Lister guide
Everything you need
to earn more from your kit
Whether you're listing your first item or growing a fleet, these tips will help you get more bookings, more reviews, and better returns.
3×
more bookings with 4+ photos
68%
of hirers filter by availability
£340
average monthly earnings for active listers
< 1hr
response time for top-rated listers
Six ways to earn more
Great photos make all the difference
- Use natural light — shoot near a window or outside
- Clear background: clean floor or outdoor space looks professional
- Shoot from multiple angles — hirers want to see the full item
- Include a photo showing scale (e.g. hold the item)
- If it has controls or accessories, photograph those too
- Aim for at least 4 photos per listing
Price it right for more bookings
- Search for similar items on The Hire Site to gauge the market
- Day hire rates typically run at 5–10% of the item's purchase price
- Offer a weekly rate — it's 20–30% less per day and fills your calendar
- Include delivery in the price for local jobs — it removes friction
- Start slightly lower than competitors and raise once you have reviews
- Remember: consistent bookings beat occasional premium rates
Write a description that converts
- Start with the most relevant detail: make, model, key spec (not 'great condition')
- List what's included: cables, cases, bits, fuel, instructions
- Be honest about wear — one caveat builds far more trust than hiding it
- Mention minimum hire period if you have one
- Add relevant tags: brand, type, use-case — helps search
- End with availability info: pickup times, areas you'll deliver to
Protect yourself and your items
- Set a deposit appropriate to the item value — this protects against damage
- Take photos before and after every hire
- Check your home insurance: some policies exclude items on hire
- Use the 'insurance required' filter if you only want insured hirers
- Always confirm ID for high-value or vehicle hires
- Keep service records and certificates up to date for tools
Respond fast, earn more
- Respond to enquiries within 1 hour when possible — listing rank rewards it
- Turn on push notifications on your phone
- Even a quick 'I'll confirm availability by 5pm' keeps hirers engaged
- Include your typical availability upfront in your listing description
- Hirers who don't hear back quickly will book elsewhere
- Update availability daily — stale listings frustrate everyone
Grow your listing over time
- Ask happy hirers to leave a review — most will if you ask nicely
- Respond to all reviews, even negative ones, professionally
- Refresh your photos seasonally or after a service
- Add more items — listers with 3+ listings earn 4× more on average
- Upgrade to Pro for boosted search placement and lower commission
- Share your listing link on local Facebook groups and Nextdoor
Before you publish: checklist
Tick these off and your listing will rank better from day one.
Clear, well-lit photos (4+ minimum)
Accurate title: make, model, key spec
Honest, detailed description
Competitive price set (checked market)
Deposit set and insurance added
Availability calendar up to date
Delivery options configured
Pickup location set with postcode
Ready to go live?
Create your listingDelivery & availability tips
Delivery
- Offer delivery — it unlocks a much larger customer base
- Set a clear per-mile or flat rate so there are no surprises
- State your delivery radius upfront (e.g. 10 miles free)
- For bulky items, consider an additional 'set up' fee
- Include fuel and time in your delivery calculation
Availability
- Update your availability every morning for maximum visibility
- Block out dates when you know you'll be unavailable
- Set a minimum hire period to avoid 1-day admin overhead
- Maximum hire period reduces your risk on high-value items
- Use 'available from' dates for items currently out on hire
Before listing electrical or gas equipment
Power tools must be PAT tested annually if hired commercially. Gas equipment cannot be hired for use — gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Our team may contact you if your listing appears to fall outside our guidelines.