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Special Equipment Club

The Adamant Co-op Special Equipment Club provides short-term loans of household, farm and garden items for community members.

How it Works

Members of the Club can search the equipment lists for items that they would like to borrow. If they find what they are looking for, they call the owner of the item to request a loan agreement. In the loan agreement, which can be verbal or written, the owner and borrower will agree on a specific loan period, the condition in which the equipment must be returned, and any associated usage fees. The owner can offer the piece of equipment at no cost, or require contributions towards fuel or maintenance. Once the item is returned, the owner provides written feedback about the loan to serve as a reference for future loans.

How Much Does It Cost?

There are no membership fees to join the Special Equipment Club. It is up to the owners of the individual pieces of equipment to set any usage or fuel fees or deposit. Such fees will depend on the type of equipment. Most items will have no costs associated for borrowing, but you should expect to pay a fee to borrow some items, especially those requiring fuel or regular maintenance.

What Is a Loan Agreement?

A loan agreement is an agreement between the owner and the borrower that specifies the details of the loan. In particular, the loan agreement should include a specific loan period (when the equipment is due back home again), the condition of the item upon its return, and whether there will be any fees. For loans of small equipment, a verbal loan agreement will probably suffice. But for loans of larger, more expensive equipment, it may be advisable to put the loan agreement in writing. In each case, the owner and borrower must decide together what kind of loan agreement is appropriate.

What if There's a Problem?

Usually loans work out. But sometimes things go wrong. If a piece of equipment is late getting back to the owner, or is broken, or returned dirty, the lender will note this on the feedback form associated with the borrower's membership card. If the borrower doesn't make things right with the lender, he or she will have trouble getting any future loans.

Do I Have to Loan My Equipment to People I Don't Know?

You don't have to loan your equipment to anyone. You may also find you need your equipment at the same time a perspective borrower wants it. If the loan isn't convenient for you, the owner of the equipment, just say no. If you get a call from someone you don't know (or even from someone you do know), record the name and phone number so you can get back to the person. Then look up their references on their membership card (filed at the Co-op). If the person has had a good borrowing record in the past, it's probably a worthy risk. And if the person is known for being problematical, just say no. You don't even have to give a reason.

How Does The Feedback System Work?

Both borrowers and lenders have the opportunity to provide feedback about loans agreements they have participated in. Lenders, in particular, are strongly encouraged to provide feedback about every loan, to serve as a reference for other potential lenders to consult when deciding whether to make a loan agreement with a particular borrower. In the feedback form, the lender notes whether the item was returned on time, in the agreed upon condition, and whether any fees were paid. The lender can also leave specific comments. Borrowers can note whether the lender's loan requirements regarding condition/fees were reasonable, and record comments.

Who Can Join?

There are 2 ways to become a member:

  1. Offer a piece of special equipment that you own by noting its details on the equipment inventory form.
  2. Get a character reference from anyone who is currently a member in good standing.

 

Who Owns the Equipment?

We all do. All equipment offered through the club remains the personal property of the original owner. The equipment is stored with individual owners, not at the Co-op.

What Kinds of Equipment is Offered/Needed?

All kinds. Consult the equipment lists for ideas of equipment that you might offer. Gardening equipment is always useful. Other items that would be great to have on the list are children's equipment (car seats/strollers) and sporting equipment for out-of-town guests.

What else do you need?

We could always use some more ideas of equipment to offer. If you need something that isn't on the equipment lists, add it to the wish list, and maybe somebody will have just the item you are looking for.