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Roadmap: hat block rental
We are working on it. Here is how the project is progressing, step by step.
If you have any ideas, send us an email.
Overall progress40 %
✓ Done · 2→ In progress · 3◎ Under consideration · 2⊙ Researching · 1◈ Survey · 1⚠ Blocker · 1○ Not started · 1
01
Having the idea and the will to offer hat blocks for rent
✓ Done!The idea is born and the will is there. We know milliners need easy access to a wide variety of blocks and sizes. Here we go.
02
Use our own site or build a dedicated rental platform?
✓ Done!It is settled: rental will be built straight into our shop rather than on a separate platform. You will find the blocks for rent in the same place as the rest of the catalogue, with your usual account and addresses.
03
Find a rental module with blocked time slots
→ In progressNo off-the-shelf solution really matched our needs, so we are building the module ourselves. It will automatically block out time slots for the rental period, as well as the shipping time each way.
04
Find a payment solution
→ In progressWe are leaning towards Stripe, already in use on the shop. It can place a hold on a bank card as a deposit, then release it once the block comes back in good condition.
05
Find a reliable, fast and affordable carrier
⚠ Blocker!This is the real sticking point. Blocks are bulky and heavy. Finding a carrier that ticks every box — reliability, speed, price — is a genuine headache.
06
Find packaging suited to round trips
⊙ ResearchingWe need a box or case that protects the block, can be reused, and lets the customer send it back without any fuss.
07
Define the rental period and its options
◎ Under considerationHow long should a block be rented for? One week, two weeks, a month? Can the customer choose the length? Can it be extended? All of this remains to be decided.
08
Set the rental prices
◎ Under considerationWhat should renting a block cost? Should the price vary with how rare the block is, or with the rental period? Should there be a subscription for regular workshops? The price has to be fair for the customer — and sustainable for us. That is the whole question.
09
Make the hat blocks intended for rental
→ In progressWe are building up a stock of blocks set aside for rental. It takes time.
10
Put the complete service in place
○ Not startedOnce every piece is ready, it all has to come together: the site, the module, the payments, the logistics. And then testing, testing, testing.
11
Reach out to professionals
◈ Survey under wayWe have started talking about the idea to gauge interest. The first responses are encouraging, but we want to be sure the service really matches your needs.