24/05/2026
Figuring it out as we go along...
We're finally doing what everyone else in the world does (took us a while!) and taking payment when our things are booked. It's a small change, but it's going to make a big difference when you come to pick up your thing. No more queuing for the card terminal! From June 1st you'll be able to pop in, say hi to the Shedders, and then you and your thing can be on your way home, to whatever project of event you've got going on.
We're also hoping this tweak will help borrowers remember to cancel bookings if their plans change. Lately we've had more and more things left uncollected at the end of the Shed day. It's gone from a hitch to an actual proper problem. Other borrowers have been blocked from booking the things, which then just sit in the Shed, unused - and our things love to be busy!
So, from June 1st, payment will be taken when the thing is booked. You can cancel online, call or email, and the fee will go onto your account for the next time you borrow something (if you'd prefer a refund to your card, you can get in touch and arrange it with a manager - these have to be entered manually into our system).
Once the actual pick-up day rolls around, the thing has been located, pulled out of storage, set aside near the front desk, and other borrowers have been blocked, so the fee becomes nonrefundable (like a hairdresser and cancellations made on the day). If your plans go sideways, no worries - give us the heads up, cancel the booking before the pick-up day, and all will go swimmingly. This small change will make a huge difference in keeping the Shed ticking over smoothly, our stock in use, and as many people as possible enjoying the things. Happy things, happy borrowers, happy Shed.
