Local Hire Marketplace Community Guidelines

At Local Hire Marketplace, we're building more than a place to hire equipment—we're creating a trusted local community where neighbours can safely share tools, equipment, trailers, camping gear, party supplies, and more. These Community Guidelines explain the standards expected of every member and help ensure the platform remains safe, fair, and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Our Community Values

Every member should help create a marketplace that is:

  • Safe
  • Honest
  • Respectful
  • Reliable
  • Community-focused
  • Environmentally responsible

By treating each other fairly, everyone benefits.

2. Respect Every Member

Treat all users with courtesy and professionalism.

Always:

  • Communicate politely
  • Respond promptly to messages where possible
  • Respect different backgrounds and opinions
  • Be patient if unexpected issues arise

Never:

  • Harass, threaten or intimidate others
  • Use abusive or offensive language
  • Discriminate against anyone
  • Bully or pressure another member

3. Be Honest

Trust is the foundation of Local Hire Marketplace.

Owners should:

  • Accurately describe every item
  • Upload recent photos
  • Clearly disclose faults or wear
  • Set realistic availability

Hirers should:

  • Provide truthful information
  • Use genuine identification
  • Respect booking conditions
  • Return equipment in the agreed condition

Misleading information damages trust and may result in account suspension.

4. Safety Comes First

Owners are responsible for listing equipment that is safe and suitable for hire.

Owners should:

  • Maintain equipment
  • Follow manufacturer servicing recommendations
  • Remove unsafe items immediately from listing
  • Provide operating instructions where appropriate

Hirers should:

  • Use equipment only as intended
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Follow all safety instructions
  • Never allow unqualified persons to operate specialised equipment

If equipment appears unsafe, stop using it immediately and notify the owner.

5. Respect Other People's Property

Treat hired equipment as if it were your own.

This means:

  • Keep equipment clean
  • Store it securely
  • Prevent unnecessary damage
  • Report any problems immediately
  • Return it on time

Normal wear and tear is expected, but careless or negligent damage is not.

6. Keep Communication on the Platform

For everyone's protection:

  • Use Local Hire Marketplace messaging whenever possible
  • Confirm bookings through the platform
  • Keep records of agreements and discussions

Platform communication helps resolve misunderstandings if they occur.

7. Be Reliable

Owners should:

  • Honour confirmed bookings
  • Present equipment as advertised
  • Be available at agreed pickup times

Hirers should:

  • Arrive on time
  • Return equipment when agreed
  • Notify the owner immediately if delayed
  • Respect cancellation policies

Reliability builds trust and improves everyone's experience.

8. Fair Reviews

Reviews help our community grow.

Reviews should:

  • Be truthful
  • Reflect genuine experiences
  • Be respectful
  • Focus on the hire transaction

Do not:

  • Leave false reviews
  • Threaten negative reviews
  • Offer incentives for positive reviews

9. No Fraud or Illegal Activity

The following is strictly prohibited:

  • Stolen equipment
  • Fake accounts
  • Identity fraud
  • Payment fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Illegal or prohibited items
  • Circumventing Local Hire Marketplace fees
  • Booking outside the platform after making contact through the marketplace

Accounts involved in fraudulent activity may be permanently removed.

10. Protect Privacy

Respect everyone's privacy.

Do not:

  • Share personal information without permission
  • Publish another member's address or contact details
  • Record conversations without consent where prohibited by law

11. Help Resolve Problems

If something goes wrong:

  1. Communicate respectfully.
  2. Work together to find a fair solution.
  3. Provide photos or supporting information where needed.
  4. Contact Local Hire Marketplace only if the issue cannot be resolved between the parties.

Our goal is for owners and hirers to resolve most issues themselves through open communication, with Local Hire Marketplace stepping in only when necessary to assist with unresolved disputes.

12. Protect the Community

Help us keep the marketplace safe by reporting:

  • Unsafe equipment
  • Fraudulent behaviour
  • Fake accounts
  • Offensive messages
  • Suspicious listings
  • Policy violations

Reports are reviewed confidentially.

13. Environmental Responsibility

Hiring instead of buying helps reduce waste and makes better use of existing resources.

By participating in Local Hire Marketplace, you're helping:

  • Reduce unnecessary purchases
  • Extend the life of quality equipment
  • Support local households
  • Build stronger local communities

14. Consequences of Breaching These Guidelines

Depending on the seriousness of a breach, Local Hire Marketplace may:

  • Issue a warning
  • Remove listings
  • Restrict marketplace access
  • Suspend an account
  • Permanently remove an account
  • Report illegal activity to relevant authorities where required

Our Commitment

Local Hire Marketplace exists to make hiring local equipment simple, affordable, and trustworthy.

Every member plays a role in creating a safe and welcoming community.

By following these Community Guidelines, you help build a marketplace where people can confidently hire, lend, and connect with others in their local area.