September 22, 2024 • 24 mins
In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, co-hosts Garr and Stacy are joined by a special guest, Maddie from RV Share. The episode kicks off with Garr introducing Stacy with a new nickname, "Stacy, the Marketing Master Maxson," and welcoming Maddie to the show. Maddie, Senior Director of Communications at RVShare, shares her extensive experience, having been with the company for almost six years. She explains her role in managing RV Share’s brand and marketing efforts, which include increasing awareness about RV rentals and supporting RV owners by driving traffic to the platform.
Maddie also highlights her personal experience as a frequent traveler, having taken over 20 RV trips across the U.S., including Hawaii. This sets the stage for an engaging conversation as the trio dives into both the perks and challenges of RV travel.
Garr lightens the mood with a humorous and memorable story about a previous RV rental experience involving bed bugs, where RV Share stepped in as the hero. The story showcases RV Share's excellent customer support, with Maddie and the team going above and beyond to resolve the situation.
Stacy jumps in with a more business-focused question, asking Maddie about trends in the RV rental industry. Maddie notes several key trends, including an increase in RV rentals for events such as music festivals, sporting events like NASCAR, and unique hobby events. She also touches on the growing popularity of RV delivery services, with over 60% of RV Share owners now offering this feature. Another notable trend is the rise in "shoulder season" travel, particularly in warmer states like Florida, where RV demand is increasing in the spring and fall.
The discussion then shifts to the consignment trend, where RV owners look for professional management to rent out their RVs year-round, including moving their units to warmer destinations during the off-season.
Garr chimes in, expressing his enthusiasm for what he calls "wheel estate" – the versatility of RVs beyond traditional camping. He shares his excitement about creating themed events like daddy-daughter weekends or corporate retreats, emphasizing how RVs can be set up anywhere and for any purpose.
The episode wraps up with Maddie explaining how RVShare supports its owners by marketing their RVs to a wide audience and helping integrate RV rentals into the broader travel market. It’s an informative episode full of insights for both RV rental business owners and those looking to explore the RV lifestyle.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
All right.
(00:00):
Hey, everybody.
Welcome to another episode of RV rental secrets podcast.
I am your co host, Gar, here with Stacey.
.999What's the new nickname I made up for you? Stacey, the Marketing Master Maxson. 6 00:00:16,384.999 --> 00:00:17,335 That's a tongue twister.
And today we got a guest on the show.
Normally it's me and Stacey chatting it up, but today, well, no, we had a guest the other week.
(00:24):
We had the CEO of RV Trader, Marketing Development.
And now we've got another special guest.
We have, Stacey, you want to announce our guests? Yeah, we have Maddie from RV Share. 12 00:00:35,354.999 --> 00:00:37,075 Thank you so much for joining us today.
Hi guys.
Thanks for having me.
Excited to have you.
Go ahead, Stacy.
Ladies first.
Yeah.
Do you want to tell us what you do for RV share? Sure.
(00:46):
Yeah, I've been at RV share for almost six years. 21 00:00:49,364.999 --> 00:00:53,895 I am the senior director communications running the brand team. 22 00:00:54,244.999 --> 00:00:56,794.9 Most of our marketing channels over at RV share.
RV share.
.999And for those of that know, RV share is a peer to peer RV rental platform where we connect RV owners with travelers looking to rent and get out on the road and experience the magic of an RV trip.
(01:09):
So my job has a lot to do with bringing awareness to this type of travel and bringing in traffic and, you know, consideration from these customers.
So hopefully they book with us and make some good money for our owners.
And I also represent RV Share as a travel expert and spokesperson.
So I've been on more than 20 RV rental trips across the U.
(01:31):
S.,
including Hawaii.
So I have some great experience on the road as well.
That's awesome.
And you know, I thought of a story I want to start out with.
.9995And you know me, Stacey, I just like to talk about random things that you probably shouldn't even talk about and just throw out random ideas. 35 00:01:45,774.9995 --> 00:01:47,564.999 And so that's what I'm going to do. 36 00:01:48,24.999 --> 00:01:48,685 Okay, Maddie. 37 00:01:48,850.1 --> 00:01:51,200 Are you cool with that? Let's do it.
.999Like a couple of weeks ago, we were doing the podcast and I was shopping for a reclining massage chair that I bought during the podcast.
(01:57):
You know, I just, I'm a multitasker, but as I was sitting here thinking about RV share and you're introducing yourself, I thought, Oh my gosh, RV share.
.999Yeah.
They're like the biggest platform, but you guys are rock stars.
And it made me think of the story.
And maybe, you know, of this story.
I don't know.
We'll see.
Okay.
Several years ago, and this really is like this story throws me under the bus and makes you the hero, just so you know.
(02:22):
So this story, we rented this RV to these three ladies in Pennsylvania.
Actually, they were leaving from Pennsylvania and they were going to California and back. 50 00:02:33,810.001 --> 00:02:38,490 And like day two of the trip, these ladies start calling us.
They all had bed bug bites.
Do you know the story, Maddie? I don't think.
Okay.
(02:42):
So these ladies all had bed bug bites.
And, you know, I'm all about, Hey, just experience, right? Like y'all know, Maddie knows she's been on 20 plus trips, like RVing.
It's not staying at a hotel or a resort.
Like there's an experience side to it, right? You're going to get stuck out in the rain and then come in and the inside of the camper is rainy and like, just things happen.
(03:06):
Like that's just part of RVing.
So anyway, we decided, all right, we're going to like help these ladies get to California and back full of bed bug bites.
So we got them like treatments, we got them rental cars, we got them a hotel, but like we just kept them going.
.999We're like, no ladies, this is part of the adventure.
This is amazing.
You're going to have the best hotel for the rest of your life. 64 00:03:28,704.999 --> 00:03:31,365 And anyway, so fast forward all the way till the end.
(03:31):
This is where RV share comes in as the hero, because this was an RV share booking.
Months later, I'm talking to my account rep at RV share.
And I mentioned the story.
He's like, Oh yeah, dude.
I know all about that.
.9We sent these ladies $5, 000.
That is stinking amazing.
Like RV share, even though you didn't have to, we got them through the rental. 73 00:03:55,439.999 --> 00:03:57,189.999 Like they made some memories. 74 00:03:57,229.999 --> 00:04:00,620 We ended up finding out the bed bugs were from the owner.
(04:01):
I was like, no, I don't have nothing bad bugs.
What do you mean? I work at a women's shelter.
I deal with bedbugs all day long.
There's no way my RV and we're like, Oh, the light bulb goes off.
But anyway, that's the story about how I'd fail turned into an RV share.
I like to do alliterations.
We discovered on my last podcast and RV share rescue.
(04:22):
So y'all came through like the heroes and you didn't even bring it up to us.
Like, Hey, Gary, your customer that you gave bedbugs to.
We sent them a bunch of money y'all just were the hero rock stars to these three ladies So thank you maddie.
.999I appreciate you got to hear there was a happy ending there It was a happy ending.
(04:43):
.9995Okay, stacy. 87 00:04:43,664.9995 --> 00:04:59,880 Do you got questions? You want to ask maddie? I'm not talking to the rest of the show so i'm curious Of course, like all rv rental business owners, like what trends are you seeing in the industry right now? that People can kind of get on board with.
Yeah.
So I think, you know, as we look back on these last few years, especially when we experienced a huge spike in demand and interest in RV rentals throughout the COVID 19 pandemic I think this year we're finally feeling kind of that plateau of that spike and really looking to see where that new normal falls with, with demand and interest and how we really fit into the larger travel market.
(05:25):
.999So I think it's just been a big year of learning.
And on the back of that, we've found other ways and trends that people are interested in RV renting.
And I think one of those trends is more and more people are renting for events. 93 00:05:39,104.999 --> 00:05:53,745 So we're seeing a ton of people renting for music festivals and sporting events like NASCAR and Also looking at, you know, unique hobby events to like horseback riding and pet shows.
(05:54):
So that has really come to the surface for us as people turn towards RVs to just have an alternative way to stay at these type of events.
