Life’s beat

SINGAPORE (AFP) - - A Louis Vuitton bag, diamond-inlaid guitar, Gucci shades and a dog. Total cost? Less than 1,000 Singapore dollars (654 US). The catch is, you’re only renting. As consumers scrimp to survive the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, Singaporeans are increasingly turning to Internet-based rental outlets to at least maintain their sense of style, business operators say. "Just like how local coffee shops can expect better business than restaurants in times of economic turmoil, I believe a guitar rental service would be much appreciated in these times," said Elaine Khoo, owner of Rent-A-Guitar. Her online company offers electric and classical guitars of various makes as well as amplifiers and guitar accessories for just one dollar per item a day — with a deposit, of course. Although not yet able to provide figures, Khoo said she has been "pleasantly surprised" by the response to her service, and said the economic crisis partly inspired her to set up her business in February. "I see the economic gloom as an opportunity for me to promote a service in which customers pay a smaller amount to rent the guitar rather than buy," Khoo said. Another rental company that says it is doing well despite the gloomy economy is thatbagiwant.com, which allows trendy customers to rent luxury handbags and sunglasses at prices vastly lower than their retail cost. read more>>>