RV Rental Secrets

Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast!  In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic—customer experience and reviews. I’m joined by my partner, and we’re ready to unpack the importance of delivering exceptional customer service in the RV rental industry.
Customer service is something I’ve always strived to excel at, and it’s a passion that drives the success of our business. From my early days in retail, where I learned the value of direct customer interaction, to now managing an RV rental business, I’ve always prioritized putting myself in the customer’s shoes. When customers are on vacation, they expect everything to go smoothly. When something goes wrong, it can be stressful for them. Our job is to listen, acknowledge their concerns, and provide solutions that help them feel heard and supported.
Responding quickly to customer inquiries is a simple yet powerful way to show you care. It’s easy to feel defensive when issues arise, worrying that acknowledging a problem might lead to demands for refunds or negative reviews. However, approaching these situations with empathy and understanding can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
Education is another key component of customer service. Many renters may be new to RVing, especially those who turned to it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting the right expectations before the rental begins, and providing a thorough walkthrough of the RV’s features and quirks, can prevent misunderstandings down the road. By doing this, you help customers understand what to expect, making their experience more enjoyable and reducing the chances of dissatisfaction.
As we shift gears, let’s talk about the power of customer reviews. In the world of RV rentals, reviews can make or break your business. A strong presence on Google Maps, with numerous five-star reviews, is invaluable real estate. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when searching for RV rentals in their area. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to stand out from the competition.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews. Whether it’s after a rental or even during the booking process, encourage your customers to share their experiences. Engaging with them on platforms like Facebook can also help build a community around your brand. Replying to reviews, thanking customers for their feedback, and addressing any issues they mention shows that you value their opinions and are committed to improving your service.
Incentivizing reviews can also be effective. Offering a small reward, like a discount on a future rental or a gift card, can encourage more customers to leave feedback. The key is to make the process as easy as possible for them.
Finally, remember that customer reviews are not just about attracting new clients; they also play a vital role in retaining your existing ones. When customers feel appreciated and see that their feedback is valued, they’re more likely to return year after year. Consistently delivering excellent customer service, combined with a proactive approach to gathering and responding to reviews, will help you build a loyal customer base and a thriving RV rental business.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of RV Rental Secrets Podcast. We hope these insights inspire you to elevate your customer service and review strategies, ultimately driving the success of your RV rental business.

Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a crucial aspect of business and life: the power of community and mentorship.
In this episode, we discuss the vital role that mentorship and community play not only in business but in various aspects of life, including marriage, finances, physical fitness, and homeschooling. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from those ahead of us and mentoring those who are following in our footsteps. This reciprocal relationship enriches our experiences and keeps us passionate about our work.
We reflect on how engaging with new franchisees re-energizes our excitement for the industry, as well as the value of mastermind groups and communities in fostering accountability, celebrating wins, and driving continuous improvement. Sharing anecdotes from our own experiences, we illustrate how being part of a supportive network can provide comfort, foster creativity, and help navigate challenges.
Stacey and I also talk about personal stories of how community support has been a game-changer in our business decisions, from pricing adjustments to emergency solutions. We highlight the importance of having mentors and models to guide us through the business landscape.
Join us as we explore the transformative impact of community and mentorship, offering insights and strategies to help you build a thriving RV rental business. We invite you to join our FREE group for RV rental business owners to find your community! 
 

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell explore the ins and outs of RV rental industry trends.
Growing Market: The global recreational vehicle (RV) rental market is on the rise. According to a recent report from Business Wire, the market is projected to grow by a staggering $353 million between 2023 and 2028. What’s fueling this growth? A combination of digital nomads and the increasing popularity of outdoor adventures.
Exploding Industry: Despite its growth, many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of renting out an RV. Just like Airbnb revolutionized home rentals and Turo did the same for cars, RV rentals are catching fire. You can even rent out your pool or yard these days!
RV Lifestyle: Campgrounds are popping up all over the country, and national and state parks are being built to accommodate RV enthusiasts. The pandemic only accelerated this trend, as people sought the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle by hitting the road in their RVs.
Upside-Down RV Owners: Interestingly, some RV owners who bought during the pandemic are now trying to sell. But here’s the catch: They’re often upside down on their investment. Dealerships are flooded with RVs, and competition is fierce. That’s where rental services come in. Rather than taking a hit on selling, owners can rent out their RVs and recoup some costs.
 