And so for RV owners out there, I would consider, you know, looking in your area to see what type of events are around you and how you could utilize those for booking out.
Your RV more often.
I think that's a great way to get extra bookings that aren't just targeting that travel demographic.
(06:20):
.001We're also seeing delivery as the amenity that's really continuing to grow. 99 00:06:25,520.001 --> 00:06:29,50.001 You know, over 60 percent of the owners on our site today offer delivery. 100 00:06:29,330.001 --> 00:06:33,340.001 More than half of our bookings are delivered in some capacity. 101 00:06:33,340.001 --> 00:06:37,850.001 Whether they're delivered to the renter's home for them to then pack up and hit the road. 102 00:06:38,405.001 --> 00:06:41,25.001 Word to the campground and set up for them. 103 00:06:41,215.001 --> 00:06:59,285.001 I think it's a great option for those who are a bit hesitant about renting and looking for a way to ease into it and having the owner pay, you know, to have them come out and set it up for you, hook up the tanks and turn on the air conditioner and people definitely love to do that. 104 00:06:59,285.001 --> 00:07:06,165.001 So I think that's continuing to grow in something that if you're not offering today, it'd probably be worth looking into and considering. 105 00:07:08,115.001 --> 00:07:11,455.001 We're also seeing a huge interest in shoulder season. 106 00:07:11,505.001 --> 00:07:13,435.001 People are traveling at different times. 107 00:07:13,475.001 --> 00:07:22,545.001 I think when I first started at RV share, there was a kind of that big bell curve and, you know, kind of for the year and our business would spike at 4th of July. 108 00:07:22,585.002 --> 00:07:25,615.001 You know, Memorial Day, Labor Day would be kind of the bookends to that. 109 00:07:25,645.001 --> 00:07:29,305.001 And then it would kind of go back down that curve of demand. 110 00:07:29,305.001 --> 00:07:34,625.001 But rather our fall season has become super popular, especially in warmer states. 111 00:07:34,665.001 --> 00:07:45,265.001 We're partnering with, you know, visit Florida as a marketing partnership because visit Florida can obviously rent all year round and they see more demand in those shoulder seasons. 112 00:07:45,545.001 --> 00:07:54,895.001 And so I think that a lot of people are looking to RV in the spring and fall, and that could also be due to kind of the hotter weather we've been experiencing kind of across the board. 113 00:07:55,610.001 --> 00:07:58,750.001 What used to be those peak months, months of June and July. 114 00:08:00,130.001 --> 00:08:16,200.0005 And I think another one that's worth mentioning as well for RV owners could be interesting is that a lot of them are turning to consignment, which I know you guys probably talk about on this a bit and looking for others to professionally manage their RV business for them. 115 00:08:16,200.0005 --> 00:08:18,359.901 So they're not completely hands on. 116 00:08:18,560.001 --> 00:08:27,850.001 That is part of this industry and also looking for ways to rent their RVs year round.
(08:27):
.001They're moving their RVs to those different destinations in the, in their off season. 118 00:08:32,990.001 --> 00:08:43,640.001 So, you know, if you live in Michigan and nobody RVs in the winter there, maybe move the RV in the unit a bit South so it could be rented and utilized and you're still making income year round. 119 00:08:45,310.001 --> 00:08:49,530.001 Yeah, I think we've seen the trend for events as well. 120 00:08:49,860.001 --> 00:08:54,380.001 We've talked about that recently and yeah, really pushing like the horse shows. 121 00:08:54,880.001 --> 00:08:55,740.001 Dog show. 122 00:08:56,80.001 --> 00:08:59,100.001 I've seen all that in my area, especially. 123 00:08:59,600.001 --> 00:09:03,710.001 Anything you have to add, Don? Yeah, I totally agree. 124 00:09:03,750.001 --> 00:09:05,130.001 That's why I call it Wheel Estate.
(09:05):
It's literally, it's a house on wheels, so it's so versatile for any type of, any type of event and just outside of camping.
.001And one thing I'm really passionate about that, That I want to continue to explore is creating events, creating demand. 127 00:09:21,660.001 --> 00:09:30,190 So, you know, creating themed outings, a daddy daughter weekend at a campground and partnering with a campground and something for Boy Scouts. 128 00:09:30,190.001 --> 00:09:35,385.001 And I know Sam and oh my gosh, Apologize. 129 00:09:35,385.001 --> 00:09:39,555.001 What's Sam's wife's name in Vegas? Oh, Danny, Sam and Danny. 130 00:09:39,565.001 --> 00:09:46,505.001 They're talking about doing a corporate yoga retreats out there in, in Vegas with some different corporate partnerships that they have and just different things. 131 00:09:46,505.001 --> 00:09:50,875.0005 That's a house on wheels that you can put anywhere and set up in any scene and do anything. 132 00:09:50,875.0005 --> 00:09:51,915 So it's just so much fun. 133 00:09:51,915.001 --> 00:09:52,655.001 It's so versatile. 134 00:09:54,225.001 --> 00:09:55,035 Yeah, certainly.
(09:55):
.001And I love that term. 136 00:09:56,515.001 --> 00:09:57,505.001 I haven't heard it before. 137 00:09:58,525.001 --> 00:10:00,545.001 What's that? Wheel estate? Wheel estate. 138 00:10:00,745.001 --> 00:10:01,355.001 Oh, yeah. 139 00:10:01,855.001 --> 00:10:37,498.775875 So, I mean, you talked about like, You know the a little bit about what RV share does you said, you know, they were partnering with Visit florida for some marketing efforts Like what else does rv share do for their owners to try to get more rentals in? Yeah, so you can think of rv share as a marketing site for your business Really getting your rental in front of hundreds if not thousands of potential customers weekly so rv share RV shares main goal is to grow the RV rental category and really cemented as part of the travel industry. 140 00:10:37,718.775875 --> 00:10:45,338.775875 So all of our marketing dollars go back into the business to promote that concept, right? And so I think Consumers have a lot. 141 00:10:46,278.775875 --> 00:10:50,738.775875 To travel and we went RVing to be a part of their consideration set. 142 00:10:51,8.775875 --> 00:10:55,428.775875 So as the marketing team, you know, we're, we have a sizable team behind RVShare. 143 00:10:55,928.775875 --> 00:11:01,488.775875 And we're really working to drive demand towards your RVs that are listed on RVShare. 144 00:11:01,748.774875 --> 00:11:10,308.775875 So we spend millions of dollars to, Promote RVs on like Google, Meadow with Facebook and Instagram and other search engines. 145 00:11:10,338.775875 --> 00:11:16,78.774875 So people, you know, are, are RV shares getting in front of them and turn your listings are getting in front of those people. 146 00:11:16,468.775875 --> 00:11:28,708.775875 And we really work to run those awareness campaigns through advertising buys, working with partners like visit Florida and other DMOs and other companies that have access to people who'd be interested. 147 00:11:29,38.775875 --> 00:11:39,688.776875 In the RV rental category really targeting them to bring awareness to this type of travel and that encouraging them to get out and experience that magic of an RV trip. 148 00:11:39,688.776875 --> 00:11:50,618.776875 So, you know, that's the, the main part of what RV share does is really trying to help these small business owners get access to that larger demand across the U S. 149 00:11:50,648.776875 --> 00:12:06,648.776875 We as a whole with fireside like we've talked to some of our franchisees because they are often like, oh, you guys need to do more advertising and I feel like we leverage, our V share because you guys spend more money on marketing than we ever could. 150 00:12:06,918.776875 --> 00:12:10,268.776875 And I sure a lot of small businesses feel that way as well. 151 00:12:10,278.776875 --> 00:12:23,468.776875 So I feel like that's where, you know, the partnership with RV share comes in and can help these small business owners because you guys have a much further reach than just one small business ever could exactly. 152 00:12:24,78.776875 --> 00:12:25,878.777875 I know you're passionate about that car. 153 00:12:26,748.776875 --> 00:12:27,238.776875 Oh yeah. 154 00:12:27,238.876875 --> 00:12:28,658.776875 I'm about to go off girls. 155 00:12:28,658.776875 --> 00:12:28,958.776875 Okay. 156 00:12:28,958.776875 --> 00:12:29,778.776875 You might want to mute it. 157 00:12:29,838.776875 --> 00:12:35,248.775875 I don't want to hurt your ears, but you know, there's so much, we've got a couple Facebook groups. 