Anyone who has ever scurried around the neighbourhood looking for boxes to help with the move then felt the guilt of shoving all the cardboard into the bin afterwards, listen on. There’s a new friend in town called BeetleBox and they are helping you move your stuff safely, directly and via Open Shed! We got the skinny from Glen at Beetlebox as to why he’s a fan of collaborative consumption and has chosen Open Shed as a way to reach customers for his business.

What inspired you to start using Open Shed?

I came across Open Shed when reading some articles about collaborative consumption. I thought it would be a great match for BeetleBox.

What is it about collaborative consumption that appeals to you?

The idea of using things that would otherwise be idle or under used really resonated with me. Environmentally, re-using things makes much more sense. Like Beetlebox, collaborative consumption is another way to keep things out of landfill. 

What kinds of things have you listed on Open Shed?

I’ve put some beetle boxes, a moving trolley and a package called the studio package which includes boxes and bubble wrap and all kinds of things people need when they move. 

Tell us about a time one of the items you have listed on Open Shed has saved your bacon.

Not necessarily me but there was an Open Shed member who was packing up to leave the country and had packed everything into suitcases and so on but still had stuff left. They found I had listed 1 to 100 boxes as a multiple item and he needed 5 boxes to get the job done. We used the conversation feature to figure out the finer details, worked out a delivery and pick up situation that was flexible enough to suit us and we got the job done.

What do you say to people that worry about things like stuff being damaged?

There is always a risk of that but there are a couple of safeguards in place on Open Shed that really help. Using the conversation feature you can communicate and get to know another person, develop a rapport and can choose not to go ahead if you don’t feel right about it. You’re always on control. Like eBay you can also look for the people with feedback too. For me, the most important part is having the conversation and using the social networking aspect of it to get a sense of a person before you commit to sharing.

What kinds of adventures would you like to see your items go on?

I’m in the early stages of marketing so it would be great to see my boxes take a drive up the coast to Queensland. Sending them on a backpacking journey up to the Gold Coast when I am ready to expand would be great.

If you could hire anything in the world off Open Shed, what would it be and why?

I am still looking for the lawn mower. In the future, considering I do run a small business and some days are slow and others are very busy so it would be great to borrow some expertise, assistance- a person basically!

Why do you think it’s better to share then buy?

You are able to save money. In the past you were forced to go out and buy an item and now you have greater freedom of choice. You can find elegant solutions to small, common problems.

If you are on the move and want your stuff to reach the new place safe and sound get in touch with Glen!