财经聚焦 | 这些年轻人为何偏爱“租赁消费”？

Core Viewpoint - The rental economy is rapidly expanding in China, driven by a shift in consumer preferences among young people who favor "usage over ownership" and seek flexibility in their consumption habits [1][3][4]. Group 1: Rental Market Growth - The rental economy in China is projected to exceed 4.2 trillion yuan in transaction volume by 2024, marking a 32% year-on-year increase, with over 750 million users served [1]. - The demand for diverse rental services is evident, with significant year-on-year growth in searches for various rental categories, such as camera rentals (63%), wedding dress rentals (109%), and children's stroller rentals (165%) [2]. - The rental market has diversified beyond traditional categories like housing and vehicles to include clothing, beauty products, digital devices, and outdoor equipment, reflecting a trend towards "variety, digital services, and quality demand" [2][3]. Group 2: Young Consumers as Key Drivers - Young consumers, particularly those born in the '90s and '00s, are becoming the main force in the rental market, emphasizing experiences over ownership and valuing cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations [3][4]. - Platforms like "芝麻租赁" reported a 71.6% increase in transaction volume in the first half of the year, with users under 30 accounting for over 60% of orders, and "00后" users seeing a twofold increase in orders [3]. - The trend of "scene-based rentals" is gaining popularity, with businesses offering bundled rental packages for specific activities, catering to the experiential needs of young consumers [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - The rapid growth of the rental market has led to increased consumer disputes and challenges such as unclear contracts and damage assessments [6]. - Experts suggest establishing a multi-stakeholder governance system involving government, platforms, businesses, and consumers to regulate the rental market effectively [6]. - Recommendations include enhancing service standardization, ensuring transparency in rental processes, and exploring innovative business models like "rental + subscription" to meet diverse consumer needs [6].