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Just a thought, I was thinking about a lock library for keypicking. Simple beginner locks that members could check out, they pay the shipping and get to practice on the locks. Kind of like Netflix but for locks.
I would be willing to throw in for this library but I guess the problem would be who gets to be the librarian? Maybe a dollar a lock donation to the site so that it benefits everyone?

I like this idea

i feel as if it will end badly... and locks will be taken... but if people donate locks they do not care about... it will not matter...

ill donate whatever I can find laying about that I have forgot to sell

great idea. it would be awesome to see something like that set up since im still really new to the lock scene

Perhaps a deposit?

you got support from me for donations too

Well I had locks in mind to be donated that way they would not be a bad loss if they never came back. I think paying for the shipping and a simple $1 donation to the site to keep it simple. Just my thoughts.

I like the idea, and I'd love to donate some locks, but I'd be pretty hesitant knowing anybody could just walk off with them that easy.

have them pay for at least half of the lock's cost and then return the money when they return the lock

This is a wonderful idea!! Will it be tricky business? SURE!... lol... but collectively, I think we
could work out the 'kinks' and come up with the best case scenario as to how to set it all up.

And imagine the payoff! People being able to experience locks and get a head start into this beautiful hobby.
Limited funds can definetely hold you back at first. I would've LOVED something like this when I started

I would suggest not rushing it. Instead, let the ideas filter in.... then go from there.

I'd be more than happy to throw in some Master 140's and some Americans.

Like Oldfast said, taking this slow would be the key to it's sucess.

I would like to propose my ideas on how to start this up.

1. We need to establish interest in this idea to show that it is worth pursuing.
2. To start this up we would obviously need to designate someone as the librarian. It must be someone trustworthy and quite likely someone with a stake in the website.
3. Start up locks and funds would be a necessary third step.
- A non-refundable subcription fee could be imposed as a contribution to the site. Something like ($25-$35) probably won't break the bank.
- If you don't have the funds or would wish to contribute locks in place, then a resonable assessment of the approximate value could be made by the "librarian" and accepted instead of money.
- An additional non-refundable fee could be payed to increase the maximum number of locks that may be "checked out" at one time. So if you want to combine shipping and practice on more locks at once that could be arranged.
- A per transaction $1 (or more) fee plus shipping would allow you to check out any available lock.
4. Obviously a brand new thread maybe even a sub-section must be made to organize the locks and make them available for "checking out".
5. As with any effective library, a time limit would need to be placed on the term for which a member could keep the locks. If an extension were to be requested then an additional $1 check out fee could be used to extend the term.
6. If a lock is kept too long then the member could either ask to pay the value of it of forfeit their membership/subscription to the library.


Just some start-up ideas. Throw them around but please do not criticize me for my thoughts. It took me a little while to come up with this list so please be respectful of that.

Happy Picking,
Whizdumb

Well, personally, I gotta say, I'm not really keen on the idea deposits and of becoming an escrow service...

HOWEVER, the concept has merit and I agree with the rough draft guidelines that whizdumb has posted. Obviously, that is just a starting point (but a damn good one) and the system would have to be very specific about every detail and eventuality (as much as humanly possible, and with clauses for managing disputes, etc...)

The idea is really quite a good one and would allow people to pick locks that they'd never otherwise have the opportunity to play with.

Keep this conversation going, let's see where it leads!

Im down. I have locks to donate as well.

I can send some european practice locks for you if you want...