Malmö Hardware Store, an inner city business, needed an idea to be able to compete with the giant home improvement chains in the suburbs that are taking over the market. We learned that the store's main earnings come from supplies like screws, duct tape, nails and so on. Not from expensive power tools, that you probably only use once or twice. At the same time a green/ecological movement is growing stronger and stronger in Sweden, using social media and techology to reach out with their message.

In December 2012 we introduced ToolPool. It works just like a carpool, but with tools. And it's for free.

The booking system is built as s Facebook app. Just "like" the page to become a member, pick the tool you would like to borrow and head down to Malmö Hardware Store and pick it up in person.

The only payment required, is that you share our message once you have made a reservation. That way you help spread the word about ToolPool to all of your friends.

ToolPool received extensive media coverage in newspapers, online and on national radio.

Retail newspaper Dagens Handel (retail weekly, daily newsletter and site) named it one of 13 survival tips for 2013.

During the very first month, ToolPool reached more than 600 users. And the number is growing every day. 8 out of 10 people who borrowed tools also bought supplies in the store. And sales increased by 25%.

Since day one, requests for ToolPool to start in other cities keep coming in. That has created great franchise opportunities for Malmö Hardware Store.