Where to go to rent machines which are only used very infrequently

More and more, use-based sharing is being embraced by individuals – think, car shares! – and businesses, through the use of equipment rentals. This is a great idea when there is a need to keep personal or commercial costs low while still requiring occasional or even infrequent use of the machine in question. But where can these rentals be found?

The Sharing Economy

Increasingly, the idea of the sharing economy is taking hold. “Digital nomads” or location-independent freelancers have a great deal to do with this shift. But recent social trends such as the minimalist ethic of the “Konmari” method and “tiny house revolution” has placed a greater emphasis on reducing carbon and material footprint and sharing versus owning. This means that individuals – and businesses – can choose to rent machines, equipment, everyday household items and even high-end clothing, from those who are looking to making a little extra money on the side and have these things they themselves rarely, if ever, use. The sharing economy runs along the “just-in-time” method of manufacturing, insofar as there is an emphasis placed on reducing wasted costs and wasted time. Choosing to rent machines for fitness purposes from the local Y or using a car-share service, for example, means even those who live in small apartments can work out or drive away for the weekend.

Where Can Businesses Rent Machines From?

Sometimes, smaller businesses can approach larger businesses in a similar industry to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement: initiating an equipment lease agreement that would allow the lessor of the equipment to earn money while the lessee gains access to important machines. Choosing to rent machines rather than buy them eliminates the obvious hassle of having to maintain machinery. Businesses can also rent machines from companies that are specifically made to provide rentals for a specific industry. Oftentimes, for example, a digital printing service will rent out printers from a manufacturer for a fraction of the cost it takes to own.

At the end of the day, nothing is off-limits. For personal rentals, individuals can turn to classified and advertorial sites such as “Kijiji” or “Craigslist” in order to find rentals on everyday items like textbooks, wedding decor and garden spaces. The sharing economy makes everything possible – and viable – and it’s a great way to save as well as earn extra cash. Win-win!