Photography can be a rewarding, and endlessly creative outlet. Because cameras and their accessories are mass produced and vary in price, the artform is widely accessible to the public. However, professionals and enthusiasts discover quickly that, especially with improved camera models and lenses improving nearly every year, you never have all the equipment you need. For novices, just knowing what equipment to purchase can be overwhelming. From basic point and shoots to five figure camera bodies, the cost begins to add up; and I haven’t touched on the cost of lenses, accessories and insurance. Parachut, a camera gear subscription service, aims to make sure that one gets to try out different cameras, from film to digital, without breaking the bank.
Parachut is the first photography club that offers unlimited access to camera gear. Currently shipping to beta members, the subscription is month to month (that means no long-term contracts), and
With gear swaps on rotation, users are not able to choose the gear they receive. And, perhaps, that’s part of the intrigue and excitement surrounding Parachut’s service. Joining takes three steps:
- Reserve your spot as a Parachut Founding Member and secure the launch price of $149 per month.
- Accept the invite to join and activate membership.
- Look out for the latest 'Chut [SHoot] Drop to arrive at your doorstep.
Subscription services, from food to lifestyle products, have increased in popularity over the past five years. A Hitwise study demonstrated that subscription box ecommerce websites grew 3000% in the last three years. And, Parachut is positioned to capture a part of this market, which even has its own video niche category, subscription unboxing reviews, on YouTube.
The company’s no hassle, no obligation, and Netflix-esque approach to camera gear (members can keep the gear as long as they want, then send it back with a pre-paid shipping label when they are ready to try something new) has captured the attention of the tech, photography and business worlds. To date, the company has received press coverage from major tech outlets, like TechCrunch. The tech review and news website, although it deems that the company’s business model is not for everyone, “the Parachut team believes they’re tapping into a large, underserved market of experimental, curious photographers.”
With the subscription model remaining a popular money saving option that offers variety, Parachut is positioned to capture a piece of this burgeoning market. The investment community looks forward to future developments from the company.