Do you need a friend, or want someone to come along with you, when no one else will? If so, then Rent A Friend is just for you! In this article we’ll take a look and answer the question, is Rent A Friend a scam? As long as you keep yourself safe, and make sure to have a good time, Rent A Friend is a great opportunity for you!
Company: Rent A Friend (RAF)
Creators: Scott Rosenbaum
Description: Rent a person who will do stuff with you/for you, i.e. go to the movies, be your wingman, workout buddy.
Price: $24.95 per month, $69.95 per year
Recommended? Yes
Rating: 7 out of 10
RAF (Rent A Friend) has been around for sometime now. It’s almost coming up on its 10th year birthday. Back in 2009 a guy by the name of Scott Rosenbaum started a website for people to allow you to rent a friend.
How does this all work?
Let’s say that you have an extra ticket to a ball game, but don’t want to go alone. RAF is there to help you. You can search your local cities, and see if there are any ball game lovers out there would be interested in going with you.
And it’s not just for sports fans. If you want tour guides, help learning a new skill, or even someone to accompany you on something you don’t want to do alone, RAF has all of these and more covered.
What Is Rent A Friend?
First off, it needs to be clear that RAF is nothing about dating, or quick hook ups. The website makes it very clear that 
there should be no physical contact between the two people. RAF is for simple platonic friendships, to find people who will enjoy the same sort of things you do.
RAF offers you the ability to search for people who are willing to be your friend for a certain fee. These people come in all shapes and sizes, and abilities. You interested in having a golf buddy? RAF can help you.
Are you interested in learning about a different religion, but don’t know where to go? RAF can find someone who will be willing to help you with that.
Do you want to go to a party or a club, but don’t want to go alone? RAF will find someone to go with you.
What Is The Cost?
To rent a friend through RAF, there is a monthly membership option, or a yearly option.
The monthly membership is only $24.95 per month. When you pay, you’ll have access to the thousands of people in the world who use this site, as well as the ability of finding someone who enjoys the same things as you do.
The yearly membership is only $69.95 for the year. Like the monthly membership, you’ll get access to all the new friends you can make. It should be noted though, that when on the yearly plan, there is no renew option, and so you’ll have to make sure you renew manually every time your subscription runs out.
Who Is the Site For?
RAF is for anyone and everyone. They offer worldwide services, not only in the USA, but also in many other countries as well.
As said before, it’s for those who are looking for friends. Ones who need someone to do fun things with them. People who are wanting others who are interested in the same things as they are.
For example, an elderly lady was able to find someone who would visit with her for a while around each week. The elderly lady was able to find someone who would be with her, giving her support and companionship, while the other person was able to make some money.
Another person was able to find someone in the NYC to act as a tour guide while their family visited the large city. Not only did they learn a lot of information about the city itself, but they also learned how to use a subway, hail a cab, and haggle with street vendors. It was a win-win situation.
What Is The Cost To Rent A Friend?
Typically, it costs about $10 an hour to rent someone as a friend. But many of the people on RAF are willing to negotiate their prices. Some may even doing it for ‘free’, if they think it will be fun enough.
For example, one person rented a friend to go work out in the gym with them twice to three times a week. Instead of paying the renter, the person worked out a deal to pay for the other person’s gym membership. In the end, it was a situation that worked out for both, even though there wasn’t any money involved.
Another person was able to find someone who would make meals for them. All he had to do was give the person groceries, and the person making the food would make some for himself and the other. This worked out, as the person making the meals wanted to get better at cooking, and was able to do it basically for free (including the meals).
You may be able to negotiate a deal with someone and you may not. The worse that happens is they decline your offer.
Some people offer their friendship at a higher price, especially if it a more challenging thing to do, like pretend to be someone close to you, or teach you a new language or subject.
All in all, you’ll be able to find people who will being friends for very little, and some people who will be friends for a lot. It’s just a matter of what you want them to do, as well as how long they’ll be doing it.
Renting Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Mothers, Fathers
While I wouldn’t advise it, you can use RAF to rent fake boy/girl friends, as well as step-in mothers or fathers.
Why would you need this?
Sometimes, your family has expectations for you, and when you don’t meet up to them, they become disapproving of your life.
Some families want you to have a certain boyfriend, or certain kinds of friends, which is what RAF is willing to provide. Just look for someone who is willing to be a step-in significant other, and you’ll be able to deceive your friends and family.
I would like to note that I don’t overly approve of deceiving family members. I would rather work out why they have certain expectations and talk it out with them, but sometimes that is not possible, which is why, for some, RAF is a great alternative.
Can You Make Money With Rent A Friend?
You don’t only need to rent friends with RAF. You can also be a friend for hire! This is a great opportunity for those who need some extra cash, and are willing to become friends for a fee.
If you have a hobby that you enjoy sharing with others, or love to help people show around, then RAF would be a great choice for you.
Do you have a pleasant personality, or do you enjoy meeting new people? RAF is also able to work with you.
What about new skills or different languages? If you have those, you can also use RAF to make some side income.
Becoming a friend for hire is not only easy, but it’s also free. You just sign up with one of your nicest images, and you’re ready to rock it as a friend.
Additionally, you’ll also be able to keep all the money that you earn! 100% of what you make is what you’ll keep. RAF is able to do this because they make enough from rental membership fees, thus not having to charge you anything for being a friend for hire.
Safety Tips To Remember
RAF is great at making sure that you stay safe while being with new friends. They have several guidelines to follow, so that you can be as safe as possible, while have the most fun as possible:
-
Always meet in a public place. This is very important, never meet someone you don’t know at their house or at a private location. Meeting in public will help both of you feel comfortable
-
Always have a phone with you, or some spare change if you need to make a phone call.
-
Always tell your friends where you are going and who you are going with. Leave a contact phone number and name. Tell your friend or family member where you are going and what time you are planning on coming home. It’s always good to have one of your friends or family member call at a planned time just so they can check in. Also it’s important that the person you are meeting with is aware that your friends/family know where you are.
-
Trust your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, get out of the situation. Never put yourself in a situation where you are uncomfortable.
-
Before you meet someone ask for their photo just so you know what the person looks like before you meet them.
-
Never have a problem saying “No”. If you are not happy with something, make it clear.
-
Remember these are NOT dates you are going on. You are spending time together. There is NO physical contact allowed!
-
If you are planning on drinking, don’t get drunk. This is just common sense, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
-
Don’t leave any of your belongings unattended. Purse, wallets, jackets, etc. Anything of value should be watched at all times.
Is Rent A Friend A Scam?
Rent a friend is no scam. It’s a great place to find someone who is willing to enjoy the hobbies that you like doing with others. It is also a fantastic program to make some side income for yourself.
It is by no means a way to make a lot of money, nor is it a place to find people who are interested in dating. But provided you behave properly, and work out the details for the friendship you’ll be having, you are sure to have a great time, and maybe make a new friend in the process as well!
Â