We test drive cars. We use beauty products for a week before deciding whether or not they’re for us – and if they’re not, we return within 60 days for a full refund. And so much of the adult industry is built upon the notion of a free trial.

With this same spirit (apparently) in mind, a London retailer is hoping their new rental initiative will lead to an increase in sales of its realistic sex dolls.

Silicone Sex World recently launched an option wherein consumers may rent an off-the-rack (non-custom) blonde, 168 cm tall (5’6”), D cup lady doll for up to seven days. Once a rental order is placed, the doll is shipped to the consumer on a selected date, arriving before 12pm local time. Renters must pay a £500 (US $710) refundable security deposit in addition to the  £100 (US $142) per day rental fee. Prices in US dollars are purely illustrative as this service is only available to addresses within the U.K.

Upon returning the doll, Silicone Sex World checks it over to ensure it is in good working order and, if so, refunds the deposit. The rental doll is then “cleaned to the highest standards to ensure [the next renter] receive[s] them in as good as new condition.”

Silicone Sex World said their rental unit has been fully booked for several weeks and record interest in their pre-built and custom sex dolls is a direct result of the program.

The organizations product specialist, Andy Phelps, stated: “For many, investing in a doll is a significant purchase but with a rental option, it’s much more attainable. Six months ago we sold two dolls per week and now we sell five per day.”

“Those who haven’t used a sex doll before are naturally curious about the experience and others simply want to try before they make a substantial purchase – a rental option was a logical step and one that our customers have really responded well to,” Phelps added. “The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.”

When considering Silicone Sex World’s sex doll rental program from a marketing and promotion standpoint, there’s little about it that’s remarkable – except for maybe why didn’t they think of this sooner. The notion of renting a sex doll in particular however may ring squeamish bells in some, from the exchange-based use and reuse of intimate objects to the ever increasing life-like nature of these particular objects.

Be one squeamish or strictly business, it’s important to consider the human dimension of this program. Because while Silicone Sex World is certainly bolstering their bottom line here, they’re also opening up access to this form of potentially previously inaccessible sexual expression and intimacy for people who may need it.

For more information visit siliconesexworld.com