What is Rent the Runway?
Rent the Runway is an online service that allows customers to rent designer clothing and accessories for a fraction of the retail price. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in New York City.
Rent the Runway offers a wide range of clothing options for women, including dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, blouses, and outerwear, as well as a variety of accessories such as jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses. They feature designs from over 600 designers, including high-end brands like Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, and Versace.
Customers can rent items from Rent the Runway on a one-time basis or sign up for one of their subscription services. Their RTR Reserve service allows customers to rent a single item for a four- or eight-day period, while RTR Update provides four rental items per month with unlimited exchanges. The RTR Unlimited subscription provides customers with the ability to rent up to four items at a time with unlimited exchanges for a monthly fee.
Rent the Runway also offers a range of other services, such as virtual styling appointments and clothing rentals for weddings and other special occasions. They have several physical store locations where customers can pick up and return their rentals.
Overall, Rent the Runway is a popular and convenient service that allows customers to access designer clothing and accessories without having to buy them outright. They offer a wide selection of options and convenient rental and subscription plans, making it easy for customers to access the latest fashion trends.
How does Rent the Runway work?
Rent the Runway works in several simple steps:
- Sign up: To use Rent the Runway, you must create an account on their website or mobile app. You will need to provide your personal information and payment details.
- Browse: Once you’ve signed up, you can browse their collection of clothing and accessories. You can filter your search by size, color, occasion, and more. You can also read reviews from other customers and view photos of the items.
- Select items: After you’ve found an item you’d like to rent, select the size and rental period (usually 4 or 8 days). Add it to your cart and continue browsing or proceed to checkout.
- Receive your items: Rent the Runway will ship your selected items to you, usually arriving a day or two before your rental period begins. The items will arrive in a garment bag, along with a pre-paid return label.
- Wear your items: Enjoy wearing your rental items during your rental period! It’s important to note that you should take good care of the items to avoid any damage or additional fees.
- Return your items: At the end of your rental period, simply place the items back in the garment bag and attach the pre-paid return label. Drop it off at a UPS location or a Rent the Runway store.
Rent the Runway also offers subscription plans, such as RTR Unlimited and RTR Update, which allow customers to rent a certain number of items per month for a flat fee. They also offer additional services like virtual styling appointments and rental options for special events like weddings.
Overall, Rent the Runway is a convenient and affordable way to access designer clothing and accessories without having to buy them outright.
Rent the Runway memberships
Rent the Runway offers two membership plans: RTR Update and RTR Unlimited.
- RTR Update: RTR Update is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items per month for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Update is $89 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want. This subscription plan is great for those who want to try out different styles and trends each month without committing to a full-time subscription.
- RTR Unlimited: RTR Unlimited is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items at a time for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Unlimited is $135 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want. This subscription plan is great for those who want to have a constantly rotating wardrobe or need to have access to designer clothing and accessories for work or special events.
Both membership plans offer free shipping and dry cleaning services for all rented items, as well as the ability to add on a second size for free to ensure a better fit. Customers can also pause or cancel their membership at any time.
It’s important to note that each subscription plan has specific terms and conditions, so be sure to read them carefully before signing up. Additionally, Rent the Runway may charge additional fees for late returns, damage to items, or missing accessories, so be aware of these potential costs.
How much does Rent the Runway cost?
Rent the Runway offers several pricing options depending on your rental needs. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- One-time rentals: If you only need to rent an item once, Rent the Runway offers one-time rentals. Prices for one-time rentals vary depending on the retail value of the item, but typically range from $30 to $300. Rent the Runway also offers the option to purchase a backup size for an additional fee.
- RTR Update: RTR Update is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items per month for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Update is $89 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want.
- RTR Unlimited: RTR Unlimited is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items at a time for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Unlimited is $135 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want.
In addition to these costs, Rent the Runway may charge additional fees for late returns, damage to items, or missing accessories. They also require a credit card on file for all rentals as a security deposit.
Overall, Rent the Runway offers a range of pricing options depending on your rental needs, from one-time rentals to monthly subscriptions. It’s important to carefully read their terms and conditions and be aware of any additional fees before placing your rental order.
Can you buy Rent the Runway dresses?
Rent the Runway does not typically sell the dresses and other clothing items that they rent. However, they do occasionally hold sample sales where they sell their rental inventory at discounted prices. These sample sales are typically held in New York City and other major cities across the United States.
Additionally, if you fall in love with an item you rent from Rent the Runway, you may be able to purchase it directly from the designer or from a retailer that carries the designer’s line. Rent the Runway provides information about the designers and brands they carry on their website, which can help you track down a specific item for purchase.
Overall, while Rent the Runway primarily focuses on rentals, it’s possible to purchase items that you rent from the designers themselves or during one of their sample sales.
What are Rent the Runway clothes like?
Rent the Runway offers a wide range of clothing options for women, including dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, blouses, and outerwear, as well as a variety of accessories such as jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses. They feature designs from over 600 designers, including high-end brands like Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, and Versace.
The clothing items available for rent on Rent the Runway are generally of high quality, and many of them are made from luxurious fabrics and feature intricate designs. Rent the Runway carefully inspects each item before it is shipped to ensure that it is in good condition and ready to wear. They also provide detailed size and fit information on their website, including measurements and reviews from other customers.
When renting clothing items from Rent the Runway, it’s important to note that they may have been worn and dry cleaned several times before they are shipped to you. However, Rent the Runway has a rigorous cleaning and maintenance process in place to ensure that each item is thoroughly cleaned and in good condition before it is rented out again.
Overall, Rent the Runway’s clothing items are generally high quality and well-maintained, making them a great option for those who want to access designer clothing without having to buy them outright.
