Have you ever traveled to a new city and needed a stroller or car seat--but didn't want to shell out the cash to buy one new? Or have you ever thought about dusting off your child's outgrown stroller to earn a few bucks?
A new startup just expanded to Chicago to help you do just that.
GoBaby, a New York City-based startup, has created a baby equipment rental marketplace and app that lets you rent things like car seats and strollers on demand. The company, which launched last fall, announced Wednesday that it is expanding to Chicago, as well as San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles and Austin.
"We’re excited to announce that we are launching GoBaby in several new markets to meet the demand we’ve seen from parents across the country," the company said in a blog post, adding that "parents traveling to these destinations will soon be able to identify members of the GoBaby community with items for rent near their destinations?—?thus, eliminating the need to plan, pack and lug their children’s equipment with them."
Here's how it works: If you're renting equipment, you can search and select items by location, date and category, pick the item up in person or get it delivered, return the item, and pay in the app. If you own the equipment, just take a photo of the item you want to rent out and add a description and price, and choose a delivery method.
The app also has a messaging feature that allows users to chat with each other once they’ve made a reservation. And GoBaby is planning to roll out a Recall Check List feature that makes sure uploaded items have not been placed on a national recall list.
So if you've ever found yourself frustrated by lugging baby gear through an airport or stuffing a stroller into a crammed car, GoBaby could provide an easier solution.
