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MenuFeedback if this idea has a business model and can be profitable?
A service that lets you try high end items before you buy. So example speakers or TV or drones, you get to try them for a week and then decide if you want to keep it. If you do you're charged the price of the item, if not you can return it for free.
My idea was to charge brands for the service and handle fulfillment and we keep a % of sales made.
Answers
Interesting, but why would the brands need you? If they're offering a few days/week free trial period, they can do this directly?
Also, it's a bit of a complicated model (logistically). What is more common, is that some companies lease out products: you pay per day/week/month, and then, if you want to keep the product, you pay the difference. If you don't want to keep it, you give it back (and you only paid for the time you used it).
Good luck
I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david
A couple of years ago I had a similar idea as you.
I want to share with you a lot of obstacles that you would encounter
good idea and great business model for selling quite a complicated topic and I have a lot to tell you . I would like you to contact me.
I've had the opportunity to develop marketing strategies for various e-commerce portals offering similar kind of services.
Bitter truth : there are 1000s of service providers like that. Some even offering Jets on trial basis! It can't get more high-end than this.
Alternatively : You could create a better impact by narrowing your choice of items (and thus creating a niche for your business), complimenting your offering with value add services and/or creating FOMO through exclusivity (Ex: get to use latest model 3 days before official launch)
I'd be happy to help you further over a one-on-one discussion and devise a more robust plan of action.
As had been said in previous posts, there are already ways by which customers can try products before committing fully such as leasing them, then paying the difference to make the purchase.
This happens in both the automotive and tech sectors and many others. Depending on where your business would be based, some countries such as the UK have a 'cooling off' period where people can return a product they've bought.
The other area that needs exploring and that I'd question is why a Brand would pay you, as there is no clear benefit from doing so.
It's good that you've thought about this though, and I'd recommend maybe developing the idea, or coming up with similar but different ideas or other ideas. Entrepreneurs and Innovators have to challenge the status quo so your way of thinking is good.
I am a Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation as well as a successful Entrepreneur myself and have helped hundreds of companies over the last two decades with help and advice. I would be happy to discuss your ideas or plans and the best way forward with you or others any time.
I'm new to Clarity but you can check my LinkedIn profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyspiller/ and if you do schedule a call, please send me a Summary of what you would like to discuss beforehand so I can prepare properly.
I could see this concept working and getting lot of attentions, but I'm not sure how you could make it profitable with all the returns and exchange to handle.
+ Shipping cost are very high for large items like TV if you pay for them.
I would suggest you read the book on Zappos for some comparable example of customer focused business
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