HelpOut frequently asked questions (faqs)
This page addresses some of the most common questions we are asked about the HelpOut service. If you have any general queries about HelpOut, please let us know via our Contact Us page, and we will get back to you ASAP.
Q: Why aren't there many Help Wanted Listings?
A: HelpOut had hundreds of listings within a few days of it's launch (thanks everyone for the support). At the moment there are primarily offers of Help and relatively few Help Wanted listings - this is partly because many people who will need help don't (yet) have power/internet back on, or are busy dealing wth the cleanup, and have not yet had a chance toi think about looking online for help.
Also, the Help Wanted listings that we do get, tend to get snapped up, resolved, and taken off the site very quickly, becauise there are just so many people wanting to help. If you know someone who could do with a helping hand, but is not able, or too busy to add their own listing, you may like to consider creating a Help Wanted listing on their behalf.
Q: How much does it cost to create a HelpOut listing?
A: HelpOut is a completely FREE service. There is no charge at any time for creating a HelpOut or HelpOut Wanted listing.
Q: What types of things can be offered and requested as a HelpOut?
A: There are many things that can be offered. For example : looking after a pet, or the loan of a car, or even something as simple as being invited over for a home-cooked meal. The list is endless really and includes almost anything you are willing to offer that could help someone in need. For inspiration of HelpOuts to offer, and ideas for requests, please see the HelpOut Suggestions page.
Q: Does HelpOut accept donations of goods or items?
A: HelpOut is a serviice that allows people to list whatever items or services they are willing to offer, However we are unable to accept any donations of items. The logistics associated with receiving and distributing items are huge, and usually the costs involved prevent this from being worthwhile. However, if you live in or near affected areas, or are able to manage the distrbution of goods or items yourself, then by all means list them with HelpOut.
Q: Are SpaceOut or HelpOut a charity or non-profit organisation?
A: SpaceOut is a 100% Australian founded, owned and run online classified service, specialising in private self storage. SpaceOut wanted to help the victims of the recent natural disasters in Australia in a more far-reaching and unique way, so they created HelpOut. HelpOut is an extension of SpaceOut's service, encouraging and allowing anyone to register online an offer of support to those in need, as well as for the victims to request support and help as needed. SpaceOut does not request, handle, accept or distribute money donations or funds of any kind. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please see our How Else Can I Help page for links to charities and other aid organisations.
Q: How do I create a listing?
A: Creating a Listing is pretty easy (and FREE). The first step is to register as a SpaceOut Member. Once you are registered, simply sign-in to your account, and go to the HelpOut Listing or HelpOut Wanted Listing pages. Fill in the relevant details and submit. Your listing will become active immediately, and will remain active for 3 months - or until you change or cancel it.
Q: Why do I need to register as a SpaceOut Member?
A: In order for you to edit, update or cancel your HelpOut Listing - and to ensure that you are the ONLY one who can do this, we need to provide a mechanism to allow you to login safely. The membership functionality of SpaceOut allows you to do this and also provides a secure and safe method to communicate with other members annonymously, until you both agree to exchange contact details.
Q: How do I change my HelpOut listing?
A: To change your listing, simply sign-in to SpaceOut (or use the sign-in form in the header of each page). From your Members Home Page, click on the relavant listing (from the list on the right of the page) and edit as required. To stop a HelpOut Listing from being displayed in search results, change the status to "Do Not Display". To stop a HelpOut Wanted Listing from being displayed, change the "Wanted To" date to a date earlier that the current date.
Note: when editing a HelpOut Listing - there may be some additional fields displayed that are not directly relavent to HelpOut listings - these are associated with the normal SpaceOut Storage Listings - and can be ignored. Changing these fields will have no effect as they will NOT be displayed on the site.
