While equipment rentals are certainly a popular business model, I'm here today to share some tricks that many rental companies are missing out on. By implementing a few subtle changes, you can significantly enhance your business and better serve customers.

In this article, I'll outline 13 overlooked tricks that rental businesses can adopt to boost revenue and retention. From loyalty programs and flexible rental periods to online marketing strategies and partnerships, there are easy ways to modernize your offering.

Let's jump right into the first trick!

1. Develop Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a classic tactic for incentivizing repeat customers, yet surprisingly few equipment rental companies utilize them. By implementing a points-based rewards system, you can encourage rental frequency and foster brand loyalty.

Here's how a basic loyalty program could work:

• Customers earn 1 point for every $1 spent on rentals
• Every 10 points earns a $5 credit towards future rentals
• Points never expire and accumulate over time
• Additional rewards tiers offer bigger discounts at milestones like 50 or 100 points

Promote the program upfront to get customers enrolled. Then remind them of their point balance with each transaction. Watch rental volumes increase as customers work to maximize their rewards. You could even offer free rental days as an ultra high-tier incentive.

Loyalty programs are a low-effort, high-impact strategy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to attract and retain your valuable repeat clients.

2. Expand Equipment Options

While core rental items like generators, floor cleaners, and power tools may cover basic demand, consider broadening your inventory to appeal to different crowds. Take stock of what other equipment types people in your area could utilize.

For example, you may find market potential in:

• Party and event rentals like tents, tables, chairs
• Seasonal lawn and garden equipment
• Mobile workshop tools for crafts and hobbies
• Sport and recreation gear like kayaks, grills, bikes

Research secondary rental categories on sites like craigslist to gauge interest. Fill identifiable gaps where customers currently go elsewhere. A varied selection draws in new clientele while keeping existing customers loyal with one-stop-shopping convenience.

Don't overlook untapped categories just because they differ from traditional rentals. With opportunities to expand, why limit your addressable market?

3. Offer Equipment Packages or Kits

Bundles and pre-assembled kits streamline the rental process for customers. By putting together solutions for common tasks, you deliver value faster than competitors.

Consider curated packages like:

• Moving kit: truck, dolly, tools
• Landscaping bundle: mower, trimmer, blower
• Painting bundle: ladder, roller set, drop cloths
• Home project kits: plumbing tools, electrical tools

Promote packages as time-saving combinations versus renting items individually. Customers appreciate the convenience of showing up with everything required for a job. Pre-packaged solutions also encourage add-on spending within bundles.

Kits appeal especially to contractors and event planners with semi-regular rental needs. Build loyalty by creating configurations tailored specifically for returning business clients. Checkout: https://zipprr.com/equipment-rental-script/

4. Rent by the Day or Hour

While renting equipment for full days/weeks maximizes revenue per transaction, flexible rental periods open sales opportunities. Cater to clients who just need stuff for short stints.

Consider hourly pricing structure with options like:

• $10/hour, $50/day, $150/week for small tools
• $25/hour, $100/day, $300/week for large power tools
• $50/hour, $200/day, $500/week for specialty equipment

Clearly advertise flexible options on your website and in-store. Emphasize hourly rentals fitting any timeline versus committing to full days upfront. Short-term flexibility attracts DIYers and lower-budget projects.

Plus, hourly customers testing short rentals often return for lengthier future needs. It pays to welcome any customer through your doors, even if just for 90 minutes.

5. Provide Delivery and Pickup

While do-it-yourself customers happily haul away rentals, many favor convenience services saving trips. Explore logistics like:

• Free delivery within 10 miles, $10 fee for areas 10-20 miles out
• Designated weekday drop-off/pickups at satellite locations
• Weekend/evening delivery with a small surcharge
• Curbside service instead of requiring customers enter stores

Partner with local contractors willing to deliver your rentals during their existing routes. Consider fleet vehicles or branded trailers increasing your delivery range.

Promote this perk heavily online and in-store. Customers gladly pay modest fees avoiding transportation hassles. It takes effort, but convenience services drive tremendous goodwill.

6. Sell Accessories and Supplies

Complement equipment rentals with consumable add-ons generating continued income. Stock must-have items specific to your inventory like:

• Rental extension cords, batteries, tarps
• Generator gas cans, oil, filters
• Tool accessories, blades, drill bits
• Lawn accessory kits, oil, spark plugs
• Moving blankets, boxes, tape

Upsell accessories whenever renting associated equipment. Display popular items prominently together for easy browsing.

Best of all, supplies require re-purchase down the line - a sustainable revenue stream versus one-time rentals. With smart merchandising, you'll find accessories becoming a profitable side business in their own right.

7. Establish a Mobile App

Although websites streamline online rentals, a dedicated mobile app takes the customer experience even further. Apps delivering functionality like:

• Browse/reserve equipment on any device
• Check-in/check-out rentals from your phone
• View loyalty point balances and rewards
• Receive rental/return notifications, receipts
• Find store locations and contact info
• Provide FAQs, how-to guides, photos

Launch the app through platform stores, then promote it heavily online and in-stores. Offer new loyalty perks exclusive to app users as an adoption incentive.

