This year I'll be trying to get into a few dealers dens, so I've been thinking about what I'd like to offer at my table. I want to do something different that will help promote my commissions, sell pre-made suits, and spread the joy of fursuiting overall. The idea of rental fursuits just won't leave me and the more I think about the more I think its feasible. Since it isn't a readily offered service in the furry community, I feel like someone must have tried it and had it fail spectacularly, but all the reasons for failing I can think of I feel I have a solution too. I'm just going to do a little brainstorming here, and let me know if you guys have any suggestions or wisdom in this.


The Threat of Theft

The threat of theft is definitely a big worry, but I feel that taking proper precautions can reduce theft and help me recoup any loses if a theft does occur.

1.) Requiring the renter to had over their driver's license/id for the duration of their rental period. I have been required to hand over my license when handling puppies at a pet store so I don't feel this is unreasonable. Even if the thief leaves off with the suit I'll have a name and address to send the police to. Taking a photocopy of the license may also be sufficient. I'd also be able to give the information over to the convention staff.

2.) Fursuit parts will have a plastic tag, similar to the tags at clothing stores, which are hard to remove and label the fursuit as property of CityMutt. A large tag on the ear of the head can also double as advertising.

3.) GPS trackers hidden in the suits. GPS trackers aren't very expensive these days and would be worth the expense to track down any missing suits.


Keeping the Fursuits Clean

1.) With my development of machine washable heads, keeping the suits clean and disinfected will be an easy enough task. Finding a Laundromat in the convention's city won't be too difficult if the suits need to be washed between days.

2.) I could require renters to wear a balaclava whenever wearing the head.

3.) I could require that fursuit be kept within convention space and the renter could face a fine for taking it outside.

4.) I could require that fursuits be returned before dealer's den closing, to prevent any "unauthorized usage" of the suits.


Promoting Sales

1.) Not only would rentals create income, but they could increase customers in commissions since people will have the opportunity to "try before the buy"

2.) Rental suits could be available for purchase in the case that a renter wants to make it their permanent suit.

3.) More people walking around in CityMutt fursuits can only help increase brand awareness.


Damage to Fursuits

1.) Our new fursuit-building model has led to very durable fursuits which can easily take quite a bit of abuse.

2.) Fursuits will be examined when returned and if found to have severe or negligent damage done to them the renter would be held liable for repair costs. Small, easily fixed things like a loose claws won't be fined, I'm talking about significant damage that shows the renter intentionally damaged the suit or was incredibly negligent with it.

3.) Renters will have to pay for any parts they lose, such as a hand paw or a head. Losing a part would be considered negligent.



If I were to do this I'd certainly start small with just a couple partials and see how it goes. Can you guys let me know what you think, I'd really value your input on this :)