In this episode, Stacy Maxson and co-host Garr Russell explore what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. They start with a light-hearted discussion about their favorite colors, which amusingly leads Garr to recount his transition from a traffic control worker to an entrepreneur after being fired for sharing his faith. This pivotal moment exemplifies Garr's belief that life happens for you, not to you, a mindset that has guided his entrepreneurial journey.
Garr shares how his firing in 2007 became a blessing in disguise, launching him into the world of entrepreneurship. He discusses his journey from laborer to manager and how his faith played a crucial role in his transformation. This personal story sets the stage for the episode's theme: discovering whether you have the entrepreneurial spirit.
Stacy reflects on her own entrepreneurial ventures, from cake decorating to subscription boxes, and eventually into the RV rental business. She shares how her husband, once a committed corporate employee, embraced entrepreneurship, becoming a certified RV tech and running a mobile RV repair business. This shift brought their family closer, granting them the freedom to spend more time together.
Garr introduces the concept of a "wantrepreneur"—someone who aspires to be an entrepreneur but is held back by fear or uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's entrepreneurial potential and taking decisive action. Stacey and Gar discuss key traits of successful entrepreneurs, such as problem-solving skills, a growth mindset, and a passion for helping others.
The conversation touches on the significance of mentors, continuous learning, and embracing challenges. Garr and Stacy highlight the value of being an idea person and taking massive action to turn those ideas into reality. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips, encouraging listeners to explore their entrepreneurial potential and pursue their dreams.
Garr passionately talks about the entrepreneurial mindset, contrasting it with the complacency often found in traditional employment. He underscores the importance of understanding your business's numbers, seeking mentors, and investing in personal growth. Stacy echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is a way of life driven by passion and a desire to provide value.
The episode concludes with actionable advice: make a list of your passions and strengths, explore business opportunities, and take bold steps towards your entrepreneurial goals. Garr and Stacy remind listeners that where focus goes, energy flows, and that making positive "I am" statements can set the stage for success.
Join us next time on the RV Rental Secrets Podcast for more insights and inspiration on your entrepreneurial journey. Leave us a review and share what you're passionate about and how you hope to become an entrepreneur. Thank you for tuning in!

Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast. I'm your host, Stacy Maxson, and I'm thrilled to guide you through the journey of launching, growing, and managing a profitable RV rental business. Today, I have my co-host with me again, Gar Russell, the founder and CEO of Fireside RV Rental. Our topic is hiring and managing staff and outsourcing responsibilities so you can focus on what truly moves the needle in your business.
First, let's dispel a common misconception: whether you rent out one RV or manage a fleet, you are running a business. Every service you provide is part of your business operations, and recognizing this can change your approach to managing your time and resources.
Gar shared a valuable perspective on valuing your time. He assigns a dollar amount to his time, currently $250 an hour, to determine whether a task is worth his effort. This mindset helps in making decisions about whether to perform tasks personally or delegate them. For instance, if cleaning an RV doesn’t align with the value of your time or bring you joy, it’s worth outsourcing.
Outsourcing can look different for everyone based on individual strengths and passions. Some might enjoy cleaning and use it as a unique selling point for their business, while others, like myself, prefer to delegate this task. There are many resources for finding reliable help, such as care.com, local high school or college students, and even stay-at-home parents. For those familiar with Airbnb, you can often find experienced cleaners through local networks or Facebook groups.
Engaging local communities is also effective for finding drivers. Gar’s strategy of posting in Facebook groups and directly appealing to specific audiences, such as retired individuals with trucks, has proven successful. This approach not only fills immediate needs but builds a network of potential helpers for future requirements.
Time management is crucial, especially when balancing business with personal life. Outsourcing tasks like cleaning or driving frees up time for more valuable activities, such as spending quality time with family. This proactive approach ensures you’re not overwhelmed and can enjoy the benefits of entrepreneurship, like financial and time freedom.
Marketing and customer retention are also critical components. Using platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy might come with fees, but they bring customers who can become long-term clients. Building a social media presence and encouraging customer engagement can convert one-time rentals into recurring business. Simple strategies like starting a Facebook page or offering incentives for customer interaction can significantly boost your marketing efforts without extensive costs.
If marketing or social media isn't your forte, consider hiring help. Platforms like Fiverr can connect you with students or interns eager to gain experience. This not only enhances your marketing efforts but also frees you to focus on core business activities.
Finally, evaluate what tasks don’t bring you joy and consider outsourcing them. This could include bookkeeping, administrative tasks, or even customer inquiries. The goal is to focus on what you love and what drives your business forward, ensuring a fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial journey.
Thank you for joining us this week. We hope you found value in this episode. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review. We’ll see you again next week.

