There is no universal answer to the eternal dilemma of ownership versus rental. Startups and seasonal businesses more frequently resort to renting. In addition to offices and vehicles, equipment, especially IT, is now being rented. Specialized non-core services such as cleaning or cafeteria management are also increasingly being rented out, which older companies usually try to offload by outsourcing.
In the current issue of Lider, we present an extensive topic on the advantages and disadvantages of a business without any ownership through rental, and yesterday we provided you with several examples of what can be rented for business. Now we bring you what can be rented for leisure.
Media Content
Younger generations no longer consume music, movies, and series in the traditional way. They do not buy albums, DVDs, or even books. They can get all of that ‘fresh’ and directly on their smartphones or Kindles through services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Clothing/Jewelry
From wedding dresses and suits to expensive watches, designer handbags, and necklaces, absolutely everything can be rented today. Since fashion victims should not be seen more than once in the same outfit, this seems like a very economical alternative to constant shopping and overcrowded closets.
Sports/Camping Equipment
An extremely practical service for all recreation enthusiasts, especially winter sports lovers. You do not have to worry about storing and transporting equipment that you only use once a year, and it saves serious money in case you try an activity once and do not like it.
Sex Dolls
Is anyone surprised that this service comes from Japan? It sounds truly off-putting, but it is evidently a good business model as the practice has expanded over time to the USA and Europe. We hope that the rented dolls are mostly used for practical jokes, but you know what they say about hope.
Bicycles
This is already a well-established business in larger cities, both foreign and domestic. A very practical thing for anyone who wants to quickly and healthily get from point A to point B in urban areas, and it is also ubiquitous in coastal towns during tourist seasons. There is already a rental service for electric bicycles.
Pets
It is possible to rent a pet over the internet. Although it sounds strange at first, it is actually quite useful as a sort of trial period for those intending to acquire a pet permanently, and local animal shelters can also earn something on the side.
Renting a Woman
Companies abroad have been offering a woman rental service for over 30 years. Initially, it was about a domestic helper who would assist singles in maintaining their households. Over time, other rental models have developed, none less sexist, and moreover, increasingly lascivious.
Renting Friends/Companionship
If you thought renting a woman was absurd, there are even stranger things. American companies offer the rental of friends who will keep you company and/or be a guide while you are on a business trip in a foreign city. You can also rent a group of people to follow you like paparazzi and seek your autograph on the street, and for a slightly larger amount, you can even rent real ‘celebrities’.
Coffins
Death is also a business, and the prices of graves, funeral services, and coffins are astronomical. Therefore, it is not surprising that there is a service that allows you to display the deceased in a rented expensive coffin while burying them in a cheaper model. It sounds somewhat sad for those left behind, but at least the deceased does not care.
Garden Rental
In urban areas, the practice of renting city plots where you can grow fruits and vegetables is becoming increasingly common. A similar project was launched a few years ago by the City of Zagreb, which currently has 10 city gardens with over 2000 garden plots on an area of 20 hectares that are offered for two-year rental to citizens free of charge. Due to high interest, the project is also planned to expand to new locations.
