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June 16, 2024 10 mins

Welcome to another insightful episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast. I'm your host, Stacy Maxon, and today we're diving into crucial strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in the RV rental business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your operations, these tips will help you navigate the road to success with confidence.

Running an RV rental business is a rewarding venture, but it comes with its share of challenges. One of the most costly mistakes is skipping thorough RV inspections between rentals. Rushing through this process can lead to missed damages and wear, potentially resulting in unexpected repairs and dissatisfied customers. Stacey emphasizes the importance of detailed inspections, complete with documentation through photos or videos, to ensure accountability and protection against financial losses.

Another critical area highlighted is the need for comprehensive renter education. Educating your customers on the operation and maintenance of your RVs can prevent accidents and minimize misunderstandings. Providing instructional videos and guides not only enhances the renter experience but also reduces the frequency of support calls and ensures renters are equipped to handle common scenarios like driving tips and basic maintenance tasks.

Customer service excellence is identified as a cornerstone of a successful rental business. Stacey shares a personal example where exceptional service salvaged a situation where a reserved RV was unavailable, showcasing the power of empathy and proactive resolution. Addressing customer concerns promptly and professionally not only boosts satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Regular maintenance checks are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your fleet. Sticking to a scheduled maintenance plan not only prevents breakdowns during rentals but also strengthens your position in case of disputes over rental damage. Stacey underscores the importance of maintaining detailed maintenance records to substantiate claims and protect your business interests.

Lastly, the podcast stresses the significance of adequate insurance coverage. Operating without comprehensive insurance exposes your business to significant financial risks. Stacey advises listeners to ensure their policies cover both the RV fleet and renters comprehensively, including scenarios beyond the rental period to safeguard against potential liabilities.

By steering clear of these five common mistakes—skipping inspections, inadequate renter education, neglecting customer service, skipping maintenance checks, and insufficient insurance coverage—you'll not only enhance customer satisfaction but also protect your business investments. Tune in to future episodes for more insights on optimizing your RV rental operations. Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with your fellow RV enthusiasts. Happy renting and safe travels until next time!

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast.

