Online Marketplace Gives Used Goods Charitable ‘2nd’ Life

A new online enterprise in the household goods and appliance rental market, 2ndLease, aims to deliver a new form of cash flow for Aussie charities.

Breaking with the tradition of rental companies which offer new goods on fixed terms, 2ndLease said it allows individuals and organisations the chance to list their own goods to be rented for an income.

According to 2ndLease Founder, Brisbane-based Alex Brown, the new site connects the community with the consumer, while also addressing the growing problem of E-waste.

“Our vision is to create a community-based, cost-effective alternative to the existing household appliance rental/purchase options, in the process reducing our landfill burden,” Brown said.

“Electronic waste (E-waste) is the fastest growing type of waste entering the earth via landfills and dumps. 2ndLease is helping reduce the waste burden by promoting the reusing of electrical goods that still have a lot to contribute to our lives.”

Not only does 2ndLease offer owners of second-hand goods the opportunity to derive an income from renting their goods, but charities will also get a piece of the action.

The initiative allows customers to rent a range of goods from $10 per month, or $2.31 per week, providing an opportunity for charities to create a cash flow from the donated goods and appliances.

“Charities can register their goods to be rented to our customers, earning a rental payment from every item they rent out,” Brown said.

“Charities can also register to be on the 2ndLease charity list to receive payments from donated goods more easily. ?

“Owners have the choice between keeping the income or directing it to their favourite charity, who often cannot directly accept electrical goods.

“This is part of the magic of our new online rental community. We are providing a new way for the public to donate to charities by unlocking the value in their unused goods.”

2ndLease goods include fridges, washing machines, dryers, televisions and sound systems, and range between $10.00 and $25.00 per month. All contracts are on a month-to-month basis, with a two month minimum.

Brown said charities would receive 80 per cent of the gross monthly rental payment from each appliance they list.

“If a charity is renting out five new items each week that average $20.00 per month in rental payments, they will earn over $25,000 after 12 months, growing to over $1,000 per week,” he said.

“Increase this to 10 new items per week and charities will earn roughly $55,000 in the first 12 months, growing to around $2,000 per week.”

Brown said 2ndLease takes on the full liability of the goods once they take possession of the goods.

“Renting goods out has zero cost to charities, 2ndlease only receives an income if the goods are rented,” he said.

“The charity is fully indemnified from any risks or liabilities, directly or indirectly, and retains ownership of the goods throughout the agreement.”