Understand the main advantages of renting equipment. See if it's worth it.
In the relatively distant past, renting various goods and services was part of everyday life for Brazilians. One of the most famous cases that older people remember well is the benefit of borrowing telephone lines at a time when access was not as easy as it is today.
A few years later, everything became more affordable as people bought their own things, from cell phones to music to various gadgets and accessories. Today, we have reached a point where people are renting again. Read on to find out more.
Is it worth renting?
In addition to houses (which have always been properties for rent), today it is possible to rent cars, cell phones, computers and even video games. However, while in the past renting was done because it was not possible to pay for the product itself, today it satisfies all types of needs. For example, a ride-hailing driver who prefers to use a rented car or office workers who prefer to rent cell phones for professional use.
Stephanie Peart, director of Leapfone, a company focused on renting smartphones for various purposes, points out that our country is the third largest user of smartphones. The demand for technology is undeniable, but it also presents unique challenges here.
One of them is the Apple iPhone. Despite being a desirable device, the iPhone is often considered expensive for the Brazilian budget. In the United States, it takes an average of 5 working days to acquire a device, while in Brazil it takes an average of 72 days to achieve this feat. This is considering the average income in Brazil. If the standard is the minimum wage, the daily range will be higher.
Another challenge is related to maintenance and security. Connectivity has its benefits, but it also raises concerns about theft and damage, leading to an increase in the demand for insurance. This is why many people are considering taking out cell phone insurance, which is winning the hearts of Brazilians.
However, while this insurance protects devices against theft and damage, it is considered expensive. Therefore, Stephanie explained that people still prefer the iPhone as a rental smartphone, which meets 60% of the company's demand.
Phone insurance
Speaking of security, which is one of the factors offered when renting a device, this option is associated with a common fear among Brazilians. In July, it was reported that one million cell phones were stolen in Brazil last year, with an average of 114 stolen devices every hour. Rental companies offer insurance, so if a ride-hailing driver's phone is stolen, they can activate the insurance, continue paying the rental fee, and use another device instead of paying for a stolen phone.
It’s also important to note that subscription trends and environmental awareness are driving this shift. Leasing devices not only meets consumer needs, but also promotes sustainability. That’s because, according to Stephanie, renting means distributing devices in a more sustainable way “instead of keeping them in a drawer.” Of course, renting a cell phone, a computer, or a video game console doesn’t give you an absolute commodity. There will still be those who will say without thinking twice: “It’s not worth paying for something that isn’t yours.” But in a world with increasingly restricted and specific needs, device rentals can have a place for those who want to try something more modern.
