FAQs
Common Questions
What can Bud help with?
Bud is ToolBud's app foreman — one helper across the whole app. Bud can orient you and explain where to go, plan a project with you, identify a tool from a photo, help sort an import into MyToolBox, help you write a neighbor ask, and talk through whether to borrow, buy, or sell. Bud drafts and explains — you approve anything that posts, sends, or changes your account, and Bud does not carry out sensitive actions from the dialog.
Where is Bud not available?
The Bud button does not appear on Help or on sensitive screens such as account, payment, dispute, legal, or security. In Projects there is no separate Bud button because the planner is already your conversation with Bud.
What if someone steals or damages my tool?
Message the borrower first — most problems are a misunderstanding about timing. If that does not resolve it, use Report Issue on the session once the return is underway (or within 48 hours of it closing) and choose Item damaged or Item not returned. That records the problem alongside your checkout and return photos and notifies the other person. ToolBud keeps the record but does not decide who is right and does not pay for damaged or unreturned tools — that is between you and your neighbor. For a tool you believe was stolen, you can contact local law enforcement, and support@toolbudapp.com can provide your session record.
What if a borrower returns a tool late?
ToolBud sends the borrower a reminder before the due date, again once the tool is a day overdue, and once more at a week. Message them through the session thread — that is usually enough. If it is not, use Report Issue once the return is underway.
Can I decline a borrow request?
Yes. You can decline any request for any reason. The borrower will be notified and can request from someone else.
Can I list used tools for sale?
Yes. Open a tool in MyToolBox and use List for Sale. ToolShed Market reads used listings from MyToolBox sale states.
Can I check out or pay in ToolShed Market?
No. ToolBud does not handle checkout, payment, escrow, or shipping. Buyers and sellers arrange payment and handoff directly with each other.
How do photos work at pickup and return?
During checkout, the lender takes a photo of the tool being handed over. During return, both parties can document the condition. These photos are stored in the session for reference.
Can I turn off notifications?
Mostly. Profile > Notification Settings has a separate switch for push, email, and text for each kind of notification, so you can keep the ones you want and turn off the rest. Text messages are off until you turn them on. One exception: for borrowing, lending, and messages, ToolBud keeps at least one channel on, because those notifications involve a commitment to another member — turning off the last remaining channel snaps back and explains why. You can choose which channel that is, and everything else can be turned off completely.
Who can see my tools and activity?
Friends can see your full tool inventory. Everyone else in your community can see only the tools you have marked as available to lend. Your borrow history is private.
How do I join a community?
Search for your community by name during setup or from the Friends tab, then tap Join a Community. If your community isn't listed yet, you can Create a Community for your area. Being in a community is optional — you can always use ToolBud with friends only and join or create a community later.