Leveraging Peer to Peer Platforms w/ Maddie From RVshare

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.