FAQ
Questions, answered
How the network works, what it costs (nothing), and where your information goes. If you can't find your answer here, email rentals@wearestepchild.com.
Joining
What is Crosshire?
An invite-only notification network for San Diego rental houses and owner/operators. When you need gear you don't have, or a job you can't take, you post a request. It goes to the members who stock that category, or to the whole network. There's no public catalog or listings, just requests and notifications.
How do I get in?
Fill out the access request on the homepage. An admin reviews every request, and if it's approved, you'll get an invite email. Members can't invite others unless an admin has given them that ability.
Does it cost anything?
No. Crosshire is free, solo-built, and not for profit. If it saves you a headache, small donations through the link in the footer help cover upkeep. They're entirely optional.
How do I sign in? There's no password field.
Right. Enter your email on the sign-in page and we'll send you a one-time link. Use the same address your invite went to. If the link doesn't arrive, check spam, then ask for a new one.
Can my staff have their own logins?
Yes. Company accounts can have several logins under one member profile, so requests and offers stay with the business rather than with one person.
Requests & offers
What's the difference between a sub-rental and a job handoff?
Sub-rental: you need gear for your own job. Every member who's notified can make an offer, and you choose the one you want.
Job handoff: you have a client job you can't cover. The first member to accept takes it. You then review and send an introduction email to your client.
Who gets notified when I post?
You decide. Target it at the members whose inventory includes the categories you picked, or open it to every active member. Keeping your gear list current is what puts you on the receiving end of targeted requests.
Why is there a minimum discount on offers?
Offers are a day rate plus a member discount of at least 20%. It keeps sub-renting between houses worth doing for both sides. You can set a higher default discount in your profile.
Does Crosshire handle payment or contracts?
No. Crosshire puts you in touch. Payment, insurance, deposits, and paperwork are between you and the other member, handled the way you'd normally handle them. Once a request is awarded or accepted, you both get each other's contact details.
What happens to requests nobody answers?
A request expires one day after the end date you set, and any links in its notifications stop working. You can also cancel a request yourself at any time before then.
How do I add my inventory?
Add items one at a time on the Gear page, or use Smart Upload to import a CSV or Excel file. Smart Upload uses AI to sort each row into a category and flags any rows it's unsure about for a quick review before they're added.
SOS & the Watchlist
What's an SOS?
A same-day emergency broadcast, for when something's broken or missing and you need help now. It goes to every member, and you can turn on text alerts for SOS posts separately from regular requests.
What's the Watchlist?
A members-only board for reporting renters or companies involved in theft, non-return, or fraud, so other houses can check before they rent. Stick to facts you can back up, like dates, what was rented, and police report numbers. Reports are members' own accounts and aren't checked by Crosshire before they appear.
I think a Watchlist report about me is wrong. What can I do?
Email rentals@wearestepchild.com with the details. We'll review it and correct or remove anything that's inaccurate. See the privacy policy for more.
Notifications & account
How will I be notified?
By email, always. Text alerts are optional and off by default. Add a phone number in your profile and switch on texts for new requests, SOS alerts, or both. Every text ends with "Reply STOP to opt out"; message and data rates may apply.
Who can see my contact details?
Other active members, through the member directory. Nobody outside the network can. The privacy policy covers exactly who sees what.
Can I use Crosshire from an AI assistant?
Yes. Crosshire supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), so a compatible assistant can sign in as you and list your gear, add gear, see your requests, and post new ones. It can only do what your account can do.
How do I leave or delete my account?
Email rentals@wearestepchild.com from the address on your account and we'll close it. There isn't a self-serve delete button yet.
I found a bug or a security issue.
For bugs or feedback, email rentals@wearestepchild.com. For anything security-related, please follow the security policy so it's reported privately.