Canadian entrepreneur Catharine MacIntosh has announced she hopes to launch the Zero Baggage concept in 2010. Her launch markets would be the Gold Coast of Australia and in her hometown, Toronto.
Clients would pre-select wardrobes on-line and they’d be waiting for them in their hotel rooms when they check in. New or pre-worn clothes would be available.
This is an interesting concept. But would I go for it?
Well, yes and no. How I’d love not having to worry about the cost of checking suitcases, or not having my bags arrive when I do.
Then there’s the security problem. My suitcases have “inspect me” written all over them and the TSA doesn’t always repack my clothes terribly neatly. Also, some things have disappeared. Where’s that sweater I wear with everything?
Backpackers might find this service a boon to traveling light. If the clothes are inexpensive enough, they might qualify as disposable.
If you’re traveling with children, this service might be a godsend. Little ones need a lot of changes and if the price is right, having clothes awaiting them (especially pre-worn ones in excellent condition) could cut your suitcase count down substantially. But don’t think you can get away without bringing their favorite things or they might freak.
If you’re heading to a region where the weather system is different from the one where you live, not having to buy heavy winter coats if you’re from Florida could save you a bundle. This would be especially true for young children who are experiencing growth spurts.
As I travel frequently, I have whittled my clothes down to the point that I can take a carry-on. But when I see families going on vacation, I wonder how and if they’ll ever transport their suitcases and keep track of their children. They arrive at airports and need to rent carts to pile up their possessions plus their offspring.
What do you think of the “rent your clothes” concept? How extensive would the selection need to be in order to entice you? Would you worry about whether or not the clothes would be the correct size? Ms. MacIntosh has received considerable positive feedback. But, I’m sure she’d appreciate your opinions.
Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I shop at the Goodwill sometimes, so I’m not above using ‘recycled’ stuff (and I’ve gotten some damn good outfits!), but then again, I wash it myself, and I know it fits.
This could be interesting, but it will face skepticism, esp. from women I imagine, who are picky about their clothes, like to know that they have an outfit for every conceivable ocassion, and also like to wear ‘favorite’ outfits. I can see maybe using it to lessen my luggage, as in, renting an outfit for a specific thing, not any different than renting skis or scuba gear in my opinion, but I can’t see renting ALL my clothes.
Some years ago I developed my own baggage reduction system – I left with no clothes, bought them along the way as souveneirs and then shipped them home UPS.
Absolutely! I am going to be traveling for two months and I will be using a 22″ carryon for everything except electronics. I am going from sub zero temperatures to the Namibian desert and I wish I could rent a parka, hat, gloves, boots and heavy outerwear. I plan to wear everything bulky on the plane so that I can get everything else in the suitcase, I need to have someone take a photo of that – wind pants, boots, two coats, etc. I will be waddling down the airplane aisle. What a way to start a trip.
Well, if I rent these clothes, what happens when I am finished with them? What if the next person does not want to wear my clothing? What if you can’t get the clothes I want–color, style, etc.? And a small thing: what does this weird service cost? What guarantee do I have that the clothing will be waiting for me me when I arrive? And if not? I am supposed to walk about the streets of Australia’s Gold Coast or Toronto–two places I don’t want to visit anyway–tout nu? I don’t want to be nude in Paris or Londres either, but I would prefer to be there: what’s the point of such a limited service? Needs more thought and perhaps much more capital.
I have no real opinion on renting my clothes….but I love the sweater in the pic and would love to have the pattern to make it!!
That is a great idea!!! Thanks Karen for letting us travelers know there is an option to wearing 3 layers of clothes so you don’t pay a baggage fee on Ryan Air, etc.
I tend to wear the same no-print clothes all the time, and don’t really want to buy a bunch of new clothes for a trip, only to never really wear them again. This is a fantastic way for me to wear things once or twice that are in the spirit of my destination, such as bright prints, florals, etc. And if this concept were also to include high-end rental pieces, I would love it. How wonderful would it be to be in London, Paris, etc. wearing a Burberry or Dolce and Gabanna coat that I could not afford but still had for my trip? I would not want to rent all of my clothes for a trip, but an evening gown for a cruise, a heavy coat, etc. would be great.
