Calls for Items

Sometimes you need something but don’t know if anyone in your network has it. Calls let you ask everyone at once: “Does anyone have a ___?”

What is a call?

A call is a broadcast message to your connections asking if anyone has a specific item. Instead of searching catalogs one by one, you post what you’re looking for and let people come to you.

Example calls:

  • “Does anyone have a wet/dry vacuum I could borrow this weekend?”
  • “Looking for a large cooler for a camping trip next month”
  • “Anyone have a sewing machine? Trying to fix some clothes”

Posting a call

To create a new call:

  1. Go to Calls in the navigation
  2. Click New Call
  3. Describe what you’re looking for
  4. Click Post

Writing an effective call

Be specific about:

  • What you need — The type of item and any requirements (size, capacity, features)
  • What it’s for — Context helps people understand your needs
  • When you need it — Timing matters for availability

Good example:

“Looking for a circular saw to cut some plywood for a shelving project. Need it this Saturday if possible. Happy to pick up and return same day!”

Less helpful:

“Need a saw”

Responding to calls

When a friend posts a call and you have what they’re looking for:

  1. Go to Calls → Received
  2. Find the call
  3. Click I Have This
  4. Add details about your item

Your response creates a connection between their need and your item, making it easy for them to request a loan.

What happens after a response

When someone responds to your call:

  1. You’ll be notified
  2. You can view their item and its details
  3. If it’s a good fit, request to borrow it like any other item

The call system bridges the gap between “I need something” and “someone has it”—the actual borrowing still goes through the normal loan request process.

Managing your calls

Active calls

Your posted calls stay active until you close them. You might close a call when:

  • Someone responded and you’ve arranged a loan
  • You found what you needed another way
  • You no longer need the item

Closing a call

  1. Go to Calls
  2. Find your call
  3. Click Close Call

Tips for calls

  • Be timely — If you find what you need, close the call so others don’t keep responding
  • Be gracious — Thank people who respond, even if their item isn’t quite right
  • Check catalogs first — Search before posting a call; someone might already have it listed
  • Respond to others — If you have something a friend is looking for, let them know!