Member stories
Shane & Hayley: fleet managers turned Camplify stars
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Christchurch couple Shane and Hayley have become top motorhome owners on Camplify, New Zealand's leading van-sharing platform. Their success stems from consistently exceeding guest expectations. Building on this achievement, they've recently expanded to offer Managed Services for other motorhome owners, applying their winning formula to a broader fleet.
Last updated: September 2024
Shane and Hayley's success story begins with their industry know-how , which they then applied to their own business. “Before we started with Camplify, we were managing the South Island fleet of a motorhome rental company,” Shane explains. What began as a fleet of 20 motorhomes soon grew to 40, giving the couple valuable experience in the industry.
Armed with this experience and a clear vision for success, Shane and Hayley made the bold decision to launch their own venture, Springlight Motorhomes New Zealand, choosing Camplify as their preferred platform. “We now have seven motorhomes on the platform, with the oldest being from 2019 and most from late 2022 or brand new,” Shane proudly states.
The Kiwi touch as one winning factor
One of their unique selling points is the attention to detail. Shane shares, “We like to put little extra touches in, like we have a Kiwi snack pack that's got sort of Kiwi treats.” This pack includes iconic New Zealand snacks like L&P drinks, Whittaker's chocolate, and local chips and dip. “It's not even something we advertise, it's just part of us wanting to give the guests the best experience they can,” Hayley adds.
This commitment to the guest experience extends to every aspect of their service. “We spend a decent hour to 90 minutes going over everything in detail to make sure our hirers fully understand how everything works and they are happy with it,” Shane explains their thorough handover process.
Family first: The motivation behind the business
The couple's motivation goes beyond business success. With two young children, aged three and eight, work-life balance is crucial. “The motorhomes give us that better work-life balance so we can spend more time with the kids,” Hayley says. This personal connection to their business model adds a layer of authenticity to their service.
Shane adds, “We also quite like taking the motorhomes out ourselves with the kids and other families and just enjoying what New Zealand's got to offer.” This firsthand experience allows them to better understand and cater to their customers' needs.
Expanding horizons: From owners to managers
Shane and Hayley are now actively expanding into Managed Services , taking on motorhomes owned by others. “We had one of our guests that raved about our service and how good we were to deal with,” Shane recounts. This led to their first opportunity to manage a motorhome for owners based in France. But they're not stopping there.
Their ambitious plans to become a larger Managed Services provider: “Real soon, we want to manage about 20 motorhomes , our own and motorhomes of other Camplify owners”. This strategic move allows the couple to scale their business model and apply their winning formula to an even broader fleet.
The secret sauce: Communication and quality
When asked about the secret to their success, Hayley emphasises the importance of communication. “I think the biggest thing for me is being punctual on messages,” she says. “It seems no matter what I'm doing, I drop everything. It's like, there's a Camplify message, let's get onto it, and respond to those as fast as possible.”
The couple's commitment to quality extends to the maintenance of their fleet. “We like to keep them at pretty much new standards,” Shane explains. Their business model includes regular upgrades of the motorhomes, with plans to replace motorhomes every three seasons or possibly even annually.
Sharing New Zealand: Recommended itineraries
With their extensive knowledge of New Zealand, Shane and Hayley often advise guests on travel itineraries. "99 percent of our guests come back and they tell us that Milford Sound was their highlight," Hayley shares. She recommends a route through the middle of the South Island, highlighting the scenic beauty of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.
"Most people tend to do the south rather than the north of the South Island," Shane notes. "But if they've got time to do the whole thing, then ideally they would.”
Looking to the future
As Shane and Hayley look to the future, they remain committed to controlled growth without compromising their high standards. Their story showcases the power of customer-centric service in the van-sharing economy. By focusing on details and consistently exceeding expectations, this Christchurch couple has not only found their niche in the competitive motorhome hiring market but also created a lifestyle aligning with their family values.
Are you a motorhome, campervan or caravan owner in New Zealand? If you have a vehicle, you would like to earn an income but are just too busy. Reach out to our Camplify team for more details. Book a call , we are here to help