What Makes a Good Product Service System?
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 11.18.08
Photo: matze_ott
Ah, the product service system (or PSS): one of TreeHugger's favorite concepts shrouded by one of the clunkiest names. For anyone who'd like a quick refresher, a PSS replaces a product with a service; instead of paying for the product itself (and whatever maintenance and upkeep it requires), you pay to use the product for a bit, and then give it back. Think of it this way: a PSS is often an answer to the question, "Hey, do you really need to own one of those?"
There are a few classic examples: libraries, bike sharing (pictured above), and car-sharing services are all good ones, and we've rounded up a bunch of other good examples in the past. But what makes a good product service system? Read on for a few examples of some newer PSS's that also exemplify why it's better to rent than buy.
Functional: Clothing libraries
Perhaps more than anything, a good PSS needs to provide a necessary service that can help make your life easier without having to own so much stuff. Clothing libraries are one such service, since we all put clothes on our backs (most every day, at least).
Low maintenance: "Loop" from MIO
Product service systems have to be low maintenance to work well; if you have to fiddle with it too much, it defeats the purpose of eschewing ownership for service. "Loop," a wallpaper-like textile from Mio comes with it's own envelope so you can simply and easily mail it back to Mio for replacement if it gets torn or just wears thin. If you can mail a postcard, you can use this groovy PSS. We first spied it at this year's International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Useful but rarely used: Tool libraries
A good PSS will help you replace gadgets, tools, and implements that you need, but maybe not every day; all the things you get to on the weekends that just gather dust the rest of the time. Tool libraries are a good example; unless you're a contractor, currently remodeling, or otherwise in need of tools every day, your Langstrom seven-inch gangly wrench or Little Giant 25 pound mechanical hammer is going to sit idle more than it's in use.
I can haz PSS: The cat cafe
With tongue only slightly in cheek, we point out Japan's Cat Cafes because, as one customer says, "When it comes to having cats, it's a burden. I work and I don't have the time to take care of them in a responsible manner." To be clear, you don't get to rent the cat, but you get to join them for breakfast or tea while the catz loll around. It can improve your quality of life, according to the same customer, who thinks hanging with the cats is "a way to relax and let go of my stress." Others note that it is a big help for people with picky landlords or without time or space to have their own. Here's the full scoop on cat cafes.
More product service systems in TreeHugger
TreeHugger Picks: Why Buy When You Can Rent?
TreeHugger Picks: Product Service Systems (Part II)
The TH Interview: Bicing, Barcelona’s Bike Sharing System (Part 1: City Council)
Car-Sharing Bonanza: Zipcar and Flexcar Merge
Eco-tip: Don't Buy It When You Can Neighborrow It
I don't know about the cats, but any tool library with four dibbles gets my vote.
Sounds like a locavore's dream.
Yes, it's a good concept, but the reality can be problematic. I live in Barcelona, where we have the bike-sharing program pictured in your article. I use the bikes daily and, really, I can't remember the last time I got a bike that wasn't screwed up in some way. Either the maintenance is shoddy or the people are just trashing the bikes. Given that nobody wears helmets here, it's just a matter of time until this poor maintenance leads to serious injuries or death. Then what?
Good article. The service based economy is a great concept and I think is one answer to the issue of throw-away consumerism, which is essentially driven by a desire for cash flow. Flexicar in Australia is another example of this, I'm sure these exists in a lot of countries these days. https://www.flexicar.com.au/.