There is a common misconception around renting that you need to have a wardrobe equal to Paris Hilton’s to make any kind of money, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. We asked a few of our top lenders about their most desired items on the app & the story behind them.
Olivia, @livinlavidaloca
Your most rented item?
"I bought this Rat & Boa dress in advance of some planned holidays (which I was so excited for pre-covid) the holidays unfortunately got cancelled so I listed the dress on the app & the rental requests have been pouring in ever since! I actually got another request this weekend. "
"I love to see my items on other people having a great time, it makes me fall in love with my wardrobe even more when I see other people styling my pieces."
How much money have you made from the item?
"I got it for £150 in the sale and so far have made £160, plus £40 profit! I see all my dresses as investment pieces now."
Frances, @frances_leach
Your most rented item?
"I bought this bag after lusting after it whilst watching the Le Coup De Soleil show a few summers ago. I love seeing my bag getting around on it's travels, it's the perfect accompaniment on a summer break and can fit pretty much your whole life inside it. I like knowing I'm contributing to the circular economy, and it's nice to know I earnt the retail cost of the bag back in one summer!"
How much money have you made from the item?
"The RRP price was £400 and I’ve already made back £420! I like knowing I'm contributing to the circular economy."
Michaela, @michaelazoemckibbin
Your most rented item?
"I bought this Lirika Matoshi dress as a birthday present for myself.I just don’t getting enough wear out of some of my dressier styles so I love that others can wear them for a fraction of the cost. I also have loads of fits saved ready to rent this summer!"
How much money have you made from the item?
"The RRP price was £400 and I’ve made back over £230 by renting it out on the app."
Cathy, @cathy
Your most rented item?
"The Rixo Gio Printed Midi Dress, I was obsessed with the dress when I saw it on Instagram and set up a reminder to purchase, I snapped it up as soon as it came on sale (it sold out shortly after!) to wear for one of my best friends weddings - it was the perfect dress for the occasion!"
How much money have you made from the item?
"I bought it for £305 and I've rented it out 6x (and have 2 future rentals booked!) and made back the full value!"
Esther, @esthergross
Your most rented item?
"My LPA Maddalena Corset, I bought this top a few months before Coronavirus happened. I was *so* excited to wear it out, but obviously couldn't because all the clubs shut. A few weeks into lockdown, I created my By Rotation account. A little while after that, I decided I'd dress up at home every day, because I realised it made me happy even when there was nobody around. This top was one of the first I wore, and I snapped a photo of it to post on By Rotation on the off chance other people might like it too. I've been so happy to rent it out - I still haven't been to a club, but knowing I'm sharing this experience with others is a whole other type of fun!"
How much money have you made from the item?
"I bought it for £160 and have already made back £50"
Alra, @alra
Your most rented item?
"My House of CB Yellow Tallulah dress. I love renting my clothes on the app, as I get to meet wonderful people and see them happy in my clothes. Just recently, my two daily sleeper pjs were rented out for a wedding and it felt like I was part of that special day as I see the renters happy! They even tagged me on the insta post of the wedding."
How much money have you made from the item?
"The RRP price was £129 and I've made roughly £80 just from renting it out!"
Have some free time at home to declutter your closet and are inspired to list more items? See our guide here.