(00:02):
.999I'm your host, Stacey Maxson, and I'm thrilled to guide you through the journey of launching, growing, and managing a profitable RV rental business. 3 00:00:09,330.9977324263 --> 00:00:15,770.997732426 Running an RV rental business does come with its challenges, and making mistakes along the way is part of the learning process. 4 00:00:16,250.997732426 --> 00:00:19,500.997732426 However, some mistakes can be more costly than others. 5 00:00:20,130.996732426 --> 00:00:27,920.997732426 I want to share my five most common RV rental mistakes that you should avoid to ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently. 6 00:00:27,920.997732426 --> 00:00:30,785.897732426 First on our list is skipping thorough RV inspections. 7 00:00:31,275.997732426 --> 00:00:32,895.997732426 Inspections between rentals. 8 00:00:33,45.997732426 --> 00:00:39,275.997732426 It's easy to overlook damage caused by previous renters if you're in a hurry to get the RV ready for the next customer. 9 00:00:39,965.997732426 --> 00:00:46,825.997732426 However, neglecting detailed inspections can lead to costly repairs down the line and unhappy customers. 10 00:00:47,45.997732426 --> 00:00:49,765.997732426 and owners if it's an RV rental management unit. 11 00:00:50,575.997732426 --> 00:00:54,125.997732426 Take the time to thoroughly check each RV after each rental. 12 00:00:54,765.997732426 --> 00:01:01,175.997732426 Look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and ensure everything is in working order before the next renter takes it out. 13 00:01:01,655.996732426 --> 00:01:11,85.997732426 You're also going to want to make sure that you're documenting all of the inspections, and that's by photos or video, and make sure that it's time stamped. 14 00:01:11,615.997732426 --> 00:01:24,305.997732426 An example of this is, sometimes I don't check all the details so I often don't necessarily see if the mattress pad covers Are stained or, torn. 15 00:01:24,995.997732426 --> 00:01:30,435.997732426 So if I don't bill that to the renter, then that money comes out of my pocket. 16 00:01:30,955.997732426 --> 00:01:31,985.997232426 Little things add up., 17 00:01:31,995.997232426 --> 00:01:42,485.99723243 there could be plates missing silverware, and if you're not documenting all of that and billing that back to the renter, then that's going to come out of your pocket. 18 00:01:42,505.99723243 --> 00:01:47,105.99723243 So that's why it's important to do those thorough inspections and document everything. 19 00:01:47,105.99723243 --> 00:01:51,585.99723243 Next, let's talk about the importance of providing adequate renter education. 20 00:01:52,95.99723243 --> 00:01:58,325.99723243 Educating your renters on the proper use and care of your RVs can prevent accidents and misunderstandings. 21 00:01:58,775.99623243 --> 00:02:05,415.99623243 It's essential to ensure that they know how to operate the RV, use the appliances, and understand basic maintenance tasks. 22 00:02:05,915.99723243 --> 00:02:12,135.99723243 This not only ensures a better rental experience for your customer, but also reduces the likelihood of damaged TRVs. 23 00:02:12,555.99723243 --> 00:02:15,845.99723243 It's also going to cut down on the amount of calls that you get. 24 00:02:16,215.99723243 --> 00:02:25,515.99723243 So if you are providing documentation on how to use the unit, if you have videos that they can link to, this is going to help them. 25 00:02:25,515.99723243 --> 00:02:49,705.99673243 Know how to operate everything and then it's going to make them call and text you less When they're not sure how to do something So it's kind of training them so The first thing that they do when they have a question is go to the information that you provided instead of reaching out to you first what we like to also do is when you are doing the Walkthrough with them is have them videotape it. 26 00:02:49,725.99673243 --> 00:02:54,205.99673243 That way they have a video to go back to showing them how to use everything. 27 00:02:54,325.99673243 --> 00:03:17,575.99673243 So when you're guiding them in how to operate the hot water heater, how to level the camper, how to Drain the tanks you know, all of those things they'll have on video and can refer back to if they have any questions before reaching out to you Also, if it is a drivable unit or if they're towing themselves, you know, definitely go over tips for driving. 28 00:03:17,725.99673243 --> 00:03:22,995.99673243 We've seen the most accidents when people are in the gas station. 29 00:03:23,365.99673243 --> 00:03:33,695.99673243 They always end up I don't know what they're called, hitting those, you know, protector bars when they're turning to leave the gas pump. 30 00:03:34,295.99573243 --> 00:03:43,515.99573243 So make sure that they're aware try to guide them towards using a large gas station like gloves or buckies. 