Lender School, part 1 of 3

Maximize Your Chances of More Rentals!

In this part of the Lender School, we go through, among other things, how many pictures you should include in your listing, how the listing should be structured, and what we mean by being service-minded. All of it is aimed at helping you get as many rentals as possible.

Photos in Your Listing

We’ve noticed a clear trend: listings with four or more photos receive more rental requests than those with fewer. By including more photos, you help renters form a clear and informative picture of the item. Good photos catch attention and build trust with those looking to rent.

It doesn’t have the same effect if you only upload official product photos from the manufacturer – renters prefer to see the exact item you are renting out, so we strongly recommend using your own photos.

Things to keep in mind when adding photos:

The first photo should show the rental item clearly. Make sure it’s in focus, with no distracting background elements.
Upload photos in landscape format and make sure they’re oriented correctly. Portrait photos may be cropped so that the top and bottom aren’t visible.
Including extra accessories? Don’t forget to photograph them too.
Do you have a good photo of the item in use? Include that!

The Listing Text

Listings with informative, detailed descriptions receive more requests. That’s why we recommend working on your listing text. Longer, descriptive content helps potential renters decide if your product meets their needs. You’ll also receive fewer questions from renters, and Google favors listings with strong descriptions – increasing the chance that your listing appears directly in Google search results.

Examples of information you can include:

Facts about the product: model, brand, year, specific features, etc.
Performance: e.g. revolutions, horsepower, number of wheels, capacity, size, and other useful details.
What it can be used for: suggested areas of use, how you use it yourself, etc.
Things to be aware of: any special considerations during use.
Be honest about faults or damage. If the product has issues, this must be stated so the renter knows from the start.

Response Time & Response Rate

Your listings show your response time and response rate. These are details that help potential renters choose who to rent from. The better your stats, the more likely they’ll choose you.

What do response time and response rate actually mean?

Response time shows how quickly you reply to a request. It’s calculated based on your most recent rental requests. If you start replying faster, just a few requests will improve the statistics.
Response rate shows what percentage of requests you answer. Always make sure to respond to every inquiry. Even if you can’t rent out the item, replying provides a much better experience than not answering at all. This stat is also based on your most recent requests and can improve quickly if you consistently reply.

Being Service-Minded

By providing good service to your renters, you maximize the chances of receiving more requests. Happy and satisfied renters are more likely to come back the next time they need to rent – and they’ll probably recommend you to others too. Good service and satisfied renters also mean positive reviews, which attract new customers.

What do we mean by good service?

You reply to all requests quickly and politely – even if you can’t rent out. It’s always better for the renter to receive an answer than no reply at all.
You are helpful, answer questions, and try to find solutions that work for both parties when it comes to pick-up and drop-off.
You are clear about what’s included in the rental and what’s expected from the renter. If the renter experiences a problem with the product during the rental period (e.g. it doesn’t work), you respond with understanding and try to solve it with them as quickly as possible.