Gen Z turns to convenience, flexibility of rental economy

Household help

Li Shuwei, a 35-year-old mother from Tianjin with a 9-year-old daughter, has increasingly relied on rental services to make her daily life more convenient.

"Renting allows me to try out different household appliances and children's items without having to commit to a purchase," said Li.

After giving birth, she began renting not only cars and other items short-term, but also a wide range of products that suited the family's changing needs.

Over the years, she has rented food blenders, air purifiers, and robot vacuum cleaners she was considering purchasing, as well as children's items used for limited periods, including strollers, child car seats, and educational toys that her daughter quickly outgrew.

"Sometimes, I want to see if a product really suits our home and lifestyle before buying it. This approach helps avoid unnecessary spending and clutter," said Li.

She said when her daughter started learning piano at the age of 7, she decided to rent an entry-level digital piano for a few months to see if the girl would enjoy it.

"It was a great decision, as once she developed a real interest and commitment, we decided to buy a proper one," said Li.

She appreciates that rental platforms provide the opportunity to try out different brands and products.

"Renting gives me flexibility and freedom, as I can try out different large household appliances before deciding what truly suits our daily routines. This way, I don't waste money on products that might not work well for us, while also managing space more efficiently and keeping our home neat and organized," said Li.

She recently rented camping gear for a family outing, including a lightweight tent and portable stove, which made the trip more comfortable and fun without having to buy rarely used items. Li also borrowed a children's balance bike for her daughter to use during the holiday, allowing her to enjoy outdoor activities without the need for long-term storage at home.

"During a recent family gathering, I rented a mini projector for a movie night with my family — it was convenient, and we didn't need to buy one just for a single occasion," said Li.

Rental fees are generally reasonable. A premium stroller or car seat can be rented for around 50 to 80 yuan per day, while cameras and projectors range from 70 to 150 yuan per day depending on the brand and specifications.

Affordable pricing makes short-term use of high-quality goods practical for Li and many young parents. Renting helps them efficiently meet the unpredictable demands of parenthood, reduce waste, and avoid spending on items that are quickly outgrown or seldom used.