158 00:12:36,308.776875 --> 00:12:51,328.776875 Maddie that we that we run and we've got I don't know about 25, 000 members or so in the couple groups and one of the biggest complaints you hear from the RV owners is the platform fees a platform fees in or you hear them. 159 00:12:51,468.776875 --> 00:12:55,948.776875 Hey, I'm trying to figure out how to take this booking offline and oh my gosh, I let them have it. 160 00:12:56,788.776875 --> 00:13:02,468.776875 I said, Hey, you're literally paying for guaranteed revenue. 161 00:13:02,588.776875 --> 00:13:06,578.776875 You're not paying them 50 for a lead that may or may not be a customer. 162 00:13:07,38.776875 --> 00:13:10,88.776875 They have done the work to hand you a customer. 163 00:13:11,738.776875 --> 00:13:14,138.776875 People just don't understand that, you know, especially a lot of the, just the. 164 00:13:15,678.776875 --> 00:13:17,428.776875 You know, someone's renting their one RV. 165 00:13:17,798.776875 --> 00:13:37,628.776875 The work that goes into marketing and lead generation and even just, heck, the email drip campaigns that you probably put somebody into after they sign up for something where you're constantly nurturing that lead and reaching out and re engaging and showing up and retargeting ads and all the different things that you're doing and all the efforts and energy you're putting into that. 166 00:13:38,238.776875 --> 00:13:40,408.776875 You guys more than earn that commission. 167 00:13:40,828.776875 --> 00:13:43,138.776875 Plus, not just that, you didn't just get them a renter. 168 00:13:44,93.776875 --> 00:13:45,643.776875 Something's wrong on the rental. 169 00:13:45,663.776875 --> 00:13:48,743.776875 There's, there's a insurance, there's this, there's that. 170 00:13:49,123.776875 --> 00:13:57,343.776875 You guys have departments for all those different facets of the business and staff in those departments to help do that. 171 00:13:57,363.776875 --> 00:14:00,513.776875 You know, so it's, it cracks me up when people complain. 172 00:14:01,213.776875 --> 00:14:09,473.776875 Like that, it would be interesting because I'm sure you guys literally spend like, I would love to see what your marketing budget is. 173 00:14:09,473.776875 --> 00:14:14,663.776875 I'm, I mean, I'm sure it's an amazing amount of money that would literally blow people's minds. 174 00:14:15,133.775875 --> 00:14:23,403.776875 And that's something I decided when I started in 2016 from my previous business ventures is I'm going to pick my niche and run with it. 175 00:14:23,413.776875 --> 00:14:25,123.776875 My niche is RV rental management. 176 00:14:25,548.776875 --> 00:14:28,898.776875 I'm not going to try to compete with the platforms to generate leads. 177 00:14:29,308.776875 --> 00:14:30,598.776875 That makes no sense. 178 00:14:30,928.776875 --> 00:14:34,128.775875 I'm going to partner with them, let them do what they're the experts at. 179 00:14:34,198.776875 --> 00:14:35,228.775875 I do what I'm good at. 180 00:14:35,718.776875 --> 00:14:38,238.776875 And we, you know, I have a great relationship that way. 181 00:14:39,578.775875 --> 00:14:41,208.776875 Well, I'm glad you understand Gar. 182 00:14:41,768.776875 --> 00:14:44,368.777875 We definitely, I definitely agree with you. 183 00:14:44,368.777875 --> 00:14:58,838.777875 And I think When you think about it as yeah, lead generation, we brought you a lead and, and many other scenarios or other platforms and other industries, it could be, you have to pay to list, and then you're paying a subscription fee and you might not even get a booking or a lead. 184 00:14:58,848.777875 --> 00:15:01,128.777875 So paying that small fee back. 185 00:15:01,148.777875 --> 00:15:03,868.777875 And then that goes back into our marketing cycle. 186 00:15:03,888.777875 --> 00:15:14,448.777875 And if even if you share your RV share link to a potential customer, or you're promoting your listing and somebody clicks on that link, you know, we're retargeting them and we're making sure then that. 187 00:15:14,588.777875 --> 00:15:17,838.777875 It shows back up in their email and says, you were checking this out. 188 00:15:17,838.777875 --> 00:15:29,588.777375 Why aren't you booking? And, you know, you're now on Google searching something else, but there's, there's your listing and your link, because we're using cookies to retarget them and make sure that their eyeballs are on that listing. 189 00:15:29,588.777375 --> 00:15:38,608.778875 So you know, it's, it's all a benefit if, if you win, we win and, and we're just all really going after the same goal at the end. 190 00:15:39,578.778875 --> 00:15:40,848.778875 Yeah, exactly. 191 00:15:41,443.778875 --> 00:15:42,353.778875 I'm going to leave it at that. 192 00:15:42,353.778875 --> 00:15:43,33.778875 I can say more things. 193 00:15:43,793.778875 --> 00:15:48,803.778875 I'm passionate about this, but Stacy, you got another question you want to ask? Yeah. 194 00:15:48,803.778875 --> 00:16:00,883.779875 So I'm curious right now with AI being so popular, like what technology is RVShare using or what do you think you're going to be using in the future to help renters and owners? Sure. 195 00:16:01,603.779875 --> 00:16:07,553.779875 Yeah, I mean, I think the main goal is just to make booking an RV rental as simple as a hotel. 196 00:16:07,553.779875 --> 00:16:10,703.779875 We've been saying that since I've joined the team here at RV Share. 197 00:16:10,783.779875 --> 00:16:22,488.779875 You know, today that's not the case, but when you look at other peer to peer industries, like a vacation rental market, or you know, booking a handyman on a site like thumbtack or something like that. 198 00:16:22,488.779875 --> 00:16:28,568.778875 Those are extremely easy and simple and a click of a button to really get through that booking flow. 199 00:16:28,788.779875 --> 00:16:36,918.778875 And RV share aspires to provide similar technology and experiences for, for renters and being able to rent an RV. 200 00:16:36,948.779875 --> 00:16:37,608.779875 I mean, I think. 201 00:16:37,998.779875 --> 00:16:45,338.779875 Today, renting an RV or just RV travel in general, for those who haven't experienced it before, there can be a little bit of a learning curve. 202 00:16:45,698.779875 --> 00:16:55,513.679875 So we're definitely putting technology in place that just makes it easier to get on a book and understand how and what type of RV you're going to need for your trip. 203 00:16:56,13.679875 --> 00:16:59,573.679875 We just launched something called RV finder on our homepage. 204 00:16:59,813.679875 --> 00:17:07,793.679375 So it makes searching and finding an RV easier, especially for those that again, might be new to the category puts things in layman's terms. 205 00:17:07,793.679375 --> 00:17:20,743.679875 You know, it, it talks about the different class types and the different ways of renting, whether you are picking it up and driving it, getting it delivered getting it delivered to your home and what type of RV you're You know, where you're going to use it. 206 00:17:20,763.679875 --> 00:17:40,263.678875 Are you going to a campground? Are you doing a multi stop road trip? How can we help you plan that trip? And I think that's where like AI and other things will come into play when just really learning about the user as they work through the flow and understanding what they need, maybe before they even know themselves and really recommending that for them. 207 00:17:40,263.678875 --> 00:17:44,223.678875 So we can narrow down their search a lot quicker, find the RV that's needed. 208 00:17:44,223.678875 --> 00:17:44,343.678875 Yeah. 209 00:17:44,503.678875 --> 00:17:59,303.678375 And then on the back end as well, I mean, there's so much that goes into how we present RVs to them and rank those RVs for based on really owner you know, how the owners are performing on the back end. 210 00:17:59,303.678375 --> 00:17:59,918.578875 So, yeah. 211 00:17:59,918.678875 --> 00:18:03,208.678875 If you listen to any of our owners meetups, that's on our YouTube page. 212 00:18:03,208.678875 --> 00:18:04,78.678875 We talk about this a lot. 213 00:18:04,248.678875 --> 00:18:13,738.677875 We also have a ton of help content on our blog and and our owners Facebook group, you know, we're talking just about how rank works and how we serve up those listings to these users. 