Helpful tips from Operators

Below you find a collection of smart and time-saving tips from KAYAKOMAT operators. They are based on the feedback we get at Kayakomat HQ and answers in end of season season’s surveys. We’ve gathered cleaning and marketing hacks, efficiency tricks, and customer experience ideas to help you run your station smoothly.

This page is work in progress and will be updated along the season

Running a KAYAKOMAT often means finding your own smart routines, shortcuts, and solutions that make everyday work smoother.
Across our network, operators have shared many clever ideas—from cleaning hacks and efficient workflows to ways of boosting reviews and improving customer communication.

To make things easier, we’ve gathered the most helpful tips from this season’s operator survey and sorted them according to the portal structure. These are not requirements—just inspiration and proven ideas from operators who have found simple ways to save time, deliver a great customer experience, and keep their stations running smoothly.

Feel free to use the ideas that fit your station, adapt them to your environment, or simply get inspired for next season.

Tips when getting started

Put op a "coming soon" sign on site
Make a list of what useful private contact you have

Are you part of a running club? Work at a large enterprise that sometimes organize team events? Do you know a friend who knows a friend who runs a hotel? Start reaching out to those you have around you. 

Plan a "grand opening event"
Write very clear information on the website

to prevent common questions:

  • Parking instructions

  • Pricing structure (ex: “cheaper per hour when booking multiple hours”)

  • Suggested paddling routes + estimated duration

Tips when taking care of the station

Battery-powered wet vacuum

it dramatically speeds up cleaning. Small handheld medium-pressure cleaner 

Exchange help with nearby operator when on holiday

To be added

weekly scheduled time for admin tasks
(Avoids feeling overwhelmed and ensures consistent follow-up.)
Avoid scratches scratches with atrificial grass

Some operators, like Elias Miringa in Nacka (Sweden) has bought artificial grass and rolled out, down to the water. This made it easier for the customers to launch their kayaks, and the kayaks got less damaged by rocks. 
Other operators has also cut a very small patch of fake grass and glued it to the shelfs on the rack, so the grass removes sand and pebbles when the customers take the kayaks in and out of the rack. 

Here is a link to what fake grass can look like.

When having mold dots on life wests

Klorin (bleach) removes mold spots on PFDs. (You should add a safety note: use carefully, rinse thoroughly.)

Tips for marketing your station

Boost number of reviews

Ask friends, family etc to leave a review on Google 

Host small events to promote the station
All operators contribute a 4% marketing fee to KAYAKOMAT HQ. However, our total marketing budget exceeds these contributions, as we heavily invest in marketing efforts. These funds are used to build brand awareness, drive traffic to our website, and run campaigns focused on maximizing bookings. Through Meta Ads, Google Ads, and other digital channels, we ensure targeted advertising reaches the geographic areas where our stations are located.

In addition to central marketing, all operators are expected to contribute to local marketing efforts. Many activities, such as establishing local partnerships, are free and highly effective. Operators can also run their own Facebook ads, print local flyers, or invest in printed advertisements—these costs are not covered by KAYAKOMAT HQ.

If you have ideas for regional marketing initiatives that could benefit multiple stations, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to review and consider proposed ideas.

Be active on social media and responsive to questions.
Follow other operators on social media

Great for inspiration! Add some examples here/hwo to find

Other helpful tips

Dedicate a weekly scheduled admin slot:

  • Feedback follow-up

  • Emails

  • Review responses

  • Customer support messages

A tip from Oliver & Adam in Ängelholm, Sweden. Two friends running the station together and living in separate towns. 

Auto reply + FAQ

Viktoria at Kayakomat Sala (Sweden) has set an “auto reply” on her Kayakomat-email. It’s answers common questions (eg where to find life wests) and explains that she will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Example of questions

  • Life wests are included and found inside the kayak
  • If you can not get out on the water because of a technical issue (locks not working, a kayak is missing etc); book a new kayak on the website and we will refund you. 
  • There is also a link to our own website with FAQ : https://www.kayakomat.com/en/faq