That said...if I WERE the sort of person who was into fabulous bags, I'd be doing my wallet a favor and checking out the options for clubs that cater to the sort of person that I theoretically am. I got a lot of spam from BB&S and FBtR, the first two clubs on the list below, because I had purchased gift certs from them, but I was able to get off their mailing lists with ease, if that counts for anything.
Bag Borrow & Steal
Bag Borrow & Steal is easily the market leader in terms of publicity and awareness, and was a very early entrant into the market. The website is nicely designed and fairly easy to navigate. Initially just a handbug club, they've also added jewelry to their inventory. Their "specialty" shops-within-the-shop include a wedding shop with some lovely and very expensive pieces like a designer keshi pearl cascading bib necklace and a selection of cream, white, or crystal-studded clutches.
Membership structure: annual, weekly, and monthly memberships available, guest shopping (with site registration) also allowed at a higher price.
Products: Designer bags and jewelry, divided into tiers from "Trendsetter" (less expensive) to "Couture" (more expensive)
Shipping: $9.95 round trip for an item, no info on shipping charges for combined items. 4-5 business days to receive.
Insurance coverage: normal wear and tear is covered, insurance must be purchased if you intend to break or abuse items
Rent-to-own: available
Notes: New accounts are probationary with item limits and tier restrictions for 3 months.
From Bags to Riches
From Bags to Riches sent me email at least once a week. This post finally motivated me to unsubscribe, since I really only signed up out of curiosity at first. FBtR competes with BB&S on the strength of a "frequent renter" club that they call "Club Diva". It includes free trial time, rewards points, as well as the ability to request any bag anywhere that you want, for which FBtR will give you a price quote on acquisition and rental structure.
Membership structure: Registration is free, it seems as if the free trial is ongoing. However, the Club Diva cost is $15.95 a month or $99 a year.
Products: Designer bags in a tiered structure ranging from $23/wk to rent up to the $190/wk range
Shipping: Included in the price
Insurance coverage: First $100 is covered by the rental fee, optional insurance available
Rent-to-own: Available
Notes: Renting a $400 Coach handbag for a month for $75 ($45 weekly + $30 to extend to a month) doesn't seem like a bad deal, if I try to imagine that I really really like all the Coach bags but I don't want to commit to purchasing just one non-knockoff authentic bag which I might get sick of after a month but that I might like enough to buy but only if I try it...
Borrowed Bling
The newest upstart, offering cute bags and crystal bra straps, along with everything else under the sun. Apparently, having your bra straps show, and replacing those bra straps with faux diamond crystals is quite the hot thing. Who knew?? Borrowed Bling is all about the ice look, but they have by far the most selection of different types of products for borrowing, jewelry, bags, accessories, belts and more coming.
Membership structure: You can buy things outright but there is a monthly tiered membership structure as well (Countess $29.95 / Duchess $49.95/ Movie Star $99.95). The Duchess level includes items in the Countess AND Duchess closets, while the Movie star
Products: Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Broaches/Pins, Earrings, Watches, Evening Bags, Sunglasses, Crystal Bra Straps, Belts
Insurance coverage: Normal wear and tear is covered. Irreparable damage requires that you pay the cost of replacement.
Rent-to-own: Not mentioned on the site
Notes: There is a 4-month time limit on borrowing of each item. Current prices are "introductory" and guaranteed only for a year. 3 month minimum commitment.
Shoulder Candy (Canada)
Shoulder Candy is a service provided for the benefit of North American ladies (or ladylike personages) who happen to reside within the bounds of our friendly neighbor country to the north. Shipping seems to be CA-only, and there isn't a large selection, but prices are reasonable given the lack of a membership structure.
Membership structure: Flat rental fee, no memberships, week-to-week rentals
Products: Designer bags
Shipping: Included
Insurance coverage: Wear and tear coverage optional at $5 a week
Rent-to-own: Used handbags seem to go up on a "Sale" page for purchase by the general public at reduced prices
Notes: Two rentals allowed at one time
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