In this article, we give you tips and tricks on how to win new rentals and improve your listing! tips-how-to-rent-better

In brief

Set the right price Check out the competition Think like a renter Add comfort / convenience where it’s possible Upload good picture(s) Embrace multi-day discounts Be responsive and answer personally Promote your own ad Request a review from renters Think about maintenance / depreciation costs

If you have browsed our platform, you may have noticed that some bikes have already been rented (1 or more times) while others not at all.

However, we are confident that with these tips, you can optimize your ad and increase the chances of your motorcycle being rented. Indeed, now that the bulk of the work is done (the bike is registered), it would be a shame to leave it fallow!

Here are our top 10 tips on how to win new rentals with your bike:

1. Set the price right

We all hope to get the highest price for our bike, but sometimes, being too greedy, we miss a rental. If you are a private owner, we recommend you to be between -20 and -30% cheaper compared to a similar bike at the local dealer, who will probably rent the latest model, so probably more recent than yours. And even if they do not have exactly the same model, we recommend you to be competitive to win new rentals.

You don’t have a point of comparison? Take a look at this professional database where you can browse the availability among Swiss dealers and filter by make/model.

If you are a professional (dealer, garage, etc.), you can play around with the km/day allowance, the accessories provided, etc. to differentiate from competition.

2. Check out your competition

Try to benchmark with other similar bikes on the platform, to know where you stand. We have tourists who rent on Cruizador, and these are (very) mobile. Can’t find a corresponding rental/at a good price in Bern eg.? They quickly hop on a train and rent in Fribourg or Zurich, since they had planned to go there anyway.

3. Think like a renter

Put yourself in the place of a renter. What information would he need to choose his optimal rental? Focus on the driving experience rather than the technical aspects. Eg. “My BMW R1200GS is perfect to ride duo. In addition, the side and top cases will allow you to pack your luggage for the day and store the helmets when you are not on the bike. ”

4. Add convenience/comfort…

…wherever possible. For example, by offering to deliver the bike next to the station, if you live in a neighborhood far from center, or even in front of a hotel. Or if you have a (free) parking spot nearby, offer to the renter to leave his car there during the rental. If you have accessories like USB charger, GPS, smartphone holder, etc. include them in the description, even if you have to increase the rental price by the day. tips-how-to-rent-better

And what about providing some equipment?

Finally, try to provide basic equipment or at least a helmet. Because in fact many of our bikers-renters resell their motorcycle and the equipment that goes with it for family or professional reasons. And they will probably not buy all the equipment again for a few rentals per year. And this is even more true for tourists passing by. We understand that some are reluctant to provide their very own helmet, especially for hygiene reasons. However, all the helmets sold in Switzerland are approved, even the cheap ones available in supermarkets. Also, no need to provide a Shoei or Competition Arai helmet. And having a second less valuable helmet is always practical, even for you 🙂

And, since 2022, you can make this material available either for free of for an extra charge defined by you. Check out our user guide for owners to learn more (here).

5. A good picture…

…is worth a thousand words. And with today’s smartphones, there’s no excuse for not taking good pictures of your bike. Remember to put your motorcycle in front of a neutral background (a wall, a garage door for example), and with a good light (attention to the backlight) and preferably horizontal format. And upload at least two or three (covering different angles) so that the renter can get a better idea. Also avoid to upload stock photo, which may arouse suspicion (fake listing).

tips how win rentals

6.   Embrace multi-day discount

As a matter of fact, if your bike is rented for a longer period of time, it means more money for you and no add. work. Also, a long rental, even with a discount, is better than many small ones. A multi-day discount is definitely a good incentive for renters. tips how win rentals

7. Be reactive and answer personally

When a rental request is made on our platform, the system sends you a notification. Remember to confirm quickly if the bike is available. This will have a positive impact on the renter. And even if we recommend them not to book last-minute (at least 48 hours before check-in), especially for the weekend, motorbike riding is a hobby that depends heavily on weather and it is not necessarily predictable one week in advance. In short, respond quickly!

And in any case, respond to request(s) personally, even if the bike is not available. We have regular users. And if they see that there is a (real) person behind the ad who responds to requests, they will be more inclined to re-book, than if they receive an automatic notification from the system every time they try to book.

8. Promote your own ad on other platforms and/or social networks

Your ad is also your business. You can promote it on other platforms (Anibis, Tutti, etc.) and also on social networks and within your own cercle. The more visibility your ad gains, the more traffic there will be and the more attractive it becomes. Copy the URL link of your ad and post it wherever you want. And do not hesitate to put our contact details instead. We will already take care of answering the prospects and eliminate not serious bikers. This is also a service provided by Cruizador 🙂 !

tips how win rentals

9. Ask for a written review…

…when people have effectively rented your bike. It has an impact on other potential renters. Indeed, who does not look at the reviews on Airbnb or Booking.com before booking an accommodation? Cruizador systematically asks them for it at the end of rental. However, when it is you who ask them directly, the response rate is higher.

After all, you have provided a great service, there is no reason the renter does not make this little favour in return. Additionally the members of the Cruizador community are really great and share the same passion. Some do not rent a motorbike because it was too expensive or not convenient, especially tourists.

They have dreamed of riding our beautiful roads for a long time, and thanks to you, they could fulfill this dream. So they are very grateful that you rent them your bike. We have already heard of some nice exchanges between owner and renter. And we will continue to work hard to foster this community feeling, be assured. tips-how-to-rent-better

10. Be mindful of depreciation and maintenance costs…

…when you set the rental price. Some motorcycles are more guzzler than others and the consumables (tires, pads, etc.) are replaced more often on powerful motorcycles than on small(er) engines. Also, you have the option to set a km/day-allowance (e.g. 300km/day), to obtain additional compensation if the renter rides a lot. Each additional kilometer will be charged to the renter (current lump sum: 40cts/km).

However, be strategic. Do not put a too low allowance (< 200km/day), which may scare potential renters away. In addition, there is less risk that a renter makes a lot of kilometers on a sports bike than on a comfortable trail. Also, it is better to raise the mileage and increase the price/day, than to do the opposite.

 And download our e-book “renting out your motorcycle, everything you need to know”

We provide additional tips and tricks 😉

tips how win rentals