One-way campervan hire: new feature for van owners

Discover how Camplify's new one-way hire features help van owners tap into the lucrative international travel market. Learn about setting up drop-off locations, maximising revenue through longer bookings, and capturing premium rates with flexible hiring options. Last updated: October 2024

"Is one-way hire on Camplify available?" Our customer service team hears this question almost daily, especially from international visitors planning their Australian adventures. While some of our innovative owners have been offering one-way hires for several routes **** by mentioning it in their van descriptions, connecting these travellers with willing owners hasn't always been straightforward.

We're excited to announce the first step in making one-way hiring easier: new features that let you indicate your willingness to offer one-way trips and set up specific drop-off locations right from your owner dashboard.

Why should you consider offering one-way hires?

One-way hires offer many exciting opportunities for van owners to expand their business. By offering this flexible option, you can unlock new revenue streams while gaining access to longer booking periods that often command premium rates. It's particularly valuable for tapping into the international traveller market , who frequently seek extended journeys between major destinations. This approach diversifies your rental options and positions your van to capture a broader range of booking opportunities throughout the year.

How to add one-way hires to your Camplify listing

Getting started with one-way hires is simple. Follow these steps to set up your listing:

1. Log in to your dashboard : Start by logging into your Camplify account and accessing your dashboard.

2. Go to listings : Navigate to the " Listings" section on the top right, where you manage your vehicle details. Then click on “ manage ”.

1. Access optional extras : Scroll down to the " Optional Extras" section and select “ add extra ”. You will see the five most popular drop-off locations requested by tourists. These locations are based on major airports and high-demand areas. Select the location(s) where you're willing to facilitate a one-way hire.

1. Set your fee : Your one-way hire fees need to reflect the real costs of retrieving your van from each drop-off location. Consider all expenses involved: travel costs (fuel, flights, transport), your time commitment, and any accommodation needed for longer distances. While a journey between major cities might warrant a fee of several hundred dollars, every route and situation is unique.

Making your one-way options visible

While the checkbox helps our team identify willing owners, it's important to make your one-way options clearly visible to travellers. Here's how:

Optimise your van headline

Include phrases like:

• "One-way hire available"

• "Sydney to Cairns one-way options"

• "Cross-country adventures welcome"

For example:

• " Luxury Motorhome - One-Way Sydney to Cairns Available"

• " Family Van - Brisbane-Cairns One-Way Options"

• " Adventure Ready - East Coast One-Way Specialist"

Enhance your van description

Create a dedicated section about your one-way hire options. Include:

• Available routes (e.g., "Sydney to Cairns," "Melbourne to Sydney")

• Seasonal availability (e.g., "Winter northbound trips available")

• Minimum hire periods for one-way journeys

• Pick-up and drop-off locations

• Any special conditions or benefits

Camplify tips for one-way hire success

Based on our experience working with successful one-way hire owners, here are our top tips for maximising your success:

Tip # 1: Prepare your van for long journeys

Establish a robust maintenance schedule before offering one-way hires. Build relationships with service providers along common routes to ensure your van has support wherever it travels. This network of trusted mechanics and service points will give you peace of mind when your van is far from home.

Tip # 2: Optimise your pricing strategy

We've observed that successful one-way hire owners typically:

• Factor in fair relocation costs into their base pricing

• Adjust rates based on seasonal demand (especially for north-bound winter trips)

• Research competitive rates for popular routes

• Set appropriate one-way fees to cover return travel expenses

• Consider longer minimum hire periods for distant destinations

Tip # 3: Build a support network

Consider:

• Partnering with cleaning services at destination points

• Connecting with other Camplify owners for mutual support

• Maintaining a list of trusted mechanics along common routes

• Building relationships with local campgrounds at popular stops

Tip # 4: Optimise for longer bookings

One-way hires typically result in extended hire periods. We recommend:

• Setting minimum hire periods appropriate to the route

• Offering incentives for longer bookings

• Creating suggested itineraries that encourage longer stays

• Providing multi-week pricing options

Looking ahead

This is just the beginning. As more owners enable one-way hiring, we plan to develop additional features, including:

• Dedicated search filters for travellers to find one-way hire options

• Enhanced route planning tools

• Expanded drop-off location options

Need help?

If you have any questions about setting up one-way hires or suggestions for additional features, reach out to our owner support team. We're here to help you make the most of this new opportunity.

Ready to make your van available for one-way adventures? Update your settings today and join the growing community of owners offering this sought-after service.