214 00:18:14,8.678875 --> 00:18:20,608.678875 And a lot of it is just performance and professionalism and how quick you respond and the reviews that you might have and how. 215 00:18:20,998.678875 --> 00:18:23,278.678875 Well informed your listing is. 216 00:18:23,278.678875 --> 00:18:30,948.678875 And so if you're providing a great service to the renters, then you're going to be served up quicker in those types of searches. 217 00:18:31,198.678875 --> 00:18:38,528.677875 And so it's all kind of this big algorithm that just at the end of the day, the goal is to make renting an RV easier. 218 00:18:38,708.778875 --> 00:18:45,548.678875 So more people can do it, more people are interested in coming into the category and, and experiencing outdoor travel. 219 00:18:45,738.678875 --> 00:18:50,478.678875 So you know, obviously we are a website and so technology is a big part of that. 220 00:18:50,748.678875 --> 00:18:54,118.677875 We also have our app so that you can do these types of things on the go. 221 00:18:54,388.678875 --> 00:19:03,318.678875 But yeah, I think, you know, again, we're just looking to provide a tool that makes it easier for people to get into RV, RV travel. 222 00:19:03,978.678875 --> 00:19:11,848.678875 Yeah, it is amazing that there are still so many people that haven't traveled in an RV or new to rentals. 223 00:19:12,308.677875 --> 00:19:18,798.677875 Just in my day to day like I'll be talking to someone and they'll be like, Oh, like, what do you mean you rent out your RV. 224 00:19:18,808.677875 --> 00:19:27,678.678875 So, it's still definitely a learning opportunity or to teach people and educate them on RV rentals. 225 00:19:28,48.678875 --> 00:19:31,463.578875 So having that information on the website I think is very helpful. 226 00:19:32,153.678875 --> 00:19:34,83.678875 Yeah, and I, yeah, I think you're right. 227 00:19:34,103.678875 --> 00:20:01,473.678875 Awareness that this is still even an option is, is really low, which again, I kind of talked about in our marketing efforts, because we're just trying to inform people that this is an option that should be part of your consideration set when you're deciding how to travel with your family this summer, you know, and are you going to a beach house or do you want to do a road trip through national parks? And if you, Are doing the latter, then you should consider an RV because that's the perfect, perfect way to travel and stay in a national park. 228 00:20:01,473.678875 --> 00:20:08,183.678875 And so I think there's perfect combination based on the type of trip you want to take and an RV should be part of that consideration. 229 00:20:09,53.677875 --> 00:20:09,973.678875 Yeah, definitely. 230 00:20:10,183.678875 --> 00:20:16,58.678875 For someone that, Has an RV, you know, they are just considering renting it out. 231 00:20:16,348.678875 --> 00:20:23,928.677875 Like what tips do you have for them, listing on the platform? What should they think of that? They probably don't know. 232 00:20:24,28.678875 --> 00:20:27,298.677875 I'm just kind of wondering what guidance you would have for someone new starting out. 233 00:20:28,378.678875 --> 00:20:30,448.678875 Yeah, I have like four pieces of advice for. 234 00:20:31,103.678875 --> 00:20:32,843.678875 Diving in to renting. 235 00:20:32,853.678875 --> 00:20:35,823.678875 So one would be be open to sharing. 236 00:20:35,833.678875 --> 00:20:52,793.678875 It sounds very obvious when you're joining kind of a peer to peer sharing platform, but I think a lot of people don't realize, you know, that are so attached maybe even to their RV and it's their Their baby and something they've saved money for to buy and all of those things. 237 00:20:52,793.678875 --> 00:20:59,533.677875 But when you are coming on to a rental platform site and renting it out to others, naturally it's going to get wear and tear. 238 00:20:59,773.678875 --> 00:21:14,73.678875 So I would just suggest that you're doing it for the joy of like allowing others to experience an RV trip that you really want to provide, you know, this hospital experience for them and that you're okay with sharing your vehicle. 239 00:21:14,103.678875 --> 00:21:14,683.678875 And that. 240 00:21:14,923.678875 --> 00:21:17,213.678875 Understanding that things might happen. 241 00:21:17,213.678875 --> 00:21:21,623.678875 So I think that is the kind of the first hump to get over before considering it. 242 00:21:21,943.678875 --> 00:21:30,313.677875 And then of course, doing your research research, of course, I mentioned kind of RV shares, YouTube page has a lot of great resources. 243 00:21:30,343.677875 --> 00:21:33,153.678875 We also have a great online resource on RV share. 244 00:21:33,373.678875 --> 00:21:33,803.678875 com. 245 00:21:33,823.678875 --> 00:21:35,623.678875 And then we have a great owners Facebook group. 246 00:21:35,943.678875 --> 00:21:39,93.678875 And so going in and just really diving into. 247 00:21:39,408.678875 --> 00:21:44,998.678875 What is going to take and the efforts and how much time it'll take to set it up and the listing and things like that. 248 00:21:45,258.678875 --> 00:21:48,198.678875 RV share also offers like one on one coaching. 249 00:21:48,198.678875 --> 00:21:56,138.678875 So that's a free service to anyone that's thinking about listing and you can reach out to our customer success team. 250 00:21:56,148.678875 --> 00:21:59,78.678875 They'll help you get your listing set up and really answer any questions. 251 00:21:59,88.678875 --> 00:22:01,948.679875 So that one on one time is super valuable, which. 252 00:22:02,303.679875 --> 00:22:03,893.679875 Helps you do your research. 253 00:22:04,73.679875 --> 00:22:09,163.679875 And then I also suggest like building a community, which I think you guys, they're listening to this podcast. 254 00:22:09,173.679875 --> 00:22:17,743.679375 They're probably in the right place already, but talking to other RV owners and making friends with local campgrounds, too. 255 00:22:17,743.679375 --> 00:22:25,473.679875 I think that when thinking about renting and operating a business within your community and having those resources is. 256 00:22:25,473.779875 --> 00:22:25,488.579875 Yeah. 257 00:22:25,588.679875 --> 00:22:40,848.679875 To be able to suggest we suggest going to this campground and here's why and kind of having those resources from that campground to be able to set up your RV properly there and really not running into any staff you staff is when operating a business. 258 00:22:41,28.678875 --> 00:22:52,938.679875 And also I think those Facebook groups and things like that or forums are super helpful when, you know, having questions, especially from those that do this every day and I've already built up a business. 259 00:22:53,273.679875 --> 00:23:01,513.679875 And lastly, I think just making that strategic decision based on time, money, effort, it will take to rent out your RV. 260 00:23:01,523.679875 --> 00:23:03,83.678875 There's a lot that goes into this. 261 00:23:03,83.679875 --> 00:23:11,613.679875 And I think it's a big decision to be able to run kind of this second business on the, and it'll be a side hustle probably for most. 262 00:23:11,633.680875 --> 00:23:18,593.680875 And I think that, you know, that's an important decision to make and, and being ready to go through that and dive in. 263 00:23:20,203.680875 --> 00:23:23,783.680875 before, you know, listening and getting into it is, is important. 264 00:23:24,783.680875 --> 00:23:25,783.680875 Yeah, I agree. 265 00:23:25,823.680875 --> 00:23:34,393.680875 So if people want to rent an RV or if they're looking to sign up to rent out their RV, they would just go to rvshare. 266 00:23:34,413.680875 --> 00:23:38,438.680875 com, correct? Yep, you can find us at rvshare. 267 00:23:38,438.680875 --> 00:23:43,458.680875 com and like I said, we have some great resources there, but it's a good, good place to start. 268 00:23:44,558.680875 --> 00:23:48,748.680875 Great, do you have any other questions for Maddy Gar? I don't. 269 00:23:48,878.680875 --> 00:23:51,378.680875 Thanks for coming on today, Maddy. 270 00:23:51,418.680875 --> 00:23:51,608.680875 you. 271 00:23:51,618.680875 --> 00:23:55,38.680875 We are super thankful for RVShare. 272 00:23:55,138.680875 --> 00:24:03,228.680875 You're one of the reasons we've been able to build this company that we're blessed with today and we look forward to working with you guys for years to come. 273 00:24:04,118.680875 --> 00:24:07,568.680875 Well, thanks for being great partners and appreciate you guys having me on. 274 00:24:07,568.680875 --> 00:24:08,238.680875 This is awesome. 275 00:24:09,228.680875 --> 00:24:10,98.680875 Thank you so much.
