Since newborns grow out of a clothing size every month or so in the first half year of their lives, German Lütte-Leihen came up with a solution: a layette rental service for a fixed fee per month. Parents can choose from different sets of onesies, pyjamas and outerwear. The clothes are delivered by post (or by hand to Hamburg and its suburbs). Once babies grow out of a size, the set can be exchanged for the next size up, free of charge. Like Netflix for baby clothes.
Lütte-Leihen's 9 – 11 piece sets come in a limited range of neutral colours and patterns, and include everything from bodysuits and pyjamas to socks and hats. Pricing ranges from EUR 17 – 26 per month, depending on which set is selected. The clothing may be used, but it’s in great condition; the items are only used for a short while by each baby, and there's not much wear and tear in the first six months. Moreover, most of the clothing provided by Lütte-Leihen is made from 100% organic cotton.
Besides saving parents the expense of clothes that are only worn briefly, Lütte-Leihen's service spares them the hassle of shopping for new items in a period when time is at a premium. One to set up locally, or on a larger scale? For more examples of rental services and fractional ownership, check out trendwatching.com's transumers briefing. (Related: Marketplace for P2P rental.)
Website: www.luette-leihen.de
Contact: maren.winter@luette-leihen.de
Spotted by: Susanna Haynie
I thought the idea of renting baby's clothing was an interesting idea. However, when I went to the site listed in the article it was all in German. Not much use to anyone in America that doesn't speak the language.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your comment. We feature business ideas from all over the world, and try to spot them when they're still fresh. Which means they often won't have an English website, since they're targeting a local market. Hope you understand! We've covered the basics in the article above. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
This is an interesting concept. The biggest challenge I have had in clothes that were loaned to me was finding them all to RETURN THEM. It is easy to get confused about what belongs to whom! Further, I find that I have done well with a few "staples" for my daughter to wear and wear out and a few "special" things that we use and pass along.
Another particular concern is that these clothes get thrashed because of, um, bodily fluids. period. What *if* we ruin that shirt or pair of pants?
All in all, I think it is a good idea and I particulary like eco-element of not having items go to waste.
k
what happens when the item of clothing is damaged do you charge for that item?
This is a great concept that I'm sure quite a few entrepreneurs are watching closely here in North America.
It appears that most people are worried about if they'll be charged for ruining products. I'm sure you would be, just like you are if you ruin a Netflix movie or any other rented product. Seems like a small price to pay considering you'll be saving money in the long run.
Thanks for the find Springwise, we just gave you a mention on DearDrMOZ.com!
Best,
Dr.MOZ
Yes, this is indeed interesting, but I am not convinced it will work.
Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
The costs are expensive because of the organic cotton, however one months subscription will BUY you several months of non-organic clothes.
The hassle factor of sighning up and returning garments is fairly significant.
Yes, the environment benefits, but is that enough?
Do people really want to recycle soiled underwear?
If you don't know German, there's no problem! Use Google's Language Tools! It's a life lifesaver!
I really like the idea and think this can be a great service for families. I would also like to say that the recycled underwear comment was a bit unrealistic. Babies are in pampers and pull ups until the toddler stage and hopefully they are potty trained. I would also like to add that the service seems to cater to the outer wear and garments for babies instead of under garments.
It's already being done in the USA.Only Better... Soon to be available as a franchise.
Check out thekidzoutlet.com