Technology enhances accessibility at customers' fingertips. An app signaling modernization boosts your image versus competitors stuck in the past. Focus on the experience - it's your most valuable differentiator.

8. Cross-Promote with Local Businesses

Partnering with related enterprise opens new opportunities. Reach out to contractors, event companies, and workshops about discounts rewarding client/customer referrals.

For example, offer contractors 5% off rentals for every referral that becomes an equipment rental customer. Give wedding planners a $50 store credit for every three referred brides renting tents/tables.

Likewise, discuss equipment sponsorship deals supporting partners' services. For example, subsidizing power equipment rentals equips a landscape company's crews. Or underwriting a tool rental shop's DIY workshops driving new clients through your doors.

Collaborations benefit you both through symbiotic promotions and shared customers. Get creative - opportunities abound to grow business through strategic local alliances.

9. Create a YouTube Channel

Instructional videos aid customers unsure how to properly use/care for rentals. Self-film brief 1-3 minute tutorials on equipment operation highlights and maintenance best practices.

Optimize each video for search, focusing on your top rental items. Place channel links prominently on your site and mention videos during rentals. Help customers feel confident through knowledge, increasing likelihood of renting.

Plus, every tutorial links back naturally to your rental offerings. Casually name models shown for "rent it right here." Subscribers also recommend your channel organically via social proof.

Video marketing costs nothing yet reaps exposure and education leading to rentals. Don't ignore this chance to onboard new customers smoothly.

10. Host Equipment Workshops

Hands-on courses are another clever strategy driving equipment trials. Teach interactive classes covering tasks including:

• Basic home repairs
• Equipment safety certifications
• Seasonal lawn care techniques
• Introductory welding, woodworking
• Event planning best practices

Charge a small fee recovering basic costs. Market workshops heavily as educational community programs versus "sales seminars." People sign up to acquire useful skills more than anything else.

Better yet, raffle rental packages as prizes or offer workshop graduates a one-time rental discount. Leverage events connecting people to your inventory they otherwise may not discover. Education opens doors leading to long-term rental relationships.

11. Utilize Online Reviews

In the attention economy, few marketing tools beat unsolicited customer testimonials. Prompt happy clients to share their 5-star experiences on platforms like:

• Google
• Facebook
• Yelp
• Your website review section

Actively solicit reviews via email 2 weeks post-rental with a brief survey. Request permission to share feedback publicly using their first name. Address any issues that arise transparently to maintain trust.

Meanwhile, leverage positive reviews across marketing materials with quotes like "John said our generators made his party a hit!" Social proof gives newcomers comfort in an anonymous online world. Maintain systems ensuring reviews remain a top web presence priority.

12. Partner with Influencers

Influencers with local followings provide budget-friendly exposure beyond your reach. Research bloggers covering topics like home, garden, crafts in your area.

Provide equipment for sponsored tutorials or weekend campaign giveaways. For example, gifting a welder to a metalworking influencer promoting your rental shop in a "DIY project" video series.

Track rental conversions resulting directly from sponsored placements. Offer recurring partnerships with most impactful influencers. Their audiences intrinsically trust recommendations, making influencer marketing highly effective.

Don't overlook social media "microinfluencers" with narrow niche followings also. Hyper-targeted partnerships activate untapped customer pools for minimal media budgets. Influencers wanting to partner win-win promotions abound if you look.

13. Offer Maintenance Plans

Rather than a one-time transaction, bundle regular maintenance into solutions retaining customers long-term. Tailor flexible plans like:

• $20/month covers biannual tune-ups for power equipment
• $50/6 months includes seasonal servicing of event rentals
• $100/year provides priority repair turnarounds

Promote plans giving peace of mind versus paying continually for check-ups. Bundle discounts resonate more than individual savings too.

Plus, maintenance touchpoints remind renters of your care and expertise year-round - extending equipment lifespans while deepening relationships. Happy, well-cared-for customers rent from you time and again without hesitation.

Conclusion

In closing, I hope highlighting these 13 overlooked tricks inspires new growth strategies for your equipment rental business. While the industry standard model absolutely works, tweaks like loyalty programs, flexible rentals, and community education can supercharge results.

Most importantly, focus on the customer experience. Make renting seamless through conveniences like delivery, same-day rentals, and mobile apps. Educate customers maximizing equipment value with videos and workshops. Build relationships through maintenance, partnerships, and incentives promoting repeat interactions.

Remember - clients ultimately choose providers demonstrating care beyond profit motives. Modernization starts from enriching connections at every touchpoint. Stay creative exploring synergies within your local market too.

I wish you the very best implementing new ideas catering to clients. Feel free to reach out if ever needing rental industry perspective or advice down the road. Your business success depends on continuous learning, so keep pursuing new tricks alongside timeless fundamentals. The opportunities are endless when serving customers comes first.