15 important questions to ask before starting your unmanned rental business

Starting a rental business can be an exciting and profitable business opportunity. Whether you plan to rent out kayaks, canoes, boats, trailers, bikes, SUPs, cabins or skis, it’s important to think a few key issues through first. Here are 15 questions that will help you lay a solid foundation for your future business.

1. Which market are you targeting?

Understand your target audience and their needs to adapt your business effectively.

Rentalbuddy works for self-service and staffed rentals, and for events. In principle, you can rent out anything.

10 tips on self-service rental companies that are easy to start

2. What kind of equipment do you need?

Choose between basic or advanced equipment based on customer preference and popularity.

Rentalbuddy recommends starting simple: the best way to get to know your market is to start, test, then evaluate and improve.

3. How much equipment do you need to buy?

Invest wisely to avoid unnecessary storage and save space and money.

Start small – one sauna or one box of kayaks – and add more when bookings show demand.

4. What is your customers’ willingness to pay?

Research the market and competitors’ pricing to determine reasonable prices.

With self-service rental, you can offer customers longer opening hours, and the value for the customer is more flexible pick-up and return. For you, it is the freedom to do other things while customers look after themselves with the help of the system.

Typical prices on Nordic rental businesses’ public price lists (October 2026): kayaks about 300–450 SEK for 2–4 hours, a trailer about 300–500 SEK for a full day, a sauna for 6–8 people often 600–1,000 SEK for three hours. Kayak prices · Trailer prices · Sauna prices

5. Can you offer more than just rental?

Consider offering additional services to become a complete solution for your customers.

The Rentalbuddy system allows you to sell extra products, accessories, insurance and more. It also lets you offer events, on your own or together with others, such as guided tours or courses. Keep in mind that you are sitting on an asset that others can build an offer around with the help of Rentalbuddy’s system.

6. Is used equipment an option?

Most types of equipment have good resale value, so consider buying used: it saves money you can invest in other areas of your business.

7. Are all legal aspects clear?

Agree the spot with the landowner, campsite, marina or municipality, and ask the municipality early whether a sauna raft or shore sauna needs a permit. Make sure your insurance covers the gear and your liability towards renters, and register the business with your tax authority. In Rentalbuddy you can add an insurance or fee customers can’t remove from the booking.

8. What does your online presence look like?

A strong online presence is essential. A simple but professional website can make a big difference.

Rentalbuddy believes in simplicity. Spend 20% of your time creating your website, and 80% of your time getting the word out about your business and your offer.

For a rental business, as for many others, it’s location, location, location. A spot that many people pass is free advertising – compare it with what the same exposure would cost to buy. Don’t forget map services such as Google Maps: many people search there for what they want to rent.

9. Do you have a professional website?

Your website is often the first impression. Make sure it is informative and user-friendly.

You don’t need a website to start: every location gets its own booking page and QR code. Put the booking link in your Google Business Profile and a sign with the QR code where people pass by.

Rentalbuddy recommends that you measure the traffic on your website in order to make data-driven decisions.

10. Are you active on social media?

Social media is important for marketing and customer engagement, especially if your target audience is consumers.

This is challenging: start early and be prepared for it to take time.

11. Have you thought about partnership?

Partnerships with related companies can expand your offer and attract more customers. Ask the campsite, marina or tourist office nearby to point their guests to your booking page.

12. What does your maintenance plan look like?

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your equipment in top condition.

Always encourage your customers to take good care of the gear and to clean and tidy up when they return it. That way, you improve the next customer’s experience and make your gear last longer.

Ask for it at the return: the return step can require a checklist, a confirmation or a photo, saved with the booking.

13. What does your customer service look like?

Excellent customer service is the key to repeat business. Make sure your customers feel well taken care of.

Renters will call you, so give a phone number someone answers. From your phone you can move a booking to another free item, extend it, read out a code or refund it – and your confirmation email, reminders and unlock page answer most questions before anyone calls. What if a renter can’t open the lock?

14. Do you have a watertight agreement?

Clear terms help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts with customers.

Rentalbuddy includes example rental terms you adapt to your business – your terms are your responsibility – and customers accept them when they book.

15. Do you have a business plan?

A well-thought-out business plan is essential for success. Write down your goals, strategies, and budget.

Put real numbers in it: Rentalbuddy from 299 SEK a month excl. VAT, the locks once (about €160 each in Igloohome’s EU shop, October 2026), Igloohome’s code fee of about 20 SEK per lock a month and Stripe’s fee per payment. Every cost · Estimate your earnings

Last but not least, starting a business is hard. As a rule of thumb, year 1 is tough, year 2 is OK and year 3 is when it is going well.

Summary

Starting a rental business requires careful planning and understanding of your market. By answering these questions, you can lay a solid foundation for your business and increase your chances of success. We at Rentalbuddy are happy to help you with any questions.