Sometimes it’s just easier to see if someone’s already thought of your question. We’ve tried to compile a list of things that we think you’d want to know about Tool Hire. We’ll add more if and when we need to.

Most of the Tool info is written up on the tool hire pages. If you want to hire, you best start there, not here.

Elementary

What is giffgaff?

Giffgaff is a new mobile phone network. We are a bit different from the others though in that we are the world’s first people powered phone network. Go to the top of the webpage and click on the giffgaff button to visit us properly.

What is Tool Hire?

Tool Hire is the people powered launch of giffgaff. We have created tools for the public to go out and demonstrate our way of doing things. The hirer simply does whatever the tool requires of them and they upload a video to YouTube to prove the hire has been successful. That’s it.

When and how do I get it?

You just send us your YouTube video link and wait for us to review it. This should take a couple of days if things are busy. If all is good we¹ll upload your video to the Tool hire site and you¹ll receive a nice email saying you have been successful. Then you just wait for the postman. Happy ending.

Tool specific

What’s the carrot?

In return for your efforts we give each hirer a V.I.G. SIM card – free UK calls, texts, internet for a year. We will also give the cameraman or woman their very onw V.I.P. SIM card…it will help you get them involved.

The SIM we give you can go in your current mobile phone and you get to keep your number, as long as you're free from any contractual obligations…pretty cheeky really. Visit giffgaff.com for the pure facts.

Is it free to hire a tool?

Yes. Absolutely. We will deliver the tools to you and take them away when you're finished. You just need to make your way to the pre-arranged location. And make sure you have a friend who can film you.

Can anyone do it?

Hirers need to be residents of the UK and over 16 years old. Each tool will have its own rules and conditions so best read the tool pages for more details as some are for over 18s only.

Is it Nationwide?

Yes and no. We have to be able to get to you and back to London in one day, so there is a limit on how far we can get. However, if you can get lots of friends to make hires too that makes it worth our drivers leaving their families and staying overnight, we can make exceptions.

When does it all end?

It ends when the fat lady runs out of V.I.G. SIM cards. We’ll probably make it to the end of March, but we just don’t know, best not wait to find out eh.

Can I do what I want?

Yes and no. You¹ll notice that each tool comes with some requirements. We¹re pretty easy going on how you choose to interpret our suggestions but if you¹ve got other ideas, make sure you can do better. Unleash your imagination.

What if something goes wrong?

The delivery driver will be on hand to help out; he¹s nice like that.

Can I pre-book a tool when it's out of stock?

In a word, no. But if you ask to, you will receive email notification when your tool comes back into stock.

Is there any play in the booking times?

A little. We'll agree a mutually convenient time when you book. We can work around your busy life up to a point. After that, we¹ll offer the tool to someone else. Kapiche? You might have to wait a bit longer if you're outside London as we want to get a few hires in each location before we dispatch our lovely van drivers.

What can I film with?

You can film with pretty much any camera that can do video, although mobile phone video can sometimes look cheap and nasty, so try and avoid if possible. We can¹t give out the goodness if all we see is pixels. You could also make a photo flip book if you want.

How do I edit the video?

Because we don¹t want videos of more than 5 minutes, you¹ll probably need to edit your video somehow. If you¹re don¹t have familiar software, have a look at the video editing tutorials on YouTube. It¹ll be easier than us explaining it here.

How do I upload to YouTube?

You'll need to start an account on YouTube. Or use your existing one. Or your Granny's. It's very easy to do and once you're done you just follow the instructions. Simple.

What's to stop us making pants videos?

For a start we¹ve got a big carrot in the form of the V.I.G. SIM card which gives you free UK calls, texts and internet for a year. Yes free.
Then we have 5 more giant carrots in the form of a £5000 prize for each of the best videos.
In terms of the stick, we¹ll just take away your right to have a carrot. So yes, don¹t do pants.

Do I definitely get a VIG SIM when I hire a Tool?

If you hire a tool and send us a YouTube video of your good deed (which covers everything we've asked you to do in the Nitty Gritty) yes of course we¹ll give you a V.I.G. SIM. The only thing getting between you and your free calls is you. Don't do anything that is offensive or causes harm to other people. And don't make a rubbish video without any effort. That¹s when we¹ll have to decline the offer.

What happens after I order?

We’ll give you a call to talk through the details of the hire and to arrange where and when we’ll meet you with the shining splendidness that is your chosen Tool. This should be within 24 hours but may be slightly longer if it’s really busy.