Circa User Guide

Get started and make the most of Circa.

Getting Started

Creating Your Account

Welcome to Circa! Signing up is easy:

  • Click the "Sign Up" button on the homepage.
  • Fill in your name, desired username, email address, and choose a secure password.
  • Read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • Click "Create Account". (Optional: Sign up with Google if available).
  • Verify your email address if prompted.

Setting Up Your Profile

Make your profile stand out:

  • Navigate to your Profile page (usually via a dropdown menu).
  • Upload a clear profile picture.
  • Write a brief bio about yourself and your interests.
  • (Optional) Add verification details if you wish.
Tip: A complete profile builds trust within the community.

Listing Your Items

Preparing Your Listing

Great listings get more attention:

  • Clean the item you want to list.
  • Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Show any imperfections.
  • Think about a fair rental price or the items you'd be willing to barter for.

Creating the Listing

Share your items with the community:

  • Click the "List Your Item" button (usually prominent in the header or your dashboard).
  • Upload your photos.
  • Write an accurate and detailed title and description. Mention the item's condition.
  • Select the appropriate category.
  • Set your estimated value (for bartering) and/or your desired rental price per day/week.
  • Specify your location (general area or zip code).
  • Review and submit your listing.
Tip: Be honest about the item's condition to avoid disputes.

Finding & Renting/Bartering

Browsing and Searching

Discover items available near you:

  • Go to the "Browse" page.
  • Use the search bar to look for specific items (e.g., "lawn mower", "projector").
  • Use filters to narrow down results by category, price range, location, or whether the item is available for rent or barter.

Contacting the Owner

Initiate a conversation about an item:

  • Click on an item listing that interests you.
  • Read the description and review the owner's profile.
  • Click the "Contact Owner" or "Propose Barter/Rental" button.
  • Use the secure messaging system to ask questions, propose a rental period, or suggest items for barter.

Making an Agreement

Finalize the details of your transaction:

  • Clearly agree on the rental duration and price, or the specific items being bartered.
  • Decide on pickup/drop-off times and locations.
  • (Recommended) Use the optional Escrow system for secure payment handling, especially for higher-value items or rentals. Agree on this with the owner.
  • Confirm the agreement through the platform's messaging or confirmation features.
Tip: Keep all communication within the Circa platform for your records and safety.

Safety & Best Practices

Staying Safe

Your safety is important:

  • Meet in public, well-lit places for exchanges whenever possible.
  • Inform someone about your plans when meeting a user for the first time.
  • Inspect items thoroughly before accepting them.
  • Never share sensitive personal information like bank details directly. Use the platform's systems (like Escrow) where available.
  • Report any suspicious activity or users to Circa support immediately.

Building Reputation

Be a great community member:

  • Communicate promptly and politely.
  • Be punctual for meetups.
  • Return items on time and in the condition you received them.
  • Leave honest reviews for users after transactions.