As a couple typical pistol-forum individuals, who carry in one holster and have a box of others at home, dove and I have been wondering for a while whether it’s possible to setup a more efficient system to try on the sort of holsters that one simply can’t find in the LGS. Having discussed it with Tom_Jones and TCinVA, we've all come to the conclusion that some sort of holster lending program would be excellent for the community, and we’d collectively like to solicit feedback from the community on the best way to take this forward.
The basic question is: what is the most efficient way to enable as many people to try as many holsters as possible with the least amount of risk?
How should this work? Should it be user managed, admin managed, or somewhere in between? Feel free to expand into operational particulars if you so desire.
How should program costs be funded (admin PO box, missing holsters, holster repair, and additional holster purchases)?
Should there be a deposit or fee required for participation, beyond being a Site Supporter? And if so, how much (e.g., as much as the most expensive holsters on loan)?
What is a reasonable loan period that balances value to the individual with speed of circulation?
If individuals have a responsibility to transfer holsters to the next person within a certain time frame and do not do so, should there be a penalty? If there is a late fee, what is a reasonable amount to charge per week?
Holster makers: in exchange for this sort of exposure, would you be willing to donate or discount (new or blemished) holsters to the program?
Any and all thoughts, feedback, suggestions, etc. are welcome.