Getting Started

Clothing Rental

Getting Started with Clothing Rental

Turn your wardrobe into income by renting out your clothing and accessories. This guide will walk you through the process from signup to your first rental transaction.

Step-by-Step Process

Inventory Assessment

Identify 10-20 quality pieces in your existing wardrobe with retail values of $150+ each. Focus on designer items, occasion wear, and trending pieces that are in excellent condition.

Timeframe: 1-2 days
Platform Selection & Account Creation

Research and select the platform that best fits your inventory and location:
- Style Lend - Best for designer pieces (20% commission)
- Tulerie - Highly vetted community (18% commission)
- By Rotation - Strong in UK/Europe (15% commission)
- Rent My Wardrobe - Good for contemporary fashion (25% commission)
Create your account and complete verification requirements (ID verification, social media linking, and sometimes phone interviews).

Timeframe: 1-3 days
Photography

Take high-quality photos of each item against a clean background. Include:
- Front view
- Back view
- Close-ups of details, fabric, and any brand identifiers
- Photos on a mannequin or model (if possible)
Timeframe: 2-3 hours per 10 items
Create Detailed Listings

For each item, create a listing that includes:
- Brand name and item name
- Size and measurements
- Original retail price
- Condition details
- Fabric content
- Styling suggestions and occasion recommendations
Timeframe: 15-20 minutes per item
Set Pricing

Determine your rental rates using these guidelines:
- 4-day rentals: 10-15% of retail value
- Weekly rentals: 15-25% of retail value
- Research similar items on your platform to ensure competitive pricing
Set up your security deposit requirements (typically 25-50% of item value).

Timeframe: 1-2 hours for entire inventory
Prepare Logistics

Purchase necessary supplies:
- Garment bags
- Tissue paper
- Shipping materials (boxes, poly mailers)
- Thank you cards
- Lint rollers and spot treatment products
Set up a dedicated storage area to keep rental items separate and protected.

Timeframe: 1 day, $100-200 initial investment
Set Up Payment Processing

Connect your bank account to the platform for direct deposits. Understand the platform's payment schedule:
- Style Lend: 24-48 hours after rental completion
- Tulerie: Weekly processing
- By Rotation: In-app wallet with transfer options
- Rent My Wardrobe: 3-5 business days processing
Timeframe: 1 day
Promote Your Listings

Increase visibility of your rental items:
- Share on social media platforms
- Use relevant hashtags (#designerrental #fashionrental)
- Join platform-specific communities
- Consider a small ad budget ($20-50) for promoted listings
Timeframe: Ongoing, 2-3 hours weekly
Manage Your First Booking

When you receive your first rental request:
- Respond within 1-2 hours
- Confirm item availability
- Review renter profile and ratings
- Clarify any questions about fit or fabric
- Confirm rental dates and shipping/pickup details
Timeframe: Typically within 1-2 weeks of listing
Ship or Hand Over Item

Prepare the item for the renter:
- Clean and inspect the item
- Document current condition with photos
- Package professionally with tissue paper and garment bag
- Include care instructions and return shipping label (if applicable)
- Add a thank you note
Timeframe: 1 hour per item
Process Return and Payment

After the rental period:
- Receive and inspect the returned item
- Document condition and note any issues
- Clean the item according to fabric requirements
- File any damage claims if necessary
- Confirm rental completion on the platform
- Receive payment according to platform schedule
Timeframe: 1-2 days after return receipt

First Week Action Plan

Days 1-2: Setup Phase

Select 10 high-quality items from your wardrobe
Research platforms and create an account on your chosen platform
Complete verification process
Purchase basic supplies (garment bags, tissue paper, shipping materials)
Set up a designated storage area for your rental items

Days 3-5: Listing Phase

Photograph all items (aim for 5 items per day)
Create detailed listings with measurements and descriptions
Research competitive pricing and set your rental rates
Connect your bank account for payments
Join platform-specific Facebook groups or communities

Days 6-7: Promotion Phase

Share your listings on social media
Respond quickly to any inquiries
Consider a small promotion budget for featured listings
Research additional items to add to your inventory
Develop a cleaning and maintenance schedule

Official Resources

Platform Resources

Community Groups

Pro Tip!

Most successful clothing rental entrepreneurs start with items they already own, then gradually reinvest earnings into purchasing new inventory specifically for rental purposes. This approach minimizes initial risk while you learn the market.

Expect your first rental booking within 2-4 weeks of listing if you have in-demand items and quality photos. Peak seasons (wedding season, holiday parties) can accelerate your first booking.

Conclusion How it Works