Q&A with Ami
Welcome to our exclusive Q&A session with one of Drive mate's esteemed hosts, Ami. In this interview, Ami shares valuable insights into their experience as a car-sharing host and what makes his cars unique. If you're considering renting a car on the Drive mate platform, Ami's expertise and dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience will surely pique your interest. Get ready to discover the special features, maintenance practices, amenities, and guest interactions that set Ami apart as a top-rated host. Let's delve into this insightful conversation and learn how you can have an unforgettable car rental experience with Ami on Drive mate.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your experience with this car? What makes your car unique and why should renters choose to rent from you specifically?
Hi! My name is Ami and I am sharing a fleet of 18 vehicles currently.
I started off peer-to-peer car sharing as I wanted to build a side income and noticed this model of neighborhood car sharing was on the rise in Australia.
I started off in 2019 with one car which failed to get many bookings due to it being a manual car ( I love my manual cars!), however, I continued to acquire more reliable cars that have been privately used and serviced regularly. What sets my cars apart from other hosts may be that I make sure all maintenance of the fleet is kept up to date, and there are additional accessories for renters when they need to rent a car (such as phone holders, USB chargers for all phone types, dashcam, etc) to ensure they have a great renting experience. Usually, these are not provided by the standard rental companies, and knowing that you are sharing a car with a mate in your neighborhood creates a level of trust between the host and the guest for a car to be brought back in its original condition.
What kind of maintenance have you done to keep your car in top condition for renters, and how does this benefit them?
I service my cars every 7500 km, or 6 months - whichever comes first. There are times this is done earlier if there is a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed urgently. This extends the longevity of my cars and a tip to any car owner is : When you see a fault, jump on it and get it fixed straight away before it leads to other faults or more severe breakdowns.
How do you ensure that your car is always clean and ready for renters to use, and what kind of amenities do you provide for them?
I hire a mobile car cleaner to visit my cars and vacuum and wash them on a weekly basis, this is a private arrangement and ensures that guests are picking up the car in a clean condition. I provide tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizers, phone holders, aux cables, and phone charger cables and ensure each vehicle is fitted with a dashcam for their safety in the event of an unlikely accident to determine who is at fault. I make sure to go above and beyond in guest experience so have minimal to zero inconveniences when renting.
Are there any special features or benefits that come with renting your car, such as a GPS system, roadside assistance, or free parking?
My vehicles are equipped with multiple GPS trackers, however for privacy reasons, this is disabled for myself (host) when a car is in a booking. The vehicles are parked in 24/7 free parking zones and are insured for roadside assistance in the event of a flat tire or a flat battery.
How do you typically interact with renters, and what kind of feedback have you received from them about your car and service?
I meet borrowers face-to-face to hand over the keys and answer any questions they may have at the start of the booking. I always remind guests to return the car in the same condition of pickup in terms of cleanliness and fuel level and to upload condition photos of the car onto the Drive mate app to protect themselves from damage claims. The feedback received on cars is that they are a pleasure to drive with all the necessary accessories for a fun renting experience. I make sure to check in with the borrowers during their booking to make sure everything is going well and answer any questions they have (e.g. how to connect to Bluetooth, how to use cruise control, etc as each car is different)
Do you have any restrictions or requirements for renters, such as a minimum age or driving experience, and how do you enforce these to protect both the car and the renter?
I prefer to rent my cars to those aged 25 and above knowing they are more responsible in general, although I have not yet refused someone being too young. There are some red flags I look out for though.
I have a tracking system in the cars that advises me if they are being abused (heavy braking, heavy acceleration, etc) - these alerts are monitored to ensure the cars are not being abused, however, I don't micromanage or pay much attention as it is very rarely someone would rent a car like a Yaris for street racing on Princes Highway!
What kind of insurance coverage do you have in place for renters, and how does this protect them and their belongings while using your car?
I have private full CTP insurance for the cars. Guests are reminded to take their belongings when returning the cars. Although I often come across items left by the guests such as phones, sunglasses, AirPods, etc. I contact the guests and post it back to them free of charge in such instances or arrange pickup from my home. Being honest and believing in karma goes a long way. The most valuable item a guest had left behind was a Rolex watch, which was worth more than my car! I drove to the guest's house to deliver this as I didn't want to risk damage to the watch during postage.
Finally, why should renters choose to rent from you on our platform?
Renting from me ensures that guests are provided with a level of service that would provide them with the confidence to book the car again. My renters have a level of confidence knowing they are driving a safe and reliable car for the duration of the rental, whilst all inquiries related to the car are taken care of almost instantly.
After over 500 + bookings in the past 4 years, I have not had a guest stranded with any trouble during a booking. It takes a lot of time and effort to provide such a level of service while putting aside other commitments that I face throughout the day, however, it is worth it in the end - this is not entirely for monetary purposes but for the satisfaction, I have for myself knowing I look after my clients.
Conclusion
As our conversation with Ami, a dedicated Drive mate host, comes to an end, it's evident that his passion for providing exceptional service and memorable experiences shines through. From maintaining his fleet to the highest standards to offering convenient amenities and prioritizing clear communication, Ami's commitment to being an outstanding host is truly commendable.
By choosing to rent from Ami on the Drive mate platform, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you'll be supported every step of the way. So, when planning your next car rental, consider the unparalleled service and reliability offered by Ami—an experienced and trusted host on Drive mate. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and your adventure awaits!
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