So it looks like I'm going to have to wind the rental business down. We had a strong run for the last ~5 years, but these private owner/user phone apps are killing the business. Zero support from Guzzi and local dealers is painful as well. Also in watching the social media sites over the last year or so where people ask where to rent Guzzis, and hardly anyone (many of whom visit here), almost seem afraid to post a link to the RideMalibu.com website - it's been quite baffling.
Based on what I've seen in person as to user-owned bike rental condition (cord exposed tires and worn out chains and sprockets to name two), and how owners and customers treat the rental app bikes and the super-low rental cost is a losing proposition all the way around for me. How people would let others ride their bikes, or people trusting random owners as the bikes service and safety is mind boggling. I suspect I can re-investigate this in another year or so, but for now... business is dead dead.
Also, I didn't see anywhere near the local support I had hoped in the last 5 years, so that is a bit of a bummer as well.
All good though... This will allow me to focus more energy on the GTM side of things.
Thanks to all who actually rented from us over the years. It was fun meeting everyone, and allowing people to sample my work in person.
Based on what I've seen in person as to user-owned bike rental condition (cord exposed tires and worn out chains and sprockets to name two), and how owners and customers treat the rental app bikes and the super-low rental cost is a losing proposition all the way around for me. How people would let others ride their bikes, or people trusting random owners as the bikes service and safety is mind boggling. I suspect I can re-investigate this in another year or so, but for now... business is dead dead.
Also, I didn't see anywhere near the local support I had hoped in the last 5 years, so that is a bit of a bummer as well.
All good though... This will allow me to focus more energy on the GTM side of things.
Thanks to all who actually rented from us over the years. It was fun meeting everyone, and allowing people to sample my work in person.