Rent a tuxedo online? Really? Yes, it’s actually possible and doable. A lot changed during the pandemic in the last three years, and a tremendous amount of product and service has seen infrastructure build up to make it very reasonable now to rent or buy online. The big problem with online services for anything physical was how long it took from order and payment to receive the item. This convenience aspect is what typically helps people back from buying online anything more than small things, services, or digital goods. However, because of the pandemic, retailers and renters became very savvy about how to get good to consumers faster. As a result, it’s quite possible now to rent even a tuxedo online and receive in a short time window, making the service very functional.
Sizing Still Matters
Of course, an online tuxedo rental or buying a tuxedo is going to require more participation and planning by a buyer versus just picking one up at a physical store. That’s because the consumer now has to be a bit versed in clothing measurements as well as how things fit to get the right suit size and dimensions. Otherwise, the rental or purchase is going to involve a lot of delays with back and forth shipping. Additionally, if one is not quite sure and ends up ordering two or even three suits, it’s reasonable to expect a sizable deposit to be put down to protect the vendor’s interest. Some might not want to send out more than one or two suits at a time as a policy. While the online provisioning of tuxedos is very active and doable now, it’s still a bit of a new business channel for many vendors getting the hang of things digitally.
Rent or Buy?
The cost to buy a tuxedo, especially one fitted correctly to a consumer, is still going to be higher, easily within the range of $500 to $800 for a complete outfit with shoes and accessories. So, renting a tuxedo makes sense, and doing so digitally can be even more convenient for those on the go or simply very engaged with the Internet all day long.
The tuxedo and rental suit industry has been picking up steam as well with more-prepared entrants in the digital market. For example, George Zimmer has been very active launching efforts into the digital market. People might remember his name from his original venture as CEO, the Men’s Wearhouse. With the business models from the original tuxedo and suit business, his latest ventures have already seen significant market penetration and performance online with a product many consumers previously would have assumed could only be handled in person. The timing is good to, especially as well-established tuxedo stores and chains seem to be folding.
Worth Trying Just to Experience It
Renting a tuxedo online may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth experiencing at least once to know what to expect from it. Some people have really clicked with the process and have found it works extremely well. Granted, those in urban markets seem to do better with digital delivery services than those in more rural areas, no question. However, if there is an event coming up with some time for planning, a digital tuxedo rental just might be the thing to try for a new experience.