All right.
(00:00):
Hey, everybody.
Welcome to another episode of RV rental secrets podcast.
I am your co host, Gar, here with Stacey.
.999What's the new nickname I made up for you? Stacey, the Marketing Master Maxson. 6 00:00:16,384.999 --> 00:00:17,335 That's a tongue twister.
And today we got a guest on the show.
Normally it's me and Stacey chatting it up, but today, well, no, we had a guest the other week.
(00:24):
We had the CEO of RV Trader, Marketing Development.
And now we've got another special guest.
We have, Stacey, you want to announce our guests? Yeah, we have Maddie from RV Share. 12 00:00:35,354.999 --> 00:00:37,075 Thank you so much for joining us today.
Hi guys.
Thanks for having me.
Excited to have you.
Go ahead, Stacy.
Ladies first.
Yeah.
Do you want to tell us what you do for RV share? Sure.
(00:46):
Yeah, I've been at RV share for almost six years. 21 00:00:49,364.999 --> 00:00:53,895 I am the senior director communications running the brand team. 22 00:00:54,244.999 --> 00:00:56,794.9 Most of our marketing channels over at RV share.
RV share.
.999And for those of that know, RV share is a peer to peer RV rental platform where we connect RV owners with travelers looking to rent and get out on the road and experience the magic of an RV trip.
(01:09):
So my job has a lot to do with bringing awareness to this type of travel and bringing in traffic and, you know, consideration from these customers.
So hopefully they book with us and make some good money for our owners.
And I also represent RV Share as a travel expert and spokesperson.
So I've been on more than 20 RV rental trips across the U.
(01:31):
S.,
including Hawaii.
So I have some great experience on the road as well.
That's awesome.
And you know, I thought of a story I want to start out with.
.9995And you know me, Stacey, I just like to talk about random things that you probably shouldn't even talk about and just throw out random ideas. 35 00:01:45,774.9995 --> 00:01:47,564.999 And so that's what I'm going to do. 36 00:01:48,24.999 --> 00:01:48,685 Okay, Maddie. 37 00:01:48,850.1 --> 00:01:51,200 Are you cool with that? Let's do it.
.999Like a couple of weeks ago, we were doing the podcast and I was shopping for a reclining massage chair that I bought during the podcast.
(01:57):
You know, I just, I'm a multitasker, but as I was sitting here thinking about RV share and you're introducing yourself, I thought, Oh my gosh, RV share.
.999Yeah.
They're like the biggest platform, but you guys are rock stars.
And it made me think of the story.
And maybe, you know, of this story.
I don't know.
We'll see.
Okay.
Several years ago, and this really is like this story throws me under the bus and makes you the hero, just so you know.
(02:22):
So this story, we rented this RV to these three ladies in Pennsylvania.
Actually, they were leaving from Pennsylvania and they were going to California and back. 50 00:02:33,810.001 --> 00:02:38,490 And like day two of the trip, these ladies start calling us.
They all had bed bug bites.
Do you know the story, Maddie? I don't think.
Okay.
(02:42):
So these ladies all had bed bug bites.
And, you know, I'm all about, Hey, just experience, right? Like y'all know, Maddie knows she's been on 20 plus trips, like RVing.
It's not staying at a hotel or a resort.
Like there's an experience side to it, right? You're going to get stuck out in the rain and then come in and the inside of the camper is rainy and like, just things happen.
(03:06):
Like that's just part of RVing.
So anyway, we decided, all right, we're going to like help these ladies get to California and back full of bed bug bites.
So we got them like treatments, we got them rental cars, we got them a hotel, but like we just kept them going.
.999We're like, no ladies, this is part of the adventure.
This is amazing.
You're going to have the best hotel for the rest of your life. 64 00:03:28,704.999 --> 00:03:31,365 And anyway, so fast forward all the way till the end.
(03:31):
This is where RV share comes in as the hero, because this was an RV share booking.
Months later, I'm talking to my account rep at RV share.
And I mentioned the story.
He's like, Oh yeah, dude.
I know all about that.
.9We sent these ladies $5, 000.
That is stinking amazing.
Like RV share, even though you didn't have to, we got them through the rental. 73 00:03:55,439.999 --> 00:03:57,189.999 Like they made some memories. 74 00:03:57,229.999 --> 00:04:00,620 We ended up finding out the bed bugs were from the owner.
(04:01):
I was like, no, I don't have nothing bad bugs.
What do you mean? I work at a women's shelter.
I deal with bedbugs all day long.
There's no way my RV and we're like, Oh, the light bulb goes off.
But anyway, that's the story about how I'd fail turned into an RV share.
I like to do alliterations.
We discovered on my last podcast and RV share rescue.
(04:22):
So y'all came through like the heroes and you didn't even bring it up to us.
Like, Hey, Gary, your customer that you gave bedbugs to.
We sent them a bunch of money y'all just were the hero rock stars to these three ladies So thank you maddie.
.999I appreciate you got to hear there was a happy ending there It was a happy ending.
(04:43):
.9995Okay, stacy. 87 00:04:43,664.9995 --> 00:04:59,880 Do you got questions? You want to ask maddie? I'm not talking to the rest of the show so i'm curious Of course, like all rv rental business owners, like what trends are you seeing in the industry right now? that People can kind of get on board with.
Yeah.
So I think, you know, as we look back on these last few years, especially when we experienced a huge spike in demand and interest in RV rentals throughout the COVID 19 pandemic I think this year we're finally feeling kind of that plateau of that spike and really looking to see where that new normal falls with, with demand and interest and how we really fit into the larger travel market.
(05:25):
.999So I think it's just been a big year of learning.
And on the back of that, we've found other ways and trends that people are interested in RV renting.
And I think one of those trends is more and more people are renting for events. 93 00:05:39,104.999 --> 00:05:53,745 So we're seeing a ton of people renting for music festivals and sporting events like NASCAR and Also looking at, you know, unique hobby events to like horseback riding and pet shows.
(05:54):
So that has really come to the surface for us as people turn towards RVs to just have an alternative way to stay at these type of events.
And so for RV owners out there, I would consider, you know, looking in your area to see what type of events are around you and how you could utilize those for booking out.
Your RV more often.
I think that's a great way to get extra bookings that aren't just targeting that travel demographic.
