Question 1

Does a parent need to be present?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always - and that's by design, not just policy. A parent or guardian attends every session, regardless of the child's age. You're not dropping your child off; you're spending an hour watching them learn something real from someone who's spent years doing it. Every session is also logged with start/end times and an in-app check-in, and every guide is required to carry their own liability insurance.

Question 2

What does the background check cover?

Accepted Answer

Before a guide can list a single session on Heirloom, our trust team works through this checklist with them. Nothing on it is optional.

Question 3

Where do sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

Wherever makes sense for the craft or skill. Woodworking and pottery usually happen at the guide's home studio. Baking and writing often happen at the family's kitchen table. Gardening can be either. Public-space options (libraries, community centers) are flagged on every profile for parents who prefer them.

Question 4

How are guides and kids matched?

Accepted Answer

Tell us the skill, your child's age, your neighborhood, and any preferences (quiet teacher, hands-on style, allergies in the kitchen). We surface a shortlist of vetted guides near you. You read profiles, watch a 60-second intro video, then request a free 15-minute video meet-and-greet before booking your first paid session.

Question 5

What kinds of things can my child learn?

Accepted Answer

Almost anything that can be taught in person, by hand. We group knowledge into three buckets: lost-and-found skills (cursive, natural dyeing, oral history, repair rituals), living crafts (pottery, woodworking, gardening, sewing, baking), and new ways of making (small builds, recycled-material art, hybrid craft + tech). If a guide has genuinely done the work and can teach it safely, it has a place on Heirloom.

Question 6

How long is a typical session?

Accepted Answer

One hour is the minimum. Most parents book 90 minutes - long enough to actually finish a loaf of bread, a small carving, or a planting bed. Guides and families can extend in-app at the same hourly rate.

Question 7

What if the first match isn't right?

Accepted Answer

Either side can end the relationship after any session, no penalty. Your first paid session is also covered by our fit guarantee - if it doesn't click, we refund it and help you re-match.

Question 8

Do guides provide materials?

Accepted Answer

Guides provide their own materials for sessions, and those costs are built into their booking fee. You never need to buy supplies separately—everything needed for the craft or skill is included in the rate you see on their profile.

Question 9

Can I bring my other children?

Accepted Answer

Siblings are welcome only with the guide's advance approval. The general rule: a sibling who's just present - sitting in, watching, not using materials - joins for free. A sibling who wants to actively participate is treated like a second student and priced (and approved) accordingly, the same way a hands-on parent would be. Let your guide know when booking so they can plan for space, materials, and supervision - and so everyone is on the same page about cost before the day of the session.

Question 10

Can I teach more than one student at a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guides can choose to teach one-on-one, in small groups, or both - whichever fits their space and craft. Group sessions are priced per child, which often means stronger total earnings for the guide and a lower cost per family.

Question 11

If my child is in a group session, do I still need to be there?

Accepted Answer

Yes - every child's own parent or guardian attends, even in a group. The difference is that in a group setting, parents aren't expected to actively participate the way they might in a one-on-one session. You're welcome to join in if you'd like, just let your guide know in advance.

Question 12

How does the hourly rate actually work?

Accepted Answer

Guides set their own rate within their tier (Apprentice $25–$35, Craftsperson $35–$50, Master $50–$75). You see the exact rate on every guide profile before booking - no surprise fees, no tipping expected. Heirloom keeps 15% to run the platform; the guide keeps 85%.

Question 13

How do guides get paid?

Accepted Answer

Direct deposit, weekly. Payments release 24 hours after each session ends, giving parents a window to flag any issues. Guides see total earnings, upcoming payouts, and tax documents in their dashboard.

Question 14

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session, both sides. Inside 24 hours, the guide is paid 50% to protect their reserved time. Emergencies are reviewed by our trust team case-by-case.

Question 15

What does the background check cover?

Accepted Answer

Before a guide can list a single session on Heirloom, our trust team works through the same checklist with every applicant. Nothing on it is optional.

Question 16

What if a session is at the guide's home or studio?

Accepted Answer

The location is listed on each guide's profile. We encourage you to use the free 15-minute meet-and-greet to ask about the space, parking, and anything else that makes you comfortable. If you ever feel unsafe, you can end the relationship in-app at any time.

Question 17

Are guides insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every guide is required to carry their own liability insurance and upload proof of coverage before their first session.

Question 18

Do I need any experience?

Accepted Answer

No. Guides teach total beginners all the way up to intermediate learners. Say where you are on your intake and they'll meet you there.

Question 19

What kinds of things can I learn?

Accepted Answer

Heirloom is for knowledge that travels best in person. That includes lost-and-found skills (cursive, natural dyeing, oral history, repair), living crafts (pottery, woodworking, gardening, cooking, sewing), and new ways of making (small builds, recycled-material art, hybrid craft + tech). If a guide carries the knowledge and can teach it safely, it belongs here.

Question 20

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

Most run 60 to 120 minutes. You book by the hour and pay only after the session.

Question 21

Where do sessions happen?

Accepted Answer

At the guide's studio, kitchen, workshop, or a nearby community space. The location is listed on each guide's profile.

Question 22

Can I bring a friend or partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the guide offers group sessions. Group rates are listed on their profile and you can share an invite link at checkout.

Question 23

What happens at the free meet-and-greet?

Accepted Answer

It's a 15-minute video, phone, or in-person conversation to make sure the guide is the right fit. Ask about materials, skill level, and goals. If it's not right, you walk away with no pressure.

Question 24

How does the hourly rate actually work?