Welcome to this episode of the RV Rental Secret Podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to have Garr Russell with us. Garr is stepping in as our new co-host and brings a wealth of experience as the founder and CEO of Fireside RV Rental, as well as my business partner and mentor. His insights have been invaluable to my understanding of the RV rental industry.
Today, we dive into the topic of tackling the challenging aspects of business, especially relevant during our peak season. Garr shares his philosophy, influenced by his mentor Josh Latimer, on the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, regardless of the industry. His advice? Embrace the challenges as they come, recognizing that each effort, successful or not, contributes to personal and professional growth.
A key takeaway from Garr's experience is the power of delegation. Learning to entrust tasks to others who can perform them sufficiently allows business owners to focus on areas that drive revenue and growth. This approach has transformed our operations at Fireside, making room for innovations like the Fireside Plus program.
Garr also touches on the pivotal lessons learned from the economic shifts caused by COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of using other people's assets to scale business without accumulating excessive overhead. This strategy proved crucial during the uncertain times of the pandemic.
We also explore strategies for managing the high season in the RV rental industry, from maintaining a positive outlook amidst last-minute bookings and unforeseen issues to optimizing pricing and reservation policies to capitalize on urgent demand.
Garr's anecdotes and the principles he shares, like those found in the book "Three Feet from Gold," remind us that persistence and a positive mindset can lead to breakthroughs even when success seems elusive.
In wrapping up, Garr and I discuss the significance of community and mentorship in navigating the ups and downs of business. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-life examples that underscore the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and community support in the RV rental industry.
Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing more insights and stories in our upcoming episodes with Garr.
 
To learn more about Garr's story, download his FREE ebook, 'My Wheel Estate Story' here.

Luis Valdez from Central Washington RV Rentals started his journey into the RV rental business unexpectedly after purchasing a camper for personal use. Here are some key points from his interview on the RV Rental Secrets podcast:
How It All Started: Luis and his wife decided to buy a camper to spend more time outdoors with their kids after his father-in-law passed away. They quickly learned about the challenges of booking good campsites during peak seasons.
Discovery of RV Rental Business: Luis stumbled upon the idea of renting out their camper after seeing a suggestion on Facebook Marketplace. They listed their camper on RVshare and Outdoorsy, and bookings started pouring in immediately, leading them to realize the potential of this business.
Business Expansion: Encouraged by initial success, they expanded their fleet by purchasing more units to meet demand. Eventually, they also started managing RVs owned by others through rental agreements.
Operational Growth: Initially managing most operations themselves, Luis and his wife later hired cleaners and maintenance personnel to handle the growing workload. Eventually, the business became so successful that Luis left his full-time job to focus on it.
Marketing Strategies: They utilized various marketing channels such as social media (including TikTok), Google Ads, and a YouTube channel ("LR Valdez Rentals") to promote their business. Their YouTube channel not only helped with direct bookings but also attracted investors interested in purchasing units for rental purposes.
Rebranding and Focus: As their business grew, they rebranded to "Central Washington RV Rentals" to better reflect their location and attract local customers searching for RV rentals.
Tips for Aspiring RV Rental Entrepreneurs: Luis emphasizes the importance of clear communication and division of responsibilities for couples or partners entering the business together. He also advises being prepared for the fast-paced nature of the business and the need for constant attention to customer service and maintenance.
Luis's journey highlights the rapid growth potential in the RV rental industry and the importance of leveraging online platforms and community engagement for business success.
Check out his Youtube channel @boutthatrvlife

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!