Dutch internet company Peerby, which helps users borrow items from their neighbours for free, has launched a new paid-for service in Amsterdam.

Peerby GO enables people to lend out household items for a fee, which includes delivery by bike if necessary. The company also launched an insurance policy for lenders earlier this year in a bid to generate cash.

‘Borrowing is fun, but it’s not the best solution if you frequently need household items,’ Peerby founder Daan Weddepohl said in a statement. ‘Borrowing feels to many people as a special favour, that you only occasionally call upon. Renting however, is easily done daily, just like going to the bakery.’

The aim of Peerby GO is to offer people a serious alternative to buying, Weddenpohl said. ‘To achieve this we want to offer at least the same convenience as the best (web) shops; full stock, good quality and accessibility wherever and whenever it suits you.’

Owners will be able to earn up to €250 a month renting out items, Peerby said. The company itself takes a percentage of the rental fee, in a way similar to sites such as Airbnb.

Last October Peerby said it had raised €1.7m from a number of foreign investors. The financial injection came from French investment house Xange, American incubator Techstars and publisher Sanoma, which also invested in the company three years ago.