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How rental ‘libraries of things’ have become the new way to save money (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 6 months ago by Aatube@kbin.melroy.org to c/technology@lemmy.world

223 comments fedilink hide all child comments

The theory is simple: instead of buying a household item or a piece of clothing or some equipment you might use once or twice, you take it out and return it.

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[–] Emmie@lemm.ee 21 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (9 children)

It’s nice however let’s assume that it is the main consumer model. Then everything becomes possibly 20 times more expensive as companies need to keep same profit (shareholders) and now 20 people pool money to share the thing. It’s not a solution to capitalism, however it would work wonders for environment.

Yet it is us doing all the work for the environment while companies don’t lift a finger and get all the profit. Not a viable long term solution to a fundamental problem of wealth.

[–] Squizzy@lemmy.world 9 points 6 months ago (5 children)

The companies who have 20x the mark up necessary to survive will quickly see new businesses occupy the space to undercut them.

[–] exanime 5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Hmmm I wouldn't be so sure... It depends on their position in the market and how well they lobby the government

[–] Squizzy@lemmy.world 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Not really, not every business is in bed with the politicians. This was a worse case scenario where rentals became the main method of purchasing, so everyone would be on level ground. Those making 20 times profit margins are not everyday businesses, they ae luxury brands who would still thrive on their branding alone.

[–] exanime 1 points 6 months ago

Which business isn't? I honestly want to know to restore a semblance of hope in humanity

AFAIK, a business that is not in bed with corrupt politicians is because they have ready been beaten or they can't afford it

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