Campervan hire from home, listed online

Holidaying families, couples and grey nomads, plus international visitors who want a van without buying one.

A nightly hire rate, often with a cleaning fee and a refundable bond. Rates rise in school holidays and peak travel seasons and drop in the quiet months.

• Customer service and clear communication
• Organised with bookings and calendars
• Basic vehicle care and cleaning

• Standard private car insurance usually won't cover hire use, so check you have the right commercial or marketplace-backed cover
• Check your state's vehicle registration rules for vehicles used for hire
• Check the licence class needed for heavier motorhomes, and what licence renters must hold
• Check with your local council about storing vehicles at home and any home-based business rules
• Damage, wear and breakdowns can cost money in the quiet months, so keep a repair buffer
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the number and type of vans you buy and your insurance. These are estimates, so also keep a buffer for repairs in the quiet months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your vans, how often they are booked and the season. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for damage, wear and upkeep.

Check that you have the right commercial or marketplace-backed cover, as standard private car insurance usually won't cover hire use. Also check state registration rules, licence classes for you and renters, council rules, and ABN and GST.