(06:20):
.001We're also seeing delivery as the amenity that's really continuing to grow. 99 00:06:25,520.001 --> 00:06:29,50.001 You know, over 60 percent of the owners on our site today offer delivery. 100 00:06:29,330.001 --> 00:06:33,340.001 More than half of our bookings are delivered in some capacity. 101 00:06:33,340.001 --> 00:06:37,850.001 Whether they're delivered to the renter's home for them to then pack up and hit the road. 102 00:06:38,405.001 --> 00:06:41,25.001 Word to the campground and set up for them. 103 00:06:41,215.001 --> 00:06:59,285.001 I think it's a great option for those who are a bit hesitant about renting and looking for a way to ease into it and having the owner pay, you know, to have them come out and set it up for you, hook up the tanks and turn on the air conditioner and people definitely love to do that. 104 00:06:59,285.001 --> 00:07:06,165.001 So I think that's continuing to grow in something that if you're not offering today, it'd probably be worth looking into and considering. 105 00:07:08,115.001 --> 00:07:11,455.001 We're also seeing a huge interest in shoulder season. 106 00:07:11,505.001 --> 00:07:13,435.001 People are traveling at different times. 107 00:07:13,475.001 --> 00:07:22,545.001 I think when I first started at RV share, there was a kind of that big bell curve and, you know, kind of for the year and our business would spike at 4th of July. 108 00:07:22,585.002 --> 00:07:25,615.001 You know, Memorial Day, Labor Day would be kind of the bookends to that. 109 00:07:25,645.001 --> 00:07:29,305.001 And then it would kind of go back down that curve of demand. 110 00:07:29,305.001 --> 00:07:34,625.001 But rather our fall season has become super popular, especially in warmer states. 111 00:07:34,665.001 --> 00:07:45,265.001 We're partnering with, you know, visit Florida as a marketing partnership because visit Florida can obviously rent all year round and they see more demand in those shoulder seasons. 112 00:07:45,545.001 --> 00:07:54,895.001 And so I think that a lot of people are looking to RV in the spring and fall, and that could also be due to kind of the hotter weather we've been experiencing kind of across the board. 113 00:07:55,610.001 --> 00:07:58,750.001 What used to be those peak months, months of June and July. 114 00:08:00,130.001 --> 00:08:16,200.0005 And I think another one that's worth mentioning as well for RV owners could be interesting is that a lot of them are turning to consignment, which I know you guys probably talk about on this a bit and looking for others to professionally manage their RV business for them. 115 00:08:16,200.0005 --> 00:08:18,359.901 So they're not completely hands on. 116 00:08:18,560.001 --> 00:08:27,850.001 That is part of this industry and also looking for ways to rent their RVs year round.
(08:27):
.001They're moving their RVs to those different destinations in the, in their off season. 118 00:08:32,990.001 --> 00:08:43,640.001 So, you know, if you live in Michigan and nobody RVs in the winter there, maybe move the RV in the unit a bit South so it could be rented and utilized and you're still making income year round. 119 00:08:45,310.001 --> 00:08:49,530.001 Yeah, I think we've seen the trend for events as well. 120 00:08:49,860.001 --> 00:08:54,380.001 We've talked about that recently and yeah, really pushing like the horse shows. 121 00:08:54,880.001 --> 00:08:55,740.001 Dog show. 122 00:08:56,80.001 --> 00:08:59,100.001 I've seen all that in my area, especially. 123 00:08:59,600.001 --> 00:09:03,710.001 Anything you have to add, Don? Yeah, I totally agree. 124 00:09:03,750.001 --> 00:09:05,130.001 That's why I call it Wheel Estate.
(09:05):
It's literally, it's a house on wheels, so it's so versatile for any type of, any type of event and just outside of camping.
.001And one thing I'm really passionate about that, That I want to continue to explore is creating events, creating demand. 127 00:09:21,660.001 --> 00:09:30,190 So, you know, creating themed outings, a daddy daughter weekend at a campground and partnering with a campground and something for Boy Scouts. 128 00:09:30,190.001 --> 00:09:35,385.001 And I know Sam and oh my gosh, Apologize. 129 00:09:35,385.001 --> 00:09:39,555.001 What's Sam's wife's name in Vegas? Oh, Danny, Sam and Danny. 130 00:09:39,565.001 --> 00:09:46,505.001 They're talking about doing a corporate yoga retreats out there in, in Vegas with some different corporate partnerships that they have and just different things. 131 00:09:46,505.001 --> 00:09:50,875.0005 That's a house on wheels that you can put anywhere and set up in any scene and do anything. 132 00:09:50,875.0005 --> 00:09:51,915 So it's just so much fun. 133 00:09:51,915.001 --> 00:09:52,655.001 It's so versatile. 134 00:09:54,225.001 --> 00:09:55,035 Yeah, certainly.
(09:55):
.001And I love that term. 136 00:09:56,515.001 --> 00:09:57,505.001 I haven't heard it before. 137 00:09:58,525.001 --> 00:10:00,545.001 What's that? Wheel estate? Wheel estate. 138 00:10:00,745.001 --> 00:10:01,355.001 Oh, yeah. 139 00:10:01,855.001 --> 00:10:37,498.775875 So, I mean, you talked about like, You know the a little bit about what RV share does you said, you know, they were partnering with Visit florida for some marketing efforts Like what else does rv share do for their owners to try to get more rentals in? Yeah, so you can think of rv share as a marketing site for your business Really getting your rental in front of hundreds if not thousands of potential customers weekly so rv share RV shares main goal is to grow the RV rental category and really cemented as part of the travel industry. 140 00:10:37,718.775875 --> 00:10:45,338.775875 So all of our marketing dollars go back into the business to promote that concept, right? And so I think Consumers have a lot. 141 00:10:46,278.775875 --> 00:10:50,738.775875 To travel and we went RVing to be a part of their consideration set. 142 00:10:51,8.775875 --> 00:10:55,428.775875 So as the marketing team, you know, we're, we have a sizable team behind RVShare. 143 00:10:55,928.775875 --> 00:11:01,488.775875 And we're really working to drive demand towards your RVs that are listed on RVShare. 144 00:11:01,748.774875 --> 00:11:10,308.775875 So we spend millions of dollars to, Promote RVs on like Google, Meadow with Facebook and Instagram and other search engines. 145 00:11:10,338.775875 --> 00:11:16,78.774875 So people, you know, are, are RV shares getting in front of them and turn your listings are getting in front of those people. 146 00:11:16,468.775875 --> 00:11:28,708.775875 And we really work to run those awareness campaigns through advertising buys, working with partners like visit Florida and other DMOs and other companies that have access to people who'd be interested. 147 00:11:29,38.775875 --> 00:11:39,688.776875 In the RV rental category really targeting them to bring awareness to this type of travel and that encouraging them to get out and experience that magic of an RV trip. 148 00:11:39,688.776875 --> 00:11:50,618.776875 So, you know, that's the, the main part of what RV share does is really trying to help these small business owners get access to that larger demand across the U S. 149 00:11:50,648.776875 --> 00:12:06,648.776875 We as a whole with fireside like we've talked to some of our franchisees because they are often like, oh, you guys need to do more advertising and I feel like we leverage, our V share because you guys spend more money on marketing than we ever could. 150 00:12:06,918.776875 --> 00:12:10,268.776875 And I sure a lot of small businesses feel that way as well. 151 00:12:10,278.776875 --> 00:12:23,468.776875 So I feel like that's where, you know, the partnership with RV share comes in and can help these small business owners because you guys have a much further reach than just one small business ever could exactly. 152 00:12:24,78.776875 --> 00:12:25,878.777875 I know you're passionate about that car. 153 00:12:26,748.776875 --> 00:12:27,238.776875 Oh yeah. 154 00:12:27,238.876875 --> 00:12:28,658.776875 I'm about to go off girls. 155 00:12:28,658.776875 --> 00:12:28,958.776875 Okay. 156 00:12:28,958.776875 --> 00:12:29,778.776875 You might want to mute it. 157 00:12:29,838.776875 --> 00:12:35,248.775875 I don't want to hurt your ears, but you know, there's so much, we've got a couple Facebook groups. 