How to Start a Golf Cart Rental Business

The golf cart rental business includes getting a fleet of golf carts and renting them out for a fee. Of course, the company that rents the carts is also in charge of maintenance.

Since this is a big and ongoing investment, it is only natural to wonder: Is the golf cart rental business profitable?

The golf cart market itself is expected to reach $2.12 billion in 203. Besides the rising popularity of golf, the demand for carts is increased by urbanization, sustainability, and numerous businesses, such as hotels, amusement parks, and hotels.

According to an industry report, it is expected that golf cart rental businesses will benefit from a continued increase in demand. So, if you are thinking about starting this type of business, here’s how to do it. 

Begin with Market Research

Just like with any business, starting a golf cart rental service requires thorough market research to be able to understand what your customers need, identify competitors, and choose a good location.

First of all, consider who your target market is. That can be golfers, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, the general public, or all of them.

Where is your targeted audience located? Where do they need the golf carts the most? This should be your chosen location.

Then, identify the competitors, and learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Find out if there are any country or state regulations for this type of business. The regulations may vary and include insurance, permits, parking, etc.

Make a Business Plan

This is an important element of any successful business. A business plan will guide your decisions and help you secure financing.

A good plan needs to include a business description and goals. Additionally, it needs to have market research and analysis, financial projections, an operational plan, a competitive analysis, and a marketing plan.

It will also need to name the management team. In the spirit of “expect the best, prepare for the worst,” the plan needs to include an exit strategy, as well.

Choose a Memorable Name

Before you start the legal procedure of registering your business, you will need to have a name. The name you choose needs to be memorable, easy to pronounce, unique, and related to the nature of your operations.

When brainstorming business names, think about something that tells your story and what you want to achieve.

Observe other names in that industry and think about what you want your customers to know about you and your business.

There are plenty of business name generators you can use, if not to give you the brand name, then to give you some inspiration.

Register Your Business

You will need to register the business with your local and federal government. You can register it as a sole proprietorship, corporate organization, limited liability company, or partnership.

When deciding on the type, consider your goals and what kind of liability exposure you want. For a small family rental business, a sole proprietorship is usually enough.

Get the Necessary Equipment

When choosing your golf cart fleet, let quality be your guide, as you don’t have the luxury of replacing the vehicles every year or so.

If your target audience includes environmentally-aware people, consider getting an electric fleet. Electric golf carts are also cheaper, easier to maintain, and more cost-friendly.

You will also need golf cart maintenance equipment (jacks, air compressors, tire changing equipment, etc.), spare golf cart wheels and tires, GPS systems, safety equipment, and cleaning supplies.

Hire, Launch, and Promote

Depending on the size and scale of your business, maybe you will be able to handle almost all aspects of the business, or maybe you’ll hire some help. Some things, such as accounting, can be outsourced.

Launching the business requires creating some sort of bang. This could be in the form of a launch party that will attract people from the neighborhood.

Talk to influencers from the golf or tourism community (depending on your target audience). They can make a video or a social media post on your business.

Hand out promo material. Design an easy-to-navigate and attractive website and fill it with important information and quality content. Encourage word-of-mouth to promote your store, and make sure you’re active on social media.

In Closing

Remember that starting and successfully growing your golf cart rental business is not a race; it is a marathon.

Perhaps things won’t go as you expected at the beginning, but try to stick to your business plan and, if there’s a need, revise it after some time.