What does a KAYAKOMAT operator do?
Your tasks as an operator are:
Maintenance. Keeping it clean and fresh. Every customer promises to leave the equipment in good condition, but sometimes an overhaul is still needed from the operator. Local involvement and marketing for your location. Contact hotels, tourist offices and businesses in your area. Customer Service. You’ll never notice most customers, but when someone needs help, your number is there to call. Most situations can easily be resolved remotely.
What is a typical KAYAKOMAT operator like?
All our operators are different! Many of our existing operators have a keen interest in the outdoors, but kayaking is not a requirement. Some already run other companies, while for others this is a first step in starting their own business. Some operate a station close to where they live, while others operate several stations within their region. Running a KAYAKOMAT is an enjoyable leisure activity that provides a desirable income to a small workload. It may also be that you see opportunities to get customers for other activities e.g. a kiosk, paddle, mini-golf, hotel or a campsite. If you own land near water but do not want to invest in a KAYAKOMAT yourself, you can also contact us and we will find a suitable operator for the site.
What does it take to become a KAYAKOMAT operator?
You need to have great drive and be attracted to freedom under your own responsibility. That you want to run your own business, but avoid a lot of the administrative work and have a stable and solid “parent company” to lean on. You can invest about 10,000 CAD in entry fees and spend a few hours a week on operational work during the season. This work includes making sure the KAYAKOMATs are in good condition, local marketing and customer service and is something you can outsource help with e.g. young people in your locality.
What is the business model for KAYAKOMAT?
Each KAYAKOMAT is run by a local operator. You will have the opportunity to earn a good income if you promote your station properly and it is in an attractive location. You will have rental income, but also income through reselling kayaks at the end of the season. Your fixed fees are mainly the monthly rental of Kayaks/SUPs and a subscription fee. As with other franchise concepts, you also make an investment in the concept when you start up. Please contact us for more information!
What training do you offer?
We have an initial training in the spring which we run via a digital meeting on several occasions and there are also digital meetings offered throughout the season. Our website for operators has all the information regarding equipment, marketing, customer support and much more. Throughout the year there is the opportunity to connect with other operators via our Facebook group. We also have a newsletter which is sent out digitally once a month with tips and news, as well as announcing the operator of the year.
What is the establishment plan for KAYAKOMAT?
Point 65 Sweden was the first company in Sweden with a digital booking system for kayak rentals and since 2006 had several manned rental stations. In 2020 KAYAKOMAT, unmanned kayak and SUP rental, was launched and by 2022 there were already 84 stations in Sweden and pilot stations in five other countries. In 2023, another 100 stations will be launched in Sweden and 100 more throughout Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France and Canada, with more locations to be added in other countries in 2024 and beyond. KAYAKOMAT is already the world's largest kayak and SUP rental company.
Who is behind KAYAKOMAT?
Point 65 of Sweden is the country's leading brand in the activity of kayaking and started the company KAYAKOMAT in 2020. Point 65 of Sweden is a family business at heart that has grown rapidly since 1999, it is both a producer and seller of kayaks and SUP boards. The products are characterized by their high quality, innovation, durability and stability. The head office is in Stockholm and has dealers all over the world.