31 00:03:44,185.99573243 --> 00:03:52,110.89573243 If they're available and, make sure that they're aware of how tall the unit is, that they can't go on certain roads or other things. 32 00:03:52,110.89573243 --> 00:03:54,0.89573243 under certain overpasses. 33 00:03:54,290.89573243 --> 00:04:01,600.89573243 Unfortunately, we did have a renter that went under a low bridge, and it did total the camper. 34 00:04:02,150.89573243 --> 00:04:10,990.89573243 So having those conversations ahead of time, and if you know there's certain roads in your area that they should be avoiding, to make sure that they are aware of that. 35 00:04:11,760.89573243 --> 00:04:15,470.89573243 Another critical mistake is neglecting customer service excellence. 36 00:04:15,470.89573243 --> 00:04:19,160.89573243 Exceptional customer service is the backbone of any successful business. 37 00:04:19,520.89473243 --> 00:04:24,580.89573243 Underestimating its power can lead to negative reviews in a decrease and repeat business. 38 00:04:25,60.89573243 --> 00:04:29,160.89573243 Make sure you're prompt, empathetic, and effective in your communication. 39 00:04:29,640.89473243 --> 00:04:33,750.89473243 Address any issues or concerns your customers may have quickly and professionally. 40 00:04:34,140.89473243 --> 00:04:38,290.89373243 Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your services to others. 41 00:04:38,290.89373243 --> 00:04:51,80.89373243 So a great example of this is, unfortunately, we did have an RV rental management unit that the owner had sold so we weren't going to have that unit available to the renter that booked the unit. 42 00:04:51,890.89373243 --> 00:04:55,530.89373243 The only unit that we had Was not comparable. 43 00:04:55,570.89373243 --> 00:05:00,440.89373243 It was a little bit smaller But we didn't want to completely cancel on them. 44 00:05:00,450.89373243 --> 00:05:20,390.89373243 So what we did is we offered the unit At the lower price point because the rb was lower And we did give them the option of being able to cancel If they found another unit, but they didn't so what we did is because we wanted to be empathetic to the situation. 45 00:05:20,430.89373243 --> 00:05:21,990.89373243 It was obviously our fault. 46 00:05:22,290.89373243 --> 00:05:32,660.89273243 We gave them a gift card for the campground that they were staying at, just as a little thank you for still sticking with us, even though, we had to change their unit out. 47 00:05:33,60.89273243 --> 00:05:36,830.89123243 And it just kind of showed that we cared about them. 48 00:05:36,880.89123243 --> 00:05:51,660.89073243 That we understood their situation that they were in and gave them something to look forward to on their trip, they might not have gotten the RV they wanted, but they could, spend the extra money at the camp store or do an activity there that they might not have been able to do. 49 00:05:51,660.89073243 --> 00:05:57,200.89073243 So just, going above and beyond and trying to make the customers happy. 50 00:05:57,200.89073243 --> 00:06:01,730.88973243 I feel like that's really important and something that I've really focused on in our business. 51 00:06:01,730.89073243 --> 00:06:04,110.89073243 And it's gotten us a lot of repeat customers. 52 00:06:04,160.89073243 --> 00:06:14,420.88923243 And, during our customer surveys we're often getting 10 out of 10s and people are naming us by name my husband and I about the great service that they've received. 53 00:06:14,430.88923243 --> 00:06:16,540.88923243 That's something that we continue to strive for. 54 00:06:16,540.88923243 --> 00:06:20,190.88923243 Next is regular maintenance checks. 55 00:06:20,220.88923243 --> 00:06:23,610.88923243 These are crucial for the safety and reliability of your RVs. 56 00:06:24,110.88923243 --> 00:06:29,30.88923243 Overlooking routine maintenance can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs that could have been prevented. 57 00:06:29,540.88923243 --> 00:06:32,790.88923243 Set a schedule for regular maintenance checks and stick to it. 58 00:06:32,900.88823243 --> 00:06:36,660.88823243 This includes checking the engine, tires, brakes, and all appliances. 59 00:06:37,50.88823243 --> 00:06:41,930.88823243 Keeping your RVs in top condition ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your renters. 60 00:06:42,110.88823243 --> 00:06:48,330.88823243 So, obviously, if something breaks in the RV, it's going to make the renter have, a terrible trip. 61 00:06:48,360.88823243 --> 00:06:53,190.88923243 It's going to be an inconvenience to them and they're not going to end up being a happy customer. 62 00:06:53,490.88923243 --> 00:06:59,205.78923243 Of course, there's ways that you can turn that around with excellent customer service, but it's still going to be an inconvenience to them. 63 00:06:59,205.88923243 --> 00:07:04,605.88923243 to them and something that they're not going to want to deal with when they're trying to relax and take a vacation. 