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2023 Sustainability Report
published 2024/08/01
About VAUDEVAUDE Rent

Rent sustainable outdoor equipment

Our rental service, VAUDE Rent, is integral to our circular business model and aligns with the VAUDE strategy of sustainable, resource-independent growth. By incorporating recycled and renewable materials and transitioning to renewable energy sources across our global supply chain, we leverage circular business models as a crucial mechanism to decouple our resource consumption from revenue growth over the long term.

From iRentit to the professionalized rental service VAUDE Rent

As early as 2017, before software and logistics partners for circular services were established, we began offering our rental service, iRentit, allowing customers to borrow our products. With manual processes and great dedication, we maintained this offering on a small scale. In 2022, we were able to professionalize the rental service by launching a new online shop in collaboration with our partners Lizee and WKS (starting in 2023), laying the foundation for scaling this business model.



»Circular business models are the way forward - they help us to grow sustainably and reduce our consumption of resources at the same time.«

Robert Klauer, Unternehmensentwicklung - Sustainability und CSR

There are several reasons why we have established a rental service in addition to the regular sale of products:


  • Sustainability and environmental awareness:
    Our rental service provides a sustainable alternative to buying outdoor products. This helps reduce the ecological footprint by cutting down on individual purchases and associated resource waste. It appeals to customers who prioritize sustainability and environmental protection.

  • Outdoor equipment for budget-conscious customers:
    Our rental service can help attract new customers and retain existing ones over the long term. Customers who may not be willing or able to pay the full price for a product can use our rental service to access our high-quality products. A positive rental experience might lead them to decide to purchase the product later or continue using the rental service.

  • Valuable customer feedback:
    Our rental service provides valuable insights into how our products are used in practice, allowing us to gather essential customer feedback. Customers can share their experiences, suggest improvements, and highlight features we may have missed. This feedback helps drive our product development and innovation efforts.

  • Use of products for a limited period:
    Additionally, we cater to new customer segments who are interested in short-term use. This includes individuals who need certain products occasionally or those who value the flexibility to try different products before deciding to purchase.

How does VAUDE Rent work?

Our rental service, VAUDE Rent, operates in partnership with WKS Textilveredelungs-GmbH in Wilsum, experts in refurbishing outdoor equipment. Products are shipped to customers and, after the rental period, are inspected to meet VAUDE's high-quality standards. Our professional cleaning and repair service ensures each item is hygienic and fully functional. The online platform is continuously enhanced in collaboration with our French technology partner, Lizee. Since 2024, our rental products have been available alongside VAUDE Second Hand items in an online shop.


For more details about the Rent & Second Hand online shop and our partnerships with WKS & Lizee, watch the video:


 
 

VAUDE Rent: A Communication Tool or a Long-Term Business Model?

The introduction of our rental service, allows us to diversify our revenue model and tap into additional revenue streams. This helps balance out seasonal fluctuations and market trends, making our business year more stable. First, we identify all costs, such as logistics, storage, repair, and insurance, to ensure the service is profitable and customer-focused. This step marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a circular economy and represents our deep-rooted belief that sustainability and conscious consumption go hand in hand. In the long term, we view our circular business models, like renting or second-hand, as pivotal tools to decouple our revenue from resource consumption in the future.


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GRI:   3-3
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