Rent Cricut Machines: Pros, Cons, Where to Rent, & Project Ideas

Introduction to Cricut Rent-to-Own

Cricut machines have become increasingly popular over the past few years for DIY and crafting projects. From custom t-shirts to party decor, Cricuts can help create professional looking projects at home. However, Cricut machines don't come cheap with most models costing over $200.

For those looking to try a Cricut machine before fully committing, renting can be a great option. Renting allows you to test out the Cricut machine and ensure it will work for your projects without spending hundreds upfront. There are a few different ways to approach Cricut rentals including short-term renting for specific projects or events and longer-term rent-to-own agreements.

Short-Term Cricut Rentals

If you only need a Cricut machine for a single event or project, consider doing a short-term rental. Many craft stores and specialty rental companies offer Cricut machine rentals for daily, weekly, or monthly periods. This allows you to rent the machine just when you need it instead of buying one outright.

Short-term Cricut rentals can be great for one-off events like:

• Bachelorette parties
• Baby showers
• Birthday parties
• Weddings
• Holiday parties

Renting for a few days allows you to craft custom decorations, gifts, and more without having to store and maintain your own Cricut. Costs for short-term Cricut rentals are usually around $10-$30 per day depending on the rental company and model.

Longer-Term Rent-to-Own

For those looking to use a Cricut more regularly over a longer period, consider a long-term rent-to-own agreement. Rent-to-own allows you to pay a monthly rental fee for 6 months to a year. At the end of the rental agreement, you then have the option to purchase the Cricut machine outright.

Rent-to-own can be beneficial because it:

• Spreads out payments over time
• Allows you to try before buying
• Doesn't require credit checks or financing approval

Monthly rental fees are based on the type of machine and usually range from $20-$60 per month. At the end of the rental term, you'll have paid the full retail cost of the machine in rental fees. But the benefit is you get to use the Cricut the entire time instead of saving up to buy it first.

Where to Rent Cricuts

There are a few options when it comes to finding Cricut rentals including online marketplaces, craft stores, party suppliers, and rental companies.

Online Marketplaces

Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Nextdoor are great places to find short-term Cricut rentals from local owners. Instead of stores, you rent directly from an individual who already owns a Cricut machine. Rental terms and policies vary based on the owner.

Craft and Fabric Stores

Major craft retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabric offer Cricut machine rentals in select locations. These rentals are usually for 48 hours to 1 week at a time. Prices start around $25-$30 for a basic Cricut Explore Air 2 rental.

Party and Event Supply Stores

Companies that rent supplies for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and other events may also offer Cricut rentals. Especially in areas with a lot of entertainment industry or weddings.

For example, places like Sweet Buffalo Rentals in Los Angeles allow online booking for daily and weekly Cricut Explore Air 2 rentals. Having a Cricut on hand allows them to offer custom DIY decoration creation as an add-on service.

Rent-to-Own Companies

Rent-to-own companies like Aaron's, Rent-A-Center, and Flexshopper specialize in rent-to-own furniture, electronics, and appliances. Some locations also carry Cricut cutting machines and tools available on monthly payment plans.

After qualifying for financing, you pay rental fees over 6 months to a year. At the end of the term, you can purchase the Cricut or return it to the store. Monthly fees for a Cricut Maker at Rent-A-Center would be around $60 per month.

Is Renting a Cricut Worth It?

At the end of the day, only you can decide if renting a Cricut is worth the money and effort compared to buying. Here are a few pros and cons to weigh when considering Cricut rentals.

Pros

• Lower Upfront Cost - Only pay for the time you need instead of $200-$400 at once
• Test Before Buying - Evaluate if a Cricut works for your projects before fully committing
• Occasional Use - Perfect for one-off events and infrequent projects
• Split Payments - Month payments with rent to own allow more budget flexibility

Cons

• Expensive Over Time - Pay more in the long run than just purchasing
• Access Limitations - Need to return the machine preventing unlimited use
• Extra Effort - Researching rental options and policies takes time
• Risk of Damage - You may have to pay for repairs if the machine gets damaged

Consider both the short and long term costs. Renting a Cricut for a single baby shower you're hosting is very different than renting long-term to create custom t-shirt designs to sell online. Evaluate your unique needs to determine if Cricut rentals are right for your situation.

Finding the Best Cricut Rental Rates

Research rental rates before choosing a Cricut provider. Rental costs can vary widely for the same equipment even within the same geographic area.

Compare All Fees

Look beyond just the daily or monthly rental rate when comparing providers. Some companies charge extra fees like:

• Delivery and pick up fees
• Security deposits
• Supply rental fees
• Damage waivers

Calculate the all-in costs to find the best value. Getting the machine delivered so you don't have to transport it yourself could be worth an extra $10-$20 in fees for example.

Ask About Discounts

Don't be afraid to ask rental companies about special offers or ways to lower costs. Especially for longer rentals, there may be room for a partial discount or other perk like waived delivery fees.

For shorter rentals, bundling other party supplies like backdrops and balloons can lead to 10-20% off overall rentals. Shop around and negotiate to maximize savings.

Split Costs with Friends

For one-time use cases like a party or event, consider going in with friends on the rental. By splitting the fees and coordination duties, renting becomes more affordable.

Just make sure to clearly divide up tasks like:

• Researching rental companies and arranging the reservation
• Paying fees and providing security deposits
• Picking up the machine
• Returning the machine after use

Having an agreed upon plan and schedule prevents issues down the line.

DIY Cricut Project Inspiration

Once you secure your Cricut rental, it's time to start brainstorming what projects to create! Possibilities are endless when it comes to custom gifts, decorations, apparel, and more with a Cricut.

Party Backdrops

Personalized backdrops and photo walls makeparties, weddings, baby showers, and other events feel custom and special. Use iron on vinyl, cardstock, fabric, and other materials with a Cricut machine to decorate walls and entryways.

Home Decor

Give living spaces an upgrade with custom wall art, pillows, canvas prints, and signs created on a Cricut. Experiment with different fonts, templates, colors, and materials for completely one-of-a-kind home decor.

Clothing and Accessories

Use iron on vinyl, HTV, and other specialty materials to create custom t-shirts, hats, totes, and more on a Cricut. Great for making personalized gifts like bridesmaids proposals, family reunion swag, or coordinated outfits.

Party Favors

Candles, coasters, containers, sachets, and trinkets take on a whole new meaning when customized. Craft perfect party favors including names, dates, events details, and inside jokes.

The possibilities are endless when you utilize a Cricut machine for DIY projects. Renting first allows you to test ideas without fully committing to machine ownership.

FAQs

Can I rent a Cricut for just a day or two?

Yes, many craft stores and rental companies offer short-term Cricut rentals for as little as a day or up to a week. These quick rentals allow you to use the machine for a single event or project.

What projects can I make with a rented Cricut?

Anything you can make with a regular Cricut! Some popular rental projects include custom t-shirts, wall art, holiday gifts, wedding signs, baby onesies, and party decorations.

Do I need any special skills to use a Cricut?

Not at all! Cricuts are designed to be user-friendly for beginners. As long as you can use basic computer programs and upload images, you can start crafting with a rented Cricut right away.

What supplies do I need in addition to renting the machine?

At minimum you'll need material to cut like vinyl, iron on, cardstock, or fabric. You may also want transfer tape, a cutting mat, tools, and design software.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a Cricut?

Renting can be cheaper in the short term. But renting long term or repeat rentals may cost more over time than just buying your own machine.