US: Vertical SaaS [software-as-a-service] platform Direct has joined forces with peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace RVshare to introduce a fleet management tool for RV owners.
The “groundbreaking” collaboration signifies Direct’s expansion into the rapidly growing RV rental market, as it seeks to offer cutting-edge technology and solutions for RV rental management.
Specialising in asset management, booking, and back-office software solutions for professional short-term rental operators, Direct seamlessly integrates with platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia and Google Vacation Rentals. Now, as the preferred and fully integrated software partner of RVshare, the company is looking to lead the transformation in RV fleet management operations.
Developed specifically for fleet managers with four or more RV listings, Direct aims to help fleets on the RVshare platform save time, improve efficiency, and grow their business. Direct’s platform provides fleet managers with features designed to simplify day-to-day management, including an interactive dashboard, portfolio management, unified calendar and reservation views, and bulk updates.
RVshare chief product officer Melissa Fortenberry said: “Our goal is to help marketplace participants scale their businesses efficiently.ย With the launch of Direct, we’re addressing the needs of fleet managers by providing them with tools that streamline their management process, ultimately improving the overall experience for renters. It has allowed us to introduce a best-in-class tool to the industry.”
RVshare CEO Jon Grey said: “The partnership between RVshare and Direct marks a significant step forward in the RV rental category.
“When I was building Vrbo over a decade ago, professional vacation rental managers were able to level up their operations by leveraging B2B technology. It is exciting to offer professional RV fleet managers best-in-class software that will help them take their businesses to the next level.
“Direct will help standardise and professionalise this rapidly growing vertical of short-term rentals in the process,” he added.
Direct CEO Wes Smithe said: “On average, the total time to register for an account in Direct and complete the onboarding process is approximately 20 minutes. Fleet managers can virtually start using Direct immediately without any manual effort.”
With Direct, RVshare fleet managers will have access to:
- Bulk application of rules on listing details, rates, or availability
- Grouping of RVs by unit type or location
- Easy transfer of booked guests to new units
- Management of reservations in a single, combined calendar
- Creation of custom user roles for team members
Founded in 2013, RVshare raised more than $100 million in funding in October 2020, in a round led by global investment firm KKR, with participation from Tritium Partners, to support its ongoing growth.
