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.

    • andrewth09@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Tf are both you talking about. The article talks about Tool Libraries and The Library of Thing at length. It name drops a few subscription services for reused baby clothes and kids toys but those are still temporary items people need.

      Rent-a-centers core business model consists of predatory loans for household appliances that you need continuously. This article talks about rentals for things you only need for a short period of time.

        • sgtgig@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          There is a tool library near me and it is $45/yr. It’s amazing. These are really good services and this comment section has no idea what it’s talking about.

          • john89@lemmy.ca
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            6 months ago

            Hmm. It sounds to me you just don’t want to acknowledge when you’re being taken for a ride.

            But hey, to each their own.

            Businesses want a lifeline to our wallets, which is why subscriptions and renting are pushed on useful idiots.

            • andrewth09@lemmy.world
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              6 months ago

              “We can share books if you pay me to maintain the book sharing system via a non optional tax.” Universally loved system.

              “We can share tools if you pay me to maintain those tools via a non optional tax.” A niche program most libraries have.

              “We can share tools if you pay me to maintain those tools via an subscription where I have a profit incentive.” Literally 1984 and late stage capitalism.