64 00:07:05,145.88923243 --> 00:07:09,335.88923243 So Outdoorsy, they actually require a 90 day inspection. 65 00:07:09,805.88923243 --> 00:07:15,205.88923243 So if you're doing that, then that's going to help you keep up on your maintenance. 66 00:07:15,675.88923243 --> 00:07:19,95.88923243 And of course, you're going to want to record all of that information. 67 00:07:19,155.88923243 --> 00:07:26,865.88923243 This also helps you if there's a dispute where something breaks and the renters Trying to get money back on the rental. 68 00:07:27,295.88923243 --> 00:07:42,815.88923243 If you show that you know, that it's kind of just an act of God and you've been keeping up with maintenance and can show all of your maintenance records you know, then they, you have a better chance of winning that dispute and not having to refund that money. 69 00:07:43,405.88923243 --> 00:08:00,455.88873243 So, you know, even if you are delivering it yourself, it's a longer distance, one of the things we like to do is every time we stop to get gas my husband, he delivers most of our units, he does a walk around and just checks all of the tires make sure that there's nothing abnormal there. 70 00:08:00,785.88873243 --> 00:08:02,865.88873243 That way it's going to help. 71 00:08:03,395.88973243 --> 00:08:05,125.88973243 so that you don't have a blowout. 72 00:08:05,635.88973243 --> 00:08:16,25.88973243 We had an instance where because of him checking that, he saw there was a broken belt on the tire and we were able to just switch it out to the spare tire. 73 00:08:16,525.88873243 --> 00:08:24,625.88873243 And although that did delay us a little bit, you know, there was no additional damage and we were still able to deliver that rental on time. 74 00:08:25,95.88873243 --> 00:08:32,310.88873243 So just make sure everything is in good working Condition before you send out the camper on the rental. 75 00:08:32,360.88873243 --> 00:08:35,170.88873243 Lastly, let's cover the importance of proper insurance. 76 00:08:35,610.88873243 --> 00:08:41,40.88873243 Operating without adequate insurance coverage for your fleet and customers is a huge risk. 77 00:08:41,590.88773243 --> 00:08:48,80.88873243 Without proper insurance, you could face significant financial losses from accidents, damages, and liability claims. 78 00:08:48,80.88873243 --> 00:09:00,350.88773243 Make sure that your insurance policy covers all potential risks in that your renters are also properly insured This will protect both your business and your customers this is one of the reasons why I use nba insurance. 79 00:09:00,370.88873243 --> 00:09:06,460.88873243 So that's a commercial insurance that's going to cover The RV during the rental and outside of the rental. 80 00:09:06,850.88873243 --> 00:09:10,290.88873243 I am in New York state So the rules are a little bit different here. 81 00:09:10,290.88873243 --> 00:09:12,600.88773243 So make sure you're checking in your state. 82 00:09:13,230.88773243 --> 00:09:24,930.88773243 But one of the things that I like about the insurance is, you know If we have to take the RV to go fill the propane tank or go put the gas in it before a rental It's going to be covered. 83 00:09:25,20.88773243 --> 00:09:32,585.88773243 If you're just using platform insurance on rv share or outdoorsy You That only covers you during the rental period. 84 00:09:32,595.88773243 --> 00:09:57,590.88773243 It's not covering you as the RV rental business owner when you're having to do other things with the RV outside of that rental period so there are other coverages like Romely that would cover you you know, you might look into getting added on the RV owner's insurance policy if it is a consignment unit. 85 00:09:58,40.88773243 --> 00:10:11,200.88773243 So there are different ways to make sure that you're covered, but it's definitely something that you're going to want to look into and make sure that also the tow vehicle extends to coverage of The unit that you're towing. 86 00:10:11,680.88773243 --> 00:10:32,180.88673243 So definitely talk with your insurance provider and make sure that you're going to be covered for those rentals that's all I have for you guys today just five common rv rental mistakes to avoid for a smoother more efficient operation By steering clear of these pitfalls you can enhance your customer satisfaction Protect your investments and position your business for long term success. 87 00:10:32,670.88673243 --> 00:10:36,240.88673243 I want to thank you for tuning in to this episode of RV Rental Secrets. 88 00:10:36,560.88573243 --> 00:10:42,520.88673243 And if you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our podcast and share it with your fellow RV enthusiasts. 89 00:10:43,0.88673243 --> 00:10:45,900.88673243 Until next time, happy renting and safe travels.
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