Joseph – you didn’t read the article very well, it states that travelers will pick out clothes from a website prior to travel (so you pick color, style, size you want) and it will be waiting at your destinated lodging. From there, you have to depend on that guarantee just like any other service you use, say, like the airline tickets you bought being good. When you’re finished with the clothes (I’m assuming you wouldn’t ruin them) they would presumably get cleaned and go back into rotation.
Really, criticism can be helpful, but do try to point out facts that are relevant. I’m sure you can get all the info you want if you are open-minded enough to go to the vendor’s website.
Please be constructive. I’m not sure I’d use this for stated reasons, but there’s no need for baseless bashing, or nasty comments about not wanting to visit Toronto or Austraila – although I’m sure they won’t miss you.
Guess i might be the lone one to disagree but this idea just doesn’t still well with me. Maybe I am too picky since I also don’t shop in catalogs and need to try things on before buying. What happens if I get there and nothing fits?
I suppose like many things, some people will love it and some will not. Although it is not for me personally, I wish her every success. I hope enough people are interested to make it viable.
I generally travel relatively light, and try to visit a wide variety of locales. Some things I’m picky about, so even though they’re readily available at my destination, like fins and snorkels, I carry my own. But cold/wet weather stuff would be great to use and leave behind. Bulky, limited-use items would be a perfect solution for me. I have a fair number of things I had to purchase for a particular trip that have no value at home. Warm coats, rain gear, umbrellas, and such just take up space at home, but with so little wear and so much invested, I can’t throw them away.
No. And quit with these absurd ideas on how to save money by not checking luggage. Shipping bags is ridiculously expensive and inconvenient, trying to cram everything a carry-on has resulted in a horrible situation in the cabin (when you thought ti couldn’t get any worse), gate agents cater to the abusers at the expense of the rule-followers and now we’re supposed to rent clothes. Give me a break.
The answer is airlines shoudl include one bag in the ticket price. Period. There was no reason to change that, the same amount of weight is on the aircraft, just in a different place.
So quit with these “solutions” to a problem that shouldn’t exist. Focus efforts on getting the fees eliminated.
Ugh! There’s not enough laundry soap or dry-cleaning solvent in the world!Of course I don’t buy my clothes at thrift shops or yard sales either.
I think it is a great idea and worth the try. I myself would consider it when traveling to areas that involve climate changes – especially that which involves bulky clothing. As least someone is trying to help a bad traveling situation.Good luck.
Seems like a great idea to me! Even if you can’t find stuff in your style, who cares? It’s not like you know anyone there, if you’re going for vacation.
I can imagine fit being a problem, though, just from watching my wife spending so much time trying to find stuff that fits her particular shape correctly.
Anyway, this will never SOLVE the luggage problem, but it will be a fun option from some people, and hopefully enough to make the business a go!
I kind of like the idea, particularly for bulky things like parkas (as others have said).
I am glad she is starting in two different locations–perhaps once her site is up and running, she could have a poll to vote on where the next location should be for her expansion.
I look forward to checking out her site.
Holland America Cruise Lines has rented formal wear for several years now. I had the misfortune to leave my black formal skirt in a hotel in Lisbon so it was very convenient to rent one on the ship. I hope your venture will be successful. I personally would rent some items in order to cut down on the bulk in my luggage.
Wish I had thought of that one. I think it will work for the business travelers. We would love to go from city to city and know that the clothing was waiting on the other end.
As for cleanliness…well you dont know who tried on those slacks in the store before you brought them home do you:?? And do we know if they had on any undergarments???? I personally think that there is a niche market, me being one of them and please dont forget to stock those size 2 outfits and size 5 shoes because those are sizes that are not always available at the mall. Trust me…good luck!!! you will do great
Where can I buy rent or purchase the sweater the Ms. Fawcett puts in her article would love to have it or be able to recreat it. Great Iidea to rent clothes when traveling, but what about us large busted women, big on top a small on bottom are black tir items avalible?
thanks for a great idea!!!!!
Susan, i can see you have never studied/owned a business? There is a reason why airlines choose to offer checked on luggage as an extra cost. It is all about segmenting the market through price, by only having bundled offerings (including extra luggage in the price that some people may not want/need) it creates the possibility for missed opportunites. That is why companies have different product offerings, because people are different! Also i have to say it is a great idea for some people, it really appeals to a niche that is missing within the market.