There are many different rental solutions today for cameras, lenses, and gear but nothing I have come across is as quite as interesting as a new subscription service called Parachut. Parachut will be a monthly camera membership club that sends you new digital/analog/specialty cameras, lenses, drones, speed lights, etc., right to your doorstep allowing you to send back for new gear, keep it as long as you’d like, or even buy it at a discounted price.
Photographers can reserve a spot for Parachut’s launch for the discounted price of $99 for the first month ($149 per months afterwards).
How Parachut Works
Your first complete a profile by answering specific questions about your needs so that experts at Parachut can determine and curate the best camera and equipment. The profile is created and used to fill your orders with what they call a ‘Chut Drop’ subscription box. The Chut Drop can have anything from a time-lapse package to your dream camera, lens, memory card, or even the film you’ll need for your analog camera. The Chut Drop comes with a pre-paid shipping label so you can send it back easily.
By creating your wish list of cameras and gear, the curated collections based on your needs and preferences will be fulfilled as long as you have a paid subscription. This ‘Netflix for camera equipment’ is an exciting new business model for photographers because it makes it easy for photographers looking to upgrade their gear to try out first, or for a beginner who can test out what best suits their needs and buy it from Parachut.
Parachut Release Date
Parachut says the service will start in late Spring 2016 and will only be available for U.S. residents, but they do say that they do have plans for expanding to more countries in the future. Also, they will offer insurance options you can purchase in case the equipment is broken or damaged while it’s in your possession.
You can also sign up to win a free full year of Chut Drops. To sign up for the contest you must reserve your spot, follow Parachut on Facebook and Twitter, and tweet their customized message.
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