grappling_hook
WKR
I like the try-in-the-field-before-you-buy approach to optics. Good luck with the business development.
Great idea and I hope the headaches are manageable. I having been tossing around the idea of a RRS tripod and noticed you carry them. May have to give one a test run in the near future.
Thanks for the feedback... Pricing is more favorable for longer term rentals. Since we have to clean/inspect document, package & ship each order the same whether it's a 2 day or 10 day rental, daily rates go down significantly for longer rentals because I can spread that cost out.I think it's an awesome idea and buisness plan. I liked the website lay out and marketing too. However, if you want some honest feedback, I personally would find it hard to justify spending $87 for a 2-day rental for binos regardless of brand. Just my 2 cents.
I totally get it. The cost of doing buisnes and finding the right margin is tough. Maybe I'm just being a cheap ass but without a disposable income the average guy like me, I would think anyway, has to strategically budget their hunting purchases or end up broke or divorced...or maybe that's just me. Either way, just wanted to provide you some candid feedback to be of help in growing this great idea/company and to possibly help you target your consumer.
Absolutely! We have looked into this extensively. Our account verification process utilizes an outside service to verify identities prior to processing reservations and payments. It is well thought out and thorough, and it's a whole other level on the firearm rentals that require in person FBI background check when you pick up from a federally licensed firearm dealer.I was the accounting manager for online retailer of automotive performance parts awhile back and one of the biggest issues we had was credit card fraud. While the order appears legit and the customer information looked good, we would end up with a chargeback notice and the funds taken out of our account and no merchandise recovered. It is something you will want to address and try and prevent since you are dealing with high value items. The scum always seems to sniff out new opportunities. We would get copies of the drivers license and credit card on high dollar parts to verify the customer actually had the card and wasn't stealing someones identity. That also makes it hard for a customer to lie and say they didn't order the parts. Also make sure they sign for delivery of the items because people will lie about receipt and the credit card company always sides with the customer.
Where in the world would anyone expect to get their mitts on a $2,600 pair of binos for a hunt for only $87, with 23% of the cost being shipping? I think it's a great deal for those who don't own high end glass.Thanks for the feedback... Pricing is more favorable for longer term rentals. Since we have to clean/inspect document, package & ship each order the same whether it's a 2 day or 10 day rental, daily rates go down significantly for longer rentals because I can spread that cost out.
Furthermore, I'm sure you've realized that it takes 2 days to ship the glass to you and 2 days to get them shipped back and another day to process and turn them around for the next guy. Thus your 2 day rental takes those binoculars out of service for 7 days... Do you think $87 for 7 days is fair?
It's very likely short term rentals will actually get more expensive and may require a 3 day minimum commitment.
I used this service earlier this month for optics on a weekend scouting trip. I rented the 15x56 Swaros and a SLIK tripod. I'll spare the detailed product reviews and just share my experience with the Rent Guns and Gear process. The main point of my rental was to try the Swaros in the field before buying considering the price tag.
I exchanged a few emails with Darin "Coop" Cooper to discuss options for rent-to-buy keeper models. I received my order mid-day one day before my rental start date. The binos came in a sturdy padded case, along with a harness and tripod adapter, and return shipping labels. Both the binos and tripod performed as expected and both were considerable upgrades from my starter/mid-level gear.
I ended up keeping the tripod and had the amount of the rental credited to the purchase. Sadly, the Swaros were returned due to my hunting budget but confirmed they are at the top of my wish list. Again, postage prepaid and just dropped at the local UPS in the same boxes they came in.
Part of the value of this service to me is trying before buying. As well as confirming what gear I liked, I also learned what gear was not a good fit for my hunting style. For example, the tripod came with a head that worked well but was heavier than I prefer.