• Competitor overview

Estimated Customers

~3,000

Pricing

$99-99 / yr.

Zipcar: Car Sharing Alternative for Daily and Hourly Car Rental

https://www.zipcar.com/

Goal similar
Zipcar's main goal is to provide convenient and flexible car hire services without requiring a deposit, enabling users to rent cars locally on-demand for short durations.

In short
Zipcar offers a no-deposit car hire service with a large fleet available for short-term rentals primarily in urban areas, allowing users to rent cars on-demand for a minimal hassle experience.

Description
Zipcar is a car rental service that operates in over 500 cities across North America and Europe. It offers a flexible car hire solution that does not require a deposit, allowing users to access vehicles locally on a short-term basis. Zipcar covers the costs of fuel, parking, and insurance within its service, positioning itself as a hassle-free alternative to car ownership, especially suited for urban dwellers. The service allows bookings by the minute, hour, or day, and includes the availability of electric vehicles in its fleet. It is designed for flexibility and environmental benefits, targeting individuals who need sporadic vehicle access without committing to long-term leases or ownership.

Selling Propositions
Strengths against LocalRent.com
  • Zipcar allows for renting without any deposit requirements, similar to LocalRent.com, which is a significant concern addressed by both services.

  • Zipcar includes additional benefits such as paying for fuel, parking, and insurance, which may provide more value to users than just a rental service.

  • Zipcar offers an extensive network in North America and Europe, enabling more flexibility and convenience for users in these regions compared to the primary focus on tourist destinations by LocalRent.com.

  • Zipcar’s service allows for the inclusion of electric cars in its fleet, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

  • Zipcar's app-based booking and unlocking are convenient and may appeal to tech-savvy users who prefer digital solutions over traditional rental methods.

  • Membership plans (Basic, Smart, or Plus) provided by Zipcar allow for different levels of engagement and benefits tailored to varied client needs.

Weaknesses against LocalRent.com
  • Zipcar is primarily focused on urban settings and might not cater to the same tourist-centric locations as LocalRent.com, which specifically targets popular tourist destinations.

  • While Zipcar avoids deposit requirements, they have eligibility criteria such as a minimum age of 25, which could limit younger travelers, whereas LocalRent.com does not specify such restrictions.

  • Zipcar might not offer the same transparent pricing and no hidden fees specifically highlighted by LocalRent.com, a significant selling point for cost-conscious travelers.

  • The focus on flexibility (rent by minute/hour/day) by Zipcar may result in higher costs for longer rentals, whereas LocalRent.com emphasizes competitive pricing for vacation rentals.

  • Zipcar’s eligibility criteria require at least a year of driving experience, which may exclude potential customers who are newer drivers.