Renting a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to find the right rental agency. After all, you don’t want to end up with an unsafe bike that won’t meet your needs.
Fortunately, more than 20 million people in the U.S. rent motorcycles yearly, and over 10 thousand unique motorcycle rental agencies throughout the country offer their services. With so many options available, how do you choose?
The answer lies in finding an agency that provides excellent customer service and has essential practices to ensure riders have the best experience. Here are more than 20 essential practices for providing the best experience at your motorcycle rental agency. But first, going over some questions that might arise if you’re just considering opening a rental business:
Is motorcycle rental a profitable business?
This is a question that many entrepreneurs and business owners have asked themselves when deciding if they should invest in this type of motorcycle rental business. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the number of customers you can expect, the types of motorcycles offered, and the expenses associated with running a motorcycle rental business.
Regarding availability and customer demand, these businesses can be very profitable in popular vacation areas or near places where large events occur. People often rent motorcycles when they travel to new locations, allowing them to explore the area more easily and conveniently. Motorcycle rental is also popular during special events such as music festivals or sporting events, as people may not want to bring their own motorcycles.
Types of motorcycles to be rented
1) Touring
Touring motorcycling allows travelers to take everything necessary on a trip. These bikes are often equipped with features like cruise control, a large saddlebag, and extra storage space.
2) Dual sport
Dual sport motorcycles combine the features of an off-road bike and a touring motorcycle. These bikes are built to handle everything from motocross racing to long-distance highway cruising.
3) Cruiser
Cruiser motorcycles are characterized by low-riding, foot-forward seating, and relaxed riding posture. These bikes are popular with those riders who want a comfortable ride while still having the power and performance of a larger motorcycle.
4) Off-road
Off-road bikes are designed for off-road exploration and adventure. They typically don’t have the features of street-legal motorcycles, but they offer improved agility, stability, and power over rough terrain.
Fuel and maintenance costs
In addition to buying or leasing your motorcycles, you will need to consider fuel, maintenance, and motorcycle insurance costs. These costs can add up quickly if you don’t keep on top of them. Regularly check and change the oil, replace tires, and inspect the bike for damage or wear and tear.
How about Insurance
It’s important to ensure your agency is properly insured in case of an accident or theft. Without insurance protection, you could be held liable for any damages or losses incurred by a customer.
Types of motorbikes Nationwide insures
Nationwide recognizes the differences between motorcycle riders and their bicycles. Let’s take a look at the opinions regarding motorbikes. Some use the phrase “lightweight motorcycle” to describe the bike, and others use this term interchangeably with ” motorcycle “. Nationwide provides motorcycle insurance to help prevent damage and prolong the life of your ride on your motorcycle. See all of the details about yours.
States with the most expensive motorcycle insurance
Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana, and California have the highest rates for motorcycle insurance in most states. These states generally have high populations and shorter riding times. Motorcycle insurance is approximately 31% cheaper than the national average. The cheapest insurance policy for motorcycling will depend on the coverage of the insurance company and your location.
How much is motorcycle insurance for sport vs. touring vs. cruiser vs. scooter?
It greatly affects your motorcycle insurance cost and rates. Sport and Supersport motorcycles are typically significantly less cost-effective to insure than others because they are generally very expensive and frequently damaged. Compared to cruiser-style bikes, sport bikes are nearly three times more expensive to insure than a typical Kelley Blue Book value of just 179%. Similarly, touring bicycles can save as much as 33% as sporting bikes but are much more expensive overall.
Some Practices for Providing the Best Experience
1) Know Your Needs
Ask customers about their specific needs and ensure you understand the requirements.
2) Comprehensive Inventory
Offer a range of motorcycles in different sizes, styles, and colors to ensure customers can find the perfect bike.
3) Safety First
Ensure all motorcycles are safe and meet manufacturer guidelines. Thoroughly inspect each bike before it is rented out to make sure there are no defects or issues. Make sure to provide a helmet and other protective gear with each order.
4) Well-Informed Employees
Equip your staff with the knowledge to answer customers’ questions and provide valuable advice on choosing the right bike for their needs.
5) No hidden fees
Explain all associated fees, such as registration, driver’s license, insurance, damage waiver, etc.
6) Great Deals and Discounts
Offer discounts, deals, and promotions that make it easier for customers to rent a motorcycle at a good price.
7) Make a good website
Create a user-friendly website or app with detailed information about the agency, the different types of motorcycles available, and the rental process.
8) Online Reservations
Allow customers to reserve their bikes online quickly and easily. You can use a cloud-based rental management system to automate online reservations seamlessly.
9) Flexible Payment Options
Provide flexible payment options like credit cards, debit cards, or cash payments that make renting a motorcycle easier for customers.
10) Comprehensive Insurance
Ensure you carry comprehensive insurance coverage that protects customers and your business in case of accidents.
11) Helpful Roadside Assistance
Include a roadside assistance package in your rental agreement so that customers can get help if they have an issue with their bike while on the road.
12) Fast Delivery Services
Provide fast delivery services for customers who need to rent a motorcycle quickly.
13) Clear and Easy-to-Understand Agreements
Ensure all rental agreements are clear and easy to understand so customers fully understand their responsibilities when renting a motorcycle from your agency.
14) Clean, Shiny Bikes
Keep the motorcycles clean and in good condition. Make sure they are shiny and attractive when customers pick them up.
15) Helpful Customer Support
Provide helpful customer support when needed. Be available to answer questions, advise, or help with any issues arising during the rental period.
16) Clear Refund Policies
Make sure your refund policies are clear and easy to follow. Ensure customers understand what happens in case of cancellation or if they need to return the bike early.
17) Secure Storage
Ensure all motorcycles are stored securely when not in use. Ensure they are kept safe from theft and damage while your agency is closed.
18) Regular Maintenance Checks
Carry out regular maintenance checks on all bikes to ensure they are in good condition and ready for customers.
19) Accessible Spare Parts
Ensure you have easy access to a range of spare parts to quickly and easily repair any bike issues if necessary.
20) Professional Clean-up Services
Offer clean-up services for the bike when it is returned. This will make sure your rental agency always looks professional and well-maintained.
21) Flexible Scheduling
Allow customers to conveniently schedule their rentals, such as early or late evenings.
22) Quality Control Checks
Carry out regular quality control inspections on all motorcycles to ensure they are in working order and meeting safety standards. This will help provide customers with a safe and reliable ride.
23) Highlight Important Features
Explain the different features of the bike, such as its top speed, weight limit, and any other safety features or equipment included with the rental.
24) Offer Additional Services
Give customers more than bikes by offering helmets, gloves, jackets, and other riding accessories.
25) Give them a quick maintenance course
In a minute or two, educate customers on the basics of motorcycle maintenance. Also, Inform customers of local laws and regulations regarding motorcycling, such as helmet laws, speed limits, and more.
26) Give away maps
Offer an up-to-date, free map of your local area for customers to use during their motorcycle rental.
In conclusion
These practices should be applied regularly to ensure your rental business provides the best possible customer experience for every customer. By taking these steps, you can ensure your business stands out from the competition and provides customers with an enjoyable, safe, and stress-free experience.
By focusing on customer satisfaction, you can help build a strong foundation for success in the industry. So take these steps as you set up and manage your motorcycle rental business!