Bartering websites have been popping up one after another while temporary lease websites have also become the new tool for white collar workers to communicate with each other on the internet. Articles listed on the Zuzu website, a platform for netizens to rent or borrow, range from discount cards to luxury VIP cards, from wedding gowns to home appliances.

Mi Yan, a white collar worker, just came back from the vacation.. To her friend’s astonishment, she had spent no more than RMB 300  on items like the newly released Toyota SUV, as well as a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, parka, European-style stove and grill - - all of which she rented over the internet.

Why is online leasing so popular? According to five netizens who lease items out over the internet, rented items come back to their owner without any loss and bring their owner profits comparable with selling and bartering. When it comes to necessities which are very expensive but not frequently used, leasing is a profitable option to maximize usage of a specific item.

Although online lease is very innovative, only a limited demographic of people are actually making use of this service. A webmaster of a leasing site says that their registered users are mostly female white collar workers aged between 25 and 30.

Experts say leasing is different from selling. Honesty is very important to both parties. Leasing websites should go through safety procedures such as information confirmation, complaints management to ensure the legal rights of netizens.