How To Start Your Contactless Rental Business

At first glance, starting a contactless rental business seems easy, right?
Buy a trailer, slap on a digital lock, send the customer a pin after they book online… Done!

Not so fast.

While it’s never been easier to get started, scaling a self-hire operation is a different beast. Below, we break down the essential steps to go from your first item to your ten-thousandth rental with confidence.

1. Choose the Right Rental Items

Renting out gear isn’t just about what’s popular, it’s about what you know.

Ask yourself:

• Can I maintain this item myself (at least to start)?
• Am I confident describing it to customers?
• Do I know how to market it?

Whether it’s trailers (great for the mechanically minded), bikes and paddle boards (for adventure lovers), or tools and equipment (for tradies and DIYers), stick to what you know. It'll save you headaches later, and help you move faster at every stage.

2. Decide How to Lock and Secure Your Items

This part is critical: how will you secure the item and give customers access without needing to meet them?

Here are common strategies:

• Lockboxes: Store keys or locks in a secured box with a keypad or smart code.
• Physical immobilisers: Devices that block use (like hitch locks, wheel boots, or cable locks).
• Direct digital locks: Smart locks with codes that expire after the rental.

Also think about:

• Signage & instructions: Make pickup simple. Add clear stickers and signs showing where to unlock and how to identify the correct item.
• Item IDs: Number your items and use large visual identifiers so customers don’t get confused in your lot.
• Location layout: For trailers and large gear, consider fencing your lot or using a shipping container with a locked entrance to add another layer of security.

3. Get the Right Insurance

Unfortunately, even the best locks won’t stop every bad actor, or prevent accidental damage.

You’ll need a policy that covers:

• Commercial use and hire
• Loss or damage by the renter
• Theft or unreturned items

Some providers will require GPS tracking or other security features. Don’t stress, modern rental platforms like Booqyy already support this with built-in integrations.

4. Pick Your Launch Locations

Here’s where contactless rentals shine.
Unlike traditional storefronts, you don’t need a shop front, just a few square metres.

Popular options:

• Spare car parks
• Storage containers
• Partnered business lots (offer a revenue share to use a few unused car spots)

As a bonus, these partners may benefit from your customer traffic, turning a shared space into a win-win.

5. Set Up Your Website

Time to start taking bookings. Your website doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional.

You’ve got two paths:

• Manual Start: Use Squarespace or Webflow to create a clean site. Add a simple contact form and phone number to start.
• Automated from Day 1: Install the Booqyy rental widget. This gives customers real-time item availability, instant checkout, and automated confirmations.

Pro tip: Keep instructions short and make it easy to book in just a few clicks.

6. Handle Your First Order Like a Pro

The first order is always nerve-wracking. But with the right system, it can be entirely hands-off.

With Booqyy, here’s what happens automatically:

• The customer books online.
• A lock code is generated, valid for the hire duration.
• Booking emails are sent (with codes and instructions).
• Your dashboard updates in real time.

Need to make changes? You can edit bookings, send payment links, or update availability, all from one place.

7. Your 10,000th Order (Yes, Really)

Scaling is the fun part.
With smart systems and good locations, the growth becomes predictable and repeatable.

Here’s how you scale efficiently:

• Open new locations based on customer demand (your dashboard analytics will show you where).
• Track late returns or missing stock with connected GPS.
• Manage inventory issues before they hit your bottom line.

And yes, Booqyy grows with you. As your fleet expands, it keeps everything connected:

• Lock codes
• Bookings
• Payments
• GPS updates
• Notifications for suspicious activity

All in one dashboard.

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This isn’t about tech gimmicks. It’s about letting your customers rent without friction while you scale with minimal overhead, and its something a lot of very large rental companies have failed to act on.

Start smart, build strong foundations, and use the right tools from day one.