Is a Lens rental business viable

[seandudding]

Hi all

After opinions really. Do you think a lens rental service is viable. I know some high end camera stores offer this, but the rental charges are very high.

If a cheaper solution could be offered to the more enthusiast rather than profesional end of the market. eg a guy going on safari, wants a fast tele but can't afford/justify buying one, but could rent one.

Also wants to try a lens for a few days before he buys one.

What do you guys think? Lenses could be delivered via courier.

Sean

[cossiemetro]

i think people will damage them your always be running at a loss if its your own
you normally look after it look at hire cars who really respects them ??

[poah]

calumet take a deposit of the full cost of the lens so if you break it or damage it you pay for it

[freddies_dad]

poah said:

calumet take a deposit of the full cost of the lens so if you break it or damage it you pay for it

Yep - that's who I used when I wanted to find out whether to buy a Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 (I didn't)

I'd say the biggest problem you'd face is location. Unless you were to offer mail-order? But that's simple enough for delivery but returning the item would be a problem.

I can't really see it being a go-er as 'your' only revenue stream.

I've got a Spyder monitor calibration thingy and I thought about recouping the cost of that by offering it for hire but the logistics just made it a nightmare.

[seandudding]

I have a process where the lens could be shipped next day and then the courier would come collect once the rental period was up.

It wouldn;t be my only revenue stream as I have several other companies I run, so I also have staff who can look after it for me.

I was looking at it as a way of funding my expensive photography habit, and my habit of buying lenses that are far to expensive. I bouht a Canon 70 200 F2.8 IS less than a month ao, I am already looking at getting a F2.8 300 whether it be Sigma or Canon, this obby is addictive. :-)

[seandudding]

PS Merry Christmas, I am in Sydney, Australia so it's already Christmas day here :-)