estimates about one-third of them have put items up for rent. Listers can set whatever price they want, though Tulerie’s founders say they recommend prices be around 5 percent of an item’s sticker price if it were new. A Gucci grosgrained jacket, which retails for $3,980 is available for rental for four days for $149, for example.
Gross says the rental period starts when a user receives and item and items can be reserved a few weeks in advance. The app allows the two parties to chat in order to check into fit issues for a particular item. “If it still doesn’t fit, they can return the piece within 24 hours for a full refund, less shipping,” she adds.
I signed up for a Tulerie account—Gross and Smith waived the interview process so I could browse in order to write this story—and tried to peruse the offerings in my size. But, unfortunately, the app kept crashing, something Tulerie will likely address as they hope to bring on more users and products.
Gross and Smith say both list items they own on Tulerie. Smith, who worked as a director at Saks Fifth Avenue, met Gross at Paris Fashion Week two years ago. Gross had previously helped develop an app to help diners with food allergies.
While both women enjoyed the variety of shopping at fast-fashion brands, increasing awareness of how such shopping habits contribute to waste persuaded them to consider a rental-based business model. Tulerie has a partnership with RewearAble, a New York nonprofit that recycles textiles. When users decide a clothing item can’t be worn anymore, Tulerie will send them a shipping label addressed to RewearAble.
In the meantime, Gross and Smith say they hope to encourage women to start viewing their closets as a potential revenue stream. “Women typically don’t wear 70 percent of their wardrobes,” Smith says. “We want them to supplement their wardrobe, not just for special occasions.”
