Suggestions for Improvement \-- GUIDANCE [ Recommendations for Progression \-- TIPS ON [ Essential Advice for [Subject] \-- RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR [ Instructive Actions in [Subject] - Is it beneficial to lease home appliances like refrigerators?
Today, you can rent a variety of things like bicycles, smartphones, laptops, strollers, and even clothes instead of buying them. This can be very convenient and there are many options for doing so. But what about rental options for household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or refrigerators?
According to Eva Stüber from the Institute for Retail Research Cologne, "Renting household appliances has so far only been a niche business concept." She explains that it works better for electronic products with shorter lifespans like smartphones or tablets, as people in the younger and tech-savvy demographic prefer to use the latest models. On the other hand, household appliances are more durable and replaced less often. Nevertheless, there are a few companies that offer appliance rentals. For example, BlueMovement rents Bosch appliances and Grover provides vacuum cleaners, dryers, and washing machines from various manufacturers.
Eva Stüber continues, "The rental model has not yet gained popularity in the household appliance market, but it can be appealing for certain groups, specifically those who need these appliances for a limited time." You can usually rent an appliance for a monthly fixed rate, with delivery, installation, and necessary repairs included. This allows customers to avoid high acquisition costs and repair expenses. Additionally, high-quality appliances that consume less energy can be rented through this model.
Claudia Oberascher from the Initiative Household Appliances+ points out that, "One of the key advantages of the rental model is that people who frequently move can affordably obtain top-quality household appliances without having to sell or move them." Renting can also be a good option for those who want to try out a pricey appliance before purchasing it.
However, Philip Heldt of the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia argues that, "Household appliances have a lifespan of at least 15 years or more, making them unsuitable for rental models." Over time, rental costs could add up to multiple times the purchase price. Rental models are only worth it for items that are used infrequently, such as surfboards, which can be rented for each vacation instead of buying and storing them.
Before deciding to rent a household appliance, it's important to consider if it's really worth it. Will you be using it for a couple of years or simply value the comfort it provides over the long term? Additionally, factors like the device's quality, repair costs, and what will happen when the rental period ends should be considered. Finally, it's essential to read and understand the terms of your rental agreement.
From an environmental and sustainability point of view, renting household appliances can have benefits. The devices are often thoroughly checked and refurbished after the rental period before being reintroduced into circulation. Devices that can no longer be integrated into the rental cycle are recycled professionally. This benefits both consumers and manufacturers, who can receive back relatively expensive components.
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- In terms of sustainability and environmental considerations, renting out old washing machines, refrigerators, and other household appliances, which are often refurbished after use and later reintroduced into circulation or professionally recycled, can be a beneficial practice for both consumers and manufacturers.
- When considering the lease of a household appliance, such as a washing machine or refrigerator, it's essential to evaluate whether the convenience of avoiding high acquisition costs and repair expenses outweighs the potential long-term costs of the rental period, especially since household appliances like these have a lifespan of at least 15 years.
- Pursuing rental options for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or refrigerators can be beneficial for individuals who require these items temporarily or want to test out high-end appliances before purchasing them, offering an affordable alternative to buying and maintaining them long term.
Source: www.stern.de
