From bags to dresses to art, you can borrow just about everything
By Connie ThompsonEven on a tight budget, you can still get big-ticket items for a fraction of the price by renting them. The more fashionable term in the retail industry is "borrow" for a small fee. MultimediaIn some cases, you can go straight to the store. In others, you have to go online. But the savings are great and the trend is catching on. You can borrow a $2,500 Channel handbag for $66, a $3,100 gold and crystal Fendi watch for $135. "My first reaction was, 'You've gotta be kidding me,'" said Mike Smith, CEO of Seattle-based Avelle. That was his reaction when he was fist contacted to run the company. Initially called Bag, Borrow or Steal, the online rental site found itself inundated with orders after a mention in the "Sex In The City" movie. To meet the growing demand, the owners expanded their offerings from just handbags to a full range of designer accessories. Members can rent by the week or by the month. The fees are charged to your credit card when you place your order. One popular item is a pair of Prada sunglasses that retail for $245. For $70, you can wear them for a month, then send them back. Smith says customers are going for luxury without the guilt. "They don't want to buy everything that they want to use, so this gives them a guilt-free way to have access to the product without the cost- hassle," said Smith. And the trend is expanding. Seattle native JaiHonna German just launched Dress-Luxury Attire on Loan in California. The former fashion merchandiser says she saw the potential, researched the marketplace, and opened her boutique in Oakland in November. Customers borrow high end dresses for a fraction of the retail price. She points to a gown by designer Tracy Reese. "Regularly this would maybe cost you over $1,000 in the store, and you can rent it from me for about $160. And that does include your dry cleaning," said German Right now, German only sells directly at her boutique in Oakland. If you can't get to her store in Oakland, an online gown rental business called Wear Today Gone Tomorrow will ship to your door. If you're near New York City, One Night Affair rents gowns by appointment, as well as a mail service to some locations. Fine art for rent, too At many art museums, including the Seattle Art Museum, you can rent fine artwork for as little as $35 dollars for three months. You must be a member to rent art for your home or office. Tools, toys, plants At the other end of the rental spectrum, you can rent all sorts of household tools that would cost a pretty penny to buy. At Center Tool Rental in Seattle, owner Doug Stevens says homeowners who used to pay for services such as landscape and light home repairs- are doing it themselves and renting what they need. In business for 37 years, his West Seattle store rents everything from shears and saws to tillers and wall paper steamers. A big trend now are tools to finish hardwood floors. "A lot of 'em are getting away from carpets and going to the hardwoods and stuff now and it's been quite busy with those," said Stevens. The Problem Solvers also found local companies that rent houseplants, and a Houston woman who's started an online rental business for kids' toys called Baby Plays. With all the rental companies, you need a valid credit card, and you'll be charged extra if the item is badly damaged, lost, or if you're late on the return. Some companies require you to register for a free membership, so be sure to read the rental policies carefully. But for the money, a growing number of shoppers say if you can find it for rent, renting's the way to go. Most Popular |
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February 9, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
