By Graeme Risby, co-founder and CEO of peer-to-peer car sharing platform hiyacar.
The sharing economy has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with consumers and businesses alike starting to capitalise on the opportunities that it provides. Predictions published by PwC report that the five key sharing sectors (travel, car sharing, finance, staffing, and music and video streaming) will be worth an estimated $335 billion by 2025, so now’s the perfect time to start thinking about the benefits of sharing.
For small businesses, car sharing could prove particularly advantageous. Not only is it a cost-effective way to get staff and clients on the move, it’s also great for those who need to move goods at a moment’s notice. And of course the real draw here is the flexibility of the service – cars can be booked as and when they’re needed, meaning no money is being wasted on vehicles that stand idle when not in use.
Considering making the switch to a sharing model for your company cars? Take a look at some of the benefits to see whether car sharing could be the right fit for your organisation.
Businesses avoid fixed costs
Small businesses tend to run on tight margins, and many need to adapt to changes in demand frequently. During slower periods, this often means that vehicles are underused, but of course their running costs remain comparable no matter how much they’re on the road. Car sharing helps to avoid this problem, as businesses only need to pay for vehicles when they actually need them. Simplified costs make budgeting easier, and companies can quickly cut costs during quieter spells.
Cars can be hired with minimal fuss
Hiring a car is simple. Most good car sharing companies provide cutting edge websites and apps, which have been specifically designed to make the hiring process as straightforward as it can possibly be. Look out for hire companies with a presence throughout the regions your company is operating in, and try out their booking pages to see how they work. You’ll probably be surprised by how easy it is to hire a car – and how quickly that car can be arranged.
There are endless models to choose from
Car share companies tend to have a huge array of vehicles to choose from, particularly for business customers. Well-known hire companies boast an endless collection of models, many of which can be hired for immediate use. Businesses can choose vehicles to suit their needs, whether that be taking a client to a meeting in style, bringing team members together or transporting heavy goods in a flash.
Car sharing is an environmentally-friendly option
Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their favourite brands, with many now choosing more eco-friendly options when they shop. So the onus is now on businesses to start making changes to limit their carbon footprint, and reduce potentially damaging waste. Car sharing is an easy way for companies to make improvements here. The idea itself helps to limit the number of vehicles on the road, and enables businesses to opt for smaller, more efficient vehicles that are less harmful to the environment.
The idea of businesses sharing workspaces, vehicles and other assets was once thought of as a little strange, but as the prevalence of the sharing economy grows increasing numbers of companies are beginning to see just how well it works.
For small businesses, the benefits of car sharing are numerous. Not only does it help to save money, it can also reduce waste and make life far easier for staff and clients. Today’s businesses stand to benefit from unparalleled levels of flexibility when it comes to their transport needs – and that’s why car sharing is on the rise.
