How to Get That Perfect Designer Handbag Without Having to Spend a Fortune

With its fast moving fashion cycles, the fashion industry is a highly competitive, and global industry that is worth millions. According to Fenton (2008), due to the notion that fashion is associated with affluence, glamour and status, many consumers (in particular women) are "willing to spend their savings on designer fashions".

There is a growing market for rental luxury goods, as there is an increasing trend among consumers to believe that they are entitled to have the best things in life. However, not many of these consumers have the ability to obtain a lifestyle that is beyond their purchasing power. (Evers 2006) Being a fairly recent concept in the fashion industry, designer item rental is a concept that responds to the needs and wants of modern consumers (mostly women); empowering them with choices within their purchasing power.

"Now, instead of consumers having to trade down expectations to mainstream versions of luxury products, or forgoing essentials to afford one premium brand" (Evers 2006, p8), they can rent the luxury goods they want, whenever they want. An increased awareness on the part of designers, coupled with the fashion industry's fast moving cycles, has also contributed to the rising popularity of designer item rental; as more companies, (e.g. BAG BORROW OR STEAL). (Liu 2007)

Consumers who own or desire luxury goods are fashion-conscious, trendy fashionistas who not only want the associated prestige and status which accompany the brand(s) they carry, but also the perceived aesthetic appearance and feasibility of the item. They have the need to be in sync with the latest fashion trends, and do not want to be the last in line in "owning" the latest designer fashion item.

However, due to limited or restricted spending power, they may not have the means to own such goods. There are also consumers who are unwilling to purchase designer fashion items, only to become pass the next fashion season. Thus, these consumers (ranging from students, working women to housewives) look toward the designer fashion rental market as an answer to their needs and wants - a sense (satisfaction) of exclusivity, status and privilege, as not many can afford such luxury goods; wanting to look good at the same time. (Han 2008)

As the fashion cycles are relatively fast-moving, consumers expect companies providing designer item rental services to be up-to-date with the latest designer fashion, and have a wide selection of items to select from. The cost effectiveness of renting as opposed to purchasing a designer fashion item, the flexibly of changing items (frequently) and the satisfaction of having had many designer fashion items, coupled with the attractive privileges and discounts available, make it even more appealing to these consumers.

Pros

  • Target markets As anything from designer bags, clothes, accessories and jewelry can be rented, "the luxury rental concept can be applied to virtually every business segment" (Evers 2006, p8). Thus, making it possible to consider the designer fashion rental market as a niche market, since target markets can be segmented according to designer fashion categories, consumer lifestyle expectations and statistics (demographic, psychographic etc..)
     
  • Growing market The designer fashion rental is a growing market, offering more options to consumers. With the increasing amount of consumers who are looking for more economical ways of 'expanding' their wardrobe, especially if they want to experience the status and exclusiveness that is often associated with designer fashion items despite their limited spending power (Han 2008), or if they are affected by any economic downturn (Barlyn 2008). Investors are also finding companies such as BAG BORROW OR STEAL attractive (Evers 2006); all of which contribute to the industry's growth.
  • Competition As there can be many niches catering to specific target markets, there are fewer competitors: few companies provide similar services, as compared to mainstream fashion.
  • Profit Profit margin is relatively high as niche markets tend to have smaller overheads and generally do not need to achieve high sales volume to generate more profit.

Cons:
  • Latent/irregular demand Depending on the fashion season and popularity of certain designer fashion items (latent/irregular demand), sales could decline if items stocked are unpopular with consumers. Another example would be that during a recession or slow economy growth, consumers might be more concerned about their physiological needs rather than their self-esteem needs (Maslow 1943); consuming less designer fashion goods, resulting in declining sales.
  • Capital Fast-moving fashion cycles might make it harder to predict which items to stock; especially if a company is restricted by capital/cash flow; they would be unable to afford stocking too much inventory. Capital is crucial when it comes to stocking inventory, the more capital available, the more items can be offered. Thus, appealing to consumers by providing them with more choices.
  • Changing Values Reflected in the growth of products and service that consumers believe are consistent with their values. For example, consumers may switch to another company providing the same service for a lower price. BAG BORROW OR STEAL, SAC DE LUXE and FASHION HIRE are (such) companies that rent designer fashion items to consumers who want the associated affluence, glamour and status, that accompanies designer fashion, but are either lacking in purchasing power or reluctant to purchase an item they think might be pass the next fashion season. In order to retain customer loyalty, these companies aim to provide value to consumers who have plenty of options to choose from by engaging in customer orientated services (value-pricing), through the marketing mix (4Ps - Product, Place, Price and Promotion); delivery channel.
Product: There is a wide range of designer branded items such as bags, sunglasses, jewels and belts being offered by the above mentioned companies; all of which are guaranteed to be 100% authentic. The guarantee that the goods available are genuine improves the company's reputation, resulting in customer loyalty as consumers not only have the assurance that they are getting value for money goods/service, but also have more options to choose from (with latest and vintage designer fashion items).

