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Is it safe to borrow from a stranger? How Nearby builds trust

How Nearby builds trust between borrowers and lenders, from email confirmation and optional ID checks to messaging and reviews, and what you can do too.

4 min read

It's a fair question, and one we'd ask ourselves. Borrowing a tent or a drill from someone you've never met means trusting them a little, and them trusting you a little more.

No platform can promise that every person is perfect, and we won't pretend otherwise. What we can do is give you good information and simple tools, so you can make a sensible decision about who you rent from and who you lend to. Here's what's in place on Nearby today, and what you can do yourself.

What Nearby does

Every member confirms their email address. Everyone who joins Nearby confirms their email. It's a basic step, but it means every account is tied to a real, working inbox.

Optional ID verification, with a badge. Members can choose to verify their identity through Stripe Identity. When they do, an ID verified badge shows on their profile. It's optional, so not everyone will have it, but when you see it, you know that person has taken the extra step.

Messaging between borrower and lender. You can message the other person on Nearby before and during a rental. Ask about the item, agree pickup and return times, and sort out any questions. Keeping the conversation on Nearby means the details are all in one place.

Reviews after rentals. When a rental ends, a review can be left. Reviews build up over time and give you a real picture of how someone deals with other people.

Payment through Stripe. Borrowers pay through Stripe when the lender accepts the booking. Nobody needs to carry cash to a handover, and nobody has to chase payment afterwards.

The Nearby Guarantee for lenders. If a rented item is accidentally damaged or stolen during the rental, Nearby may, at its discretion, make a goodwill payment to the lender of up to €2,000 per item. It's not insurance, but it means lending doesn't have to feel like an all-or-nothing risk. The full terms are on the Nearby Guarantee page.

What you can do as a borrower

The tools work best when you use them. Before you book:

  1. Read the listing properly. Check what's included, and look at the photos for the item's condition.
  2. Look at the lender's profile. Check their reviews, and look for the ID verified badge.
  3. Message first. Ask anything you're unsure about. How someone replies tells you a lot.
  4. Agree the handover in writing. Pickup time, return time and place, all in messages on Nearby.
  5. Check the item at pickup. Look it over with the lender so you both agree on its condition before you take it away.

What you can do as a lender

Lenders can use the same signals in the other direction.

  • Look at the borrower's profile before you accept a request.
  • Ask questions in messages if the request is vague. What's it for? How long do they need it?
  • Explain how the item works at pickup, and point out anything that's easy to get wrong.
  • Say no if it doesn't feel right. You don't have to accept every request.
  • Verify your own ID too. The badge works both ways: borrowers are more comfortable renting from someone who has verified.

Meeting in person

Most rentals on Nearby involve meeting someone local for a few minutes to hand something over. Some common-sense habits make that easy:

  • Meet at a time and place you're comfortable with. Daylight and a busy spot are good defaults.
  • Let someone know where you're going if that helps you feel at ease.
  • Keep your conversation on Nearby messages, so there's a clear record of what you agreed.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's fine to walk away.

Nearby is live in Dublin, so the people you meet are neighbours in the broad sense: people in your city, often in your area. Most people who lend and borrow are doing it for the same reasons you are. They want to use things well, save money, and help each other out.

If you're ready to try it, browse items near you, or list something you own and see who's nearby. Both sides of the platform have the same tools.