What are the downsides of Rent the Runway?
While Rent the Runway offers many benefits, such as access to designer clothing and convenient rental and subscription plans, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
- Limited availability: Rent the Runway’s inventory is constantly changing, which means that some popular items may not be available when you want to rent them. Additionally, they only carry clothing and accessories for women, so it may not be a good option for men or those looking for unisex items.
- Fit issues: While Rent the Runway provides detailed size and fit information on their website, there is always a chance that an item may not fit properly when you receive it. This can be frustrating and may result in the need to exchange or return the item.
- Shipping delays: Rent the Runway typically ships items a day or two before your rental period begins, but there can be delays or issues with shipping that result in your rental items arriving later than expected.
- Additional fees: Rent the Runway may charge additional fees for late returns, damage to items, or missing accessories. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs and read their terms and conditions carefully.
- Dry cleaning: Rent the Runway requires that all rental items be dry cleaned before they are returned, which can be inconvenient and add additional cost.
Overall, while Rent the Runway offers many benefits, it’s important to consider these potential downsides before deciding to use their service.
How does Rent the Runway handle shipping?
Rent the Runway handles shipping in a simple and convenient way. Here’s how it works:
- Shipping address: When you place a rental order, you will need to provide a shipping address where your items will be delivered. Rent the Runway currently ships to addresses within the United States and APO/FPO addresses.
- Delivery date: Rent the Runway will ship your rental items to arrive on or before the first day of your rental period. Typically, items are shipped a day or two before your rental period begins.
- Shipping method: Rent the Runway uses UPS for all of their shipping. You will receive an email with tracking information once your rental items have shipped.
- Packaging: Your rental items will arrive in a black garment bag with a pre-paid return label and instructions for return. Rent the Runway also includes a free second size with every order to ensure a better fit.
- Return shipping: At the end of your rental period, simply place the rental items back in the garment bag and attach the pre-paid return label. You can then drop it off at a UPS location or at a Rent the Runway store. Rent the Runway also offers a service where UPS will come to your home or office to pick up your rental return for an additional fee.
Overall, Rent the Runway’s shipping process is easy and straightforward, and they provide all the necessary information and tools for customers to return rental items in a timely and convenient manner.
Is Rent the Runway worth it?
Whether or not Rent the Runway is worth it will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if Rent the Runway is worth it for you:
- Cost: Rent the Runway offers a range of pricing options, from one-time rentals to monthly subscriptions. While renting designer clothing and accessories can be more affordable than buying them outright, it’s important to consider the cost of Rent the Runway’s rental and subscription plans, as well as any additional fees.
- Convenience: Rent the Runway offers a convenient way to access designer clothing and accessories without having to leave your home or commit to buying the items outright. Their rental and subscription plans are flexible and easy to use, making it simple to rent items for special occasions or to rotate your wardrobe on a regular basis.
- Selection: Rent the Runway offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories from over 600 designers, including high-end brands. Their inventory is constantly changing, so there is always something new to choose from.
- Fit and quality: Rent the Runway provides detailed size and fit information on their website, as well as reviews from other customers. While there is always a risk that an item may not fit perfectly, Rent the Runway generally offers high-quality clothing and accessories that are well-maintained and in good condition.
Overall, Rent the Runway can be a great option for those who want to access designer clothing and accessories without having to buy them outright. It offers a convenient and flexible way to rent clothing items for special occasions or to rotate your wardrobe on a regular basis. However, it’s important to consider the cost and any potential downsides, such as fit issues or additional fees, before deciding if Rent the Runway is worth it for you.
How to Sign Up for Rent the Runway
Signing up for Rent the Runway is a simple process that can be completed online. Here are the steps to sign up:
- Go to the Rent the Runway website: Visit the Rent the Runway website at www.renttherunway.com.
- Click “Sign Up”: Click the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Choose a plan: Select the plan that best fits your needs. You can choose to sign up for a one-time rental, or one of their monthly subscription plans: RTR Update or RTR Unlimited.
- Create an account: Fill out the sign-up form with your personal information, including your name, email address, and shipping address. You will also need to provide a payment method, such as a credit card, to complete your registration.
- Browse and rent items: Once you’ve signed up, you can browse Rent the Runway’s collection of clothing and accessories and add items to your cart. You can filter your search by size, color, occasion, and more.
- Receive your items: Rent the Runway will ship your selected items to you, usually arriving a day or two before your rental period begins.
Overall, signing up for Rent the Runway is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Once you’ve signed up, you can start browsing their collection of designer clothing and accessories and renting items that fit your style and needs.
FAQ
Is Rent the Runway only for women?
Yes, Rent the Runway currently only offers clothing and accessories for women.
How long can I rent items for?
Rental periods are typically 4 or 8 days, depending on the item.
Can I cancel or change my order?
Yes, you can cancel or change your order up until it has shipped.
What happens if I damage or lose an item?
Rent the Runway may charge additional fees for damage or lost items. Be sure to read their terms and conditions carefully before placing your rental order.
How do I return rental items?
Simply place the rental items back in the garment bag and attach the pre-paid return label. You can then drop it off at a UPS location or at a Rent the Runway store.
What is RTR Update?
RTR Update is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items per month for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Update is $89 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want.
What is RTR Unlimited?
RTR Unlimited is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent up to four items at a time for a flat fee. The cost of RTR Unlimited is $135 per month, and you can exchange your items as many times as you want.
What if an item doesn’t fit?
Rent the Runway provides detailed size and fit information on their website, as well as reviews from other customers. They also offer a free second size with every order to ensure a better fit. However, if an item still doesn’t fit, you can exchange it for a different size or style.
