Malmö Hardware Store needed an idea to be able to compete with the giant home improvement chains that are taking over the market. We learned that the store's main earnings come from supplies. Not from expensive power tools, that you probably only use once or twice. So, in December 2012 we introduced ToolPool. It's like a carpool, but with tools. And it's for free. The booking system is a Facebook app, and the only payment required is that you share our message, making sure that all of your friends get to know about it.

ToolPool also received extensive media coverage in newspapers, online and even on national radio. And the prominent speaker Per Grankvist made it one of his survival tips for businesses in his seminar about the future of retail.

8 out of 10 people who borrowed tools bought supplies in the store. And sales increased by 25%.

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

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.

In December 2012 we launched ToolPool by sending press releases to magazines, environmental bloggers and journalists, tech bloggers, trendy cafés, second-hand shops, radio shows and mainstream news media. We placed flyers and business cards at second hand shops and cafés while sending personal letters to important bloggers. We also made sponsorship deals with the most important local DIY-bloggers, and made sure that people shared the message in social media via the built in "pay with a share" booking system.