158 00:12:36,308.776875 --> 00:12:51,328.776875 Maddie that we that we run and we've got I don't know about 25, 000 members or so in the couple groups and one of the biggest complaints you hear from the RV owners is the platform fees a platform fees in or you hear them. 159 00:12:51,468.776875 --> 00:12:55,948.776875 Hey, I'm trying to figure out how to take this booking offline and oh my gosh, I let them have it. 160 00:12:56,788.776875 --> 00:13:02,468.776875 I said, Hey, you're literally paying for guaranteed revenue. 161 00:13:02,588.776875 --> 00:13:06,578.776875 You're not paying them 50 for a lead that may or may not be a customer. 162 00:13:07,38.776875 --> 00:13:10,88.776875 They have done the work to hand you a customer. 163 00:13:11,738.776875 --> 00:13:14,138.776875 People just don't understand that, you know, especially a lot of the, just the. 164 00:13:15,678.776875 --> 00:13:17,428.776875 You know, someone's renting their one RV. 165 00:13:17,798.776875 --> 00:13:37,628.776875 The work that goes into marketing and lead generation and even just, heck, the email drip campaigns that you probably put somebody into after they sign up for something where you're constantly nurturing that lead and reaching out and re engaging and showing up and retargeting ads and all the different things that you're doing and all the efforts and energy you're putting into that. 166 00:13:38,238.776875 --> 00:13:40,408.776875 You guys more than earn that commission. 167 00:13:40,828.776875 --> 00:13:43,138.776875 Plus, not just that, you didn't just get them a renter. 168 00:13:44,93.776875 --> 00:13:45,643.776875 Something's wrong on the rental. 169 00:13:45,663.776875 --> 00:13:48,743.776875 There's, there's a insurance, there's this, there's that. 170 00:13:49,123.776875 --> 00:13:57,343.776875 You guys have departments for all those different facets of the business and staff in those departments to help do that. 171 00:13:57,363.776875 --> 00:14:00,513.776875 You know, so it's, it cracks me up when people complain. 172 00:14:01,213.776875 --> 00:14:09,473.776875 Like that, it would be interesting because I'm sure you guys literally spend like, I would love to see what your marketing budget is. 173 00:14:09,473.776875 --> 00:14:14,663.776875 I'm, I mean, I'm sure it's an amazing amount of money that would literally blow people's minds. 174 00:14:15,133.775875 --> 00:14:23,403.776875 And that's something I decided when I started in 2016 from my previous business ventures is I'm going to pick my niche and run with it. 175 00:14:23,413.776875 --> 00:14:25,123.776875 My niche is RV rental management. 176 00:14:25,548.776875 --> 00:14:28,898.776875 I'm not going to try to compete with the platforms to generate leads. 177 00:14:29,308.776875 --> 00:14:30,598.776875 That makes no sense. 178 00:14:30,928.776875 --> 00:14:34,128.775875 I'm going to partner with them, let them do what they're the experts at. 179 00:14:34,198.776875 --> 00:14:35,228.775875 I do what I'm good at. 180 00:14:35,718.776875 --> 00:14:38,238.776875 And we, you know, I have a great relationship that way. 181 00:14:39,578.775875 --> 00:14:41,208.776875 Well, I'm glad you understand Gar. 182 00:14:41,768.776875 --> 00:14:44,368.777875 We definitely, I definitely agree with you. 183 00:14:44,368.777875 --> 00:14:58,838.777875 And I think When you think about it as yeah, lead generation, we brought you a lead and, and many other scenarios or other platforms and other industries, it could be, you have to pay to list, and then you're paying a subscription fee and you might not even get a booking or a lead. 184 00:14:58,848.777875 --> 00:15:01,128.777875 So paying that small fee back. 185 00:15:01,148.777875 --> 00:15:03,868.777875 And then that goes back into our marketing cycle. 186 00:15:03,888.777875 --> 00:15:14,448.777875 And if even if you share your RV share link to a potential customer, or you're promoting your listing and somebody clicks on that link, you know, we're retargeting them and we're making sure then that. 187 00:15:14,588.777875 --> 00:15:17,838.777875 It shows back up in their email and says, you were checking this out. 188 00:15:17,838.777875 --> 00:15:29,588.777375 Why aren't you booking? And, you know, you're now on Google searching something else, but there's, there's your listing and your link, because we're using cookies to retarget them and make sure that their eyeballs are on that listing. 189 00:15:29,588.777375 --> 00:15:38,608.778875 So you know, it's, it's all a benefit if, if you win, we win and, and we're just all really going after the same goal at the end. 190 00:15:39,578.778875 --> 00:15:40,848.778875 Yeah, exactly. 191 00:15:41,443.778875 --> 00:15:42,353.778875 I'm going to leave it at that. 192 00:15:42,353.778875 --> 00:15:43,33.778875 I can say more things. 193 00:15:43,793.778875 --> 00:15:48,803.778875 I'm passionate about this, but Stacy, you got another question you want to ask? Yeah. 194 00:15:48,803.778875 --> 00:16:00,883.779875 So I'm curious right now with AI being so popular, like what technology is RVShare using or what do you think you're going to be using in the future to help renters and owners? Sure. 195 00:16:01,603.779875 --> 00:16:07,553.779875 Yeah, I mean, I think the main goal is just to make booking an RV rental as simple as a hotel. 196 00:16:07,553.779875 --> 00:16:10,703.779875 We've been saying that since I've joined the team here at RV Share. 197 00:16:10,783.779875 --> 00:16:22,488.779875 You know, today that's not the case, but when you look at other peer to peer industries, like a vacation rental market, or you know, booking a handyman on a site like thumbtack or something like that. 198 00:16:22,488.779875 --> 00:16:28,568.778875 Those are extremely easy and simple and a click of a button to really get through that booking flow. 199 00:16:28,788.779875 --> 00:16:36,918.778875 And RV share aspires to provide similar technology and experiences for, for renters and being able to rent an RV. 200 00:16:36,948.779875 --> 00:16:37,608.779875 I mean, I think. 201 00:16:37,998.779875 --> 00:16:45,338.779875 Today, renting an RV or just RV travel in general, for those who haven't experienced it before, there can be a little bit of a learning curve. 202 00:16:45,698.779875 --> 00:16:55,513.679875 So we're definitely putting technology in place that just makes it easier to get on a book and understand how and what type of RV you're going to need for your trip. 203 00:16:56,13.679875 --> 00:16:59,573.679875 We just launched something called RV finder on our homepage. 204 00:16:59,813.679875 --> 00:17:07,793.679375 So it makes searching and finding an RV easier, especially for those that again, might be new to the category puts things in layman's terms. 205 00:17:07,793.679375 --> 00:17:20,743.679875 You know, it, it talks about the different class types and the different ways of renting, whether you are picking it up and driving it, getting it delivered getting it delivered to your home and what type of RV you're You know, where you're going to use it. 206 00:17:20,763.679875 --> 00:17:40,263.678875 Are you going to a campground? Are you doing a multi stop road trip? How can we help you plan that trip? And I think that's where like AI and other things will come into play when just really learning about the user as they work through the flow and understanding what they need, maybe before they even know themselves and really recommending that for them. 207 00:17:40,263.678875 --> 00:17:44,223.678875 So we can narrow down their search a lot quicker, find the RV that's needed. 208 00:17:44,223.678875 --> 00:17:44,343.678875 Yeah. 209 00:17:44,503.678875 --> 00:17:59,303.678375 And then on the back end as well, I mean, there's so much that goes into how we present RVs to them and rank those RVs for based on really owner you know, how the owners are performing on the back end. 210 00:17:59,303.678375 --> 00:17:59,918.578875 So, yeah. 211 00:17:59,918.678875 --> 00:18:03,208.678875 If you listen to any of our owners meetups, that's on our YouTube page. 212 00:18:03,208.678875 --> 00:18:04,78.678875 We talk about this a lot. 213 00:18:04,248.678875 --> 00:18:13,738.677875 We also have a ton of help content on our blog and and our owners Facebook group, you know, we're talking just about how rank works and how we serve up those listings to these users. 214 00:18:14,8.678875 --> 00:18:20,608.678875 And a lot of it is just performance and professionalism and how quick you respond and the reviews that you might have and how. 215 00:18:20,998.678875 --> 00:18:23,278.678875 Well informed your listing is. 216 00:18:23,278.678875 --> 00:18:30,948.678875 And so if you're providing a great service to the renters, then you're going to be served up quicker in those types of searches. 