Consumers: are able to know which items are available for rental easily through the website interface, and delivery is slated within 24 to 48 hours, inclusive of a prepaid envelope to facilitate the items' return at the end of the rental period; adding convenience to consumers. Consumers can be placed on a waiting list (with priority given to members) for a popular item that is currently not available. For example, BAG BORROW OR STEAL's case, enabling consumers to purchase a designer fashion item should it be available for sale, gives consumers the sense that they have more flexibility and an additional option, should they wish to purchase a rental designer fashion item (depending on its availability); with gift vouchers also available. 
Place: Most designer fashion companies operate exclusively on the internet: with each company owning a website containing imagery, in the form of a gallery and categories, and product information being displayed. This enables consumers to easily browse through the selection of products on the website; rent the selected item(s) and make payment for the at their convenience and comfort. Having a website reaches out to a wider target market as more consumers as are becoming more tech-savvy, with additional information such terms and conditions, waiting lists, fashion trends etc... All of which help consumer with their buying process (comparison). In addition, these companies have physical outlets, giving consumer more options. For example, BAG BORROW OR STEAL has a physical outlet that enables consumers to purchase gently-used designer handbags. 
Price: The pricing scheme offered by the above mentioned designer fashion rental companies is easy to understand as each item is priced individually, varying according to the item's brand value, availability and duration of rental period. Delivery charges are quoted at a net additional price which includes the return delivery for the rented item, and transportation insurance. Additional insurance against excessive wear and tear is available separately, depending on the value of the item. In additional, there is a range of membership fees (options) that consumers can choose depending on their situation (varying from the period of subscription and as a member to the percentage of discounts available); customers are able to enjoy discounts of rentals. Therefore consumers have the flexibility in selecting the option that best suits their needs.
Promotion In order to provide more value to consumers, memberships are offered, providing benefits such as discounts of up to 50%, privileges, offers, special prices and incentives. Upon becoming a member, a personal client profile is created, with consumer preferences, which speeds up the rental process and enhances the overall experience. To further personalize the service, the company's newsletter with updates on fashion and promotions are sent to members to keep them updated.

For example, FASHION HIRE offers different membership schemes to suit to consumer preferences and purchasing power, with memberships being available from a period of 3 months to a year. FASHION HIRE also has a referral program where members are rewarded when they patronize a friend as a new customer. Another example would be BAG BORROW OR STEAL, which gives consumers the option should they want to purchase their rented item which is subjected to item availability. BAG BORROW OR STEAL has a rewards program which enables members to accumulate points as they rent items, the more they rent the more points they receive and these points can be accumulated to be used for future rented items. Members are also granted priority when it comes to being able to rent a popular item that is currently not available. Thus, adding to the consumers' perceived value of the item they are renting, as consumers believe they are getting more (value).

Also, to further enhance their popularity, BAG BORROW OR STEAL and SAC DE LUXE have been frequently featured in fashion and women's magazines recently. Free publicity in the form of "appearances" in movies, such as the mention of BAG BORROW OR STEAL in the recent movie "Sex and the City", also aid in the promotion and popularity of designer fashion rental services. 


References:
  • Barlyn, S 2008, 'The skinny on handbag-rental services', Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition, Vol. 252, Issue 20, pp. 2.
  • Evers, R 2006, 'It's nice to share', Brand Strategy, May, pp. 8.
  • Fenton, S 2008, 'China's rich have insatiable appetite for haute couture', Reuters News, 29 May
  • Han, J 2008, 'Pocket-pinched opt for rental luxuries', Korea Times, 4 July 2008
  • Maslow, A H 1943, 'A theory of human motivation', Psychological Review
  • Tan, C L L 2007, 'Nice dress - is that a rental?', Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition, Vol. 249, Issue 111, pp. 1-8.
  • Bag Borrow or Steal, viewed 21 August 2008, http://www.bagborroworsteal.co m
  • Fashion Hire, viewed 21 August 2008, http://www.fashionhire.co.uk
  • Sa c Deluxe, viewed 21 August 2008, http://www.sacdeluxe.fr 

Also featured on Bukisa
Share on Google Plus

About TravelBytez

When travel collides with a byte, a unit of information made up of bits, TravelBytez is formed: snippets of ramblings on travel, food, shopping, living and anything else that comes to mind.

0 comments :

Post a Comment