I was Drowning in Debt with Nothing but a Hoopty in the Driveway—Here’s How I Turned Things Around with Turo

I was Drowning in Debt with Nothing but a Hoopty in the Driveway—Here’s How I Turned Things Around with Turo

Hey there! My name’s Angela, and my husband and I run a Turo photography business. We’re no strangers to finding creative ways to make a quick buck—trust me, we’ve been there. A while back, we found ourselves deep in debt with our 2012 Civic, affectionately known as our "hoopty," sitting in the driveway. Meanwhile, our little Fiat was just waiting for us to make the most of it. We decided to list our Fiat on Turo and use our Civic for daily errands.

Making Money with Turo: The Solution was sitting in My Driveway

Faced with mounting debt, my husband and I realized we could list our Fiat on Turo to generate some extra income. The Civic wasn’t glamorous, but it got us where we needed to go while the Fiat made us money.

Turo can be a fantastic way to bring in extra cash, depending on your car’s class and location. According to Turo, you could earn anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per week. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings based on car class:

• Economy Cars: $150–$300 per week

• Mid-Range Cars: $300–$500 per week

• Luxury Cars: $500–$1,000+ per week

Getting Started: Promote Your Turo Listing

Once we decided to list our Fiat, we knew we had to get the word out. We started by sharing our Turo listing on social media, letting friends and family know, and even offering a small discount for their first rental. Believe it or not, our first few bookings came from people we knew—and from there, word spread quickly.

Captive Pricing: How to Set Competitive Rates

To attract renters, it’s essential to set the right price. Captive pricing means setting a rate that’s competitive but still profitable. Turo’s automated pricing tool is a great way to ensure your rates stay attractive to potential renters. The tool automatically adjusts your price based on demand, competition, and seasonality, helping you maximize your earnings while keeping your car booked.

Communication: The Key to Success

Good communication is vital for a successful Turo experience. Here’s what I mean:

• Quick Responses: Answer inquiries and booking requests as quickly as possible. A fast response shows professionalism and increases your chances of securing a booking.

• Clear Instructions: Provide easy-to-follow instructions for pickup, drop-off, and car usage. This can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth experience for your renters.

• Friendly and Helpful: Be approachable and offer assistance if needed. If a renter has a question, be ready to help.

Sample Welcome Card for Your Turo Renters

Good customer service doesn't end with the customer pick up, but extends to their first contact with your car. Including a welcome card in the glove compartment is a small but powerful touch that can enhance the renter’s experience. Here’s a sample template you can use:

Welcome to Your Turo Ride!

Thank you for choosing my car for your trip. I hope you have a fantastic experience! Here are a few things to know:

Contact Information:

• If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to text or call me at [Your Phone Number].

Important Details:

• Pickup Location: [Pickup Address]

• Return Location: [Return Address]

• Fuel Policy: Please return the car with the same fuel level it had at pickup.

• Emergency Kit: An emergency kit is located in the trunk. I hope you don’t need it, but it’s there just in case!

Extras:

• Local Recommendations: Check out [Local Restaurant] for a great meal, or visit [Local Attraction] for some fun!

Thanks again, and enjoy your trip!

Best,
[Your Name]😊

Three Economical Upgrades to Make Your Car Stand Out

To make sure our Fiat stood out and allowed us to charge a bit more, we decided to give it a fun theme. As a Friends fan, I went all out and created a themed car with seat covers, a steering wheel cover, and a dashboard bobblehead. Here’s how you can do it too:

1. Themed Seat Covers: You can find themed seat covers on Amazon that match your chosen look. Whether it’s Friends, Barbie, or a superhero theme, this upgrade instantly makes your car more appealing. Buy on Amazon.

2. Steering Wheel Cover: Match your seat covers with a steering wheel cover to complete the look. Buy on Alibaba.

3. Dashboard Decor: A bobblehead or small figurine that matches your theme adds the finishing touch. Buy on Etsy.

Trending Car Themes for 2024

Wondering what themes are trending for cars this year? Here are some ideas:

• Retro 80s/90s Theme

• Anime-Inspired Interiors

• Eco-Friendly (Sustainable Materials)

• Vintage Glam (Classic Hollywood)

• Sports Team Pride

You can find accessories for these themes on platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and Etsy.

Insider Tips from a Vetted Turo Photographer Wifey

As someone who’s been in the Turo game for six years, here are a few more tips for after you have decked-out your car:

1. Take Professional Photos: Listings with high-quality photos get more views. My husband is a vetted Turo photographer, and we know firsthand how important this is. If you’re in Tampa Bay, check out Turo Photographer for affordable, professional photos.

2. Set Captive Pricing: Use Turo’s pricing tools to set competitive rates that attract renters while maximizing your earnings.

3. Communicate Clearly: Providing clear, friendly communication from start to finish can lead to repeat customers and better reviews.

Conclusion

Dealing with debt is stressful, but if you have a reliable car, you have a valuable asset sitting in your driveway. By renting out your work car on Turo and driving your "hoopty" or older car for your daily needs, you can start generating extra income and working your way out of debt.

With a little creativity, smart pricing, and good communication, you can turn your Turo experience into a successful side hustle. And remember, themed cars can make your listing stand out—so why not have a little fun with it?

Good luck, and happy renting!

—Angela, Turo Car Owner and Proud Turo Photographer Wifey