Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is a designer fashion rental service founded in 2008 by Jenn Hyman and Jenny Fleiss. Featuring notable brands like Phillip Lim, Giambattista Valli, and Polo Ralph Lauren, it allows customers to access designer clothes and accessories at a fraction of the retail price.

Category
Apparel
Socials
90
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100
DTCetc Score
Brand Tags
Clean
Zero-waste
Asian Owned
Diverse Brand
Emerging Brand
Immigrant Founders
Influencer Approved
Creulty Free
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DTCetc’s Take

About Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is a women's clothing and accessories rental service founded in 2008 by Jenn Hyman and Jenny Fleiss. It carries notable brands such as Phillip Lim, Giambattista Valli, and Polo Ralph Lauren, and has been featured in publications such as Vogue, The New Yorker, and Cosmopolitan. Customers can rent designer clothes for a fraction of the original retail price, with free dry cleaning, free two day shipping, and rental insurance included in all memberships. However, there are mixed customer reviews and the service is only exclusive to the United States.

Who Shops At Rent the Runway

Customers who would find Rent the Runway useful are those who prioritize fashion and style in their daily lives. These customers are typically fashion-forward and enjoy experimenting with different styles and trends. They are willing to invest in high-quality designer clothing but may not have the budget to purchase these items outright. Rent the Runway aligns with these customers' values as it offers a cost-effective way to access designer clothing without the commitment of purchasing. Additionally, Rent the Runway is ideal for customers who attend events such as weddings, galas, or other formal occasions. These customers may not want to purchase a dress that they will only wear once, and Rent the Runway provides a solution by offering a wide selection of formalwear for rent. Overall, Rent the Runway is a great option for customers who value fashion and style but are looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective way to access designer clothing.

What customers love about Rent the Runway

Here's what shoppers have to say:
  • Was an early adopter of RTR back in 2010, with amazing customer service and access to super cute, trendy, special occasion dresses.
  • Rent the Runway allows users to rent nice designer clothing for a fraction of the price of buying, and real reviews and photos of people wearing the clothes in real life are available.
  • They bring in cute new on trend items and offer sample sales in NY.
  • Delivery is fairly consistent and fast in NYC.
  • Renting clothes is much better for the environment than fast fashion.
  • The customer service is kind and super responsive, and their selection is impressive.
  • Over time, RTR has narrowed in on sizing very well.
  • It has saved customers real money and helped elevate their personal and professional style.
  • Love the novelty of getting new clothes in the mail and the subscription is very fun.
Cons
  • The website has a lot of low-quality items that make it difficult to find the best pieces.
  • Customer service can be impersonal and unhelpful at times.
  • The selection may not work for all body types.
  • The clothes may not hold up well over time.
  • The rental window is too short.
  • The company has had recent management issues, including layoffs.
  • The new plan has received negative feedback from some customers.

Rent the Runway's Shipping Policy

Rent the Runway is currently only available in the United States and offers a variety of shipping options. For domestic customers, standard shipping costs $10, Manhattan same day delivery is $10, non-Manhattan next day delivery is $10, Manhattan Saturday delivery is $10, and non-Manhattan Saturday delivery is $35. Customers can track their orders using the ‘order tracking’ link on each item they’ve requested and orders will ship 1-2 days before the rental date begins. There are no international shipping options.

Rent the Runway's Return Policy

Rent the Runway allows customers to return their items either online or in-store. Customers must package their rentals in the reusable bag it was sealed in and they are provided with free two day shipping for returns. Intimates are not refundable or exchangeable and members can return as many pieces as they want when they want with Unlimited Swaps. Returns must be made within the specified time limit and the company typically processes returns within two business days.
DTCetc Bottomline
Target Audience
Young Adults
Stereotype
Tech-savvy
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60
This brand offers products that are on the pricey side.
Sustainability Score
80
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100
This brand offers products that are on the pricey side.
Quality Score
90
/
100
This brand offers products that are on the pricey side.
DTCetc Score
78
/
100
This brand offers products that are on the pricey side.
Target Audience

Women, fashion, luxury

Stereotype

Fashionista

Pricing Rating
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Sustainability Score
80
/
100
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Quality Score
90
/
100
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DTCetc Score
78
/
100
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Rent the Runway on Socials

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