Borrow Lenses

[swanysto]

I am usually not very whiny the practices business determine for themselves. I typically just don't use that business. However, Borrow Lenses just added a site in my city to pickup rentals. Of course I was excited cause I thought that meant no $28+ shipping fees. However, I was sorely mistaken. There is a $25 courier fee if you would like to burn some gas to go pick it up. No part of courier or shipping price is insurance either, that is a separate ballgame.

Was going to borrow a lens for the holidays for family photos, but with the $25 added on, it doesn't seem worth it. Do any of you guys not rent cause of fees like this, or am I the only whiny one?

 

[swanysto]

Oops meant to be in Digital Camera forum.

 

[vshah]

wait, they charge you $25 to go pick it up from their site?

pretty ridiculous.

 

[sswingle]

Their rentals are so affordable even with the $25. No complaints here.

 

[pm]

Moved from MD&G
Moderator PM

 

[BorrowLenses]

Heya, swanysto! BL here. We totally understand the frustration with paying the fee for local pick-ups. The reason why we have this is to cover the cost to have a courier get the items to the local camera store. This is a flat fee so it is still a tremendous deal for those with very large or heavy orders (super telephotos, lighting kits, videography equipment). Local orders may be as heavy as you'd like and the courier fee of $25 stays the same.

Of course, this isn't as good of a deal for those with 1-lens orders and it is possible that adjustments will be made to this structure in the future. The exception, currently, to this fee is for pick-ups at our headquarters in San Carlos--that is always free.

We hope that helps!

 

[swanysto]

I agree your prices are still fantastic, but it doesn't seem to make sense for me to pick up a lense for $3 less. It would cost that in gas to get there.

 

[sygyzy]

I am a fan of Borrow Lenses and have used them a few times before for long weekend or week long rentals. I have no issues with them but do agree that the $25 fee is crazy is a lot for local pickup. I can't imagine how much I would have to rent to consider it a "bargain." Ask yourself, if a friend paid you $25 to transport camera equipment to the next city in your vehicle, how much would you need to carry before it was not worth it? A DSLR body? Sure that sounds like a deal. What about 3 bodies? What about 3 lenses? You can carry that in two duffel bags. Now imagine you have a large van that can do one trip and accomplish moving 20 customers worth of stuff - each paying $25 a piece. $500 for a one way trip.

 

[BorrowLenses]

Thank you all for the feedback! We understand that the local pick-up program and its corresponding fees is not a fit for everyone (especial those with small orders) but it has been a boon for many others (particularly videographers). That said, it is not above getting updated in the near future to better accommodate orders of all weights and sizes while still allowing us to pay our couriers. We know how tough it can be to justify the fee when shipping a lens to one's front door is barely much more. Again, thank you all for letting us be included in the discussion!

 

[cbunn]

I'm not sure where you live, but have you looked into Calumet Photo Rentals? They only rent out of their stores, but they have a great stock of equipment and knowledgeable staff. The prices are reasonable as well. I've rented a few things over the years and I'm satisfied. One of the coolest features is that weekend rentals only count as one day. Can't beat that!