Is it Worth Renting Home Appliances like a Fridge?
A person benefits from not spending a lot of money, not having the responsibility to keep something for a long time, and not worrying about any maintenance work. Renting items can be beneficial, even when it comes to appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
Renting has become an option for various things today, like bicycles, smartphones, laptops, strollers, and even clothes. This may be practical, and there are many services available for it. But how does this work with more expensive household appliances like a washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator?
Eva Stüber from the Retail Research Institute in Cologne says, "Renting household appliances has previously only been a niche business idea. Electronic items with shorter lifespans like smartphones or tablets are more suitable for this model. Younger and more tech-savvy people prefer using the most recent models."
However, there are providers that rent out household appliances like BlueMovement who rents Bosch products, and Grover who offers vacuum cleaners, dryers, and washing machines from various brands.
"Renting household appliances hasn't caught on in this sector yet, even though it might interest certain groups of customers who only need these appliances temporarily," says Claudia Oberascher from the Household Appliances Initiative.
You usually pay a fixed monthly rate to get the desired appliance. Depending on the company, it will be delivered, installed, and even repaired if needed. The consumer won't have to worry about purchasing costs or repair expenses. They can also rent energy-efficient appliances.
Claudia Oberascher urges, "The rental option is particularly attractive for people who move frequently. They can get good-quality appliances at a reasonable cost without the hassle of moving or selling them."
Eva Stüber adds, "Renting can also be appealing for customers who like trying out new, high-priced appliances before committing to buying them."
However, household appliances have long lifespans and are used extensively by families and individuals. Philip Heldt from the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center believes, "Rental models for these appliances are not practical because of their long lifespans of 15 years or more. The rental costs would eventually surpass the purchase price." Rental models make sense for things used less often like surfboards that can be rented for each vacation instead of buying and then storing them.
When renting a household appliance, it's crucial to consider the total cost. Is it worth it compared to buying a used or refurbished model?
"If I rent a high-quality washing machine for just one or two years, that's acceptable," says Claudia Oberascher. "Even if the rental period is longer, if comfort is more important than cost." [2]
But the monthly rent is not the only thing to consider. Eva Stüber advises, "Apart from the rental rate and duration, it's crucial to know whether the device is new or refurbished. Are repairs included? What happens to the appliance at the end of the rental period? The tenant may be responsible for pickup, disposal, or taking over the device." It's essential to ask all these questions in advance and carefully read the contract.
Additionally, renting household appliances can have environmental and sustainability benefits. "These items are thoroughly inspected and fixed after the rental period," says Stüber. "When they're no longer usable, they're professionally recycled. This also benefits the manufacturers since they often get back expensive internal components."
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[1]: link 1[2]: link 2
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- In the furniture industry, some employers are now offering their employees the option to rent furniture for their apartments as a benefit, reducing the financial burden and allowing employees to upgrade their furniture more frequently.
- As a consumer, seeking advice from an advisor before deciding to rent furniture for an apartment can help ensure that the rental agreement is favorable, the furniture is of good quality, and any damages or repair issues are covered.
- Some advisors in the furniture industry suggest that renting can be a more cost-effective option for consumers who frequently move or prefer to have access to the latest furniture trends, as it allows them to easily upgrade their furniture without the long-term commitment of purchasing.
Source: www.ntv.de
