Filching NetFlix

Mimicing the Business

Model of the Moment

Aside from Blockbuster‘s recent attempts to turn some NetFlix biz their way, I’ve discovered a few other companies that seem to be adopting similar membership/payment styles:



Bag Borrow or Steal is a handbag borrowing business that charges from three different levels of monthly membership fees in exchange for the loan of designer purses. Keep your selection as long as you like, and then return it for the next style in your “virtual closet” wishlist.



Zooba.com is taking book-of-the-month clubs in a new direction. After joining for $9.95 per month, you create an online reading list from their available titles. Your first book is shipped immediately, and then one follows every month thereafter — each one selected from your personal reading list.



The simple twist here is that you own the book. It’s basically your standard book-club membership, except instead of sending you a selection card to return every month, you simply assemble your monthly selections in advance via your online reading list. It’s a brilliant application of the almost trendy NetFlix business model. I didn’t know whether to be disgusted or in awe of their common sense genius. I decided upon “awe” — it sure beats seeing another one of those “12 books for a penny” promotions!



You can join Zooba by clicking this link.