Autopia Polisher Rentals?

Accumulator · 03-27-06, 09:05

I've thought about this before, but over at MOL, Superior Shine didn't just *think* about it, he's actually trying to put something together. SO...I'll float the idea for consideration here (Moderators feel free to move this if there's a more appropriate forum).

How about having a few polishers (a PC, a rotary, and a Cyclo come to mind) for people to rent out?

Many don't need a rotary very often and some people would probably like to try out a Cyclo before they shell out all that $ for something they might not like. Even the PC is a big step for some people and a little hands-on time beats just seeing such tools on the internet.

There'd be a certain financial investment/risk involved of course, and there would be myriad little details to work out, but I wanted to toss the idea out and see what you all think.

LightngSVT · 03-27-06, 09:17

I like the idea. But I would think with the amount of members, locations, shipping, etc it may be prohibitive?

Danase · 03-27-06, 09:32

Once in a great while I do this. I try and only do it to people I know and trust. For instance, a local detailer was asking a bunch of questions about the GEM orbital. He likes to use them to apply and remove wax and was sick of the plastic ones not lasting long. So I let him try it out before he bought it. Had it been a stranger I am not sure if I would have or not, especially one on the other side of the states or something. LOL I guess maybe have them put down a deposit like any other rental place would be a good idea.

Djmigs · 03-27-06, 09:46

that is an awesome idea...i feel it would be hard to have a store in every state but what the sponser here should offer that rental before someone makes the big plunge to purchase these items...i mean all they have to do is take a major credit card (which most due)and a small deposit... shoud they not get there item return simply charged the card .....some may on need too use these tools less then others so it might not benefit them or some live a a apt with no garge or a one bedroom shared and very little room for tools or anything....as long as the sponsor doesnt try to high jack the rental fee make it worth for people to try these tools....service.cater to the mass/people.....

Mr. Clean · 03-28-06, 04:21

Interesting...and that's about all I can say other than I'm not certain I follow your thoughts. Who exactly would be "renting" out their tools. From my perspective, no "tradesman" (ie. carpenter, mechanic, detailer, etc.) lends tools. Whether in a shop or on a jobsite, you try reaching for someone elses tools and you could draw back a nub.

Considering the source of the thread however, I'm certain that the idea is better thought out than what I am understanding, and I haven't read the thread over at MOL. I do remember Superior Shine buying a dozen or so (the or so is probably more accurate) PCs for a big job.

Danase · 03-29-06, 02:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Clean

Interesting...and that's about all I can say other than I'm not certain I follow your thoughts. Who exactly would be "renting" out their tools. From my perspective, no "tradesman" (ie. carpenter, mechanic, detailer, etc.) lends tools. Whether in a shop or on a jobsite, you try reaching for someone elses tools and you could draw back a nub.

Considering the source of the thread however, I'm certain that the idea is better thought out than what I am understanding, and I haven't read the thread over at MOL. I do remember Superior Shine buying a dozen or so (the or so is probably more accurate) PCs for a big job.

A lot of places rent tools and equipment actually. A lot of those bull dozers and large excavating machines you see on a job site come from a rental place. Same goes for the little guys that rent their Bobcats and concrete mixers. But those are huge cost compaired to a $200 machine. I think instead of looking at is as a rental it would be more of a try it first and if you like it buy type of thing. And I don't think it would be geared toward the professionals as much as the DIYer that doesn't know if the $200 polisher he is wanting would suite his needs.

Setec Astronomy · 03-29-06, 03:25

Accumulator, I'm not sure I understand who you are suggesting administrate this? Autopia.org, Autopia Car Care, an individual or group of members? The way I understood Superior Shine's situation is that he has a pile of PC's that he uses periodically for that school bus gig, that sit around unused, so he was trying to find a way to put them to use (for charity, to his great credit).

As yourself and some others have alluded to, there is quite a bit of risk and administration to make this work, and it's not clear that Superior Shine is actually going to come up with a workable system. A walk-in tool rental place has it a lot easier than what might happen with this, once you add in shipping costs and insurance, etc. It's a good idea, I just don't know if the logistics would work out.

holland_patrick · 03-29-06, 04:42

I have and will aways lend out my PC... it's safe and easy to use.. plus i have plenty of pads to go around...

thecarguy · 03-29-06, 04:48

How about a loaner program where "members" of the loaner program collectively purchased tools and agreed to keep it in working order. All members would do is pay shipping on the tools they wanted?

Mr. Clean · 03-29-06, 06:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

A lot of places rent tools and equipment actually. A lot of those bull dozers and large excavating machines you see on a job site come from a rental place. Same goes for the little guys that rent their Bobcats and concrete mixers. But those are huge cost compaired to a $200 machine. I think instead of looking at is as a rental it would be more of a try it first and if you like it buy type of thing. And I don't think it would be geared toward the professionals as much as the DIYer that doesn't know if the $200 polisher he is wanting would suite his needs.

I'm aware of the tool rental centers. I've rented a pull-behind chipper/shredder before. I'm also aware of the condition of some of these tools. They work, but the visual aesthetics of the tool suffer from being handled (or mishandled) by any number of users. As mentioned above, you add shipping and handling to the normal wear and tear to the machine, and I would have to think that it would shorten the lifespan of these tools.

I never thought for a moment that this "program" would be oriented towards the professional.

Perhaps SA expressed my uncertainty more clearly...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Accumulator, I'm not sure I understand who you are suggesting administrate this?

...

A walk-in tool rental place has it a lot easier than what might happen with this, once you add in shipping costs and insurance, etc. It's a good idea, I just don't know if the logistics would work out.

VWdriver · 03-29-06, 07:04

It sure would be nice for some people but managing something like that would probably be a nightmare for a small amount of money. Just my opinion.

Accumulator · 03-29-06, 07:35

Setec Astronomy & Mr. Clean- Actually I haven't given this enough thought to have developed any real ideas about administration and/or logistics

Didn't mean to imply that I have any good way of making this happen..

Dunno if it'll end up being feasible, just wanted to get the idea out on the table.

I myself would probably look to approach this from a rather casual/informal angle- renting them out on a basically honor-driven system but with some kind of a safeguard against an egregious violation of trust. Yeah, I'm cognizant of the potential pitfalls

It sure wouldn't be about turning a profit on the rentals. It'd just be a way to lend out certain tools without having to be without our (work-a-day) stuff. I wouldn't mind lending somebody a Cyclo so they can see what I'm always raving about, but I like having both of mine around. So I'd pitch in a few bucks towards buying a "community" one that could get passed around- I'd be a "funding" participant. Some Autopians aren't as security conscious as I am and don't mind people having their mailing/shipping addresses and other contact info- these people would make good "ship to/from" participants.

We'll see if anything comes of this...just didn't want to merely sit here and wish I'd tried to get something started.