217 00:18:31,198.678875 --> 00:18:38,528.677875 And so it's all kind of this big algorithm that just at the end of the day, the goal is to make renting an RV easier. 218 00:18:38,708.778875 --> 00:18:45,548.678875 So more people can do it, more people are interested in coming into the category and, and experiencing outdoor travel. 219 00:18:45,738.678875 --> 00:18:50,478.678875 So you know, obviously we are a website and so technology is a big part of that. 220 00:18:50,748.678875 --> 00:18:54,118.677875 We also have our app so that you can do these types of things on the go. 221 00:18:54,388.678875 --> 00:19:03,318.678875 But yeah, I think, you know, again, we're just looking to provide a tool that makes it easier for people to get into RV, RV travel. 222 00:19:03,978.678875 --> 00:19:11,848.678875 Yeah, it is amazing that there are still so many people that haven't traveled in an RV or new to rentals. 223 00:19:12,308.677875 --> 00:19:18,798.677875 Just in my day to day like I'll be talking to someone and they'll be like, Oh, like, what do you mean you rent out your RV. 224 00:19:18,808.677875 --> 00:19:27,678.678875 So, it's still definitely a learning opportunity or to teach people and educate them on RV rentals. 225 00:19:28,48.678875 --> 00:19:31,463.578875 So having that information on the website I think is very helpful. 226 00:19:32,153.678875 --> 00:19:34,83.678875 Yeah, and I, yeah, I think you're right. 227 00:19:34,103.678875 --> 00:20:01,473.678875 Awareness that this is still even an option is, is really low, which again, I kind of talked about in our marketing efforts, because we're just trying to inform people that this is an option that should be part of your consideration set when you're deciding how to travel with your family this summer, you know, and are you going to a beach house or do you want to do a road trip through national parks? And if you, Are doing the latter, then you should consider an RV because that's the perfect, perfect way to travel and stay in a national park. 228 00:20:01,473.678875 --> 00:20:08,183.678875 And so I think there's perfect combination based on the type of trip you want to take and an RV should be part of that consideration. 229 00:20:09,53.677875 --> 00:20:09,973.678875 Yeah, definitely. 230 00:20:10,183.678875 --> 00:20:16,58.678875 For someone that, Has an RV, you know, they are just considering renting it out. 231 00:20:16,348.678875 --> 00:20:23,928.677875 Like what tips do you have for them, listing on the platform? What should they think of that? They probably don't know. 232 00:20:24,28.678875 --> 00:20:27,298.677875 I'm just kind of wondering what guidance you would have for someone new starting out. 233 00:20:28,378.678875 --> 00:20:30,448.678875 Yeah, I have like four pieces of advice for. 234 00:20:31,103.678875 --> 00:20:32,843.678875 Diving in to renting. 235 00:20:32,853.678875 --> 00:20:35,823.678875 So one would be be open to sharing. 236 00:20:35,833.678875 --> 00:20:52,793.678875 It sounds very obvious when you're joining kind of a peer to peer sharing platform, but I think a lot of people don't realize, you know, that are so attached maybe even to their RV and it's their Their baby and something they've saved money for to buy and all of those things. 237 00:20:52,793.678875 --> 00:20:59,533.677875 But when you are coming on to a rental platform site and renting it out to others, naturally it's going to get wear and tear. 238 00:20:59,773.678875 --> 00:21:14,73.678875 So I would just suggest that you're doing it for the joy of like allowing others to experience an RV trip that you really want to provide, you know, this hospital experience for them and that you're okay with sharing your vehicle. 239 00:21:14,103.678875 --> 00:21:14,683.678875 And that. 240 00:21:14,923.678875 --> 00:21:17,213.678875 Understanding that things might happen. 241 00:21:17,213.678875 --> 00:21:21,623.678875 So I think that is the kind of the first hump to get over before considering it. 242 00:21:21,943.678875 --> 00:21:30,313.677875 And then of course, doing your research research, of course, I mentioned kind of RV shares, YouTube page has a lot of great resources. 243 00:21:30,343.677875 --> 00:21:33,153.678875 We also have a great online resource on RV share. 244 00:21:33,373.678875 --> 00:21:33,803.678875 com. 245 00:21:33,823.678875 --> 00:21:35,623.678875 And then we have a great owners Facebook group. 246 00:21:35,943.678875 --> 00:21:39,93.678875 And so going in and just really diving into. 247 00:21:39,408.678875 --> 00:21:44,998.678875 What is going to take and the efforts and how much time it'll take to set it up and the listing and things like that. 248 00:21:45,258.678875 --> 00:21:48,198.678875 RV share also offers like one on one coaching. 249 00:21:48,198.678875 --> 00:21:56,138.678875 So that's a free service to anyone that's thinking about listing and you can reach out to our customer success team. 250 00:21:56,148.678875 --> 00:21:59,78.678875 They'll help you get your listing set up and really answer any questions. 251 00:21:59,88.678875 --> 00:22:01,948.679875 So that one on one time is super valuable, which. 252 00:22:02,303.679875 --> 00:22:03,893.679875 Helps you do your research. 253 00:22:04,73.679875 --> 00:22:09,163.679875 And then I also suggest like building a community, which I think you guys, they're listening to this podcast. 254 00:22:09,173.679875 --> 00:22:17,743.679375 They're probably in the right place already, but talking to other RV owners and making friends with local campgrounds, too. 255 00:22:17,743.679375 --> 00:22:25,473.679875 I think that when thinking about renting and operating a business within your community and having those resources is. 256 00:22:25,473.779875 --> 00:22:25,488.579875 Yeah. 257 00:22:25,588.679875 --> 00:22:40,848.679875 To be able to suggest we suggest going to this campground and here's why and kind of having those resources from that campground to be able to set up your RV properly there and really not running into any staff you staff is when operating a business. 258 00:22:41,28.678875 --> 00:22:52,938.679875 And also I think those Facebook groups and things like that or forums are super helpful when, you know, having questions, especially from those that do this every day and I've already built up a business. 259 00:22:53,273.679875 --> 00:23:01,513.679875 And lastly, I think just making that strategic decision based on time, money, effort, it will take to rent out your RV. 260 00:23:01,523.679875 --> 00:23:03,83.678875 There's a lot that goes into this. 261 00:23:03,83.679875 --> 00:23:11,613.679875 And I think it's a big decision to be able to run kind of this second business on the, and it'll be a side hustle probably for most. 262 00:23:11,633.680875 --> 00:23:18,593.680875 And I think that, you know, that's an important decision to make and, and being ready to go through that and dive in. 263 00:23:20,203.680875 --> 00:23:23,783.680875 before, you know, listening and getting into it is, is important. 264 00:23:24,783.680875 --> 00:23:25,783.680875 Yeah, I agree. 265 00:23:25,823.680875 --> 00:23:34,393.680875 So if people want to rent an RV or if they're looking to sign up to rent out their RV, they would just go to rvshare. 266 00:23:34,413.680875 --> 00:23:38,438.680875 com, correct? Yep, you can find us at rvshare. 267 00:23:38,438.680875 --> 00:23:43,458.680875 com and like I said, we have some great resources there, but it's a good, good place to start. 268 00:23:44,558.680875 --> 00:23:48,748.680875 Great, do you have any other questions for Maddy Gar? I don't. 269 00:23:48,878.680875 --> 00:23:51,378.680875 Thanks for coming on today, Maddy. 270 00:23:51,418.680875 --> 00:23:51,608.680875 you. 271 00:23:51,618.680875 --> 00:23:55,38.680875 We are super thankful for RVShare. 272 00:23:55,138.680875 --> 00:24:03,228.680875 You're one of the reasons we've been able to build this company that we're blessed with today and we look forward to working with you guys for years to come. 273 00:24:04,118.680875 --> 00:24:07,568.680875 Well, thanks for being great partners and appreciate you guys having me on. 274 00:24:07,568.680875 --> 00:24:08,238.680875 This is awesome. 275 00:24:09,228.680875 --> 00:24:10,98.680875 Thank you so much.
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