How much does it cost to borrow a book?

It costs $7 per borrow. This fee is charged when you and the lender both confirm the exchange has happened.

What happens when I submit a borrow request?

When you submit a request, it's sent to the lender for approval. The lender has 5 days to accept or decline. No payment hold is placed until the lender accepts.

What happens when the lender accepts?

When the lender accepts your request, you have 5 days to complete payment. When you pay, we place a temporary hold on your card for $7 + the book value (up to $50). This hold is not a charge - it just reserves the funds while you arrange the exchange.

What if the lender declines or doesn't respond?

If the lender declines your request or doesn't respond within 5 days, the request expires and you won't be charged anything since no hold was placed.

What if I don't complete payment after the lender accepts?

If you don't complete payment within 5 days of acceptance, the request will automatically expire. Please complete payment promptly so the lender isn't left waiting.

What's the timeline for borrowing?

• Request submitted: Waiting for lender to accept (no hold yet)
• Lender accepts: You have 5 days to complete payment
• Payment completed: Hold placed on your card ($7 + book value), 14 days to meet
• Exchange confirmed: $7 is charged, book value hold remains
• Book returned: Book value hold is released

What if I don't return the book?

If the book is not returned by the deadline (plus a 7-day grace period), you will be charged the book value (up to $50) as set by the lender. Please return books on time!

How do I return a book?

Click "I'm returning the book" in the chat. Meet the lender, hand over the book, and they will confirm the return. Once confirmed, the book value hold is released from your card.

How do I protect myself during the exchange?

You can generate a 4-digit exchange code for the lender to enter. Only share this code when you physically have the book in hand. If you share it before receiving the book, a dishonest lender could claim they gave it to you when they didn't. Alternatively, you can simply click "I've got the book" to confirm directly.

How much do I earn per borrow?

You earn $5 for each completed borrow. The borrower pays $7, and $2 goes to the platform to cover costs.

When do I get paid?

You receive your $5 payout when the book is returned and you confirm receipt. This ensures you're only paid for completed transactions.

What's the timeline for lending?

• Request received: You have 5 days to accept or decline
• Request accepted: Borrower has 5 days to complete payment
• Payment completed: 14 days to meet and exchange the book
• Exchange confirmed: Borrower is charged $7
• Book returned: You receive $5 payout

What if the borrower doesn't complete payment after I accept?

If the borrower doesn't complete payment within 5 days of your acceptance, the request automatically expires and your book becomes available again. You don't need to do anything.

What if the borrower doesn't return the book?

If the book isn't returned after the deadline + 7-day grace period, the borrower is automatically charged the book value you set (up to $50), and this amount is paid to you.

How do I set the book value?

When listing a book, you set a value between $0-50. This is the amount the borrower will be charged if they don't return the book or if it's severely damaged. We recommend setting it close to the book's replacement cost.

How do I confirm a return?

When the borrower returns your book, click "I've received the return" in the chat to confirm. Once confirmed, you'll receive your $5 payout.

How do I protect myself during the exchange?

Always get the borrower's exchange code BEFORE handing over your book. Ask them to generate or show you their 4-digit code first, then enter it to confirm the handoff. This proves you gave them the book, so they can't later claim they never received it. Never hand over a book without getting the code first.

How do I set up payouts?

To receive your $5 earnings, you'll need to set up a payout account through Stripe. Go to Settings > Lender Payouts and click "Set Up Payouts". It takes about 5 minutes to complete. You only need to do this once.

Why do I need to provide personal information for payouts?

Stripe is required by law to verify the identity of anyone receiving payouts (Know Your Customer regulations). This is the same for all payment platforms like PayPal or Venmo. Your information is securely handled by Stripe and never stored on our servers.