Airbnb for cars
Remember back a few years ago (in 2008) when the concept of couch surfing was taken to a new level when Airbnb was launched in the San Francisco area?? Or, how about when UBER ride sharing (started in 2009) was suddenly in every major city?
Well, I guess it was only a matter of time before it happened in the rental car space.
Have you ever heard of TURO ? I hadn’t, until we had house guests last month, and they showed up in a very nice car.? At first I thought they must have driven their own car to our house instead of flying.? So I asked them if that was their car?
Our friends told us, no, they rented a car through TURO. Using TURO instead of Avis, Enterprise or National, you can skip all the lines, drive any model car that you want (even a Corvette, Mercedes, Audi or Maserati) and have a frustration-free car rental experience by renting from a private party.
I had never heard of it.? But since I had a trip to Omaha, Nebraska planned for this past weekend, I thought I would try it out.
Some background: TURO (renamed from its original name of RelayRides) started in 2009 and its revenues reached more than $850 million in 2023! How have I never heard of them?!
A few weeks before my trip to Omaha, I downloaded the TURO app and selected a 2022 Audi Q5.? I have always wanted to drive an Audi and this was my chance. I was able to reserve the car immediately and was told my credit card would be billed a week before my trip.? A day before my trip, I took a selfie of me and my driver’s license (via the app) and was able to start “chatting/texting” with the car’s owner.
领英推荐
My friends’ experience in Southern California included the car’s owner meeting them at the curb at the airport to do the exchange.? For me, since I arrived late on a Friday night and departed at 5:00am on Sunday morning, the car was parked in a close lot and I was directed to locate the car key in a metal box hidden on the car. When I returned the car, I was able to choose the parking lot and texted the owner the car’s location. Easy peasy.
The car was everything that was promised.? Clean.? No smelly insides.? Because it is a late model, I was able to connect to CarPlay with my iPhone for easy navigation. ? No lines or shuttle buses when I returned.? And I got to drive a very nice car.
Check it out for yourself.? Next time you are traveling and need to rent a car, download the TURO app and you can hand pick what kind of car you want to drive.? No more having to fight the lines at a conventional rental car agency and get frustrated with all the forms you have to sign and the delays.
Safe travels,
Karen
If you’re enjoying what you’re reading, please consider recommending it to others. They can sign up here
Executive Recruiting | Online Job Centers | Produce Industry | Natural and Organic Industry | Open to select board positions | 100% Confidential | 30+ years of experience | Proud Dad
1 个月I’ve used them a few times over the years. Fun way to experience a car and avoid buying a depreciating asset that will sit in my garage 90% of the time.
Founder & CEO at Moxxy | IFPA Board Member & Chair of Marketing Council | Creating success and growth for brands in fresh foods, agriculture and AgriFoodTech.
1 个月I’m so glad to hear about your positive experience. I’ve heard great things about TURO and can’t wait to try it myself.
Award-winning author, International speaker, Founder of DE International Inc., Hostess of Live on Purpose -Relax, Reflect, Renew essential retreat for women leaders. President of International Women's Forum Barbados.
1 个月I've never heard about this either but I like it! Thanks Karen. Worth a try next time I'm in the US.