Survey for my fellow photographers

[RentalInfo]

Hello. Based on all the forum category descriptions, this seems like the right place for this post. However, if anyone has any issues, please let me know and I will move or delete it. I'm not trying to sell anything or spam anyone.

I am conducting research on the habits of photographers. Specifically, I am trying to find out more about the equipment renting habits of photographers (both professional and "enthusiast").

If you have the time, would you please take the survey posted here?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=310313756630

It should take you between 5-10 minutes at the most. I really appreciate your help.

In the interest of trust, I'm posting my personal e-mail here so you can ask me questions or verify that this is legitimate.

kohlmannj [at] yahoo [dot] com

Thanks so much, and please post a reply here or write to the above e-mail address if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Jared Kohlmann

Moderators: I've read the terms of use and didn't find anything that would preclude a post like this. However, if you feel it is inappropriate, I will remove it without hesitation. Thank you!

[another view]

Hi - I don't have a problem with your thread, but I am curious what the results will be used for - class assignment, commercial opportunity, etc. Please tell us a little more about it.

[Tel]

I think its a bot, but thats just me.

[RentalInfo]

Forgive me if I seem like a bot. It's easy to think that because I posted this thread on several forums. I only did that to increase my odds of a statistically significant sample size.

I'm trying to be as open about this as possible, but please feel free to ask more questions. I don't want to appear sneaky or underhanded in any way.

The reason I'm doing this is because as a photographer, I've been frustrated by my choices when it comes to renting photo equipment. There are several reasons why that is:
1) The ability to "try before you buy" is difficult (and costly) to come by unless you're in a major metropolitan area
2) I've needed very specialized (and expensive) equipment on a limited-time basis and been unable to procure it

I get the feeling (subjectively) that there are many other people who also feel that way. I decided to find out *objectively* if that feeling was valid or not.


The purpose of this research is to determine:
1) The interest level in the market of photographers who rent equipment (e.g. Do many photographers rent equipment?)
2) What kind of equipment those photographers have rented or would like to rent
3) Whether or not photographers are comfortable renting equipment from an online venue

Depending on the interest level that I find, I *might* pursue creating a business to fill a need in the marketplace.

However, I want to make absolutely clear that I will not take advantage of this forum (or any other) for marketing/advertising/spamming purposes. Yes, this is market research for an idea, but it is just that....an idea. If that business does end up a reality, I will not break the terms of use to "drum up" business, you can be sure.

Thanks for your questions, and thank you VERY MUCH to those who have taken the survey. I sincerely appreciate it.

Best regards,
Jared

[mjs1973]

You may find this tread interesting. A while back, someone else was considering starting a rental business.

Ideas for camera rental business?

[another view]

Thanks for replying, I'll take the survey. FWIW, I don't really have a need for much in the way of specialty equipment. It might have been nice when I was doing a little professional work but would have been very expensive. I live just far enough from a rental place for it not to be convienient, so the rental would probably be for a couple/few days. By the time I paid all the charges I'd have been farther ahead to buy the gear and then turn around and sell it. That's what I did with my second camera body - bought used from a friend and then sold a year later for the same money.

If you have a commercial job where you can expense it, rentals are a great idea but it's not for me.

[RentalInfo]

Michael-
Thanks for pointing out that thread. It was great to read through and get a feel for what people's concerns (and wishes) are. I appreciate it!

another view-
I have been genuinely surprised by the number of people who don't even look into renting because they think the cost would be prohibitive. Of course that dollar amount will differ based on each individual's situation, but I was surprised just how cheaply a lot of these places (online, mind you) are renting quality stuff. You can rent a bunch of really nice kit for not much money these days.
I can see that if this business does become a reality, that will be a big objection I'll need to overcome. Thanks for your input!

Best regards,
Jared

[RentalInfo]

Hi guys-

Thank you to all who have responded to the survey. Your input is very valuable, and I truly appreciate it.

I will be closing the survey Friday May 25th at 12:00 PM MDT. Those who wish to participate should do so before then.

The link is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=310313756630

Thanks again, and happy shooting!

Best regards,
Jared

[Frog]

Are you going to let us know the results?

[RentalInfo]

While I probably won't post everything (too much info for most people), I will absolutely come back and post some results for those who are interested.

Give me a few days after it's closed to put everything together, then I'll start a new thread with the results.

Thanks!

--Jared