Answers to the questions neighbors ask most about borrowing, lending, and everything in between.
What if someone steals or damages my tool?
Open a dispute from the session detail screen. Document the issue with photos. ToolBud facilitates resolution between both parties and maintains a record of all session activity.
What if a borrower returns a tool late?
Send a message through the session thread first. If the borrower is unresponsive, you can open a dispute. ToolBud tracks agreed-upon dates so there is a clear record.
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.
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?
You can customize notification preferences from Profile > Notifications. Some session-related notifications cannot be fully disabled because they are essential to the lending process.
Who can see my tools and activity?
Friends (Ring 1) can see your full tool inventory. Community members (Ring 2) can only see tools you have marked as available to lend. Your borrow history is private.
What happens if my address is not in the community allowlist?
ToolBud requires address verification to join a community. If your address is not recognized, you may not yet be in a supported area. Check back as new communities are added, or ask a neighbor to share an invite code.