Maya Chen
Rent the Runway is a fashion service that allows users to rent clothing instead of buying it. The platform also allows users to buy rented items. The company was founded in 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss, with the goal of providing women access to high-end clothing and accessories at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them. The service offers a rotating selection of designer styles, including gowns, workwear, denim, outerwear, jewelry, and handbags, from over 750 designer brands. With Rent the Runway, users can browse and select styles, which are then delivered straight to their door, dry-cleaned and ready to wear. The company also offers flexible subscription plans that can be paused, downgraded, or canceled at any time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Business Model | Subscription-style |
| Product | Clothing rental |
| Product Range | Clothing, handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, accessories |
| Brands | 750+ designer brands |
| Product Value | Up to $3000 retail value |
| Subscription Types | Full Subscription Closet, Limited Subscription Closet |
| Rental Duration | 4 or 8 days |
| Delivery Time | 1-3 business days |
| Return Policy | Prepaid return label, complimentary home pickup in 34+ cities |
| Cleaning | Dry cleaning, steaming, inspection, repair |
| Authenticity | Guaranteed |
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What You'll Learn
Rent the Runway's subscription model
Rent the Runway (RTR) is a clothing rental service that offers both one-time rentals and subscription plans. The subscription model allows customers to rent clothing and accessories on a recurring basis, providing access to a wide range of designer styles and brands.
The RTR subscription offers two main plans: the Full Subscription Closet and the Limited Subscription Closet. The Full Subscription Closet provides access to an extensive assortment of designer brands, with thousands of items to choose from, including clothing, handbags, sunglasses, jewellery, and more. The retail value of the items in this plan can be up to $3,000. On the other hand, the Limited Subscription Closet offers a curated selection of everyday clothing and accessories, each with a retail value of up to $350. Formal wear, select designers, and the Rent the Runway Vault are not included in this plan.
Both subscription plans offer flexibility and convenience. Members can choose the styles they want to rent and keep the items for as long as they need. There is no pressure to return all the items at once, and members can decide which items to return and when to swap them for new ones. The subscription also includes rental coverage for minor mishaps and general wear and tear, so members don't have to worry about small stains or damages.
One of the key benefits of the RTR subscription is the ability to try new styles without committing to a purchase. If customers fall in love with a particular item, they have the option to buy it at a discounted price. The subscription also grants access to exclusive members-only sales. Additionally, RTR takes care of the dry cleaning and laundry, ensuring that each rental item looks and feels like new.
The subscription plans are designed to be flexible, allowing members to pause or cancel at any time without extra cost. With the option to choose from a 5-item or 10-item plan, members can always have a variety of styles on hand, ensuring they are prepared for any occasion, from work to weekends to special events.
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The process of renting
Rent the Runway is a fashion service that allows users to rent clothing and accessories from designer brands. The company aims to provide access to designer fashion without the high costs and commitment of ownership. The process of renting through Rent the Runway is straightforward and offers users flexibility and convenience.
To begin, users can browse the platform and select from a wide range of styles, including dresses, tops, jeans, handbags, and accessories. Rent the Runway offers two types of subscriptions: the Full Subscription Closet and the Limited Subscription Closet. The Full Subscription Closet provides access to an assortment of over 750 designer brands, with items ranging from clothing to handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry. The Limited Subscription Closet offers a curated selection of everyday clothing and accessories, each with a retail value of up to $350. This option does not include formal wear, select designers, or the Rent the Runway Vault.
Once users have chosen their desired subscription, they can select their items and specify a delivery date. Orders typically arrive within 1-3 business days, dry-cleaned and ready to wear. A free backup size is included with each order to ensure a perfect fit. Users can also add accessories and handbags to complete their looks.
During the rental period, users can style and wear the items as they wish. There is no fixed return date, and users can choose when and what to return. When they are ready to exchange their items for new ones, they can pick their next shipment before sending back the previous items using the provided prepaid shipping label and reusable garment bag. Returns can be dropped off at a nearby UPS location, or users can opt for complimentary home pickup in select cities.
Rent the Runway also offers the option to purchase rented items at a discount. This allows users to buy styles they have fallen in love with and want to keep permanently. Overall, the renting process through Rent the Runway is designed to be flexible and accessible, providing users with a rotating wardrobe of designer styles at a fraction of the cost of traditional ownership.
