The Chainlink

I'm trying to get a bike trailer lending program started. I will soon be organizing a meeting, but thought I'd also seek feedback here. The basic idea is to somehow aquire a trailer and make it available to others to borrow. We are located in a building with 24/7 front desk staffing which would make it great for lending the trailer. Here are some of the things I need feedback on:
Is a program of this type needed?
All-you-can use membership or per-use fees?
We need to charge to cover costs of maintaining/purchasing trailers, what is a reasonable amount?
Types of trailers that would be most useful (heavy duty, grocery, kids?)
Suggestions on where to buy/find a trailer
One hitch that transfers between bikes, or multiple cheaper hitches that we can give out with memberships (if we go that route).
Experiences you've had with different brands/homemade rigs
How do we ensure the trailer comes back (and in one piece)?
Ideas for a reservation system?
Any other advice you have?
Thanks!

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FYI: I rented te Surly Bill trailer from Rapid Transit and it was perfect. The staff were great and the rental, hitching up, and return processes were fast and simple. The trailer is simply awesome an will haul just about anything you could strap down to it (up to 300 lbs, according to Surly). I took an old tv to recycling and it was a great urban adventure. If you ever have a need to haul something more than will fit on your bike, Rapid Transit is the place to go!

Just curious, this thread is over 2 years old, but is there anywhere to hire trailers?

I used to have one in Europe, but not sure how long I will be living in Chicago so i don't really want to buy.

I just moved to Forest Park and am looking to move a few items, I would much prefer the bike trailer option if that's possible. What is the 'Rapid Transit' mentioned in an earlier post?

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