THE HOUR IN HOURHELPERS

Your hour.
For their hour.

Share a skill. Get a helping hand. Agree an equal exchange of time directly with another person.

Find people open to exchange »Post a time-exchange job

Two people. Two useful tasks.

You might walk someone’s dog for an hour while they help you organise a spreadsheet for an hour. Or exchange a language lesson for help in the garden. The example is simple; the agreement should be specific.

  1. Choose time exchange

    When posting a job or offering a service, select time exchange. Set the time each person will contribute and describe the work you want in return. Your helper profile can also show that you are open to exchanges.

  2. Agree both sides

    The proposal records the helper’s task, your return task and the same number of minutes for each person. Discuss timing, location, materials and any separate expenses. Both people must explicitly agree before work begins. A service request opens a pending workroom where the helper can review the terms.

  3. Do your part

    Each person submits their own work in the workroom. The other person reviews it, accepts it or requests changes. You can message each other throughout.

  4. Complete together

    The exchange is complete only when both tasks have been accepted. Completed exchange time appears separately from paid earnings. You can then leave feedback.

What happens if plans change?

Discuss it in the workroom. Either person can request cancellation; the other must agree. Either person can raise a dispute, which pauses delivery acceptance. Contact hello@hourhelpers.com if you need help. HourHelpers cannot guarantee that either person will fulfil their promise.

Clear boundaries

  • One hour is exchanged for one hour, between the same two people.
  • There are no transferable credits, pooled balances or cash withdrawals.
  • Agree any materials or out-of-pocket expenses separately before starting.
  • Membership is for people aged 18 and over. Email activation does not verify identity, age or suitability for care work.
  • Checks, insurance, registration and tax rules can still apply when payment is in kind. Read the childcare and safer-work guide and check local requirements.

For example, UK VAT rules can apply to barter transactions for VAT-registered businesses: HMRC guidance on barter and VAT. Seek advice relevant to your own circumstances.