When I was growing up, a neighbour asking to borrow a cup of sugar was a device often used by TV soap operas and situation comedies to bring characters together. I’m not sure whether anyone has ever asked to borrow a cup of sugar, but it’s a concept that has provided the brand for a new company which has recently been set up in Ohio.

The idea behind the company is to allow neighbours to share what they have and borrow what they need. Owners and borrowers start out by registering with the company website and detailing where they live, what they have to lend out and what fee they’d like to receive in return. When a site member wants to borrow a particular item, he can search the website for someone who has it to lend in his area. The borrower contacts the lender through the site and if an agreement is reached, they meet up and do the exchange. Afterwards, there is a facility for leaving feedback.

This is something that could be copied in any area. The key to success will be to get enough members so that there is a good selection of items available. But with many expensive tools and appliances laying dormant for much of the time, this seems like a good way for owners to make some extra money, and borrowers to avoid the hassle and expense of buying and owning something they will use rarely.