreements about any damage. With Peerby Go, insurance is included that covers damage up to a certain amount. It is always wise to discuss and record the condition of the item in advance.

How do I know whether I can trust someone on Peerby?

Peerby has a review system where users can rate each other after a transaction. Check someone's reviews and profile before you make arrangements. You can also get acquainted through the chat first.

Which items are borrowed most on Peerby?

Tools such as drills and jigsaws are the most popular, followed by garden tools, party supplies such as party tents and beer taps, and kitchen equipment such as fondue and raclette sets.

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