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GouacheApp

112 karma · joined March 2, 2022

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GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
I think you're on the wrong post...
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Thanks, I'll take a look for sure! I'm already doing it for bicycle repair at schools and park but I had not thought about doing it for repairing other stuffs!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Thank you for your feedback — — :) We will definitely improve the desktop navigation discoverability since it's not the first time we heard this issue. I'll also use less "—" in my writing since it seems like people don't really like it much
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Thank you so much for your feedback! We're working hard on improving the UX and this is really helping us pinpoint areas that we should be improving.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
You're right — justanwers.com is a good but can be pretty pricey (+50$ US/month).
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Exactly!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
I totally agree with you!!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Absolutely, it’s not for everyone. Tool libraries aren’t meant to replace pro setups. I think they’re more for casual DIYers, for occasional project, or people who don’t want to buy something they’lll only use once or try a new tool before buying.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
You're totally right! I agree that batteries are also trickier but we're working on fixing this. If you have any ideas or thoughts, feel free to contact me at julien@patio.so
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Yeah, that can happen. Having some basic rules and keeping an eye on things usually helps. People are often asked to bring or replace their own consumables too.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Yeah, that makes sense — some tools are just worth owning if you know you’ll need them at specific high demands times. I think that tool libraries arent a full replacement for personal gear, especially for high demand and seasonal stuff. I see them more as a complement, great for one off jobs or trying things before buying.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
I really really love this "fix it" day — This is a very good idea and I'm sure this service is greatly appreciated!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
You're right, some tool rental service are not perfect! Maybe if they had a better platform and more users, they would be able to update their inventory more frequently. This is also what we aim to help solve.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Super good point — we're working hard to add security features to make the platform as secure and easy to use. Stay tuned :)
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
These are really good ideas, thanks so much for sharing!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
I'm sorry you feels this way.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
That's cool!
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Totally fair to call that out, and I get why it might come across that way. But nope, not AI-generated. Just me trying to be clearer and a bit more structured lately. Sorry if it fell off.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
That’s awesome — Seattle’s tool libraries are a great example of how well this model can work. That kind of affordable access to well-maintained tools makes a huge difference.

With Patio, we’re looking to support and expand that model, especially in areas without a local library, and provide tools to help existing ones grow and serve their communities even better.

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Totally agree — DIY varies a lot by country, from building codes to materials and even terminology.

Localization is high on our list. We're working on ways to adapt learning content by region, so users see tutorials, terms, and standards that actually make sense for where they live. Thanks for pointing it out — it's a big part of where we're heading.

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
That’s awesome — and exactly the kind of community we want to support.

We’re working on tools to help launch local libraries: policy templates, waivers, safety guides, and yes, even subscription options (e.g. $X/month for unlimited borrowing) to keep things simple and sustainable.

You’d be able to set rules around pricing, consumables, and tool access — and we’re adding features like liability waivers and hazard flags to help reduce your personal risk as a host.

Would this solve most of the questions and concerns?

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Yes, we’re exploring features to help libraries or hosts decide what tools to buy based on local demand — things like surfacing what people nearby are searching for or requesting most.

We’re also adding ways to flag higher-risk tools, so if you’re just starting a library, you can focus on safer, high-demand items first. Really appreciate you bringing this up — both access and safety are key to getting this right.

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Glad you liked the banner — and appreciate you taking the time to explore it!

Totally fair question on pricing. We’re working on adding pricing suggestions based on similar tools nearby, so users have a better sense of what’s fair without guessing.

On the legal side — yep, we’re exploring tool condition checkboxes, waivers, and optional insurance to help protect both sides. Power tools come with real risks, and we want to make sure there's enough structure to keep things safe and clear for everyone involved.

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Great point — and thanks for sharing it. We’re actually exploring ways to let people post requests, not just listings, so it's easy to say “I need a hammer” and connect with someone nearby. It’s all about making those timely, local connections simple.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Totally valid points — and ones we’ve been thinking about a lot.

The feed isn’t meant to be just another Pinterest-style scroll — we’re curating high-quality DIY tutorials, guides, and projects to help people learn and take action. We also recently added an AI-powered search so you can quickly find relevant content by asking real questions, like “how do I replace a light switch?” instead of just browsing categories. That said, we know the feed needs to feel more purposeful, and we’re actively improving that.

On tool rentals — you’re absolutely right that big stores and tool libraries exist. We’re not trying to replace them, but to fill in the gaps: making it easier to find tools nearby that might not be available otherwise, support neighbor-to-neighbor sharing, and help smaller or underserved communities. We’re also working with tool libraries to modernize their systems and increase their visibility.

Really appreciate the honest feedback — it’s exactly what helps us get better.

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Totally fair feedback — and you're right, the layout feels unexpected on desktop.

We're designing mobile-first, since most of our early users are on phones, but we're actively working on making the desktop experience much clearer and more intuitive too. Really appreciate you pointing this out — it helps us improve!

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Totally get that — YouTube is great until your setup doesn’t match, especially with older homes. That missing link between general advice and your specific situation can be frustrating.

We’re actually working on a way to get quick guidance, just enough to help you finish the job confidently without hiring it all out. Stay tuned — we’re launching something soon to help with exactly that!

GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Absolutely — not having to store all the tools is a huge plus. That’s a big part of what we’re aiming for with Patio too: easy access to tools without the hassle of ownership or storage.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Curious though — when you were lending or borrowing items, did you ever run into any issues or friction? Things like no-shows, damage, or unclear expectations? We’re trying to learn from real experiences to make it smoother for everyone.
GouacheApp··on Show HN: Patio – Rent tools, learn DIY, reduce waste
Absolutely — couldn’t agree more.

In most neighborhoods, there’s really no need for everyone to own the same tools, especially for things you use once or twice a year. That mindset of sharing over consuming is exactly what we’re trying to support with Patio — whether it's lending for free, renting, or just making it easier to know who has what nearby.

The more we can encourage that kind of local connection, the less we all need to buy — and the better it is for everyone.

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