Innovation

How UrbanHires is generating revenue from your clothes

UrbanHires – a peer-to-peer community-focused platform – empowers users to generate revenue from their clothes through sales or rentals.

Founded by Olivia Jones, the platform prioritises safety and convenience for its users while also enabling them to generate additional income through its features as well as partnerships with the likes of Uber and DoorDash for pick-ups and deliveries.

Jones talked to Internet Retailing‘s sister publication Inside Small Business about how UrbanHires came to fruition – and what lies ahead.

How did the idea for UrbanHires first come about?

The idea for UrbanHires came from seeing how much we all spend on clothes for events and then never wear them again. I realised there’s a massive gap in the market for an easy way to rent out clothes, so I created UrbanHires to make fashion more affordable, sustainable, and accessible but with a twist. It was all about finding a way to let people rent or sell their clothes, while also making money from their wardrobe.

How do you make this app stand out from other platforms and websites that also offer clothing sales and rentals?

UrbanHires stands out because it’s easy to use and focuses on community. You can rent, buy, and sell clothes, all hassle-free. We prioritise security and trust, with every user going through an identification process so you know you’re dealing with verified individuals. Plus, we make it smoother with a rating system for both renters and lenders. We also partner with Uber and DoorDash for local deliveries – no more awkward meet-ups. Our app creates a safe, seamless, and user-friendly experience, which I believe sets us apart in the market.

What is the most challenging aspect of running this platform and how are you overcoming this challenge?

The most challenging and exciting part of this platform is the fact that it’s designed to be a local, peer-to-peer network. UrbanHires connects people in close proximity, allowing local users to rent from other locals. This setup keeps the money within the community and promotes friendly trade amongst peers. The challenge, though, is getting enough users on the platform quickly enough so that it’s a vibrant, visible community for everyone. We’re seeing more and more people onboard and excited about the concept, and we’re working fast to grow the community even further. The more users we get, the better the experience for everyone.

How important is it for UrbanHires to promote circular fashion?

It’s everything. Circular fashion is the future, and it’s why I started UrbanHires. By renting clothes and keeping them in circulation, we reduce waste and combat the environmental issues caused by fast fashion. If we can get people to think of their wardrobe as a shared resource, it’s a win for both the planet and their wallets.

What are the future plans for the platform’s growth in the next couple of years?

OJ: In the next couple of years, we’re planning on growing both locally and globally. I want UrbanHires to be everywhere, so more people can rent and share their wardrobes. We’re also working on improving the app’s features to make the experience even better for users, while building more partnerships with businesses to keep growing our community.

What is the most important lesson you think an aspiring entrepreneur should take to heart?

Honestly, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never give up. There will always be challenges, but you’ve got to keep going, stay focused on your vision, and learn from the bumps along the way. Surround yourself with people who believe in your idea and never be afraid to ask for help. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence pays off.

• This story was originally published on Inside Small Business.