Looking for ways to supplement your STR income? Chances are, most of your Airbnb guests are renting a car locally to explore the area while they travel. Why not make extra money by offering YOUR car on a site like Getaround?
John William Johnson is the founder of Happy Healthy Long Life, an online store dedicated to products that promote health and wellbeing. He is also a veteran short-term rental host and runs a car sharing business through the site Getaround. John takes full advantage of his status as a digital nomad to travel internationally, often trading his pet sitting services for a free place to stay.
Today, John joins me to discuss the process of renting cars on Getaround, explaining how the service differs from Turo and sharing his tips for optimizing a business on the site. He reflects on his 10 years of experience with Airbnb, describing how he evolved as a host and why he’s phasing out his STR business in Portland. Listen in for John’s advice on becoming a digital nomad and leveraging the sharing economy to generate income!
Topics Covered
John’s decade of experience as an Airbnb host
- Listed room, then entire house in Portland
- Phasing out STR business as rules change
John’s advice for aspiring Airbnb hosts
- Must like people, be willing to take risk
- Talk to guests before stay in home
The process around renting cars on Getaround
- Platform installs device in car
- User unlocks car with app
- Rent by hour or day (e.g.: $6/hour, $36/day)
John’s tips for optimizing a business on Getaround
- Purchase older car OR electric car
- Park in well-trafficked location
How insurance works on Getaround
- Check car after use, photos of damage
- Platform sends check for repairs
Where John is looking to invest in STR property
- Opportunities in Spain, Portugal and Africa
- Research AirDNA + International Living
How John trades pet sitting for a place to stay
- Apply on sites like Trusted House Sitters
- Pick city and see what’s available
John’s insight on leveraging the sharing economy
- Trust your gut, not the gurus
- Take calculated risks
Connect with John
Healthy Happy Long Life on Amazon
Resources
International Living Real Estate Trend Alert
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