Accepted Answer

Guides set their own rate within their tier (Apprentice $25–$35, Craftsperson $35–$50, Master $50–$75). You see the exact rate on every guide profile before booking - no surprise fees, no tipping expected. Heirloom keeps 15% to run the platform; the guide keeps 85%.

Question 25

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

You pay after the session. We release payment to the guide 24 hours after the session ends, giving you a window to flag any issues.

Question 26

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session, both sides. Inside 24 hours, the guide is paid 50% to protect their reserved time. Emergencies are reviewed by our trust team case-by-case.

Question 27

Do I need teaching experience?

Accepted Answer

No - you need craft or skill experience and patience. Most Heirloom guides have never taught professionally. They've spent years doing something they love - woodworking, baking, sewing, gardening, natural dyeing, small builds, oral history - and want to pass it on. We help you shape that knowledge into a session a learner can follow.

Question 28

What kinds of skills or knowledge can I teach?

Accepted Answer

If you've genuinely done the work and can teach it safely in person, it likely belongs here. We love lost-and-found skills (cursive, natural dyeing, oral history, repair), living crafts (pottery, woodworking, gardening, sewing, baking), and new ways of making (small builds, recycled-material art, hybrid craft + tech). If you're unsure, apply anyway and tell us what you carry.

Question 29

How old do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

21 or older. There's no upper limit - some of our best guides are in their 60s and 70s.

Question 30

What does the application involve?

Accepted Answer

A short five-step application: your craft, your space, references, ID upload, and a background check consent. Most guides finish it in under 30 minutes and you can save and come back anytime. Before you teach your first session, you'll also need to carry your own general liability insurance (most guides pay roughly $25-$40/month, or about $250-$400/year through providers like Thimble, Hiscox, or Next Insurance). We'll walk you through options once you're approved.

Question 31

What does the background check cover?

Accepted Answer

Before you can list a single session, our trust team works through this checklist with every applicant. Nothing on it is optional.

Question 32

Can someone help me fill out my application?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many guides ask a family member or friend to sit with them and help with the computer part - it's a great way to do it. Just make sure the information is about you: we'll still verify your identity, talk to you on a video call, and run your background check personally.

Question 33

What if I don't have my own studio space?

Accepted Answer

That's fine. Many guides teach from a kitchen table, garage, backyard, or community space (library, maker space, community center). During the application we'll walk you through a short space self-evaluation - photos, video, and a safety questionnaire - so parents know what to expect before they book.

Question 34

Who do I teach - kids, adults, or both?

Accepted Answer

Your choice. You can offer sessions for kids (with a parent always present), for adults, or list separate offerings for each. Kids and adults are never mixed in the same workshop.

Question 35

One-on-one, groups, or workshops?

Accepted Answer

All three, if you want. Set a per-session rate for private sessions and a per-child group rate for small groups. Workshops (a scheduled class with multiple learners on the calendar) can be one-part or two-part, and you set the size cap.

Question 36

How do I set my schedule?

Accepted Answer

You mark available windows in your dashboard - the same month view parents see. Learners can only book what you've opened, and you approve every request before it's confirmed. No surprise bookings.

Question 37

How long is a typical session?

Accepted Answer

One hour is the minimum. Most guides teach 60-120 minute sessions - long enough to actually finish something real together. You can extend in-app at the same hourly rate.

Question 38

Can I teach more than one skill?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with separate profile sections. Many guides list a primary craft and a secondary one - for example, woodworking and leatherwork, or baking and pastry. Each skill gets its own rate, bio, photos, and intro video. You can add or remove skills anytime.

Question 39

What if a family or learner is difficult?

Accepted Answer

You never have to handle it alone. For kid sessions, a parent is always present and manages behavior in real time. Either way, you can pause or end a relationship in-app with one tap - no awkward conversation required. Our trust team reviews every ended relationship and will block a family or learner from the platform if needed. Your safety and comfort come first.

Question 40

How much do guides earn?

Accepted Answer

You set your rate within your tier: Apprentice $25-$35/hr, Craftsperson $35-$50/hr, Master $50-$75/hr. Heirloom keeps 15% to run the platform; you keep 85%. Group workshops are priced per learner, so your total per hour is often higher than a private session.

Question 41

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Direct deposit, weekly. Payments release 24 hours after each session ends. You'll see total earnings, upcoming payouts, and tax documents in your dashboard.

Question 42

What about materials and supplies?

Accepted Answer

You provide your own materials, and those costs can be built into your booking fee. Learners see your all-inclusive rate on your profile, so there's no awkward separate charge for supplies at the end of a session.

Question 43

Do I need my own insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every guide carries their own liability insurance and uploads proof of coverage before their first session. If you don't have one, we can point you at affordable providers used by other guides on the platform.

Question 44

What's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session, both sides. Inside 24 hours, you're paid 50% to protect your reserved time. Emergencies are reviewed by our trust team case-by-case.

Question 45

Is there a fee to join Heirloom?

Accepted Answer

No. Applying and listing on Heirloom is free. The background check is the only cost, and you can either pay it up front or have it deducted from your first sessions.

Question 46

What insurance do I need to list my studio on Heirloom?

Accepted Answer

We require a current certificate of liability insurance with coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence. This protects both your business and the learners who book through Heirloom. Your existing business insurance policy likely already meets this requirement — contact your provider and ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming Heirloom as an additional interested party. Most providers can issue this same day at no extra cost.

The questions studios ask first.

What it takes to list a studio.

What insurance do I need to list my studio on Heirloom?

If your first paid session doesn't feel right for any reason, we'll refund it in full and help you find a better match.

We'll answer before you ever book.