The #vanlife movement is thriving. If you haven’t already seen this trending hashtag, it’s about following a movement of people who have decided to hit the road and live a mobile, off the grid lifestyle. Typically, people convert vans of all shapes and sizes into homes that can withstand extended living. And as this movement has grown, more van owners have started to rent out their vans to offer that experience to others.
Renting your campervan creates a passive income for you, subsidizes the cost of purchase, and can help pay for insurance and maintenance costs. If you’ve recently built out a campervan, here’s what you need to know about making money by renting it out:
Give It A Makeover
Curb appeal is a big part of property rentals. You want your vehicle to look appealing enough to encourage others to take photos of it on the road. Because of this, focus on giving your vehicle a makeover. “A bit of detailing goes a long way,” says the Onsite Detail ceramic car coating company. “For example, with a ceramic coating, you give your van a sleek appearance that’s also functional because it protects the surface of your exterior.”
Choose a Platform
The platform you choose to rent your campervan is important. Some websites only allow certain types of recreational vehicles, so you should always check online guidelines. The platform you choose will also be influenced by your geographic area. For example, the Quirky Campers website connects van owners with people who want to rent vans in the United Kingdom.
Other platforms you can use to rent out your vehicle include RVShare, Outdoorsy, and Airbnb. One of the biggest benefits of using a platform dedicated to rental share—as opposed to a platform like Craigslist—is because they protect you with insurance and curb liability. They also make the booking process very simple and intuitive, eliminating much of the guesswork for you.
Take Beautiful Photos
The photos you use in your listing are crucial for scoring renters. Photos can easily make or break your listing, no matter how great your RV or camper is. Everyone likes pretty pictures, especially when they’re putting their dollars into something. The more photos you have, the better. Ideally, you can hire or have access to a professional photographer.
Professional photos will make your listing stand out from the others. However, even if you just have a newer smartphone, you can take beautiful photos with just a bit of editing. If your mobile device is equipped with a great camera, you can leverage app editing software or hire a quick editor on a freelancer platform like Fiverr or Upwork.
Add Extras
Upselling is a big part of buyer psychology. If you have extra services that you can offer your renters, use this opportunity to upsell. Think about the features that you enjoy most when you’re out riding your campervan. This might include camping chairs, coolers, a BBQ setup, generators, sleeping bags, tents, and much more. Renters who are going on a trip will likely need some of those add-ons, and you can make it easier for them by offering equipment you already have. Transfer services are also a popular option for any listing.
Created a Detailed Listing
Your photos might capture initial interest, but your listing is what will translate interest into a purchase. Your listing should be descriptive without being over the top. You want your listing to be succinct and detailed without requiring the use of lengthy paragraphs. Ideally, you can craft a story of your rental.
For example, instead of saying “Our camper has a skylight,” you might be a little more descriptive and say, “Stare at the stars with a clear vantage point to the sky.” Think of the old saying, “show don’t tell” when it comes to creating descriptive content. You should also take a look at other campervan listing to see how they use language to create a listing that sells.
Tags: Converted Campervan
