things you're probably wondering.
how it'll work when we open.
is bythread live yet?
not quite. we're finishing the app before opening things up properly. follow along for the actual launch date.
what is bythread?
a way to rent clothes from real people nearby, across sydney. like borrowing from a friend of a friend.
how does it work?
browse, request, wear, return. the lender always says yes before anything is sent.
how much will it cost?
the lender sets the price. renters pay that price plus delivery if needed, with no service fee on top. lenders pay a 15% fee on what they earn, which covers payments, ID checks and keeping everyone protected. no surprises at checkout, you'll always see the full price first.
which suburbs does it cover?
bythread will be available across sydney. we're starting hyperlocal and growing suburb by suburb. the more people who join in your area, the more choice there'll be nearby.
is it safe to rent from someone i don't know?
safety is core to how we're building bythread. every user will need to verify their identity before they can list or request a rental, so you'll always know who you're dealing with. listings will show real photos and real reviews, and meetups will have an optional location-sharing feature for extra peace of mind.
is my exact location shown?
no. pins are approximate, and meet up spots are agreed in chat.
what if something goes wrong?
you'll be able to tap report a problem within 2 days of receiving the item, and we'll review it with the photos from both sides.
book it
how do i book it?
pick your dates (5, 7, 9 or 11 days) and send a request. the lender says yes before anything happens.
how much will it cost?
the lender sets the price, plus delivery if needed. no service fee for renters. you'll always see the full price before you confirm.
why 5 days minimum?
it leaves time for postage each way without the dress being away too long.
how far ahead should i book?
a day or two either side of your event, especially if it's posted.
can i try it on first?
no fittings. message the lender about fit. they add as much detail as they can, like measurements and how it wears.
get it
how do i get it?
lenders choose what they offer: post, pickup or meet up. need it fast? quick delivery is coming.
what if the post is late?
your rental period extends to cover it.
can i cancel?
yes, for free, until you've paid. after that it's locked for both sides. if the lender misses the posting deadline, you can cancel with no penalty.
send it back
how do i send it back?
the same way it came, by the return date on your order.
what if i need more time?
tell your lender as early as you can. extensions are charged at the normal daily rate. if you go past your return date without asking, a higher late rate applies, so be upfront.
if something goes wrong
what if it gets damaged?
normal wear is part of renting. stains or small repairable tears mean you cover the repair or cleaning. major damage is 50% of the item's resale value. every case is looked at individually, and we aim to be fair to both sides.
what if there's a problem?
tap report a problem within 2 days of receiving the item. take photos in the app when it arrives and before you send it back. the more the better.
list it
how do i list something?
add photos (up to 8), a title, size, price and how you'd like to hand it over. the more detail, the more requests you'll get.
what should i list?
pieces you love but don't wear every week. skip anything you couldn't bear to lose, because damage is covered by resale value, not sentimental value.
what's the item's value?
it's what a buyer would pay for the piece second-hand today, not what you originally paid, so be realistic. renters see it before they book.
what does it cost me?
15% comes off what you earn. renters don't pay a service fee.
say yes
do i have to accept every request?
no. you see who's asking and the dates, and nothing leaves your place until you say yes.
can i cancel?
yes, for free, until the renter has paid. after that it's locked for both sides.
hand it over
how do i send it?
post: mark it sent with the carrier and a tracking number, at least 2 days before the rental starts. pickup or meet up: hand it over, then mark it handed over.
what if i miss the posting deadline?
the renter can cancel with no penalty, so post early.
is a meet up a fitting?
no, it's a handover only. you can switch on location sharing during the handover for extra peace of mind.
get it back
what happens when it comes back?
you confirm it's back. check it over and tell us within 2 days if anything's wrong.
what if it's late?
renters can ask for an extension before the return date, and you choose whether to accept. if it's late and they haven't asked, there's a 24 hour grace period, then a higher daily late fee.
get paid
when do i get paid?
once the item is back and confirmed, plus 2 days for any problems to be reported, minus the 15%.
if something goes wrong
what if it comes back damaged?
normal wear is covered by the rental fee. stains or small repairable tears mean the renter pays the repair or cleaning cost. major damage is 50% of the item's resale value, and lost is the full resale value. every case is looked at individually, and we aim to be fair to both sides.
how do i report a problem?
tap report a problem on the order within 2 days of getting it back. photos from the app help us decide.