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Returning rented items
Rent the Runway also offers a Home Pickup service in select zip codes for membership orders only. If you are eligible for pickup, you will be prompted to schedule one after confirming your membership order. You can also schedule a pickup later by heading to the "My RTR > Schedule a Home Pickup" section online.
It is worth noting that you don't have to return your rented items to get new ones. You can instantly pick your next shipment before sending anything back, and you can keep items for as long as you want. However, if you are returning items, it is recommended to send them back as soon as possible to avoid late fees.
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Rent the Runway's cleaning process
The process begins with sorting. A robot separates the rentals, reading each item's RFID tag to sort them into one of 26 different cleaning programs. Each program is tailored to the item's needs, taking into account factors such as temperature, cycle time, mechanical action, and chemistry. This step is akin to sorting laundry but is far more precise, backed by over a decade of data.
Once sorted, the garments undergo the selected cleaning process. Notably, Rent the Runway does not use halogenated solvents like Perchloroethylene (PERC). After cleaning, the items are inspected for any remaining stains or damage. If necessary, they are passed to spot-cleaning and repair experts, who fix issues ranging from loose buttons to faulty zippers.
Following the initial cleaning and any necessary repairs, the garments are steamed. Most items pass through a steam tunnel heated between 248°F and 302°F, which serves as an additional cleaning step and helps remove wrinkles. Faux fur, select outerwear, and leather or faux leather garments are exceptions, undergoing a standard cleaning process instead.
Finally, the cleaned and steamed garments are enclosed in plastic for protection and shipped to customers. Accessories like sunglasses and jewellery are cleaned with alcohol, while handbags and accessories packaging are disinfected.
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Purchasing items from Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is a subscription-based clothing rental service that allows users to rent clothing, handbags, sunglasses, jewellery, and more. The platform offers two types of subscriptions: Full Subscription Closet and Limited Subscription Closet. The Full Subscription Closet provides access to over 750 designer brands, with items valued up to $3,000. On the other hand, the Limited Subscription Closet offers a curated selection of everyday clothing and accessories, with a retail value of up to $350. Formal wear, select designers, and the Rent the Runway Vault are not included in this plan.
One of the benefits of subscribing to Rent the Runway is the option to purchase items at a discount. Subscribers can buy items they have rented and fallen in love with by clicking the "Buy Now" button on their subscriber homepage. Additionally, they can buy items without renting them first. Members also gain access to exclusive sales. The discount offered on purchases depends on the item's condition, with higher discounts (60%-80%) given to older or more used items, and smaller discounts (5%-30%) for newer pieces.
To purchase items from Rent the Runway, follow these steps:
- Browse and select the styles you wish to rent or buy. Rent the Runway offers a wide range of options, including dresses, tops, jeans, handbags, and accessories.
- Place your order by selecting a delivery date. For same-day delivery, ensure you place your order before 3 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
- Enjoy your rented items for as long as you like. With a membership, you can have at least five items at a time, ensuring you're covered for various occasions.
- If you decide to purchase an item, click the "Buy Now" button on your subscriber homepage. You will have the option to buy the item at a discounted price.
- Complete your purchase and enjoy your new item! Remember that all purchases, excluding final sales, may be returned for a refund within seven days of delivery.
It's important to note that Rent the Runway also offers rental coverage for minor mishaps and general wear and tear. However, significant damage, lost pieces, and theft are not covered, and you may be charged the full RTR Purchase Price for the item. Additionally, a $5.95 restocking fee (plus tax) will be deducted from the refunded amount for each returned item.
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Frequently asked questions
Rent the Runway is a fashion service that allows you to rent designer clothing instead of buying it. They offer a rotating selection of clothing, from gowns and workwear to denim, outerwear, jewelry, and handbags.
To get started, you'll need to choose a subscription plan. Once you've selected a plan, you can browse and select the styles you want to rent. Your styles will arrive within 1-3 business days, dry cleaned and ready to wear.
Rent the Runway includes a free backup size with every order to ensure you get an outfit that fits. If something doesn't fit or you don't like it, you can return it using the included prepaid shipping label.
Yes, you have the option to buy the items you rent if you decide you want to keep them.
All shipments arrive with a prepaid return label and a reusable garment bag. You can drop off your rentals at a nearby UPS location or take advantage of complimentary home pickup in select cities.
