A Plano-based company says it hopes to capitalize on the popularity of life on the open road by streamlining the recreational vehicle experience for owners and renters.
Wallabing said it has adopted a simple concept that “owners make more, renters pay less” as the core idea of its new peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, which connects RV owners, renters, travelers, and wandering adventurers alike.
“We want to get the word out to bread-and-butter fleet owners, but also to folks who hesitate to purchase an RV or who just stare at the liability that’s sitting parked for far too many weeks per year not to be making money,” founder and CEO Jason Carlson said in a statement. “Our company focuses on making the RV renting experience simple, straightforward, up-front, and budget-friendly. Wallabing makes your next vacation more exciting, more accessible, and more affordable than you thought possible.”
RV rental market on the rise
Wallabing says RV renting is on the rise. [Photo: Wallabing]
The company says that people can think of its platform as a place “where wanderlust meets opportunity.”
By bringing owners and renters together in a marketplace providing value for each, Wallabing has experienced rapid growth since launching in 2021. It said it has increased its inventory by 682% in six months by leveraging its team of 164 independent consultants who are able to assist owners and renters in 32 states.
Wallabing said that RV owners face a dilemma in how to get the most out of their RVs, since they only use them for a few weeks each year. The company said that a recent survey by Verified Market Research found the average RV owner uses their RV an average of 20 days each year—leaving 345 days available to rent them to others.
In recent years, however, the rental market for RVs has been on the rise, Wallabing said.
In 2020, the RV rental market size was valued at $546 million and it’s projected to reach $810 million by 2028, according to Verified Market Research.
Win-win: ‘Owners make more, renters pay less’
Wallabing said the top benefits and features of its platform include:
Owners make more and renters pay less: Wallabing’s 10% fee not only is one of the lowest in the industry, it’s also based on the nightly rate only.
Best User Experience: By working very closely with seasoned RV rental fleet owners, Wallabing’s platform is one of the easiest to use for renters and owners.
Free for Owners: Wallabing does not charge any fee to list or rent your RV. No owner’s fees…ever.
Best protection: Wallabing requires renters to purchase insurance for their trip. Unlike its competitors, the company’s insurance includes liability and physical damage coverage.
Giving back: 10% of the company’s net revenue is donated to charity.
Carlson said Wallabing’s five-year plan is to have 150,000 RVs featured on its site and on the road. The company said it’s planning to launch an upcoming crowdfunding campaign to expand awareness about the platform among RV owners, renters, and potential investors.
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