4 ms·

Folks should read predictably irrational. Market norms bring out different attributes in people than social norms. I'd much rather borrow something from my neig

by raffi 17y ago

Folks should read predictably irrational. Market norms bring out different attributes in people than social norms. I'd much rather borrow something from my neighbor (and return the favor) over trying to extract every dime I can from them (or vice versa).

bgraves 17y ago
I agree with you about common items like a cup of sugar or a couple of eggs while making a dessert, but how about more expensive items like a lawn mower, snow blower, power washer that you will probably use a few times during the year but not enough to justify purchasing it outright (in your mind at least). Then you have the whole eco-friendly nature of this idea -- it makes sense for many people to share these durable goods. This site makes it easier for a neighborhood to 'share' in the repair costs, upkeep, storage, etc. without actually having to pay condo association fees. I would gladly spend an extra $200 for a better, longer lasting lawn mower if I knew it was going to be used more frequently by my neighbors, and they were going to reimburse me for the upkeep and storage costs.
- nradov 17y ago
  How do they resolve the liability issue? Someone who hurts himself with your lawnmower might try to sue you. Your homeowner's / renter's insurance policy will probably not cover what amounts to running a business out of your home.
  - bgraves 17y ago
    I'm not a lawyer, but I disagree with both of your points. This isn't a business (you won't be collecting taxes, for instance) and I don't think you'd be responsible for someone getting hurt. Also, power tools and other dangerous equipment is only category here. Baby/toddler equipment, camping gear, sporting goods, etc. are all too expensive if you just need to borrow something for a day or a week.
    - nradov 17y ago
      What do you mean not collecting taxes? If you rent your lawnmower to someone, that's taxable income. Of course many people cheat on little things like this, but technically they are supposed to pay.

by raffi 17y ago

bgraves 17y ago

I agree with you about common items like a cup of sugar or a couple of eggs while making a dessert, but how about more expensive items like a lawn mower, snow blower, power washer that you will probably use a few times during the year but not enough to justify purchasing it outright (in your mind at least). Then you have the whole eco-friendly nature of this idea -- it makes sense for many people to share these durable goods. This site makes it easier for a neighborhood to 'share' in the repair costs, upkeep, storage, etc. without actually having to pay condo association fees. I would gladly spend an extra $200 for a better, longer lasting lawn mower if I knew it was going to be used more frequently by my neighbors, and they were going to reimburse me for the upkeep and storage costs.

nradov 17y ago
How do they resolve the liability issue? Someone who hurts himself with your lawnmower might try to sue you. Your homeowner's / renter's insurance policy will probably not cover what amounts to running a business out of your home.
- bgraves 17y ago
  I'm not a lawyer, but I disagree with both of your points. This isn't a business (you won't be collecting taxes, for instance) and I don't think you'd be responsible for someone getting hurt. Also, power tools and other dangerous equipment is only category here. Baby/toddler equipment, camping gear, sporting goods, etc. are all too expensive if you just need to borrow something for a day or a week.
  - nradov 17y ago
    What do you mean not collecting taxes? If you rent your lawnmower to someone, that's taxable income. Of course many people cheat on little things like this, but technically they are supposed to pay.